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A perfectly neat row of five branded beef empanadas set upon a long, thin wooden cutting board from Belen de la Cruz in Atlanta. Belen de la Cruz Empanadas

19 Spots for Empanadas Stuffed With Beef, Chicken, or Even Butternut Squash

Where to find savory or sweet dough pockets stuffed with everything from braised short rib to guava and cheese

by Lia Picard and Eater Staff Updated
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by Lia Picard and Eater Staff Updated
Belen de la Cruz Empanadas

Empanadas seem to be appearing on more and more menus at Atlanta restaurants and pop-ups these days. While empanadas originated in Portugal and Spain and are now found in countries throughout the world, the most common variations in the U.S. tend to be those from counties in Latin America. The crescent-shaped turnovers are traditionally made by rolling dough over a savory filling, like beef or chicken, before being fried, sometimes baked, to a golden brown. The type of dough used and fillings vary by country, and even by region within that country. Depending on the size of the empanada, one is typically enough to make a great snack, especially when on-the-go. Here are a few restaurants, bakeries, and pop-ups to grab empanadas around Atlanta.

Disclaimer: Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here. It is highly advised people wear masks indoors or when in crowded situations, regardless of vaccination status, to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

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CYLANTROS Venezuelan Cuisine

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Cylantro’s serves up Venezuelan cuisine in Woodstock, Roswell, and Kennesaw. Using a traditional Venezuelan method, the empanadas are made with corn flour and stuffed with fillings like pabellon — a combination of shredded beef, plantains, and black beans.

9595 Main St B, Woodstock, GA 30188
(404) 343-5819
(404) 343-5819

El Rincon Salvadoreno

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Looking for Salvadoran treats? Head to this Marietta bakery for empanadas made with a plantain dough. The empanadas come with a choice of two fillings: rice poliada (similar to a rice pudding) and beans.

2100 Roswell Rd Suite 2104, Marietta, GA 30062
(770) 675-3520
(770) 675-3520

Mami's La Cubana

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When in Hapeville, pop by Mami’s La Cubana to grab a cubano on fresh Cuban bread with a side of tostones and croquettes. But make sure to also order an empanada or two here, which come stuffed with beef, chicken, or guava and cheese. Call to order takeout.

579 N Central Ave, Atlanta, GA 30354
(678) 974-5487
(678) 974-5487

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Rico Rico Latin kitchen

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Located in the parking lot of the Zone 3 Car Wash on Metropolitan, the daily menu for Rico Rico is listed on a chalkboard beside the takeout window and offers everything from Cuban sandwiches and fish tacos to a variety of perfectly fried empanadas, bacalaitos (salt fish fritters), and daily plate specials. The generously stuffed empanadas here come garnished with fresh herbs and pickled red onions and a selection of side sauces for dipping. Follow on Instagram for menu updates.

1892 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30315
(404) 228-9156
(404) 228-9156

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Casa Cardoza

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Chef Zac Basto fell in love with empanadas when his El Salvadoran grandfather taught him how to make them. When the pandemic put Basto out of work in 2020, the chef created empanada service Casa Cardoza. Basto makes a wide variety of empanadas, now offered at several local coffee shops and markets like Staplehouse. Expect empanadas stuffed with beef and raisin, spicy pork, and blue cheese with walnuts. Follow on Instagram for menu and location updates.

Atlanta, GA

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Mami’s Empanadas

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For empanadas with creative fillings like creamy crab or strawberry shortcake, check out Mami’s popping up at spots around Atlanta. The pop-up often makes appearances at breweries such as Scepter Brewing Arts and Steady Hand Beer. Follow on Instagram for locations and menu updates.

Atlanta, GA

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Sabor Provisions at Peachtree Road Farmers Market

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Based in Braselton and run by a husband and wife team, Sabor Provisions can be found at the Peachtree Road and Brookhaven farmers markets on Saturday mornings. These empanadas are square-shaped, but no less delicious, with filling combinations like spinach, mushrooms, and feta or chorizo and mozzarella. There are sweet versions, too. Follow on Instagram for menu updates. Order online for pick up.

2744 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

My Abuela’s Food at The Spindle Kitchen

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The Puerto Rican food pop-up operates out of the Spindle Kitchen in the Old Fourth Ward. In addition to dishes, like slow-roasted pork and tostones, the menu also includes meat-filled empanadas as well as a vegan alternatives. Pair that empanada with a La Fria — the beer My Abuela’s Food helped create with Westside brewery Second Self. Order at the counter or online for pick-up or delivery.

