• Banner 1
  • Banner 2
  • Banner 3

Welcome to El Porteño Empanadas

El Porteño Empanadas, located in the heart of San Francisco, has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for empanada enthusiasts. With a menu that showcases a wide variety of fillings, such as savory carne, shrimp, and even delectable sweet options like dulce de leche and banana, each empanada offers a taste of Argentine culture. Diners rave about the flaky, buttery crust and the generous portions that provide comfort in every bite. The vibrant atmosphere and commitment to quality make it more than just a fast-casual eatery; it’s a culinary experience that keeps patrons returning for their favorites, time and again.

El Porteño Empanadas: Reviews & Ratings

Analucia G.
Analucia G.

Amazing empanadas! The ones with dulce de leche and banana are sooo good! Also, the shrimp one and de pollo!!

Victor G.
Victor G.

El Porteno opened where Cafe Lambretta was. Seating similiar. New decor. E.P. here goes beyond Argentine Empanadas.. Offerings: Empanadas, salads, sauces, drinks, covfefe, alfajores (cookies), daily specials... A fam member picked up an edible here for me.. Carne Empanada (7) -certainly pricey. Size nearly as big as my hand so it's worthy. -traveled well. Kept overnight in fridge, warmed in convection oven 10 minutes- as good as fresh.. -definitely better than lst impression. This version better than other country's. -savory notes from tender ground beef, onions, raisins, cinnamon, boiled eggs, cinnamon, broth, brown sugar & salt. -fluffy crispy outer texture creates comfort food vibes. oilyness & salty aftertaste only negatives 4ish stars. Great as an appetizer or dessert, not as a main...wide variety of fillings

Steve W.
Steve W.

It's an ok place. The service is a little unprofessional. They helped with everything I asked for but I had to ask for everything. No smiles. They also put the open sign up 40 minutes before they had any food ready. I got a queso y jamón empanada. It was decent. Too salty and the crust tasted more like old crisco than "buttery" as they advertise. Maybe that's how they do it in Argentina? What do I know ‍ The dinning room was quiet and decently furnished.

Annabelle R.
Annabelle R.

I'm a big fan of El Porteno Empanadas, but this was my first time visiting the location in south beach. Got the camarones, and jamon y queso, though they had a lot of variety in the display case to choose from. The ham and cheese empanada was super melty and gooey with the ultimate cheese stretch (just the way I like it), and the shrimp empanada was not exactly the best one I've had from El Porteno, the buttery crust slightly undercooked and the filling a bit fishy, but I have confidence that this was an off day for them since I've had their products so many times from different locations in SF, Napa, as well as food trucks throughout the bay area, and this was the first time in years that I've had a not-so-great empanada. I wouldn't hesitate to come back to this location, a clean and spacious casual eatery with indoor seating, cheap street parking right out front on a weekday morning, Juneteenth holiday to be exact ($1 for 45 minutes), and instant service with no waits. I've said it before and I'll say it again... El Porteno has the best empanadas in the bay area (and possibly anywhere)!

john h.
john h.

If like going to Giants games, and you like the crab sandwich, you have to come here for the Camarones empanada before the game. I came here before a Giants day game, expecting it to be crowded, it is just one cross street away from the stadium, but there was no one in line, and just one person sitting down. I'm really into empanadas or any pastry stuffed with meat. I ordered the Espinacas and the Camarones. The Espinacas was filled with spinach and pancetta, it was very tasty and flaky, more like a croissant than an empanada. Then I started eating the Camarones, it was a life changer, easily the best thing I have eaten in the last year. It was stuffed with shrimp, and buttery, just a great way to eat seafood. My son ordered the apple empanada, but it was overcooked and no good.

Trisha R.
Trisha R.

Empanadas were good. We had the beef and olives. The bread was cooked perfectly. I just thought the olive and beef empanada was very sweet. I wish they had a chorizo one! But it was still tastey. Customer service was pleasant. I would come back! Especially to try a new flavor!

Shanna K.
Shanna K.

Holy smokes, these are good. El Porteño had a booth at Bottlerock this year and so we tried the Jamon y Queso and the Carne with (very spicy) chimichurri. They were delicious. Lots of filling, tons of flavor and a tender, buttery, flakey crust. (The folks working the booth were very nice as well) We then discovered that they have a storefront near my boyfriends work in San Francisco, so now we're in trouble. HA. Today we tried the Espinaca (spinach and bacon) and Fugazetta (cheese, onion and oregano) and they are also both outstanding. Again, so full of flavor, plenty of filling, and the pastry is wonderful. We couldn't get away without trying a dessert empanada also. They're a bit smaller but no less flavorful. The manzana is delicious and complex with a rich, deeply caramelized flavor that really sets it apart from just about any other apple dessert I've had in recent memory. I'm quite positive we will be repeat customers.

Location

Welcome to El Porteño Empanadas, an enchanting culinary haven nestled at 700 2nd St, San Francisco, CA. Renowned for its authentic Argentine empanadas, this eatery has quickly carved its niche in the heart of the Bay Area's food scene. With a commitment to delivering unparalleled flavors, El Porteño not only offers an array of delectable empanadas but also features a diverse menu that includes salads, sauces, drinks, and irresistible alfajores (cookies). Whether you're a local or just passing through, El Porteño promises a delightful gastronomic adventure.

At El Porteño, each empanada is a labor of love. Patrons have celebrated the Carne Empanada for its generous size and rich filling—crafted with tender ground beef, sweet raisins, and a hint of cinnamon, all encased in a fluffy, crispy crust. Customers have often raved about the melt-in-your-mouth experience paired with savory notes that evoke comfort food nostalgia. However, it’s not just about the savory; the banana and dulce de leche empanadas have become a luscious highlight, leaving dessert lovers enamored.

While the atmosphere is casual and inviting—complete with outdoor seating for al fresco dining—the service has received mixed reviews. While some patrons have enjoyed prompt assistance, others have noted areas for improvement in service professionalism. Nevertheless, the appealing ambiance maintains the focus on what truly matters: the food.

  • Variety: El Porteño excels in offering an extensive selection of fillings, from savory shrimp to rich ham and cheese, catering to diverse palates.
  • Quality: Many have described the empanadas as “some of the best in the Bay Area,” consistently returning for the comfort and satisfaction they deliver.
  • Experience: The convenience of delivery and takeout options ensures you can savor these treats, whether dining in or on the go.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in one of their famed Camarones empanadas before a Giants game or to please your sweet tooth with their delectable apple empanada. While flavor is king here, the atmosphere enhances the experience of enjoying these delightful pastries. Next time you find yourself near 2nd St, let El Porteño Empanadas transform your meal into a cherished memory.

So come for the empanadas, stay for the flavors, and perhaps, find your new favorite comfort food.