República Empanada Restaurant

Latin American restaurant · Mesa

República Empanada Restaurant

Latin American restaurant · Mesa

1

204 E 1st Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210

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República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null
República Empanada Restaurant by null

Highlights

Republica Empanada serves casual Latin classics with creative, flavor-packed empanadas and bright vibes in Mesa’s heart.  

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204 E 1st Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210 Get directions

republicaempanada.com
@republica_empanada

$10–20 · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

204 E 1st Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210 Get directions

+1 480 969 1343
republicaempanada.com
@republica_empanada

$10–20 · Menu

Reserve

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 31, 2025

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Food in AZ
View Postcard for Republica Empanada

Steven Moore

Google
I stopped in to pick up empanadas for lunch. I got the Achiote Potato, Cubana, cheeseburger, and cheese. They were all good. My favorites were the potato and Cubana. I also got the Carne Asada Fries. All the food was delicious. The staff was friendly and attentive. I'll definitely be back to try some of their other dishes.

Crys Solano

Google
The owner came over and greeted us at the table after we enjoyed our meals. It was a pleasure to personally thank him for the delicious food and my lovely birthday experience celebrating my 36th with my Little Family!

N B

Google
Picked up the bean and cheese, parel, plantain and cheese, chicken, and the chicken and mushroom empanadas. Each one comes in it's own labeled bag, thankfully. From the outside this handheld savory or sweet treat is deep fried with a light and almost flaky crust. The insides are piping hot and delicious. The atmosphere is inviting and the patio is next to the mesa community garden near downtown.

Mrs.

Google
I feel really lucky about arriving at just the right time. When we got there, there were only a few groups. By the time we left, there was a big wait, with people waiting outside. The place really filled up fast. The restaurant is pretty small, and with a full house, it got so loud. I was starting to get a headache. Luckily I had a pair of earplugs in my purse. It was much more tolerable with the plugs. Service was great. We had several different servers come to our table to check on us. We got an appetizer (the one that has the three things to sample) and 3 empanadas. (Jalapeno bean, jalapeno potato, and elote). Everything was good, but I just feel like it was a bit overpriced for what it was.

Mike Shubic (Mike's Road Trip)

Google
I recently had the pleasure of dining at República Empanada in Mesa, Arizona, and it left a memorable impression—both for its ambiance and its food! Atmosphere & Decor: From the moment we walked in, we were struck by the colorful murals adorning both the interior and exterior of the restaurant. The lively artwork creates a vibrant atmosphere that’s both welcoming and inspiring. One of the coolest features is the long high-top communal table running the length of the restaurant’s center. It’s a brilliant setup that invites strangers to sit together, sparking conversations and making the dining experience feel fun. While they do have a patio that’s perfect for warmer days, on our chilly winter day we chose the cozy interior. Lunch Experience: For lunch, we sampled a couple of empanadas: • El Capitan: This empanada was filled with seasoned ground beef, potato, boiled egg, green olive, and golden raisin, all tied together with a delicious house-made sauce. • Pernil: Featuring slow-roasted, specially seasoned pork, this empanada was equally delightful, also served with the house-made sauce. To round off the meal, we also had the Maduros—ripe sweet plantains served with a side of Crema. Everything was absolutely delicious, making for a standout lunch that left us eager to return later in the day. Dinner Experience: Later that evening, we had plans to catch a show at the Mesa Arts Center and were looking for a great place for dinner, but ran out of time, so we thought we’d go back to República Empanada as it was nearby. Although it was busy and we didn’t have a reservation, the staff managed to squeeze us in, which we really appreciated given that a line quickly began to form behind us. The service was really slow—after about 20 minutes we werw starting to worry—but once our order was finally taken our drinks and finally food, did not take long at all. I enjoyed a beer while my partner had a house-made cocktail (a special for the night that was quite good, even though I can’t recall its name). For dinner, we tried a couple of different empanadas: • Cubana: Packed with pernil, ham, mozzarella, and dill pickle. • Jalapeño Ham Popper: Filled with grilled seeded jalapeños, cream cheese, and salted ham. While both were tasty, they didn’t quite hit the mark compared to the lunch empanadas. We also ordered the Arroz Colombiano, a hearty dish featuring a blend of shrimp, sausage, and rice cooked in the restaurant’s tomato blend with achiote, celery, onions, red bell peppers, carrots, and cilantro. It was a flavorful dish, though I was a bit disappointed to find only four shrimp in the mix. Lastly, the yucca fries were served, but they were cut too large and the seasoning and dressing didn’t really do them justice. Final Thoughts: Overall, my experience at República Empanada was a mixed bag—lunch was a hit with amazing flavors and a wonderful atmosphere, while dinner, though good, didn’t quite live up to the expectation set at lunch. Despite the slight hiccups during dinner service, the restaurant’s ambiance (with its inspiring murals and unique communal table) makes it a great spot to try, especially if you can time your visit for when it’s less hectic. I’d definitely recommend it for a casual, art-filled dining experience in Mesa!

