Jenn T.
Yelp
Good place if you're walking by and are looking for a casual bite to eat with zero expectations.
Sergio's Empanadas had a reputation around Laguna; they started out in the Farmer's markets. He and his mom were known for their amazing pastry Argentinian empanadas that roamed throughout farmer's market locations and eventually made their way into Laguna. Everything was fresh and empanadas handmade in his mom's bakery. Although the current owner who took over in 2018 has grown and turned it into their own place, they do not sell *Sergio's* empanadas. In fact, they used to buy and resell empanadas from West Hollywood, but now "they are made outside." Whatever that means. Additionally, the quality is not the same and it seems they freeze their food since sometimes the empanadas are undercooked in some areas and other Yelpers have also noted that they have seen them unpackage frozen pies to sell, big sigh! The availability of their empanadas is spotty. During one of my recent visits, my bf ordered a beef empanada, but they were out, and the owner said that if we could wait 10 minutes, they could have it out and ready. However, the next time they were just out of empanadas and had to settle for other options. They've tasted the best when I reheated them the next day at home, they are less dry, and with the chimichurri sauce they are delicious! The empanada itself though is nothing special, they did not taste fresh and reminded me more of pre-packed food -- It's the chimichurri sauce that works the magic.
Would I come back? Ummm, if I'm walking by, sure, why not! There are still good 3-3.5 If you add the sauce, but they're not to be compared to Sergio's empanadas. They still have the same name, which can be misleading for Yelpers who will get a mixed bag of reviews older than 2018 the year they took over or those reviewers who have recently tasted the food and are referring to its prior owners reputation. I can't blame the customers there was no clear transition, and it almost feels like a trickery. I got there expecting to find one thing and I get another. Some people may not mind or feel differently about transparency, but it matters greatly to me. It would be one thing if they were selling the same stuff and nothing changed except the owner, but that's not the case.
Onto the positive things! The empanadas are bigger and have a good amount of filling - a bigger bang for your buck! They added the "spicy pork" empanada which I think is the better tasting ones but it's not spicy. They have also added drinks like Vietnamese coffee and Thai Iced tea, but most excitingly, they have added Gelato! And everyone in Laguna loves Gelato, especially if you don't want to wait in line at Gelato Paradiso. The owners are very polite and respectful, hence why I was hesitant to review but at the end of the day I am the customer.
So, If you come here because you're passing by, the whole impression is different! It's a counter restaurant with minimal seating so the service is super fast with reasonable prices! They have a good variety of foods for everyone from regular meat or vegetarian to sweet or savory, soups, salads, desserts and a range of drinks from iced teas, coffee to beers and sangrias. I can't stress enough, If you're going to give their empanadas a try, try them with the chimichurri sauce! Enjoy some fresh-ish, from-someone's-oven empanadas or gelato while walking by to the beach!
