Chicago Empanada Mama

Empanada Mama has a visually immersive romantic atmosphere, so it's a great place for a day or night out on the town. My tastebuds were overjoyed 😋 by the street corn dip with plantain chips bursting in a rich, creamy, and mildly spicy flavor. Best ropa vieja empanadas ever! Unfortunately, it was downhill from there. There were only five people being served in the entire restaurant, yet service was slow. Everything was fresh and high quality ingredients were used, but there was no balance to the flavor. The peach cobbler empanada was bland because cinnamon, butter, and nutmeg weren't used. It was just peaches and bread. The chicken empanada was juicy and herby, but it needed sea salt to bring the flavor out. Although they missed the mark on seasoning, I love the atmosphere, how nice the staff is, and they have great apetizers, so it's definitely worth a try.

My daughter and I drove specifically to this place for their empanadas! Wow, they bursted with flavor! To start, the place is absolutely beautiful. We came when the restaurant wasn’t busy but, my guess is that at certain times it’s packed. Jessica was our server and she was great. The food was seasoned well, they’re not afraid to use salt, garlic and all those wonderful spices that make the wonderful Puerto Rican dishes so exceptional and unique. My daughter even commented “the chef cooking definitely comes from the island”. Their arroz con gandules was so tasty, I had to take some to go. My only regret was not eating more! I’ll be back to try more of this delicious menu. The owner, is extremely engaging and welcoming. It’s absolutely apparent she takes pride in her establishment. We were proud to support any Latina woman and her small businesses! Also! The Lechón is AMAZING… you have to try it!

Beautiful place to get a delicious one of kind signature Cocktail or a cold beer or a delicious red wine - Food is exploding with flavors - light music in the background…. Plants surrounding Perfect atmosphere! We enjoy it all the time!

Really good elevated Puerto Rican food! The tostones rellenos were a tasty appetizer and bigger than expected. Nice that you can get 3 different stuffings, I got ropa vieja and macho man (ground beef). The lechon, arroz con gandules, and yuca were also great.

What a hidden gem! We had a work party here. Fabulous catering! The beautiful decor felt like a resort. Met the owner; she is an absolute delight. Kind & knowledgeable about what she has. Speaking of, my lord!! The appetizers were insanely good. Try the ceviche, elotes, & spin dip. We had all of the empanadas. Thankfully, we had enough to take some home. Perfect! Full bar here too. Boozey island inspired numbers, beer, & wine. She even made us a non-alcoholic drink since we were on a diet. Some empanadas are lightly fried & others are baked. You’ll be happy with both. Enjoy this small business!!

Amazing food fresh to order took 25 minutes which I have no issue with i prefer it that way. The emprendas excellent arroz moist tasty and the top spot was the potato salad omg amazing. The place is so cozy and the decor is nice. Finally the service was fantastic as in the young ladies working there.

We we greeted right away by Inez introduced herself, welcomed us as first-timers. Order taken fairly quickly. Nice atmosphere, low-key music, menu not overwhelming. Food comes out hot and fresh. If you want your food in 5/10 minutes, eat elsewhere. This food takes a little time, and it reflects in the taste. Great bar options as well, reasonable prices. I'm glad you're in our neighborhood. 😊🥰

I got an empanada first time ever going here food was cold in the middle couldn’t eat it I have to get to work the Puerto Rican rice or food you guys say you have is not authentic at all first and last time going it’s not a spot for Puerto Ricans that’s for sure I threw it str8 to the garbage

Beautiful space is what attracted us inside. We had already had dinner but wanted to continue having a drink near by and stumbled upon this place. Has a very attractive interior. We ordered the mojito flight in many flavors - all yummy. And a ropa vieja empanada. These are big stuffed empanadas so the prices on the menu are for 1. It was tasty and the crust was addictive too. Only qualm was that it was a bit salty. Service was friendly. Wouldn't mind to come back to try other things.

