Cancel

Open app

Search

The Empanada Spot

4.8 (450 reviews)
Closed • 7:00 am - 8:00 pm

About The Empanada Spot

Loading...

Read the full summary in the app

Order The Empanada Spot Takeout or Delivery

The Empanada Spot Photos

Business Info

THE EMPANADA SPOT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating
Dogs allowed

Recommended Reviews - The Empanada Spot

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Costilla De Puerco
Chloe C.

Really good stuff here! Wide selection with savory and sweet options, helpful service, and delicious food. The empanadas are freshly cooked and are super crunchy! The Costilla De Puerco is a little salty for my taste but the sweet empanadas take the house.

The Empanada Spot
Liz G.

Fantastic empanada spot!! I was greeted immediately when I walked in. I had the cheese pizza empanada and a pumpkin cheesecake one for dessert. I love that they have creative fillings for their empanadas. The cheese pizza empanada has all the best elements of a pizza slice, creamy cheese and a flavorful tomato sauce. I'll definitely be back for that one again! The pumpkin cheesecake empanada was ok; it definitely fits into the pumpkin spice season. Ambiance is fun and casual. They have a cool empanada mural if you're looking for that social media moment. Add The Empanada Spot to your foodie list. You won't regret it!

Quesobirria empanada - I didn't want the consummate to dip it in, but the dark red salsa is the better one for this flavor!
Ona R.

I wanted to try something new but also only get something that wasn't gonna be too heavy on my stomach and it did not disappoint with the quesobirria empanada and the churro cheesecake empanada. Since I dyed in both were brought to the table with the trio of salsa and the red one that's a little chunky was my favorite. A gentleman offered me a bottle of water cause he said this also might be a little hot and that was very kind of him. Both the empanadas came out fresh, hot and we peer deliciousness. The crust on the outside was amazing just like both of the feelings. The quesobirria was delicious and the meat was well seasoned- I will definitely have to make that a frequent stop when I'm in the area either for sweet treat or something savory. It's a nice little establishment with some tables on the inside and some chairs on the outside.

Birria empanadas
Daniel A.

First time trying The Empanada Spot. I think they had a good selection of regular and desert empanadas. My favorites were the quesabirria and pepperoni empanadas. The consome that you do need to buy separately is pretty decent and the pepperoni empanada tasted just like a hot pocket but better. I think the prices, $4.75 each, is high considering the size but overall I would come back to try other flavors.

churro
Brianna B.

As an empanada obsesionada this spot had been on my radar for a while, I just never got around to actually stopping by. It was recomended by many and I understand it now because I am now telling you to go and try it for yourself. The highlight of the show for me was rhe Rajas con Queso & Corn! O.M.G The bean and cheese was good and the dessert ones were good as well. The churro one was delish! The service was quick, the food came out hot and fresh. We went later in the day so there was ample seating available. The salsas they give you all 10/10. The agua de piña was a 1000/10. Because I participate in Lent I only got to try the non-meat options. Once I am able to, I want to go back and try all their other ones and update my rating to reflect my experience with more of their empanadas. Happy Eating!

Best empanadas I've had, Costilla De Puerco, bean & cheese are my favs & get that Birria Broth to dip them in it's real good
Andy M.

Best Empanadas in SD hands down! Chile De Puerco is my fav but don't sleep on the Bean & Cheese especially when you dip it in the Birria broth they have. Birria De Queso also good, the Chicharron one is a hit too, especially with the Nana & Tatas, so bring them they'll love it, they have that old school Mexican flavor the Chicharon, Chile De Puerco & Bean one. They have others that I plan to try & a nice mix & match special if you buy a dozen. The taste to the empanadas is amazing with the breading baked to a perfect crisp & always fresh. The salsas they have are fire! Desserts/sweets they have are good too. It's a cute little shop with a few tables inside & out with a lot of parking. The customer service is very good, friendly, fast & polite. They actually gave me 2 Chile De Puerco by accident instead of one being the bean & cheese one but it was ok I ate it & went up to buy the bean one she nicely said another one? I said oh no you guys mistakenly gave me 2 Puerco ones but it's ok it's my fav so I ate it. She smiled & said, it's ok this one is on us & I'm sorry. Now that's great customer service. Me & the fam plan to come back for sure, they have loyal customers in us. And a tip, they have a great new Coffee Shop next door so you can buy & have some coffee with your amazing Empanadas, see you soon Empanada Spot.

Michelle P.

* Fast service * Great service * Tasty food *causal ambiance This is a hidden gem in Chula Vista! I've been here a few times and the empanadas are always fresh and made to order. They also have more options now compared to the last time I visited especially more dessert flavors, which has me excited to come back and try more. Today we tried the rajas con queso, chipotle chicken, are super cheesy and the churro cheesecake (a must-try ). and flavorful! Just a heads up they come out SUPER hot, so be careful on that first bite . The spot is clean and there's plenty of parking. FYI as for napkins! Definitely recommend if you're in the area!

