Empanadas Colombianas Luis Panes

Cute unassuming Colombian restaurant in Tacoma. Staff were amiable and welcoming. They helped answering some of our questions and suggesting a few favorite dishes. We love all the food but if I have to pick top dishes, I would say empanadas and bandeja paisa. The empanadas were well-fried and the filling was flavorful. The sauces on the side added extra layer of flavor. With bandeja paisa, we cleaned the plate. It’s that good! Everything from the steak, pork belly, to sausage and plantain, each element had their own flavor. When combined together in a plate, they were match made in heaven! They also played latin music when we were there, creating that nice ambiance. Overall, we enjoyed our experience here. Would definitely recommend this place! Can’t wait to go back!

Cool decorations with bright color. Nice staff. Food is not bad although the beef is a bit too chewy. Interesting place to try out.

Ordered thru Ubereats App. Plantains bananas, Beef Empanadas. It was delicious. The sauces that come with the empanadas were good too. I liked the darker green spicier sauce. I look forward to trying the other choices of empanadas!

Empanadas are fantastic! Atmosphere is authentic - with Columbian folk music in the air and football on the TV.

Was super excited to come eat here since I had not eaten Colombian food in a long time, I grew up eating arepas my whole life. However The arepa “special” we ordered was an abomination, it was dry, broke apart, the beef inside didn’t taste good. The owner was upset when I told him that I didn’t like it and said oh well you have to pay for it. I was not going to pay for something of which I took 2 bites and instantly lost my appetite. Awful service too. I would just not order the arepas and if you dislike any other item on the menu good luck to you

We arrived about 35 minutes before closing, hoping to sit down for dinner, but were told they were only accepting takeout orders for empanadas. That was a bit disappointing, but we decided to go ahead and order the six-empanada deal for $17.99. We chose two beef, two ranchera, and two lechona. I tried a ranchera while it was still hot, and unfortunately, it was one of the toughest empanadas I’ve ever bitten into. The filling lacked flavor, and it tasted like it had been sitting in the freezer for too long. When we got home, the empanadas were still warm, but my wife struggled to finish even half of one because the texture was rough on the roof of her mouth. She did enjoy the white sauce that came on the side, while I preferred the pink. Of the three flavors, the lechona was the most underwhelming, even more so than the ranchera. The beef had the best flavor, and dipping it in the sauce helped. I wish we had the chance to try more of their menu, but based on this experience alone, I’m not sure we’ll be back.

We stopped here for lunch on our way to a llama trek. Perfect spot to fill our bellies. Everything was delicious! The spinach & cheese, and the beef empanadas were probably my favorite—fried corn and crunchy. The little beef sausages in the salchipapas were super tasty. Friends really enjoyed the patacones, chicharones, and arepa especial. Plenty of seating and a friendly staff. Plenty of street parking when we went as well.

I was craving empanadas and while in Tacoma found this little spot. Inside was full of Columbian decor and music. The guy was helpful and welcoming. I got 2 each of beef, chicken and chorizo empanadas which were good and came with 2 different sauces. You can also buy frozen empanadas. The other plate we ordered was a shredded pork and piece of lechon or chicharron. I forgot what it was called but we didn't care for it. It tasted like thanksgiving. Like turkey and stuffing. I would definitely go back for the empanadas.

My daughter, her friend and I ate here because I have not had a good empañada since visiting New Jersey a few years ago. We started with a few chicken empañadas and fríes (friend had never tried an empanada before). Then we ordered like 4 more and now my daughter's friend is a fan AND my husband keeps asking me to go now too.

The food was delicious. The Hawaiian Empanada was wonderful surprise. Seriously can't wait for my next meal here.

There food is very good here. Have had only a few items of their menu tho. But we love it! Today we just got a snack. 4 Hawiian empanadas, 2 guava & 2 pineapple pastries. Yummy everything! Love the sauces that come with the empanadas. The vinegar green sauce is so yummy and the other dipping sauce that looks like secret sauce is good too!! Love this place!

By far the best Colombian food in the state of Washington! This place exceeds expectations on every level. Living in Hawaii, I don't always get a chance to enjoy authentic Colombian flavors, and I seriously miss it. If only I could get my hands on some of their bomb empanadas, crispy chicharrones, and those perfect patacones - I'd be set! Everything here takes you right to Colombia, with every dish bursting with authentic flavor. If you're in Washington, make this place a must-visit! You won't regret it!

The service was very slow, but friendly. We ordered the empanadas and although the flavor was good, they were so greasy. Will definitely go back and try something else one day. Then maybe I'll revise this review. Until then beware the empanadas are very very greasy and pricey.

