Quiero Cafe

"The empanadas and smoothies from this Central American cafe travel well, so stop into Quiero for a quick meal. In addition to savory classics, the empanadas menu includes sweet variations like pineapple with ham and cheese, or arequipe (dulce de leche) and cheese, plus vegetarian choices. You can also enjoy larger plates like burritos or specialty items like Colombian hot dogs." - Kate McCarty

"It can’t be all lobster all the time, but good thing there are places like Quiero to break up the barrage of seafood. This Latin cafe serves baked sweet and savory empanadas, tamales, Cubanos, and Colombian hot dogs, just to name a few of the best things at this restaurant and bar. Their quick counter service means more time to check things off your Portland to-do list too, like heading across the street to the historic district and Western Promenade or the Portland Museum of Art. Also an option: just taking a seat in one of their indoor booths or on the front deck to relax and people watch for a few hours." - Alana Dao

"Saco, Maine’s Quiero Cafe has opened a second location, this one right in Portland. The new restaurant took over the space at 3 Deering Ave., previously home to Trattoria Fanny, and now serves its selection of empanadas." - Dana Hatic