Cafe Tola #2

They do so much with so little here. I don’t mean that in a bad way, I say l that with admiration because when I came in they were so busy and handled everything quick, efficiently and the food and coffee was delicious. The small space is just right and they have seating everywhere including outside which my son loved l.

Best empanadas I’ve ever had! And the al pastor torta amazing too. The salsa that comes with is just tangy and hot enough. Coffee is pretty good too but the food is the reason to come here.

I always saw this place but never went in. OMG, it was amazing. They specialize in empanadas, so many varieties and made fresh throughout the day. I had one of chicken mole and I had a taco of Birria. The food was so good. The Birria was amazing. I was greeted as soon as I walked in and was introduced to all the varieties of empanadas, they were very friendly. I loved the ambiance which included the music. I cannot wait to go back. I will be a lifelong customer. An amazing photo caught my eye, John and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Absolutely loved it.

Absolutely outstanding! Order the birria and chicken mole with horchata latte.

Honestly, the pumpkin horchata latte is what drew me into going to this place, but we ended up trying two of the empanadas there and ordering three more to take home. The latte was really nice, almost like drinking Autumn milk, which might sound weird, but that's exactly what I wanted. The empanadas we had were delicious. Not too greasy and just the right consistency/ thickness of crust. The flavor combinations were also quite interesting with classics thrown into the mix.

Probably will not return. Not very vegetarian friendly. Would probably go a typical taqueria instead. Limited menu. No beans, no cheese, no potatoes. Not sure what the deal is. The music is incredibly loud and obnoxious.

Such a cute little spot. So much charisma and vibe. Cold brew was STRONG and the vegan empanadas are very good and fairly large. Have to go back to try the vegan chorizo in a burrito. Definately recommend. 🖤

Damn, so many proteins! Love it. Same to my favorite 韭菜盒子

We used to live near the Tola on Southport, and happened to drive by this yesterday morning on our way to a play date. I had to stop!! I'm obsessed with their lechon empanada. I wish I ordered more. I ended up ordering only six , a mixture of lechon, ropa vieja, chorizo and egg, green chicken, and beef sirloin. You can't go wrong, really with any of their empanadas. We were there early-ish in the morning, so they had a lot to choose from. I remember in the last, usually by the afternoon, it was slim pickings in what was left. There was a short line, short wait. They always have such nice staff. The inside has ample seating and I saw lots of tables outside on their patio, when the weather is nice again. I also love their quirky and bright decor inside. I really wish there was one closer to me.

I just loveeee Cafe Tola. It's such a guilty pleasure. Because let's be honest. Does anyone really NEED to spend $6+ on one single little empanada? No, probably not. However, these are just too good to not indulge. Perfect for a day you just want a little treat. I also love the variety of flavors. They offer your traditional meat/cheese/potato/bean type empanadas, but they also have egg ones for breakfast, and I've even had a nutella banana one! On top of that, their coffee drinks are YUMMMMmmmmy! I love the coconut iced latte in particular, though I want to go back and try more. This one also plays fun music and has a variety of seating inside, plus a nice little patio outside. If you haven't been, it's deff worth checking out Cafe Tola!

The best pozole on a cold winter morning. Empanada's to die for, full of filling and packed with flavor. Finish with a horchata latte. YUM! Friendly staff and super fun decor. We recommend it anyone coming to Chicago.

Back again! Cafe Tola is one of our absolute favorite spots, specifically this location. There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The music here is always awesome and you can hear everyone humming or singing along. My husband loves the pork belly torta and gets it every time. This time I wasn't too hungry so I ordered the birria taco, birria empanada, and the seasonal pumpkin horchata latte. The drink is DELICIOUS! Thats worth going back the next day. I just love it here!

Previously eaten an empandas from Cafe Tola from another establishment. This morning after a dance class, I drove right by so I had to stop in for some empandas for my husband. On this occasion, I grabbed a Horchata Latte which was fantastic. Additionally I got guava & cheese empandas. The guava & cheese was good but overwhelming with cheese. I would of like more guava. For empandas I ordered Chicken Tinga, Birria & Queso and Beef Sirloin empanda. My husband really enjoyed Birria & Queso. He liked the Chicken Tinga but thought the Birria had better flavor. The cafe is very colorful and bright. I thought the staff were very friendly. I would come back but really thinking about learning how to make these at home. Empandas were $6 a piece which is a little hefty for a small item.