Very cultured place. Definitely recommend to try. I tried the 6 empanadas. A bit tough but very delicious filling. Hawaiian, pepperoni, chicken, shredded beef, and cheese I think.

Great Colombian Food and the seasoning was on point! In this case first time eating in this restaurant and I had some very good and authentic chicharones con papas plus of course I could not miss a good ol colombiana pop for the win!

Food was delicious! We ordered from door dash, I am looking forward to going to the restaurant to see how things are there

Lovee coming here. Went here shortly after the place opened the very first time and have came in occasionally since. Best empanadas I've had in the area. Staff is always friendly and ready to grab you whatever it is you need. I love the latin music -- not sure why other reviews were complaining. You're in a Colombian restaurant, not applebees!! Go in and enjoy! :)

The food was good but the service not so much. I have never eaten Colombian food and I asked the gentleman taking my order about the food and he answered with such rudeness. He assumed I should know. I don't know that I would go again even though the food was good.

Wassup y'all Project Pat in the building. I had been told somebody on So Tacoma Ave was cookin up some empanadas from another planet so I had to check it out. Straight up some of the best Colombian food I'd ever had and the best empanadas in the south sound. I seen a bunch of folks on here saying the service was subpar but I had nothing but respectful folks helpin us out. Recommend the beef empanadas if you gotta try one of em. I came with an appetite and 6x empanadas got the job done for me. Recommended for anybody that's knows what good Colombian food is about. Stay trill y'all. 5 stars.

Fue con mi amiga Marysol ella es puertorriqueña yo soy mexicana la comida está deliciosa no puedo decir más es fresca deliciosa muy buen precio de Best ! The place was very clean. The server was very nice, and I will be definitely coming again soon.

This is exactly what you want for a basic Columbian food. Lots of flavor, cooked with care, and easy menu items.

El viejo is sooooo nice. Very nice man and very personable and hard working. The food is always amazing. The empanadas de pollo are my favorite, and my husband got the other plate. Were both amazing.

Empanadas are super tasty. They serve them freshly cooked or frozen to go. Convenient to take home!

The food is very delicious and service is great. I had the carne mechada arepa and it was very delicious with plenty of avocado.

Food, service simply fine. The food preparation is subtle & almost exquisite. What a treat to have this restaurant in our town

What a wonderful business with a big heart. I love that this restaurant knows how to give back to their community. Even when ordering carry out they provide environmentally and safe for the human body trays and containers. Just showing this means they must put a lot of thought and consideration for their customers. These are the cheese and beef empanadas. I am hooked and will be ordering from them as much as possible. They also sell and have frozen ones too. I think that Tacoma is so lucky to have a legitimate empanada store, and honestly who doesn't love a pocket of love like these? They had an excellent amount of filling in their homemade dough. I loved that their homemade salsa was extremely fresh and not too overwhelmingly salty or spicy. It was just right.

Wonderful empanadas! I can't wait to come back and try more of their menu items! I went here a few weekends ago and placed an order for the spinach empanadas and the cheese empanadas. The portions of each order between two people was perfect! Both the cheese and spinach were so fresh and the outside of the empanada crust so delicate and flavorful made these empanadas a real hit in our household! Currently the restaurant doesn't have indoor seating due to covid-19. Luckily I don't live far so the food was still hot but if you do live far there are nearby parks you can utilize to enjoy these delightful empanadas without the fear of them getting cold.

These were delicious..and gluten free! Yummy, comfort food goodness! Staff were kind and helpful with ordering since i was new to the food. Can't wait to return!

Fucking great empanadas Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

I know this business is new and my 2 stars doesn't mean it was horrible. It means there is a lot of room for improvement! So keep on working on it and please prove me wrong next time. I've never had Columbian food so I don't have much of a comparison but keep reading if you want to know my experience. I was excited to try Columbian food so I stopped in to get an order to go. First impression: There was an older man helping with orders and he is super friendly. He must be the owner which is great to see. There were 3 to go orders as I waited for my food so it looked promising. Menu could better explain what each item was. No descriptions just photos. I ordered something that was $21.99. The most expensive item, there was a photo and it looked like a medley of fried items. I got it because I thought it would be a good sampler. I also ordered 6 empanadas. I waited quite awhile for my food. The $21 dish sat on counter for a good 15min while waiting for my empanadas. Ahhh! I knew it was dying! Finally got the empanadas and by then the $21 dish was cold and hard. The empanadas were fried but not piping hot (which was confusing). Anyway, still had to drive home (20min). Got in car and opened to go box to see what it was- fried pork, lots of little potatoes underneath, hard plantains (I think), and a few fried yucca? Like I said, this sat on counter for awhile so it wasn't hot anymore. It was soggy and over fried! Could barely chew the pork. Also it was basically tasteless. Definitely needs salt/seasoning. There was a green sauce/salsa that came with it, could use some acid. Got home and the empanadas were rock hard. Grainy. Not the kind I'm used to. Usually empanadas have a crunchy exterior and pillowy interior w savory (or sweet) filling. Oh my disappointment! I really wanted empanadas. The cheese didn't melt. It was more stringy than anything. The empanadas were also lacking seasoning and they were greasy. This food sadly did not hit the spot. I hope I can go back and eat something good next time! Overall: lacking in seasoning, hard, greasy.