Hot sauce was amazing
Eric S.

Pulled up to this empanada spot with 2 of my homies. These empanadas were crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside the kind where you gotta pause mid-bite and say Ggggyyyaaaaat! We ordered the dozen option (pro tip) so everyone got 4 each, and honestly that's the move. Perfect for sampling without fighting your friends over the last one. They also give you hot salsa/sauces if you eat there. I got the Birria, pot pie, OG and Churro empanada. I love that there are hella options, so no matter your vibe savory, cheesy, sweet you're covered. Everything came out hot, fresh, and cooked right. See ya soon!

Birria empanadas
Tracey L.

Stoped here on our way to Sesame Street place seen the good reviews. First the customer service was good but once I asked for my console dip for my birria empanada I was told I didn't order one which I did. Then I bit into the Birria empanada there was this black plastic inside. Also my Reese's empanada was nothing but peanut butter I was told it came with chocolate as well what a waste of $35

Chicken pot pie-delish!
C C.

Amazing empanadas! I had the chicken pot pie. The chicken was tender, the filling was creamy, crust was crispy on the outside and flaky inside. Everything was hot and tasty! Accompanied by 3 salsas, my fav was tomatillos. Great quality for such a tiny spot. Love the artwork.

John A.

Came out with the wife and in-laws for some breakfast. Very good empanadas. Chill vibes & good service. Salsas are always good.....

Silvano G.

The Empanada Spot is literally the spot for empanadas! The make them per order so you know it's fresh and hot! Service was good order taker was helpful and friendly! Ambiance was good. Enough space to sit and eat a dozen if you dare! Check them out and get the chicharrón one!

Chicharron empanada
Jose A.

The chicharron empanadas was tasty and crunchy even after the drive home in a hot steamy box. The cashier who attended to me in the morning was friendly and polite. I rate places by asking myself would I go back, and the answer is no! For $5.17 for a tiny empanada that's pretty much high way robbery! Not worth it in my books.

See all

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

13 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

28 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ona R.
476
423
8345

2 months ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 2
Love this 4
Oh no 0

24 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

22 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Andy M.
829
450
1535

9 months ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 3
Love this 4
Oh no 1

9 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 3
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 4
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

28 days ago

I love this place super friendly, kind hearted people great food super clean I will keep coming back

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of C C.
0
138
312

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 4
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 3
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 2
Love this 4
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Maridel A.
1976
1385
2735

2 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 2
Love this 5
Oh no 0
Photo of Liz P.
3
152
44

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Joel F.
41
55
166

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ida B.
1
24
5

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

the empanadas was crispy and good. The OG i didn't enjoy at all. Service was quick and multiple salsas.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 1

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 12

The Empanada Spot Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Empanada Spot

House Of Cuban Flavor - Half of the Cuban Sandwich

House Of Cuban Flavor

4.6(995 reviews)
0.4 mi•Otay
•$$

Food: 5/5 Portions: 5/5…read moreAtmosphere: 3/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 Customer service: 5/5 Speed: 5/5 Price: $ Takeout: yes Outdoor seating: yes ADA access: yes Dogs: outside Kid Friendly: yes Vegetarian options: yes Vegan options: yes Ambiance: casual Pros: authentic Cuban food. Friendly staff. Affordable prices. Cons: the parking lot is a little sketchy so be careful where you park.

The last time I visited this business, it was still called Los Pollos Rotisserie and Cuban Bakery…read more That shows you how long it has been because House of Cuban Flavor has been the name for more than a few years now under the same ownership. It's located in one of the middle suites between an auto parts store and a supermarket in an Otay strip mall of Chula Vista. Parking was plentiful as there were way more spaces in the lot than customers even at peak hours. There were a few tables placed on the sidewalk in front of the suite, but no seating was available inside. The coffee making station was to the right when you walked in. To the left of the service counter were glass displays containing the baked goods and desserts. Four small menu boards hung behind the counter. From left to right, the category on each board was Sandwiches, Cuban Specialties, Plates & Combos, and Bowls. Several trays in the display case were empty during my afternoon visit. The cashier ensured me that nothing was sold out. Items that were not displayed still could be ordered and made fresh by the kitchen. The Cuban Specialties were broken down further into Stuffed Potato Balls, Empanadas, and Pastries. Each offering cost $2.45 regardless of its composition. That was disappointing because I have encountered similar bakeries in which there were similar choices for less than $2 apiece. My order started with one of each of the potato balls (meat, spicy chicken, jalapeno & cheese) including a variety that wasn't listed (spicy pork). These were fried and then placed inside a cardboard takeout container. Each of the four had a slightly different color and/or texture to distinguish them from each other. The size was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The meat filling was my favorite because it had the least heat as the other three contained noticeable spiciness. I also bought a meat empanada, a guava pastry, and a mango & cheese pastry. The pastry dough was light and flaky. The portion size was less impressive for $2.45. I recall when some of these were sold for one dollar less so the value has decreased over time. The fruit flavor of the guava and mango respectively was sweet but not over the top. For this recent experience at House of Cuban Flavor, I gave a 3.5 star rating.