J.S. 😘

Dustyass

Google
WOW, what an amazing dining experience. We have an amazing server it was the granddaughter of the owners. I have to say hands down yummy food for the price and the quality was spot on. Every staff member we came in contact with was just thoughtful. I am truly grateful for such an awesome experience. The fires covered in vegan cheese with avocado and pickled jalapenos was hands down yummy !! I got the vegan platter, THE BEST BLACK BEANS EVER, they make them from scratch. Great art work love the seating. I will be back !! I got food to go!

Alisa Ann

Google
This is an absolute must visit!!!! The sampler appetizer was the perfect amount to snack on before the empanadas arrived. They have a kids meal option and we were so happy it came with cucumbers. The empanadas were some of the best I have had. The shell is thin, filling full of flavor and the meat was moist.

Flying Rook

Google
I had heard about Republica Empanadas for some time now... and it came highly recommended! I can say unequivocally that Republica did not disappoint! I went right at the tail end of the lunch rush, and the staff was wonderful! So friendly and helpful! The food was outstanding! If I could rate them higher than 5 stars, I would! I highly recommend Republica! It's conveniently located in the heart of the Mesa Temple historic district, close to 60 and 87 (Country Club) I would suggest a visit in the immediate future! You will regret not visiting sooner! I ordered some empanadas to go, so I may be revising this review with additional information. My favorites, so far, are the Elote and the Jalapeño Popper! So tasty!
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Brianna D.

Yelp
República Empanada is an absolute treat for the taste buds! If you're a fan of empanadas (or even if you're new to them), this spot is a must-visit. They have an amazing variety of flavors, from classic to creative, and each one is packed with delicious, fresh ingredients. The crust? Perfectly golden and flaky--just the way it should be. I tried the Elote and Cheeseburger empanadas, and both were absolutely mouthwatering! The Elote was bursting with sweet, smoky corn flavors, while the Cheeseburger empanada was like a perfect little handheld version of the real thing--so juicy and flavorful. To top it off, I sipped on their Passion Fruit Lemonade, which is handmade with real lemons. It was so refreshing and had the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The vibe of the place is laid-back and welcoming, making it great for a casual date night or a catch-up with friends. The staff are super friendly and happy to recommend their favorites if you're feeling indecisive (because honestly, you'll want to try them all!). If you're in the mood for comfort food with a gourmet twist, República Empanada has got you covered. Totally worth a visit!
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Suzette S.

Yelp
Happened upon this business for lunch passing through Mesa. Staff was courteous and knowledgeable of my plant based lifestyle. Recommendations made and very tasty. Had a chance to meet (I believe) the Owner's Father and we great convo about the business whose wife created all the dishes. Ambiance and decor nice; outside seating with misters (if needed) plenty of space.
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Ron H.

