San Antonio is a city with a rich and diverse culinary scene, and one of the most beloved dishes in the area is the empanada.
This delicious pastry, filled with a variety of savory or sweet ingredients, is a staple of Latin American cuisine and has become a popular street food in the city. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll find no shortage of places to enjoy this tasty treat.
Empanadas come in many different varieties, from the traditional beef or chicken filling to more adventurous options like spinach and cheese or even Nutella and banana.
They can be baked or fried, and are often served with a side of chimichurri sauce or salsa for dipping. No matter your taste preferences, there's an empanada out there for you.
In this blog post, we'll be exploring some of the best places in San Antonio to find these delicious pastries. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a full meal, we've got you covered.
From food trucks to sit-down restaurants, we'll be highlighting some of the top spots to try empanadas in the city. So sit back, get ready to drool, and let's dive into the world of San Antonio's best empanadas.
1. Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse is an upmarket Brazilian churrascaria that serves delicious empanadas.
The restaurant offers an extensive salad bar and all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside. The service is great with friendly and attentive staff.
The atmosphere is upscale and perfect for special occasions. The drinks are well-made and complement the flavors of the food.
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse is a great place to enjoy authentic Brazilian cuisine.
2. Luna Rosa Puerto Rican Grill y Tapas
If you're looking for delicious empanadas, Luna Rosa Puerto Rican Grill y Tapas is the place to be.
Their pork and ropa vieja empanadas are a must-try, and their Pernil with arroz con gandules and tostones is a great main course. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and offers different flavors of Puerto Rican soda.
Despite some growing pains at their new location, the food quality remains excellent and the service is friendly and attentive.
Luna Rosa Puerto Rican Grill y Tapas is definitely worth a visit for those looking to explore Puerto Rican cuisine.
3. EL PILON SABOR BORICUA
EL PILON SABOR BORICUA is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Puerto Rican food. The restaurant offers a variety of quick-serve plates, including delicious empanadas.
The staff is friendly, and the prices are fair. The portions are generous, and the food is consistently great.
The restaurant is clean, and the service is fast. If you're in a rush and want delicious food, this is the perfect spot for you.
EL PILON SABOR BORICUA is a low-key stop for Puerto Rican fare that will leave you satisfied and wanting more.
4. La Fonda On Main
La Fonda On Main is a landmark Mexican eatery that offers classic Tex-Mex and interior Mexican fare.
The restaurant has a beautiful patio where customers can enjoy their meals. The food is well made and flavorful, with handmade tortillas that taste amazing.
The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, making the dining experience perfect.
La Fonda On Main is a must-visit place for anyone who loves empanadas and wants to enjoy a mix of old Spain and Mexico.
5. El Bucanero – Embassy
El Bucanero – Embassy is a must-visit for anyone who loves empanadas. The restaurant offers a wide variety of empanada flavors, each more delicious than the last.
The pastry is crispy and flaky, and the fillings are flavorful and satisfying.
The atmosphere is casual and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.
The service is friendly and attentive, ensuring that every customer has a great experience. If you're in the mood for empanadas, El Bucanero – Embassy is the place to go.
6. Panchito's Mexican Restaurant
Panchito's Mexican Restaurant is a great spot for empanadas.
The handmade tortillas are delicious and the selection of food is excellent. The staff is friendly and provides excellent table service.
The restaurant has a family-friendly atmosphere and a full bar with a great selection of margaritas.
Prices are good relative to portion size and the painkiller drink is a must-try. Highly recommended for those looking for classic Mexican fare.
7. Zulia's Kitchen
Zulia's Kitchen is a must-visit for anyone in search of authentic Venezuelan empanadas.
The food truck offers a variety of options, from classic beef and cheese to more unique fillings like shredded chicken and plantain.
The empanadas are made fresh and cooked perfectly, with a crispy exterior and flavorful filling.
The prices are reasonable and the service is friendly, making for a great overall experience. Don't miss out on this hidden gem for delicious and satisfying empanadas.
8. Mi Rancho Alegre Mexican Restaurant
Mi Rancho Alegre Mexican Restaurant is a hidden gem for empanadas.