Nicely located in an area that isn't too crowded with street parking. The art is fun and retro/80s with superheroes and video games, outdoor seating on nice days. Great service, nice people! A big selection of empanadas and several types of core ingrediants for any taco or burrito combination. They have some Mexican varieties of coffee and chocolate too. The chicken mole burrito was amazing.

I swear... no one makes a better empanada in the city than Cafe Tola!! Fresh, lots of variety, unbelievable combinations and super consistent day after day! Pro tip, don't forget the salsa when you buy them. Been coming to their locations for a decade now and have NEVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED!! Always get served with a smile and friendly attitude... an absolute gem!

I always saw this place but never went in. OMG, it was amazing. They specialize in empanadas, so many varieties and made fresh throughout the day. I had one of chicken mole and I had a taco of Birria. The food was so good. The Birria was amazing. I was greeted as soon as I walked in and was introduced to all the varieties of empanadas, they were very friendly. I loved the ambiance which included the music. I cannot wait to go back. I will be a lifelong customer. An amazing photo caught my eye, John and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Absolutely loved it.

I love love love Cafe Tola, especially when I want to treat myself. The empanadas are divine, combined with a hot horchata latte, and I'm in heaven. I also love the flavor selection of these empanadas, they've expanded over the last few years and now serve well over a dozen of varieties. My teenagers say that their steak tacos are some of the best in the city. And the staff is always friendly. I truly recommend this place!!

This is such a cool place - the location in Lakeview is great, the artwork is bright and beautiful, and the folks working there are delightful (with nice smiles!). I oddly had this introduced to me by a 9 year old, and if a 9 year old can get behind fun plays on the empanada, so can you. He loved the ham, egg, and cheese and I went for the Tika Chicken. Perfectly made, fried, and flavored. I'll definitely be back when I'm in town again. I just wish there were somewhere to sit inside - but even that is part of the charm. In one door, quickly order, smile, out the other.

When I tell you this is my favorite place in Chicago, I MEAN IT! 10/10 every time- I live 45 minutes away and drive here often to get empanadas. The Rajas and chicken tinga are my faves. Their coffee is also great.

First timers here. Would have been SO much better if these were fried fresh. We went at 7pm and we were only able to choose what they had sitting in the glass case which they only had maybe 5 flavors to choose from. This was my ground beef empanada...had so much oil soaked into it, nothing was crispy, it wasn't fresh. So disappointing. Not sure why they aren't fried when ordered instead of only being able to choose from what's been sitting there for who knows how long

Cafe tola in California I stop by for lunch I order machaca con huevo tacos was out, then I ordered 2 tacos al pastor mexican coke and Nutella empanada Tacos was bland and got asked for salt, same no flavor at all.... Empanada was too much Nutella with bananas..... I ordered to go horchata latte took like is too popular too dam sweet........... not recommend for diabetics

Top notch catering service! Their empanadas are so yummy, as are their guava/cream cheese pastries! They have cafe de Hola and horchata iced coffee that I'm hooked on!

I love cafe tola. It's a bit pricey, but really good. I just wish there was one close to me. I haven't really had a bad empanada yet.

Delicious, amazing, all of the above! This was such a great little spot! They had quite a few varieties of empanadas and it was hard to choose! I ended up with the spinach and ricotta empanada and I was blown away by how stuffed it was! I don't think I've ever had an empanada with that much filling in it! The inside is decorated with all kinds of quirky Star Wars art, it was fun to look at all of it. My friends both got the horchata latte and said that it was amazing! Next time I'm in Chicago this is definitely a spot I want to return to!

Drinks were great! Food was super fresh, but took 20 min to prep. Flavor wise, nothing to write home about, but both tacos and burrito were pretty good size. Tons of people there on a Saturday morning! I didn't get a pic of the chorizo empanada, but it was delicious. Good hot sauce.

So delicious. Great service and a nice quick bite to eat with coffee. Try the horchata latte. Empanadas are a decent size so one is a good serving, two if you're really hungry. I was visiting, but I wish it was warmer so I could have enjoyed the patio!