Yelp
This place is seriously one of the best spots we've eaten at in Arizona. Republica Empanada is such a great place to eat and an amazing vibe. For myself they absolutely know how to cater to vegans. The vegan options are so good, my wife had a couple vegetarian options and loved them. She said it reminded her of food from back home. We both got the platter and it was amazing. Vegan options available which was nice. My wife ordered the Jalapeño Popper Potato Empanada and Elote Empanada . I went with the Pura Vida and Potato Empanada. The green sauce was perfect ! Eating the PB&J Empanada as I type and it's addicting to say the least. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and made with care. The crazy part? We got it to-go, and it was still amazing once we got home. The staff was super nice and handled the Monday rush like pros, which made the whole experience even better. We love this place and want everyone to know about it. If you're looking for great food, whether you're vegan or not, Republica Empanada is a must-try. It's that good!
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Tim S.

Yelp
This is a must stop spot for any family and friends that might be visiting. Suggest that you make a reservation for any party over for that you might be going with. The staff is wonderful and the food is great. Suggest starting with some Yucca and ordering the Platter. Be sure to check the board for special offerings, tonight was an Apple Bourbon Pie empanada...so GOOD!
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Gretel Y.

Yelp
I finally had the chance to visit Republica Empanada back in July! I arrived for a late weekday lunch after the lunch rush had died down. My friend and I received a warm welcome at the counter. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, with plenty of seating indoors and additional seating in their outdoor space on the covered patio. We ordered the following: Combo Caribe Elote empanada Hearty Artichoke empanada Dizzy Fig empanada Guava & Cheese empanada The Combo Caribe is an appetizer platter featuring yuca frita, daduros, and tostones served with a side of their cilantro jalapeño ranch and crema. It's perfect for sharing and sampling different items. We loved the dipping sauces, especially the cilantro jalapeño ranch. For my empanadas, I selected the elote and hearty artichoke. Both were delicious and generously filled, with the hearty artichoke being my favorite. The dessert empanadas were enjoyable, but I'm not sure I would order them again. However, I would love to try other dessert options! Overall, we had a great experience and would return!
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Joy T.

Yelp
I've been here 3x now. The empanada platter where you choose (2) savory empanadas (I got the ham & mozzarella cheese & the creamy mushroom, spinach, artichoke & achiote potato) served with rice, beans, cabbage salad, maduros & crema Mexicana. The empanadas are golden crispy gifts of flavor! The crema sauce is another addiction in itself. Ordered their smokey jalapeno margarita (I may be wrong with the title but remember the yummy taste!) which in itself was delicious. I can't wait to return to this Mesa gem!
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Camille D.

Yelp
Our first time at Republica and definitely not our last. We both ordered the empanada plate which came with rice, beans, plantains, salad, crema and 2 savory empanadas. Our personal favorites were bean and cheese + chicken. The empanada shell exterior is so delectable and soft but crisp at the same time. The sides were all amazing too and I appreciate the plantains as a sweet accompaniment. The passionfruit agua Fresca was nice, tart and refreshing. Service is great as well, you order at the front and pick seats. The place is artsy and colorful. I can't believe it took me this long to try it. I'll be back!
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Latrice J.

Yelp
I didn't know I lived down the street from this place almost 2 years...I know but when my brother visiting from Chicago said he wanted to try...OMG boy was I so delighted by what my taste buds tasted! We had these empanadas: chicken mushroom, jalapeño and ham , a desert empanada with Nutella so Amazing!!! I ordered to go and the staff nice. Its little cafe style and botanical landscape made me want to stay and eat!!
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Maddy L.

Yelp
Little slow on service (getting to the table and taking orders) but absolutely worth the wait! For being a small place I was expecting the margaritas to not be as good as they were. A little too good if you know what I'm saying ;)
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Mike T.

Yelp
Another fantastic dinner at Republica Empanada! Went for dinner this time. It was a bit more busy than lunch and our server forgot the salsa that we requested but another server brought it to us promptly. We sat outside on the back patio and enjoyed the nice weather and beautiful mural.
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Haneen O.