My first time eating Colombian food... Where the hell has the food been all my life?! Fiancée ordered the Hawaiian Empanadas. The order came with three perfectly fried empanadas filled with gooey cheese, ham and fresh pineapple. There was a dipping sauce with caramel, don't knock it till you try it. That perfect crunchy, cheesy, sweet and salty combo made my mouth very happy. I ordered the arepas con carne. A nicely fried, but soft and crunchy shell topped with beef cooked to perfection, nicely seasoned. Topped with plantains, fresh avocados, and fresh cheese. Try the Pink Sauce on the table with it. This was the definition of comfort food, but it wasn't heavy at all. Cooked fresh, with no frills. Definitely coming back Saturday to try their bandeja paisa. Altogether the price was 18 bucks, not bad for the food and the friendly server. Returned again this morning to try their Saturday special. This is a hearty meal shared by two people. 20 bucks for a huge plate. Nicely fried pork belly, seasoned rice, and those beans were something else! Delicious and soft. I love the meat mixture they had, I feel like I've had it before. Everything was delicious and flavorful! My tastebuds were happy!

We tried three kind of empanadas and the patacones... all delicious! This is our first to go order of quarantine that was a true 10/10 experience. Will be back for sure!

We had the Saturday special - can't remember what it was called but it was amazing good. The bacon/chitchat tones which came on the breakfast plate was to die for. Everything else was super legit. The empanadas were different than any I've had before. Almost a crusty exterior - to be honest they were a little oily. But very good flavor overall. Also tried a couple pastries/cheese breads. They were really good (especially the guava pastry!). Guy working inside was super friendly. If we lived close, we'd go back for sure.

I came by here after El Parche to compare empanadas. They were very good but not as good as El Parche. I would have been happy to come back as it is closer to my home but when I ate my leftover empanada tonight, I found a metal piece in it that nearly damaged my tooth. I'm hoping this is a very rare occurrence but safe to say, I will never be coming back.

I noticed this place on my way home a couple weeks ago. I pulled over and called to see if they were open, and they were only open for phone orders with curbside pick up because of the Covid 19 shut down. I ordered 4 cheese, 4 beef, and 4 chicken empanadas. I got home and they were still smoking hot! Just like they were right out of the fryer and I live about 20 min away. The beef and chicken were bomb with a mix of green sauce and that tan mayo sauce, what ever they were. Crispy and Delicious. The cheese ones were a little flavorless to me like they were just missing something, but my kids loved them all. The caramel sauce or whatever it was didn't seem to fit, but it was bomb all by it self, haha... Next time I definitely need to grab some packs of frozen ones also to bring home. If you haven't eaten here before, definitely do stop in and check them out.

El Parche was closed on a Monday so I went here for a Colombian food fix. I've heard of this place before but have never been. Empanadas and fried plantains were on point!

So I ordered the chicken empanadas and they were pretty damn good. The sauces along with the service put the icing on the cake. I will definitely be back.

The very first time I came here the empanadas were fantastic, second time mediocre third time umm idk if the same people work there but it kinda went left. The empanadas doesn't taste as good.

So I came back and proceeded to order 3 empanadas. Let me tell you that when I got home, I did not get 3 empanadas, but rather shredded chicken on a piece of flat bread with a banana and avocado. When I went there, they minimized their menu to about 4 items. So my question is, where was the confusion? I literally said, "Hey i wanna get 3 empandas. 2 chicken, 1 beef." The person at the counter didn't seem very interested and engaged, and it reflected with my order. I will NOT be going back.

Go here! Seriously a very well put together restaurant. They are friendly, have an updated and very clean room. They have a good menu with delicious empanadas. It's like empanadas for life. Move your ass. Get some! Hurry. Hurry. They have some good katchup like sauce that goes good with both the pollo and queso empanadas.