659 Auburn Ave NE Ste 506, Atlanta, GA 30312

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Golden Drops Café

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Owned by a native of the Dominican Republic, Golden Drops serves Latin American snacks, including empanadas. Grab empanadas with fillings such as cheese, beef, and chicken. Pair it with one of the shop’s lattes or other coffee drinks.

1788 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 968-9981
(404) 968-9981

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Pan American Bakery

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Although self-described as a Cuban bakery, the empanadas here are made Colombian-style, with corn dough. Fillings include chicken and beef. Order at the counter.

3671 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341
(770) 457-2172
(770) 457-2172

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Buena Gente Cuban Bakery

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While the Cuban sandwich here may be the star of the show, the empanadas are definitely part of the strong supporting cast at this bakery and sandwich shop. Buena Gente offers three types of fillings: beef, chicken, and spinach with Swiss cheese. Order online for takeout.

1365 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
(678) 744-5638
(678) 744-5638

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The Iberian Pig

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For a dressed up version of the hand-held treats, head to the Iberian Pig in Buckhead or Decatur. On the tapas menu at this Spanish-inspired restaurant, those seeking empanadas will find the variation here stuffed with braised short rib and Mahon cheese, served with crème fraîche and salsa verde. Order online for takeout or delivery.

121 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 371-8800
(404) 371-8800

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Xela Pan Cafe

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Found along Buford Highway in Doraville, the Guatemalan bakery makes empanadas using corn flour. The flour gives these empanadas a thick exterior, securely encasing hearty fillings like chicken, potatoes, and carrots or shredded beef. There’s also a location on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell. Order at the counter.

5268 Buford Hwy NE C, Doraville, GA 30340
(770) 452-8880
(770) 452-8880

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D'Cuban Cafe

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Located in Norcross and inside Marietta Square Market, D’Cuban has empanadas with a picadillo filling (ground beef and potatoes) as well as chicken or cheese. Order empanadas as an appetizer at the restaurant, but the pro move is to order an extra one and enjoy it the next day. Order online for takeout or delivery.  

6200 Buford Hwy, Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 447-0877
(770) 447-0877

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Sabores Del Plata

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Specializing in Argentinian and Uruguayan cuisine, Sabores del Plata in Norcross offers two types of empanadas on the menu: beef or ham with cheese. Enjoy these empanadas with the restaurant’s grilled morcilla (blood sausage) and milanesa (breaded chicken or steak). Order online for takeout.

6200 Buford Hwy #1g, Norcross, GA 30071
(678) 743-4671
(678) 743-4671

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Belen de la Cruz - Empanadas & Pastries - Johns Creek

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Belén de la Cruz, the owner behind this eponymous Argentinean bakery, has three locations now in Johns Creek, Marietta, and a stall at Chattahoochee Food Works. Choose from over a dozen empanadas on the menu here, stuffed with everything from onion and mozzarella, butternut squash, and cheesy beef to bacon and cheese, ham and cheese, and spinach. Gluten-free options available. Order online for takeout.

11730 Jones Bridge Rd Suite F, Johns Creek, GA 30005
(470) 359-2976
(470) 359-2976

Besties Empanadas and Belgian Waffles

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This restaurant combines the decadence of Belgian and liege waffles with the comforting goodness of empanadas on its menu. Empanadas here come stuffed with a wide variety of fillings, including Argentine beef, chicken almond, olives and cheese, mac and cheese, and Nutella. There’s also a small selection of tapas and other South American and European pastries on the menu, too. Vegan options available. Order online for takeout or delivery.

5238 McGinnis Ferry Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30005
(678) 691-8184
(678) 691-8184

Empanada House

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An entire restaurant dedicated to empanadas? Co-owner Monica Salcedo makes traditional empanadas out of Sweet Octopus at Parsons Alley in Duluth inspired by her Colombian roots, with filling combinations like chicken, hard boiled egg, olives, and raisins. There are also globally-inspired flavors such as goulash (beef, onions, and paprika) and caprese (tomato and mozzarella). Order online for takeout.

3559 W Lawrenceville St #600, Duluth, GA 30096
(678) 315-3511
(678) 315-3511

Guayoyo Coffee

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This Venezuelan bakery and coffee shop serves all manner of pastries, hearty sandwiches, and arepas throughout the day. But make sure to order empanadas here, including the Venezuelan pabellón stuffed with black beans, shredded beef, and sweet plantains or the cordon bleu with chicken, cheese, and jam. Order a cafe con leche or frozen chocolate guayoyo coffee, too.