Yelp
I've had this spot bookmarked for years and finally visited recently. It helped that I had seen Keith Lee's review and was going to be in Mesa. We arrived around 7 on Friday night and it was busy - folks dining in, waiting to order, and hanging out on the patio with the DJ. We ordered a variety of empanadas: el capitán, elote (2), jalapeño potato popper (2), mushroom & chicken, republica chicken, and two dessert ones: dizzy fig and Nutella & banana. We were quoted a wait time of 40 minutes so we walked around the area, but our food was prepared in less time. I love that they were in labeled bags and hot and fresh. They come with a green salsa that's pretty tasty. Our favorites were the elote and Jalapeño popper - lots of flavor. I liked the addition of olives to the mushroom & chicken and the El Capitán but I wish there was more than one in each. The dizzy fig was too sweet for our liking but I'm glad we tried it. And the Nutella & banana was solid but could've used another flavor like cinnamon. Overall this place has great vibes, friendly staff, and a strong love for the city of Mesa. I would come back to support them!
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Amy B.

Yelp
Empanadas were the best we've ever had. We had 7 different flavors in our group, top was the penil! After that is was toss up! So good!
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Lynn T.

Yelp
I was visiting a friend who lives near Republica Empanada and let me tell you... It was so good I wish I could bring this place home with me. The interior is very artsy with nice paintings hung up and stickers being sold at the counter. We ate out on the patio which was clean and had a classic AZ aesthetic with cacti. The Republica Chicken, Elote, and Jalapeno Potato Popper empanadas were all oh so delicious! Each empanada was made very fresh and had a good amount of filling. The green sauce they gave was really good it had a fresh cilantro taste. The guava marg was refreshing, the chamoy rim was ok though it was more sour than sweet. Overall, a great spot to stop by because the service was friendly & quick, food was fresh & tasty, and space is clean & aesthetic. The food is very comforting like if I lived near here it would forsure be one of my go-tos.
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Jordan H.

Yelp
We ordered five different empanadas, and all of them had something worth trying. They are all so freshly cooked, and the pastry was light and crispy on each one. The sauce really enhances the meal--I'd consider asking for an extra one. Our favorites were the potato and the bean and cheese. They were maybe a tad smaller than expected, and I would probably order 2 for a lunch and 3-4 for dinner. We got here at a pretty busy moment and had to wait about an hour for our order, but we were both warned before waiting in line and kept informed while we waited. I probably wouldn't wait that long again, but I appreciated the transparency.
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Amber K.

Yelp
I had a weird ordering experience. We were planning to order a couple empanadas for lunch and then order some others to take home with us for later, so I asked if it would be easier to do this as two separate transactions, but the cashier said if we ordered "to go" we couldn't eat any there. I didn't quite understand so she clarified that we could get the entire order brought to the table and she would bring us boxes for the "leftovers", but if we wanted any boxed for carry out we could not eat them there. So we ended up doing one transaction and taking it all out to the car and eating it in there in the parking lot. I still think it was kind of weird that after spending $85 we couldn't eat one there and take the rest home.
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Rachel C.

Yelp
It's good but.... The price for the food and the drinks were NOT worth it. We asked the waitress there how big were their margaritas and she showed a hand sign for it. Based off of what she described, it looked like it would be an average sized drink that you can imagine right now in your head but nope! They give you a VERY tiny portion size for it for over $10+! Just between the three of us (my brother, friend and I) it was over $80 including tip. You can go to a AYCE Japanese or Korean BBQ for that price AND get more portion out of it. Or you can go to another authentic place that sells Empanadas at a much cheaper price. This place is NOT worth it. The food and drinks are good - there's nothing wrong with it but this will be the last time coming here cause again: NOT worth the price at all. Don't be fooled by the food plating shown on yelp it's MUCH smaller than what I expected.
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Brianna W.

Yelp
Had to come for the Keith Lee rec! Nice and clean location with super friendly staff. Enjoy all options but preferred the chicken. Wish there was cheese involved although that's less authentic. So glad I stopped in and think it's a great lunch spot!
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Michael B.