Pretty good. Certainly a welcoming space where one can get everything from foods to coffee to adult beverages. Stuff from the kitchen is prepared with care and attention. That said, the kitchen's output isn't the driver here. S'alright, but the salami soup and the speciality coffees are underwhelming. Also pricey. The "mama" vibe is real; the proprietor may well have a baby on her arm when she comes to refill your water.

The food was great. The service was even better. The ambience was great as well. I really liked this place. You would really like to come here and hang out with your friends and family. Great music.

Visiting Chicago and we were told this was the place to come if we wanted good food. Took a chance and so glad we did. Food was delicious. Ambiance right up my alley and our server was really nice and patient answering all of our questions in regard to the different empanadas on the menu. Aside from all of that at the end of our meal I asked for the music to be a little louder so that I could dance with my mom. Not only did they put the music up, they also cleared out tables for us. Highly recommend! Two thumbs up!

Cute location and yummy empanadas very boricua and very tasty!! My favorite was the beef , guava and cheese

What a great owner and spot!!! The owner has wonderful service from the moment you walk in to when the food hits the table. She's such a joy and this establishment is a wonderful local spot for Chicago. Such a great ambience, the decor is So cute! The food is also so good and great portions! A hidden gem for Chicagoans!

Chicago Empanada Mama seems like one of those hidden gems in Chicago. The ambiance is very lively and upbeat, with plants surrounding the ceiling, modern lighting, wall-hung art, and even a DJ. Upon entering, we were immediately greeted by three staff members, and one even asked our names. There happened to be an event that night where they served complimentary whiskey flights, which was very generous and a nice surprise. All three empanadas were fresh and delicious, not heavy/greasy as empanadas sometimes are. The rice and beans was also very tasty. Service was above and beyond. We had numerous conversations with our waiter, Angel, who was very kind and personable. This is a great restaurant and I'll definitely be back.

Empanada Mama has a beautiful interior and varied food/drink menu perfect for indecisive diners. I came in for lunch on a weekday and the bartender there was so welcoming. He chatted with us and helped us pick the carne asada and sweet plantain empanadas to try. He also set up the drinks station just for us and made a delicious house version of a margarita. The empanadas were stunning, they came out hot and fresh from the fryer, the carne asada once just full to the brim with big steak chunks and soft potato that went perfectly with the green sauce on the side. I was surprised at how delicious the sweet plantain and cheese empanada was also delicious as it's not a flavor I would usually pick. I cannot stress enough how much this place is a very neighborly spot, definitely a perfect addition to the West Town neighborhood and I'll be back soon!

When you walk in, you'll see a lot of beautiful and floral decor. It's clear they are really into peacocks! There was a nice woman there who took our order. I went with my husband for a snack because we weren't too hungry just yet. He ordered the Ay-Bonito empanada (pork and rice) while I ordered the Pick One special with a Macho Man empanada (beef and cheese) along with a yucca al mojo and papi's potato salad to share. My husband really enjoyed his empanada. My Macho man empanada was just okay. In my opinion, the cheese was overpowering. I was hoping it would be more like a picadillo filling with some cheese, but it was more like a cheeseburger filling. I asked for hot sauce, and I was a little disappointed that they had tapatio and cholulo but no Puerto Rican hot sauces. The papi's potato salad was tasty, but it was heavy on the apples. The yucca al mojo was the best thing I ordered. I could eat that every day. Honestly, I think I just ordered the wrong item with the empanada, and I should've tried a different one for a more authentic Puerto Rican flavor. This is why I think I need to go back. I noticed they had games and colored pencils for kids. They also had a changing table, disposable changing table liners, and baby wipes, which, as a mom of 2, was really nice to see. My husband enjoyed his food, and he said he would go back.

The food was awesome I love the flavor the ambience the service. Everybody was so nice and if you want a special drink, they have that too.

