Chalos Express is best for a workday lunch, but not much else - Review - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"Chalos Express, a small kiosk version of the original Chalos brick-and-mortar, has joined the ranks of convenient grab-and-go lunch spots surrounding Salesforce Tower and the other nearby office buildings. And it’s built for speed. Choose from the 11 empanada flavors on a tablet, and your order, almost too hot to the touch, is ready in minutes. The fillings are flavorful, but they can be oily, and the crust tends to be a bit dry and brittle. For the best experience, get the carne dulce that’s juicy and slightly sweet. This SoMa spot is not somewhere you should plan your whole day around, but with breakfast pastries from Starter Bakery and free-flowing empanadas until 3pm every weekday, it’s a useful and efficient option. No seating here, but Salesforce Park is right across the street. Food Rundown Empanadas While snappy, the skin lacks moisture and flakiness. But the fillings do pick up a lot of the slack. The carne dulce is our favorite—the touch of sugar and spice balances out the richness of the beef. Just be sure to have some napkins handy, as the juices will immediately spill out after your first bite. Skip the espinaca con crema that’s bland and slightly watery. PlayMute video credit: Patrick Wong" - Patrick Wong