3370 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd STE 104, Suwanee, GA 30024
(678) 804-9689
(678) 804-9689

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CYLANTROS Venezuelan Cuisine

9595 Main St B, Woodstock, GA 30188

Cylantro’s serves up Venezuelan cuisine in Woodstock, Roswell, and Kennesaw. Using a traditional Venezuelan method, the empanadas are made with corn flour and stuffed with fillings like pabellon — a combination of shredded beef, plantains, and black beans.

9595 Main St B, Woodstock, GA 30188
(404) 343-5819
(404) 343-5819

El Rincon Salvadoreno

2100 Roswell Rd Suite 2104, Marietta, GA 30062

Looking for Salvadoran treats? Head to this Marietta bakery for empanadas made with a plantain dough. The empanadas come with a choice of two fillings: rice poliada (similar to a rice pudding) and beans.

2100 Roswell Rd Suite 2104, Marietta, GA 30062
(770) 675-3520
(770) 675-3520

Mami's La Cubana

579 N Central Ave, Atlanta, GA 30354

When in Hapeville, pop by Mami’s La Cubana to grab a cubano on fresh Cuban bread with a side of tostones and croquettes. But make sure to also order an empanada or two here, which come stuffed with beef, chicken, or guava and cheese. Call to order takeout.

579 N Central Ave, Atlanta, GA 30354
(678) 974-5487
(678) 974-5487

Rico Rico Latin kitchen

1892 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30315

Located in the parking lot of the Zone 3 Car Wash on Metropolitan, the daily menu for Rico Rico is listed on a chalkboard beside the takeout window and offers everything from Cuban sandwiches and fish tacos to a variety of perfectly fried empanadas, bacalaitos (salt fish fritters), and daily plate specials. The generously stuffed empanadas here come garnished with fresh herbs and pickled red onions and a selection of side sauces for dipping. Follow on Instagram for menu updates.

1892 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30315
(404) 228-9156
(404) 228-9156

Casa Cardoza

Atlanta, GA

Chef Zac Basto fell in love with empanadas when his El Salvadoran grandfather taught him how to make them. When the pandemic put Basto out of work in 2020, the chef created empanada service Casa Cardoza. Basto makes a wide variety of empanadas, now offered at several local coffee shops and markets like Staplehouse. Expect empanadas stuffed with beef and raisin, spicy pork, and blue cheese with walnuts. Follow on Instagram for menu and location updates.

Atlanta, GA

Mami’s Empanadas

Atlanta, GA

For empanadas with creative fillings like creamy crab or strawberry shortcake, check out Mami’s popping up at spots around Atlanta. The pop-up often makes appearances at breweries such as Scepter Brewing Arts and Steady Hand Beer. Follow on Instagram for locations and menu updates.

Atlanta, GA

Sabor Provisions at Peachtree Road Farmers Market

2744 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Based in Braselton and run by a husband and wife team, Sabor Provisions can be found at the Peachtree Road and Brookhaven farmers markets on Saturday mornings. These empanadas are square-shaped, but no less delicious, with filling combinations like spinach, mushrooms, and feta or chorizo and mozzarella. There are sweet versions, too. Follow on Instagram for menu updates. Order online for pick up.

2744 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

My Abuela’s Food at The Spindle Kitchen

659 Auburn Ave NE Ste 506, Atlanta, GA 30312

The Puerto Rican food pop-up operates out of the Spindle Kitchen in the Old Fourth Ward. In addition to dishes, like slow-roasted pork and tostones, the menu also includes meat-filled empanadas as well as a vegan alternatives. Pair that empanada with a La Fria — the beer My Abuela’s Food helped create with Westside brewery Second Self. Order at the counter or online for pick-up or delivery.

659 Auburn Ave NE Ste 506, Atlanta, GA 30312

Golden Drops Café

1788 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033

Owned by a native of the Dominican Republic, Golden Drops serves Latin American snacks, including empanadas. Grab empanadas with fillings such as cheese, beef, and chicken. Pair it with one of the shop’s lattes or other coffee drinks.

1788 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 968-9981
(404) 968-9981

Pan American Bakery

3671 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341

Although self-described as a Cuban bakery, the empanadas here are made Colombian-style, with corn dough. Fillings include chicken and beef. Order at the counter.