Craving empanadas , and cafe Tola hit the spot. Highly recommend the green pork empanada and buffalo chicken. Place could use a little TLC in regards to cleanliness - but outside of that the food was solid

I been wanting to try this place for years. I always drive by it and never stop. I was said it's such a cute place I love the art! But today was the day! The lady behind the register was so patient and kind with me as a new person coming in being very indecisive. I tried the ham, cheese and egg burrito! The burrito was so filling and so yummy. It was perfect. Then I tried the guava and cheese empanada...oooooh MY this was soooooo yummy!!!! I would just get this any time. It was the perfect combination/blend of sweet and savory. Lastly I tried the Horchata Lata!!!! What that was sooo yummy too!!! Every things was so yummy. I will for sure be back, can't wait to try more!

Small place more like a pick up and go burritos and tacos and quesadilla small good but pricey empanadas are delicious full of stuffing horchata latte excellent will get it got next time.

Cafe Tola embodies why I love Chicago. Great food, owned and operated locally, consistently great service and flavors and no fuss vibes. My husband and I constantly go back for their empanadas (lechon and steak are the best) the burritos (Al pastor is the go to) and their horchata latte (hot or iced you can't go wrong). They have tons of convenient locations and also have their tacos/empanadas at Dark Matter coffee shops. I recently noticed they also serve pizole so will have to try that soon too. Thank you for being such a gem and making our city great!

Very tasty empanadas and a bright and colorful atmosphere. I will stop in again when I am in the neighborhood

The best empanadas I've tasted in Chicago! A must visit when I'm in Chicago. The Pernil along with the beans and jalapeños are my favorites but they are all good!!! Have to get there early as flavors run out quickly!

I am obsessed!!! In Chi for work for a couple weeks and this was on the way home. My coworker and I stopped here several times for empanadas. I fell in love with the bean, goat cheese, and plantain empanada. I prefer meatless empanadas but I had the green pork and a chicken one as well that were delicious esp with the salsa you're given. The staff are so kind, one of the girls that worked there remembered us and she is so sweet. The artwork is awesome too. A must try.

I love this place so much. They have a rotating menu of empanadas and tons of taco options. You stop in and peek into their warmer and get to see the empanada flavors of the day. I love whenever they have sweet empanadas but I also dig their breakfast ones so much. Egg and chorizo hits the spot every time. Their spinach and cheese one is also amazing, especially when you get a few of the chicken or beef ones as well.

Only been once but I am definitely looking forward to going again! Horchata is a big deal-this one is perfect: sweet but not too sweet or cinnamony. Delicious steak tacos and the bean cheese empanada was also awesome! Their salsa doesn't seem that's spicy at first taste but. it. is. Still tasty but good to know. Wish they had dessert..they were out of the guava con queso and the apple pie empanada was good but didn't give me the sweet fix I was looking for. I'll be back!

Wow! So glad I stumbled into this little spot while waiting for my dog at the MedVet across the street. Beware tho, the empanadas are bigger than they appear. I bought three when I really only needed two but now I have some for later so no complaints here . The coffee is also delicious, I ordered a spicy mocha with my 2 Lechon and 1 Rajas empanadas. Sitting down to eat was also a nice experience. There's cute houseplants everywhere and a good variety of seating. I'm glad I sat down too because they gave me some red salsa which went perfectly with the empanadas. The lady at the register was so kind and waited patiently while I made my choice among the many empanadas available. I loved it so much, I'll have to find an excuse to come to this side of the city more often!

Fantastic machaca burrito. Nice friendly family run business. If I lived in Chicago I'd be back her regularly

So good ! Biggie Smalls breakfast tacos and ham/cheese empanada are amazing. Ice coffee is pretty good too.

I don't travel to this part of the city often, but when I do, I have to stop at Cafe Tola! The empanadas are phenomenal! Like out of this world good. I like that the menu is constantly changing with empanadas and I get to try new ones with each visit. It's a cool spot to come grab a bite to eat. They do have indoor seating and outdoor seating as well. Small and cozy with cool art along the outdoor wall. They're always friendly and try to get you out the door pretty quickly. Definitely check them out if you haven't.

Amazing tacos and empanadas :) good cute vibes inside. I got the black bean goats cheese empanada and chicken verde taco. Reasonably priced 6$ empanada 3.50 for the taco. I WILL BE COMING BACK!