Photos
House Of Cuban Flavor - Menu

Menu

House Of Cuban Flavor - Half of gauva pastry

Half of gauva pastry

House Of Cuban Flavor - Exterior seating

See all

Exterior seating

La Concha Bakery

La Concha Bakery

4.2(307 reviews)
2.5 mi
•$$
Grab-and-go
17 years in business

La Concha Bakery is one of my all time favorite panaderia's. Located in the heart of Chula Vista,…read moreit is a family-owned bakery that specializes in traditional pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread), and custom cakes! Known for their fresh, daily-baked pastries, it features a self-service (tray-and-tongs) experience in a clean, welcoming environment! The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Always making great recommendations for their customers! Parking can be a bit tricky with very few spaces available. Pricing is somewhat higher than it used to be, but then again so is everything else (like gas, lol). They have a great selection of conchas, polvorones, fresh bolillos, empanadas (chicken, beef, jalapeño cream cheese), and custom cakes! Typically, I get the empanadas de piña 10/10! They're so freaking delicious! They feature a golden, buttery, and flaky crust that shatters perfectly when bitten. Inside, they're filled with a rich, jammy pineapple filling that balances bright, tropical sweetness with a sharp, fruity tartness! Highly recommended!

I came in for the first time during Día de los Muertos and honestly the experience was a mix of…read morehighs and lows. The moment you walk through the door, the smell of fresh baked pan hits you and it is everything. The selection of pan dulce and bolillos had me feeling like I was back in Mexico City. So many options, beautifully displayed. That part alone almost made the trip worth it. But the customer service... yeah, I'm not the only one who noticed. I asked the lady at the register in Spanish if there was any chocolate pan de muerto and she completely ignored me. Like, didn't even look up. Just called someone from the back in Spanish, which, mija, I understood every word. The girl who came to help me was a little better but not much. She told me the chocolate pan de muerto was sold out, which fine, I get it, it was a holiday. But that's literally all you had to say. No smile, no "sorry we're out," nothing. Just took my money and that was that. The panadería itself deserves five stars. The staff needs some work. I'll probably go back for the pan because it really is that good, but I'm keeping my expectations low on the service side.

Photos
La Concha Bakery
La Concha Bakery - La Concha Bakery

La Concha Bakery

La Concha Bakery

See all

Valerio's Bake Shop - Valerio's Pandesal, a Filipino bakery classic with a golden crust and fluffy inside.

Valerio's Bake Shop

4.5(350 reviews)
4.9 mi
•$
46 years in business
Family-owned & operated

Came by to give Valerio's Cafe another try..... Thank you Mikey & Phillip for caring about your…read morecustomers & their experience. So glad we came back. Such a better visit this time around. What we ordered: * Iced Ube Latte * Iced Mango Matcha * Pizza Pan De Sal * Gourmet Cheese (like Porto's cheese rolls) Everything was so good. Latte & matcha were made perfectly. Quick service & quality products. Thank you Valerio's!!

i think out of all the Valerio's, this location is my favorite. I haven't visited in awhile and…read morecame here on a Thursday morning at 645AM and it was busy. I was also surprised to see that they expanded their space that offers seating and a coffee shop! They use beans sourced from Philippines for their coffee. Good move on their end if you want to enjoy your filipino pastry with coffee or tea! My go to items rotate between the Spanish bread, pizza pandesal, and regular pandesal fresh from the oven. For my most recent visit, I was surprised to see they had the ilocos empanada available. Like i mentioned, its been a minute since coming here so not sure how long they've been making them. The last time i had an ilocos empanada was when visited Vigan Philippines in 2017! I ordered on in addition to a chicken empanada and pizza pandesal. I decided to check out the coffee shop and what made me backtrack was that they make calamansi tea (with either black or jasmine tea). Decided to order that and eat the ilocos empanada at the cafe while it was still warm. The ilocos empanada: big portion ($6). You can order with or without cheese ($7 with cheese). I opted without cheese because this is how i remember eating it. It also comes with a vinegar sauce. It was delicious. Perfect crunch. Perfect ratios of papaya, mung beans, meat and egg. Calamansi black tea - yummy as well. Not too sweet. Tasted good with the empanada. I will definitely be coming back for the ilocos empanada. They make them daily and often replenished throughout the day (according to the employee). Parking here may be tight if coming durinf busy hours since it shares the spaces with titas kitchenette (also delicious) and island pacific market as well as other small businesses in the strip mall.