Stopped in today and picked up a carry out lunch. Got a variety of empanadas and sides! Super impressed. Good portions and excellent flavor

Everything was amazing!!! Get the Mountain coffee(better than any espresso martini), corn dip, ceviche and macho man!!!! All so good!!! Inez did not steer us wrong.

Stopped by on my way home for some empanadas when I saw the sign and glad I did! The menu had a lot of creative options but I picked three that were already made so I didn't have to wait. Had the macho man beef, cheese and plantain and a vegetarian. All were really good. I loved the pastry it was fluffy and delicious. My favorite ended up being the plantain because the sweet savory combination was just incredible. Everything was so fresh and amazing! We'll be back to try the rest of the menu for sure.

Cool joint. This afternoon my brother and sister-in-law stopped in to get some empanadas. They were all amazingly flavorful. This evening we went back for more!! Overall the spot is a welcome addition to our community!! You can get some good coffee here, too.

Chicago empanada mama exceeded my expectations during lunch. The young lady that took my order was professional, nice, helpful and recommended the macho man empanada which was such a delicious choice to start my day off. I also had the guava and cheese to accompany my sweet side. The atmosphere gave life as I walked inside with a warm greetings. I will definitely be back for another great experience at chicago empanada mama.

What a find! Food was great and the amount is generous. We ordered three empanadas (special menu order two empanadas with one side and soup/salad), got rice and salad. Empanadas were pretty big, I think two would have been enough for us. We had La Flaka, Lechon, and Braised Lamb with White rice (there's actually a side of rice coming with the empanadas!). Personal preference is La Flaka, I think it had a lot more flavour than the others. Servers and chef were very welcoming. They were very generous with our group as well, giving us appetizers (cranberry and Jalapeño dip) and drinks. Restaurant had good ambiance. Lastly I want to mention that price is cost friendly. I'd definitely come back here again next time we come to downtown! We ate the empanadas pretty quick so didn't get to take some pictures of it!

The service is great, also the food is delicious and the owner is a sweetheart. She and her staff are very friendly and make you feel like family.

I hosted a holiday party at Chicago Empanada Mama for approx. 25 people on a Saturday night and had the best experience! The staff are attentive, professional, and personable- they really went above and beyond offering complimentary shots to us and handling our large crowd with ease. I agree with some of the other reviews that the restaurant is truly a hidden gem with tasteful decor, a warm inviting ambiance, and great service. Will definitely be back!

Loved it! The owner Inez is very sweet! All the staff were amazing! Food was SO SO GOOD! The signature latte, was hands down the best latte I've had in a long time!!!! The Flaka empanada was to die for! So flavorful and delicious!!! You will NOT be disappointed with anything you order here!

Quick service and an extensive menu. I had the guava empanada and was surprised to see cheddar as the cheese, but the taste wasn't bad. It was interesting to me that they had Jeni's on the menu--not what I would expect from an empanada place! Overall a good snack on a busy day but wasn't wowed.

Stopped here tonight for a quick bite. Super friendly and attentive staff, great ambiance. Really enjoyed the beef and cheese empanada, chimichurri was so delicious! They were sold out of the steak and cheese, will be back to try it out. Thank you for the great service and delicious food!

Great first time overall experience. I got a chorizo, egg, & cheese as well as a roasted red pepper, egg, & cheese breakfast empanadas and a cafe con leche, it hit the spot for a quick morning pick me up. Fair price when considering all the empanada spots popping up in Chicago & the empanadas were packed and fresh! Costumer service was great. As well as an amazing atmosphere (great for aesthetic pictures). I will be back for a dinner meal soon!

So happy to have found this place! Have been dying for 'Rican empanadas, but not necessarily the oil-laden traditional ones that I ate as a kid...insert CEM. They do a play on all the traditional flavors, with a slight new age twist. Man we're they good. This will be my new neighborhood staple. The spot is cute, chic and spacious too. You need to check this place out!

Went this evening for dinner, empanadas were great (ropa vieja was our favorite) as were the cocktails.