Yelp
It's like a food truck had a baby and it became a restaurant! Wow! Such a cool vibe. Best empanadas I've ever had! Not only was the shell not over done (usually more crust than fillings) but the feelings were full and soooo good. And so many options. And $5 each?! They have lots of other options outside of empanadas too.
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Greg M.

Yelp
In search of a good empanada restaurant, we found a great option in this restaurant. Started off with two chicken empanadas and added a third pork. Enjoyed the chicken with the spice sauce more than the pork. Would likely just get all three chicken next time. French fries as a side we're also very good. Will definitely be back as this will likely become a destination place.
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Nicole D.

Yelp
Met up with a friend for dinner and was pleasantly surprised! Sign on the wall said max capacity of 49 and it was filling up quickly. Several tables throughout, along with a high-top thru the center of the restaurant. Decided on the pernil empanada and the jalapeno ham popper empanada. Somewhat disappointed by the pernil--it was ok, but literally just meat. Needs some sauce or some...something/anything else in there! The ham jalapeno was delish, with the soft/warm cream cheese. The outside of the empanada was crispy, but soft on the inside--cooked perfectly. Salsa was chunky, avocado-y, and had some kick. Definitely helped with the pernil. Rice and beans were good, but nothing stood out about them. Plantains were well cooked and had great flavor. Went with the guava margarita--wow! Could definitely suck down a couple of those pretty easily! Seemed to be one server and one busser, so they were hustlin. Food came out in a timely manner and both were nice. Small parking lot behind an unassuming building, but lots of parking surrounding the restaurant. For the two of us, it was a total of $50--kind of steep. However, several more on the menu that sounded good, so will likely head back to try em out.
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D. J.

Yelp
This place has been a family favorite since it opened. Great food in a pleasant place. Had dinner there recently. The pappas fritas and empanadas were yummy. Love the chicken, pork, and vegetarian ones. The kiddo pronounced the cheeseburger empanada "even better than McDonald's." High praise! The margaritas hit the spot, too. My big complaint? The service. We had to wait for a table because no one seemed to be around. We even went looking for someone to seat us. Service was rushed. We never received glasses of water despite asking twice. Our check was delivered before we were even asked if we wanted another drink or one of those tasty dessert empanadas. I mean, they certainly didn't need our table as there were only four tables occupied when we were there. Eating out is a special treat for us. And I relish the opportunity to not have to prepare, serve, and clean up after dinner. As a consumer, I also have expectations when it comes to the service industry. I know it's tough work. However, after our recent visit, we left a minimal tip (a first for us since hubby and I have previously worked in restaurants). And then we went for dessert elsewhere.
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Chelsea J.

Yelp
Ordered on their website today for lunch (Saturday) and it was ready in 15-20 minutes as promised. The empanadas were fresh and crispy. We tried pernil, Cubana, cheeseburger, and guava Fresca cheesecake empanadas and the yucca fries. Everything was so delicious. The fillings were a little lacking in the savory empanadas, especially the cheeseburger one, but the flavor of all of them was delicious and the green sauce on the side was so good you could drink it. Yucca fries had herbs on top and yummy ranch to dip. Nothing blew me away, but I'm glad we tried it.
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Nicole K.

Yelp
The interior is super cute, a pretty small interior with a lot of character. There are colorful murals around too. There's also an outdoor seating area. Service was good, it took about 30 mins for us to get seated. We went on a Saturday around 6pm. I got the empanada platter with the Pernil and Mushroom Chicken empanadas. I thought the beans well-seasoned, and the plantains were firm, not mushy. However, I thought the empanadas were a bit disappointing. They didn't have too much flavor, were small, and kind of dry. The green salsa it is served with CARRIED. It was really good, a lot of garlic flavor and tastes like they make it in-house. I think I enjoyed the sides and the salsa more than the empanadas themselves. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant, but for a place that specializes in empanadas, I was a bit disappointed.
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Lisa D.