The restaurant serves up authentic Mexican dishes in a relaxed strip-mall setting. The staff is friendly and quick, and the empanadas are a must-try.
The restaurant is family-oriented, and the prep area is visible from the lobby. The lunch deals are well-priced and the food is hot and fresh.
If you're in the area and looking for a great place for empanadas, Mi Rancho Alegre Mexican Restaurant is the place to go.
9. Cocina El Jibarazo Latin Cuisine
Cocina El Jibarazo Latin Cuisine offers authentic Puerto Rican and Caribbean comfort food from their food truck.
Their empanadas are decent, but the beef filling lacks flavor. The main courses are reasonably priced and come in generous servings.
The mofongo could use more chicharron or lechon, but the arroz con gandules and pollo al ajillo are well-seasoned.
The customer service is friendly and attentive, making for a pleasant dining experience.
10. La Milanesa Restaurant & Grill
La Milanesa Restaurant & Grill is a must-visit for those who crave authentic Argentinian and Uruguayan food.
The empanadas are a standout, with juicy and flaky filling that will leave you wanting more. The portions are generous, making it a great value for the price.
The restaurant is clean and nicely decorated, adding to the overall dining experience. The staff is friendly and welcoming, providing excellent service.
It's no surprise that this restaurant has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.
11. Birria Estilo Jalisco San Antonio Texas
Birria Estilo Jalisco San Antonio Texas is a Mexican restaurant that serves delicious empanadas. The food is fresh, flavorful, and made with lots of love.
The staff are friendly and attentive, making sure every customer has a great experience. The portion sizes are generous, and the prices are reasonable.
The empanadas are crispy on the outside and filled with savory meat and spices. The salsas and consome are also worth trying.
If you're looking for a great place to have some authentic Mexican food, Birria Estilo Jalisco San Antonio Texas is definitely worth checking out.
12. El Coqui
El Coqui is a Puerto Rican restaurant that offers delicious empanadas.
The menu also includes classic Puerto Rican dishes and a lunch buffet. The staff is accommodating and the portions are generous.
The flavors are authentic and the food is fresh. The restaurant is a great spot for a quick lunch or a sit-down meal.
If you're looking for a taste of Puerto Rico, El Coqui is the place to go.
13. Tacos Y Cafe Mexican Restaurant
Tacos Y Cafe Mexican Restaurant offers a variety of empanadas and tacos.
The cafe has a quirky decor with unique touches like an old-fashioned bicycle hanging from the ceiling. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the food is reasonably priced.
While the empanadas are average, the coffee is great and the migas plate is worth trying.
The cafe also offers fresh foods and baked goods. It's a decent spot for a quick bite or coffee break.
14. Queso Pan y Vino
Queso Pan y Vino is a unique venue that offers wood-fired pizzas, sharing plates, and charcuterie boards. The atmosphere is bohemian, and the restaurant doubles as a cocktail and wine bar.
The restaurant's empanadas are particularly noteworthy, and they offer a variety of fillings to choose from.
The service is generally pleasant, although reservations are recommended due to limited seating. The cigar patio is a nice touch for those who don't mind the smoke.
If you're looking for a cozy and rustic ambiance to enjoy some delicious empanadas, Queso Pan y Vino is definitely worth checking out.
15. Empanadas y Arepas JOVI
Empanadas y Arepas JOVI is a Colombian food truck that serves up some of the best empanadas and arepas in town.
The food is authentic and delicious, and the service is top-notch. The owners are welcoming and attentive, and the outdoor seating area is cozy and inviting.
If you're looking for a taste of Colombia, this is the place to go. The chicken empanadas are a must-try, and the yucca fries and arepas de queso are also highly recommended.
Prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!
16. Sabor de Sanchez
Sabor de Sanchez is a must-visit for empanada lovers. This small Colombian restaurant offers delicious and authentic empanadas that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
The friendly staff provides excellent service, making the dining experience a pleasant one.
The restaurant also offers other Colombian dishes such as arepas and bandeja paisa, all of which are highly recommended.
The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. If you're looking for a place to try some delicious empanadas, Sabor de Sanchez is definitely worth a visit.
