Empacho is a new empanada shop in Detroit’s Rivertown neighborhood | Eater Detroit

"Located at 2761 Jefferson Avenue along the Dennis Archer Greenway, this pocket-sized eatery focuses on savory and sweet South American hand pies and snacks meant for takeout or leisurely visits to the Detroit Riverfront or Belle Isle. Owner Gonzalo Collazo designed a small interior with a lunch counter, limited seating, white-and-gray floor tiles, wood accents, and a curated retail area selling yerba mate and jars of chimichurri and dulce de leche; the frog logo is inspired by the South American bar game El Sapo. Empanadas are offered individually ($4.50) or by the dozen and can be paired with $1 sauces like criolla, chimichurri, or sweet-garlic mustard; fillings draw on Argentine Spanish and Italian influences (two regional beef styles, chorizo, ham-and-cheese, Neapolitan, spinach-and-mozzarella, and an American breakfast option with eggs). Smaller items include chipas, mini sweet empanadas, and alfajores filled with white meringue or dark chocolate. Emphasizing community and shared moments, the owner says the name references the satisfying fullness of a special meal, the shop is developing a wholesale program, and guests can enjoy outdoor seating along the greenway and pair bites with coffee or (soon) wine from neighboring Red Hook." - Serena Maria Daniels