Yelp
Really nice place in mesa for food. It's a small.place so would either take out or come early. We went for an early dinner and got one of the last spots. They have a bunch of soda, lemonade, beer, ans cocktails to drink. For the appetizer they had yucca and different types of plantains. We got a platter of the three types and it was really delicious. I was a bit underwhelmed by the size though. For food they have rice dishes and empanadas. I was shocked that the empanadas were not gluten free like they are traditionally. The empanada platter came with rice and beans and was nice but not overly impressed with the empanada as it was quite thick.
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Marla P.

Yelp
I visited Arizona for Spring Break and stayed at a nearby hotel. Using Yelp I came across this place and had to try! I had also recently seen a Tim Tok Review from Keith Lee and was afraid there would be a long line. Thankfully, I arrived and the wait time was not long. I asked for a few recommendations and went with the Cubano, mushroom chicken and elote. I saw a guava strawberry on the menu and had to have that! I requested the order to go as I was planning to eat some at the airport as I awaited my flight home. I mentioned I would be eating some there and the graciously provided me with a plate and silverware. The savory ones were all delicious and stuffed! The guava one was a little overwhelming for me. The place is super cute and service was great. I did bring some home and they reheated up beautifully! I'll be back!
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Stephanie M.

Yelp
So we were watching diner's, drive in's and dives on food network this evening on t.v. Being half Mexican I've honestly never tried an empanada because honestly they looked disgusting so I just never wanted to try them until tonight. Since we live in the city of Mesa I talked my boyfriend into taking us here to try what everyone is saying is the best empanada's in the East Valley. We came in during dinner time and the place was super packed so we decided to wait. The inside dining room is very small this place only holds 49 people inside so I do recommend making a reservation for dinner hours. I got the two empanada combo with black beans and rice. My empanadas of choice was the chicken, olive and mushrooms and all I could say in just one bite was I'm in heaven the entire meal was out of this world! The empanadas had a very lite and flaky crust like a slice of pie it wasn't thick like pot pies or anything of that nature. The chicken was super tender followed by earthy mushrooms and the saltyness of the olives really complemented the filling very well. The black beans were cooked to perfection and they went very well with the rice. The dipping sauce for the empanadas should be bottled and sold here it was to die for I could've put it on ice cream. The staff here was really friendly I'm sure glad that my first time at 52 years old trying an empanada was here because they really changed my opinion on this bite size food. I highly recommend coming in for your empanadas craving again reservations are recommended.
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Aisha B.

Yelp
A hidden gem in Phoenix! The empanadas were so good! We got the pernil, chicken, and boricua. They stuffed it with meat and stamped the bags with each type. The little green sauce was bustin too! The atmosphere was chill. Good music and vibes. They had an outdoor section where it looks like throw events. Very colorful and vibrant! Will return back if ever in the area again!
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Amanda C.

Yelp
This is a GEM. Cute restaurant with great service and delicious Latin American food. I came and dined alone on Saturday for lunch. The waitresses were all friendly and happy to make recommendations. I ordered the empanada plate which came with 2 empanadas, salad, rice, and beans. It comes with some sour cream but you can also get green sauce on the side. Def a filling meal. The two savories I got were chicken and spinach/mushroom/artichoke. I'm not vegetarian but LOVED the second one. Flavorful and left me wanting more. The chicken was OK - not amazing but not bad. I will try pernil next time! I *think* the empanadas are fried but it didn't feel greasy or heavy at all. Maybe they're baked lol. For sweets, I tried the guava cheese and banana cream. As a banana lover it was perfect. Not too sweet. The guava cheese was interesting - enjoyed the cheese but guava part was a bit too sweet for me. Even though everything wasn't perfect, still a 5 star spot for me and I'll return to try other items. Service and uniqueness of food can't be beat. Also, had no idea Guy Fieri came here lol
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Joe D.

Yelp
Cannot wait to go back and try more of the menu as everything we tasted was amazing. Been day dreaming about the tostones and maduros, could eat a mountain of both. Great staff and great food

Jisun M.

Yelp
I love this place so much Every time I visit here I feel so happy because of their food My favorites are jalapenp ham poppers but honestly all empanadas are super yummy. Have some with lemonade :)

Lee B.