3671 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341
(770) 457-2172
(770) 457-2172

Buena Gente Cuban Bakery

1365 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033

While the Cuban sandwich here may be the star of the show, the empanadas are definitely part of the strong supporting cast at this bakery and sandwich shop. Buena Gente offers three types of fillings: beef, chicken, and spinach with Swiss cheese. Order online for takeout.

1365 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
(678) 744-5638
(678) 744-5638

The Iberian Pig

121 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030

For a dressed up version of the hand-held treats, head to the Iberian Pig in Buckhead or Decatur. On the tapas menu at this Spanish-inspired restaurant, those seeking empanadas will find the variation here stuffed with braised short rib and Mahon cheese, served with crème fraîche and salsa verde. Order online for takeout or delivery.

121 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 371-8800
(404) 371-8800

Xela Pan Cafe

5268 Buford Hwy NE C, Doraville, GA 30340

Found along Buford Highway in Doraville, the Guatemalan bakery makes empanadas using corn flour. The flour gives these empanadas a thick exterior, securely encasing hearty fillings like chicken, potatoes, and carrots or shredded beef. There’s also a location on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell. Order at the counter.

5268 Buford Hwy NE C, Doraville, GA 30340
(770) 452-8880
(770) 452-8880

D'Cuban Cafe

6200 Buford Hwy, Norcross, GA 30071

Located in Norcross and inside Marietta Square Market, D’Cuban has empanadas with a picadillo filling (ground beef and potatoes) as well as chicken or cheese. Order empanadas as an appetizer at the restaurant, but the pro move is to order an extra one and enjoy it the next day. Order online for takeout or delivery.  

6200 Buford Hwy, Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 447-0877
(770) 447-0877

Sabores Del Plata

6200 Buford Hwy #1g, Norcross, GA 30071

Specializing in Argentinian and Uruguayan cuisine, Sabores del Plata in Norcross offers two types of empanadas on the menu: beef or ham with cheese. Enjoy these empanadas with the restaurant’s grilled morcilla (blood sausage) and milanesa (breaded chicken or steak). Order online for takeout.

6200 Buford Hwy #1g, Norcross, GA 30071
(678) 743-4671
(678) 743-4671

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Belen de la Cruz - Empanadas & Pastries - Johns Creek

11730 Jones Bridge Rd Suite F, Johns Creek, GA 30005

Belén de la Cruz, the owner behind this eponymous Argentinean bakery, has three locations now in Johns Creek, Marietta, and a stall at Chattahoochee Food Works. Choose from over a dozen empanadas on the menu here, stuffed with everything from onion and mozzarella, butternut squash, and cheesy beef to bacon and cheese, ham and cheese, and spinach. Gluten-free options available. Order online for takeout.

11730 Jones Bridge Rd Suite F, Johns Creek, GA 30005
(470) 359-2976
(470) 359-2976

Besties Empanadas and Belgian Waffles

5238 McGinnis Ferry Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30005

This restaurant combines the decadence of Belgian and liege waffles with the comforting goodness of empanadas on its menu. Empanadas here come stuffed with a wide variety of fillings, including Argentine beef, chicken almond, olives and cheese, mac and cheese, and Nutella. There’s also a small selection of tapas and other South American and European pastries on the menu, too. Vegan options available. Order online for takeout or delivery.

5238 McGinnis Ferry Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30005
(678) 691-8184
(678) 691-8184

Empanada House

3559 W Lawrenceville St #600, Duluth, GA 30096

An entire restaurant dedicated to empanadas? Co-owner Monica Salcedo makes traditional empanadas out of Sweet Octopus at Parsons Alley in Duluth inspired by her Colombian roots, with filling combinations like chicken, hard boiled egg, olives, and raisins. There are also globally-inspired flavors such as goulash (beef, onions, and paprika) and caprese (tomato and mozzarella). Order online for takeout.

3559 W Lawrenceville St #600, Duluth, GA 30096
(678) 315-3511
(678) 315-3511

Guayoyo Coffee

3370 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd STE 104, Suwanee, GA 30024

This Venezuelan bakery and coffee shop serves all manner of pastries, hearty sandwiches, and arepas throughout the day. But make sure to order empanadas here, including the Venezuelan pabellón stuffed with black beans, shredded beef, and sweet plantains or the cordon bleu with chicken, cheese, and jam. Order a cafe con leche or frozen chocolate guayoyo coffee, too.

3370 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd STE 104, Suwanee, GA 30024
(678) 804-9689
(678) 804-9689

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