Had two types of empanadas and they were both great. The vibe is so cute! Very friendly staff as well.

I went to this place with my exes mother's father's mistress and had the coconut shrimp with apricot chilli, it was sooo delicious. I forgot what my exes mother's father's mistress got but she loved it! The interior design inside is very nice and cozy, we received kind customer service. I hope to visit this place again and would recommend it to anyone else!

Great empanadas with many different flavors! Wish they were a little cheaper per piece but still worth it.

The place is nicely decorated and fun to hang out at. I ordered 3 empanadas to go but unfortunately I didn't find them to be super tasty. They didn't taste bad, they just didn't taste as great as empanadas normally do. I felt the breading was very thick and heavy and the fillings needed more salt or seasoning. The empanadas were okay, but they just weren't worth the ~$7 each imo. Very cute ambiance though, maybe if you're coming in for a drink with a friend.

Went by Empanada Mama's today for lunch. Everything was perfect! Food was delicious, service was GREAT! The whole vibe of the restaurant is really chill and calm. LOVED IT! Will definitely be a returning customer.

Got empanadas delivered and each one was tastier than the next!! Would definitely l love to eat in the restaurant, but the good bis delivery was fabulous.

I tried a few of the empanadas. macho man beef was good, not amazing. Chimmicurri sauce made it better. Ropa Vieja was not very good. Steak was really low quality and somehow really dry. Pork and rice was more moist thank the steak empanada but lacked flavor. I would've like more seasoning on all of the meat to draw it the natural flavor profile. They were out of a lot of sauces and few empanadas when I went. The chimichurri sauce is really good. I have my eye on the shrimp ceviche and will try it next time I go back and skip the empanadas all together. The prices were pretty high for so so empanadas.

The empanadas were great. The prices were a little higher than Ive seen BUT these empanadas are larger than Ive seen, very filling, and fresh. The staff was attentive and super friendly. They have great decor and design. Would be fun for brunch. Would 100% recommend

This place is locally owned and FABULOUS! We had the lamb/rice empanada and pork empanada. Both were flavorful and delicious. I think the pork was my personal favorite. Can't wait to visit Empanada Mama again!

Staff very friendly came across this spot impromptu. Visiting from out of state. Bbq pork and Mac n cheese pie-loved it, it was flavorful, it wasn't dry or greasy and very filling. Crust was nice too and I typically dont care fir our crust. Chocolate pecan pie-very decadent and had a nice balance of flavors. I only took a bite but my friend swallowed the whole thing done in a fury. Oatmeal raisin cookie- It tasted full of butter and sugar and held up two days later. Def try their desserts.

Empanadas were good but the Puerto Rican rice was just not good. If this place wants to succeed I recommend getting a better recipe for the rice. Menu needs to be better the presentation was confusing.

Super cute place. Customer service wasn't amazing. Walked in to see 5-6 employees standing around and it took a while to be taken care of for a to-go order while only 1 customer was there. El Yunque empanada didn't have a ton of flavor. I did like that it wasn't greasy. Would not recommend the Ham and cheese. There was one huge chunk of ham in the middle that was fatty/gray. Cheese flavor was good though. Might try some others but wasn't impressed especially for those prices.

Great addition to the neighborhood!! Really cute spot and super nice owner and employees!! Tried multiple empanadas w/ a glass of wine that was a very nice pour. So good!! Definitely recommend!

Went to visit during posted hours and the doors were locked.

So these air dried empanadas. That makes the outside way less heavy and not greasy at all. The crust was flaky and tastie. I tried a bunch of different ones they were all good. I will definitely repeat.

I don't really write reviews but I just ordered delivery and this was really tasty. I especially liked the ceviche and aventura empanada. They even threw in a free coconut flan. They're new and they don't have many reviews here but don't let that stop you from giving them a shot!

Amazing authentic Puerto Rican empanadas!! Delivery was fast, food was hot and delicious! We will definitely be ordering again in the near future.