Yelp
Good vibe, neighborhood destination. Several locations. I went to Mesa. You order at a window, and pick-up at another. A little bold to ask for tips. Had a pork empanada, and two bourbon apple pie empanadas Absolutely delicious. The verde dip for the pork was amazing. The apple desert empanadas were heaven. Each empanada is about 3 bites. Pretty small. At $21 dollars without tip, a little spendy. $3 per bite with tip. Plates seem to be a better value. Next time.
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Binho B.

Yelp
This is one of the best restaurants in Arizona (this is coming from a 35 year Phoenix native). Just come experience it and you will thank me later. My family and I drive 30 minutes from our midtown home to feast on this magical food.
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Michelle D.

Yelp
Saw this on tiktok and tried it out with my friend! It was a long wait and we got the republica chicken, elote, mushroom chicken, and banana cream pie empanadas. We also got yucca fries. The vibe was chill and cozy. I like how crunchy the empanada was. I don't really know what they're supposed to taste like but it was a little bland? But the sauce that came with them was really good. And the sauce with the yucca fries tasted good too, very refreshing tasting.
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Kayla A.

Yelp
This place has been on my list for awhile, having finally tried it I was very underwhelmed. I lived in miami and have been looking for some good empanadas, and this place isn't it. They're very expensive and not worth the high price. I was impressed by the fried plantains they were pretty good and I wish they'd given a couple more than two with the platter. The vibe inside was pretty cool and all the staff seemed pleasant and happy.
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Lindsey O.

Yelp
Love this spot! My mom and I have been coming here for years. It's funny, because when it first opened, I was so excited because the empanadas tasted just like the ones from Empanada Mama in NYC, one of my favorite spots that I'd go whenever I was visiting (before I moved to NYC). We mentioned it to the owner and he said he used to work there/be involved with Empanada Mama! So it's amazing to have that taste of NY here in Mesa. Love all the flavors. I often get a ham and cheese because it's a guilty pleasure, but the more authentic offerings are great also. I also love the platter that has fried plantains, yucca frita, etc. And don't sleep on the sweet, dessert empanadas! The service is always great, and overall this is one of my favorite spots in Mesa.
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Espy M.

Yelp
Stopped here after seeing it featured on a TV show --- Everything was delicious and staff was very kind - thank you for last minute corn and cheese empanadas! Empanada dough was thin and crispy and not oily. My favorite one was the chicken empanada and fried plantains :)- Order: Tamarind Margarita ; refreshing! Corn and cheese - I didn't like the corn as it tasted bland :(. Boricua- good and not as flavorful as chicken. Mushroom chicken: : Good Chicken Republic: My favorite- delicious! Fried Plantain : delicious - sweet ! Fried Yucca: not my favorite at all as it was not sweet and too dry :) ( first time trying yuca ) . I will be back soon!
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Ms Y.

Yelp
Awesome place seen on Guy From food network. Owner amazing food great and drinks better. Cool vibe come out and try everything
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Nicole M.

Yelp
Was craving empanadas and saw this place got great reviews here on Yelp. So glad we stopped in! The restaurant itself is quaint, but has a good vibe. Service was decent. The empanadas were delicious! My sweet tooth really enjoyed the dessert empanadas. I got the Nutella and peanut butter and my husband got the fig empanada for dessert. I was pleasantly surprised by the fig empanada, and absolutely loved the PB and Nutella one. Will definitely be back to try more!
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Nina W.

Yelp
I think the food is okay here. The empanadas were not served with a sauce. The flavors are good, but not great. I think it is expensive for the portion.
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Marti P.

Yelp
We stopped by with some out of state friends and everyone loved this place! The meat in the chicken empanadas was tender and seasoned nicely. The Sonoran dog- vegan, wow, it's served as an Empanada with vegan bacon and a roasted hatch pepper on the side. I know the place is Guy Fieri famous but they still offer outstanding service and tons of options!
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Gakon T.