Photos
Valerio's Bake Shop - EmpanadValerio's Chicken Empanada a flaky Filipino pastry stuffed with savory well-seasoned chicken fillinga

EmpanadValerio's Chicken Empanada a flaky Filipino pastry stuffed with savory well-seasoned chicken fillinga

Valerio's Bake Shop - Cheese rollsValerio's Cheese Roll a soft and buttery Filipino bakery pastry filled with rich melty cheese inside

Cheese rollsValerio's Cheese Roll a soft and buttery Filipino bakery pastry filled with rich melty cheese inside

Valerio's Bake Shop - Valerio's Spanish Bread also called Seniorita Bread, a soft roll with a sweet buttery filling inside

See all

Valerio's Spanish Bread also called Seniorita Bread, a soft roll with a sweet buttery filling inside

Paraná Empanadas - Malbec Beef Empanada

Paraná Empanadas

4.0(480 reviews)
12.3 mi•Liberty Station, Loma Portal, Point Loma
•$

I love empanadas and have had these empanadas before when at Pacific Beach open market…read more I kind of stumbled on this place and immediately I knew I wanted some empanadas! Empanadas are stuffed turnovers, originally from Spain and Portugal, and eaten widely across South America, including Argentina, Paraguay and also eaten in Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Phillipines too. They are a delight and delicious! This spot is an Argentinian place and I got 3 empanadas. They have many different stuffed options and I chose a beef, mushroom and spinach as my three. I asked how spicy the spicy beef one is and the very nice lady working said it was about 5/10, so I passed. She said it wad spicy, unfortunately, I cannot handle too spicy. So far, I have eaten the beef and spinach one and like them both. I was given chimichurri sauce, but I dont think I like this version, its a little too lemony for me. I like a more parsley forward chimichurri and this one too sour for me. For 3 empanadas, it was about $11, which isnt too bad! The empanadas are delicious and I will def be back again and again!!

I really like the empanadas here. I do not like fried empanadas so to me these are close to…read moreperfect. I like the texture of the baked dough and usually these are filled pretty full. I prefer the spinach, mushroom and beef empanadas. I tried the Malbec beef but it was too mushy and sweet for me. I'll stick with the traditional one, with olives. I lived in S. FL and baked empanadas are everywhere and usually were $1.50 each (now maybe $2.00-$2.50) so it does bug me to pay $4.00 for an empanada. On the other hand, they make a great snack or meal, depending on how many you get. And they are not as easy to find here, especially baked, so I'll keep coming to Parana.

Photos
Paraná Empanadas - Great service!

Great service!

Paraná Empanadas - Malbec Beef Empanada

Malbec Beef Empanada

Paraná Empanadas

See all

Jibaritos De La Isla - Lechon plate

Jibaritos De La Isla

4.4(114 reviews)
8.7 mi•East Village
•$$

Food was alright. If i were to go back id probably go back and try something new. Although it wasnt…read morethe worst it wasnt the best. Im from NYC so maybe when it comes to bori/dominican food my expectations are higher. The rice con gandules and the pernil was salty. the arroz con leche was good just very mushy. the beans literally were just seasoned with black pepper cause thats all you taste we didnt get pass a spoon. The maduros were bad when you bite into them you tasted the bitterness bc they were passed due. The tostones were perfect well fried not oily. The salami we also got was good, its just salami cant really mess it up there all tho they did only give us 6 thin oieces which for 5$ i think was a rip off. The queso as well we got like 7 small peices for $5 kind of stingy.

Can I leave them 10,000 stars??? The food is absolutely phenomenal. I went here with one of my good…read morefriends who is a Puerto Rican from the Bronx and we walked up from my place next to Petco Park and walked back with the food, and it was still piping hot. The pastelillos were fiiire. The beef were my favorite. The lechon and mofongo were delicious. As was the papas rellenas. Bomb. But the winner for me was the Puerto Rican fried chicken. I would walk through traffic to get that. It was phenomenal. Hot or cold (I ate leftovers cold later) was absolutely beyond delicious. The customer service here is fantastic, the people are extremely nice and helpful. Very welcoming. Would absolutely come here again without a question.

Photos
Jibaritos De La Isla - Pollo Frito/Fried Chicken Plate

Pollo Frito/Fried Chicken Plate

Jibaritos De La Isla - Pernil y arroz con gandules

Pernil y arroz con gandules

Jibaritos De La Isla - Jibarito Steak

See all

Jibarito Steak

The Empanada Spot - empanadas - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...