If you're looking for the BEST chicken mole burrito, try this place out. I've been going here for years, ever since I discovered their downtown location back in 2019. You're outside and you'll see they have the coolest murals, you walk in and notice their menu is painted on the wall, and they have empanadas, burritos, tortas and tacos, amongst other things. Both their veggie and chicken mole burritos are exquisite, I haven't tried anything else. On the drinks side, definitely try their horchata. They have snacks and drinks from Mexico which is the coolest. Their bathroom is accessible and clean from my experience. A great place to go by yourself or with a small group of friends. It's got a hip vibe.

Loved this place ! Tacos were great and the Empanadas were awesome too Even the music is good Highly recommended !

Was a great experience, food and service! One of my things that I check, the most is the bathroom clean, and it was immaculate, even with the busy flow of business.

They had a nice variety to choose from! The Cashier was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Overall a great experience and I highly recommend stopping by!

If you're ever in the Chicago area, you have to stop at this cute place! I believe they have more than one location. They serve authentic Mexican food and also a variety of yummy sweets. I got the pozole and the empanadas. It was delicious. This cute place has alll the vibes from the music, the plants, and the murals outside to take cute pictures! Street parking is available and seating is available inside and outside as well!

Fresh made food. Best tortillas and empanadas dough. Tacos were loaded with lots of meat.

I have eaten here before and their food is pretty good. However, they park their company vehicles in the bike lane in front of their store making that stretch of Milwaukee Ave unsafe for cyclists. They know this is illegal and dangerous and they do not care. They want your money but care not for your safety.

AMAZING food, drinks, and vibes. Super friendly people and delicious food - could not recommend this spot more!!!!

Bomb.com! Attended an event that brought in several different flavors of their breakfast empanadas: ham, egg, cheese and chorizo, potato. Both were outstanding! Comes with a great salsa and sour cream, but flavorful enough to eat them plain.

Super fast service and very friendly. I love their homemade empanadas. The tacos are all great too! You can't go wrong with any of the selections. Go early or call ahead bc they sometimes sell out!!

Ham egg & cheese and rajas empanadas are soooooo good. Photo evidence of how it makes you feel below. Also horchata latte very very good. Eh anyway I'm not an English major but uh very very very good place with very good food. Very good (the food, that is)

Cafe Tola is worth a stop, but not for the reasons you might expect. Skip the empanadas. I know, I know, how I could I say such a thing? Well, first of all the pastry has an off-putting, mealy and greasy texture that can veer into slimy. It is neither crunchy nor crispy, the hallmarks of great empanadas. Second, the fillings can be both deceptive and unappetizing. The beef sirloin empanada is actually just ground beef, not, as advertised, steak, and the pintos & cheese empanada had an unpleasant texture and flavor combination. Instead, go for a burrito. The al-pastor was fantastic; delicious and filling. I'm looking forward to visiting again to get the skirt steak and goat varieties. Mmmm goat.

This little taco spot has great torta. Outside has patio seating! Food comes put fast and delicious

GO HERE NOW. If you have found this and you're looking for the best quick cheap meal grab these empanadas, do not go to BigWig like a chump. Check out the Green Pork, Chicken Mole and Apple Pie empanadas. UNSTOPPABLE.

This is my favorite breakfast joint in the city. Their chorizo breakfast taco is a favorite of mine as well as their buffalo chicken empanadas. Don't skip out on the coffee. Also delicious. The staff there are also wonderful. I have never had anything but a great experience and undeniably good food.

Black bean and plantain empanadas ?Sounds weird right ? I find myself craving and drooling over these quite often. Thankfully I was up North this past weekend to get my fix. I stopped in for a delicious horchata latte and empanada and was pleasantly surprised to find they were serving machaca breakfast tacos!! Whuuut !!? Machaca is so dear to my heart . I have memories of my grandma making it for us during Mexico trips and my mom making it when family traveled to Mexico and would bring her some of that delicious dehydrated meat . This taco was on point! Artwork is to die for at all 3 locations. Cool murals,Friday Kahlo ,Kanye and Michael Jordan artwork and the music is always bangin. Such a fun ,casual date place or place to bring friends . They have pozole on the weekends too !! Cafe Tola ya'll need to bring a Cafe Tola to the Southwest side ASAP!!

Absolutely love this spot! Their burritos are amazing, especially the Al pastor. There's so many different empanadas to choose from- sweet and savory! The Buffalo chicken empanada was 10/10. Oh and the best horchata I've had!