Yum! My not adventurous husband picked this restaurant on our vacation and I was just happy he was branching out and trying something new. Service was great, it's mainly a takeout place but when we said we were eating there we got great table service. We ordered beef, cheese, and chicken empanadas and 3 different juices. Everything was good but the chicken empanadas and mango juice were my faves. Our waiter said some people didn't like the mango juice so they made a change to the recipe. I thought it was delicious, cold, sweet, smooth and refreshing. Technically it was my husband's but I wish I would have ordered an extra to go. The cheese empanadas were a bit too plain for me but perfect for my 2 year old. Everything came with a salsa verde that I lovingly called cilantro pesto. So good! My husband remarked that this place should be way busier given the quality and value.

The empanadas were okay. I was expecting a dough shell but they were made of corn. Wasn't what I was expecting for an empanada.

So I loved the empanadas and the Colombian aesthetic of the restaurant. Only think I have to say is that I could really taste the geese in the empanadas it was also pretty expensive.

Ohhhh yeah. I can't believe this spot isn't jam packed. I went in around noon on a weekday and there was only one other person in there. The lady behind the counter treated me like I was a regular. I ordered empanadas, on the menu it says for 3, $7.50 and it doesn't have to be of one specific protein. You have the option between beef, chicken, cheese, or Hawaiian. I got the beef, chicken and cheese. My favorite was the beef. The outside is nice and crispy has texture like cornmeal but a little crunchy, and the beef is shredded beef mixed in with some potatoes. It's a little moisture and definitely tasty. It's super cute inside with a vintage diner feel.

Upon walking in, I was immediately slapped with a strong sense of Colombian pride (I'm American). The bar seats and tiled floors add a very interesting character to the building. I can see what they're attempting to portray, however I fail to understand why they require blaring Latino music at max volume and shoving Colombian propaganda down your throat in order to provide an authentic "Colombian experience". Not only that but the bathroom floors were awkwardly sticky and considering the cleanliness of the rest of the building, lacks in consistency. Food however was alright. Personally, the burger place down the street tastes a little better but this will do. 3 stars.

First thing customer service is angry, like IDGAF and don't bother us with your requests.....but the empanadas are absolutely incredible! Really, really, really good! IDGAF that customer service is so angry and hateful, just give us those sweet empanadas! Yeah they may act like they hate you and forget parts of your order. It doesn't matter when the empanadas are this good. They could yell at me and I would probably still buy them. That good!

The good and the bad Let me start by saying the EMPANADAS in this spot were AMAZING!!!!! We had cheese, beef and chicken. But one thing i was very disappointed by was all the food and apps besides the empanadas were only on Saturday. I think is something that should be advertised because not everyone knows. Not everyone is a local. Please advertise food only saturdays!

These were fabulous empanadas! Husband I both got the mix, which is a combo of different empanadas (including things like beef, chicken, Hawaiian, pepperoni, spinach, chorizo). They also have funky little sodas (an apple cola, etc.) These were crunchy and delicious!

Delicious empanadas - chicken and spinach are our favorites! Easy online ordering. Friendly service. We've ordered several times and have never had an issue.

Delicious, well seasoned, and fresh empanadas. You can tell the high quality and pride that goes into creating these. I appreciate the environmentally friendly container.

If you are reading this you should stop and just go eat here. Hands down best Colombian food in Tacoma area. Owners are so nice and have amazing service. Everything is fresh and delicious. I highly recommend the arepas, as they are so yummy and filling. Don't walk, but run to this amazing little restaurant.

Great food and customer service!!! My family and I will definitely go back. All five us were more than satisfied with the flavor of our dishes.

Really fresh. Excellent flavors. I had the beef arepas while my wife had beef empanadas. Cute decor leftover from the previous tenants. During the week the menu is relatively limited. We were told on Saturday they have a wide open menu. Casual restaurant. You order at the counter and they deliver to your table. We are looking forward to our next stop.

Fast service and friendly atmosphere, the empanadas was amazing, we tried 7 flavors except the pepperoni, but will do next time. My favorite was the Hawaiian it had pineapple and ham in a whole lot of cheesy goodness. I will be coming back

I ordered two large trays of empanadas for a birthday party. The food was delicious and a big hit with all my friends and relatives. I'm from Cali, Colombia and I am so proud to have such an amazing restaurant representing our food and culture. Everything you order is delicious. Buñuelos, pandebonos, bandeja paisa, empanadas. You have to try it all. In addition to the food being delicious, the owners are terrific, caring people who take great pride in their cooking. Thank you for giving me a little bit of Colombia in Washington!

Wow. I'll keep this one short and quick. Tried the chicken and Hawaiian empanadas. Chicken was ok, not bad. But the Hawaiian was super bomb! Loved it so much, I placed an order to go. The people running the joint are super cool. Lady was super sweat. It was fun chatting with her in spanish.

Great little authentic spot. Went during a soccer game which was fun since everyone was hyped for the game. First time trying these kind of empanadas which were colorful and tasty