Yelp
if it was not because of the friendly staff and diversity selection of empanadas, i would have rated 2*. This is one of the worst salmon I have ever had. It was so dry, and so hard to chew. I think they forgot to take it out while cooking. at one point, i dont know what i was supposed to eat anymore. Ironically, the portion was huge, which was the nightmare for me to finish. But I highly recommend the dessert empanadas though. They are fantastic !

April M.

Yelp
Best Empanadas we've ever had!!! They are worthy of opening multiple locations!!! I hope they consider San Tan Valley, AZ.
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Jason F.

Yelp
Came here for lunch on a Saturday, it was quite busy, like a 20 minute wait which i was ok with. The temperature inside was kind of warm, but not unbearable. Would've been better if it was cooler though. Seemed like the bussing of tables and turnover was slow, they had clean tables and we still sat there waiting to get sat. The food though. So good. The empanadas are small so get multiple. The Capitan was really good and so was the elote and the Boricua. The arroz columbiano was amazing. Staff were nice and accommodating. Great place overall.
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Lexi C.

Yelp
I was completely blown away by this place! We ordered the potato jalapeño popper, bean jalapeño popper, chicken República, pernil, guava cheesecake, and guava fresa cream cheese. My favorite was the potato jalapeño popper although I wish they had a meat and cream cheese mixture because the cream cheese is amazing with the savory part. They do have a ham one and I'm not a huge fan of ham so beef or chicken would be amazing. Inside the place is really cute and the art on the walls are beautiful. The ambiance was super chill on a Monday night and very inviting. Our server was super sweet, friendly and attentive, I wish I remember her name. The empanadas came out very quickly, hot and fresh! The guava margarita was very refreshing and the guava cheesecake was to die for. The cheesecake had a fruity glaze and it was incredible! We can't wait to go back and try more.
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Rose C.

Yelp
Haha we had the elote, bean and cheese and guava. AMAZING! The right amount of sweet and salty! Highly recommend! Cute chill atmosphere, customer service is awesome ! And the food BOMB
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Jessica A.

Yelp
How crazy are we that we live in Arizona and never heard of this place. Have we been living under a rock!!! Well we seen a recent TikTok. I'm sure you know which one we are talking about. If not check it out! So yess we decided to stop by! Yes there is a wait with a line out the door. So Please be patient and kind because the staff are busting their butts. All staff were friendly and A smile never left any of their faces. DJ on the patio playing music. Such a vibe! Now for the food A 10! We got a few items to share/Sample. The Cubana, Bean and cheese, Boricua, and the Nutella and banana. They were crunchy and stuffed with yummy goodness . The sauce added extra flavor that you didn't even know you needed. My toddler devoured the Nutella and banana. We were able to smell it imagine what it tasted like. Don't be us order extras. So glad we gave this place a try we will definitely be back to try some other menu items. The Arroz Con Pollo is calling my name.
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Brittany M.

Yelp
Care for a side of hair with your mushroom chicken empanada? Sorry Keith Lee but you were wrong, this was not bussin'! Don't get me wrong, but was the place ADORABLE?! YES! Was the cashier a sweetheart?! INDEED SHE WAS! But was I 100% disappointed with finding hair cooked into the empanada? ABSOLUTELY. Especially because when I called to tell them about it and offered to send photos I was promised a replacement. A REPLACEMENT. Nothing extra for ruining my meal and turning my stomach. Nothing else for having to go out of my way to come back to *hopefully* get a hairless empanada. Nothing extra for the inconvenience. That's ok. Good luck to everyone else.
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Vida V.

Yelp
First time going, the staff were amazing! I order take out, we're helpful and with suggestions since it was as my first time. I had my pup with me, we waited on the patio, the staff was generous checking on us and we waited. The food is incredibly amazing! I will be back to dine in next time. Highly recommend it you will not be disappointed.
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Ashley C.

Yelp
White washed empanadas in Phoenix. Sherreded chicken so dry and no flavor They litterally put a pickle inside one of them? Gross. 26$ on a beer (bottled) and flavorless 3 empanadas