Chicago stands out as an international city with a wide range of restaurants that boast authentic takes on many types of cuisines. The Chicago empanada scene represents many different countries with the variety of empanadas available in bakeries and restaurants in the city.
Empanadas—like turnovers—are made of dough and stuffed with meats, cheese, corn, or sweets then baked or fried. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory, there is an empanada for your taste around the AMLI Chicago luxury apartments. Here are our picks for the best empanadas in Chicago.
Lito’s Empanadas
Four locations in the French Market, Revival Food Hall, Lincoln Park and Little Italy
This casual eatery serves up unique, Latin American style empanadas. Try their chorizo and cheese, chicken and mushroom, the vegetarian, or a sweet caramel apple. Lito’s Empanadas has a variety of signature sauces from sweet to spicy to fit any taste, all inspired by the cooking of Mexico City. Find the Lincon Park Location three miles North of the downtown Chicago apartments at AMLI River North.
90 Miles Cuban Cafe
Three locations in Logan Square, Roscoe Village and Lincolnwood
This authentic Cuban restaurant hits the mark with their empanadas. Try the chorizo and goat cheese, shrimp, vegetable, beef or the mozzarella. 90 Miles Cuban Cafe has a variety of classic Cuban-style dishes that are sure to please any taste.
5411 Empanadas
Locations in Wicker Park, Lakeview, Downtown Loop and Southport Corridor
5411 Empanadas is named after the international dialing code for Buenos Aires, and serves Argentinean delectable empanadas paired with special sauces. Try the chicken curry, bacon, dates and goat cheese, mac and cheese or the sweet corn. Along with their brick and mortar restaurants, keep an eye out for their food trucks that can be found all around the city. Visit the Lakeview location by going South on Lake Shore Drive for 8 miles from our Evanston luxury apartments.
Cassava
3929 N. Central Park Ave.
This counter-serve cafe offers empanadas and other gluten-free dishes made from the cassava plant. Cassava is known for only using fresh ingredients—nothing artificial or processed. The entire facility if gluten-free and allergy-friendly for the most health-conscious empanada lovers. Visit their cafe location or pick up an empanada at most Whole Food locations.
Chilango Mexican Street Food
1437 W. Taylor St.
Chilango serves traditional Mexican food with a twist. Their modern dining space and flavorful Mexican favorites make this spot a must visit. Try one of their 12 empanada flavors like the BBQ chicken, Hawaiian, beef and rice or the Nutella-banana. Located just two miles west of the South Loop apartments at AMLI Lofts.
Irazu
1865 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Irazu is a cash-only cantina serving a vegetarian-friendly menu of traditional Costa Rican food. Try one of their many flavors of empanadas such as the beef and potato, black bean, spinach and cheese sweet plantain or zucchini. Located just 4 miles from AMLI’s River North apartments.
Like what you just read? Subscribe to the AMLI Blog so you don’t miss another
