Don Pablo’s Kitchen & Bakeshop started as a ghost kitchen and then opened in a small counter-service spot in Uptown early this year. The menu focuses on Chilean empanadas with a buttery crust used in eight savory varieties such as the Poeta filled with shrimp, basil, oregano, and a mix of mozzarella and gouda, and the Greek Tragedy packed with artichoke hearts, cremini mushrooms, kalamata olives, and feta. For dessert, grab an apple-stuffed empanada sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Cafe Tola’s empanadas are a favorite at Chicago festivals; the chain also has four BYOB cafes spread across Avondale, Lakeview, and Logan Square. Mexican, Cuban, and American flavors inspire the 25 sweet and savory varieties including ropa vieja, birria, and apple pie. If the choices seem overwhelming, order online and play “empanada roulette” by letting an employee choose three meat or vegetarian varieties for a $2 discount.

Argentine and Italian fare combine at La Nonna, which serves golden flaky empanadas stuffed with vegetables, beef, chicken or ham and cheese along with the namesake pizza topped with ham, roasted red pepper, and green olives. The Avondale restaurant has a patio that’s a nice place to relax while sipping a glass of wine or an iced latte.

English miners brought Cornish pasties to Central Mexico in the 19th century, where they evolved into pastes: firm pastry dough stuffed with traditional Mexican fare like red or green chicken mole, chorizo with beans, and poblano peppers with cheese. Golden Tuzo provides a perfect place to try them alongside sweet empanadas with equally traditional fillings such as arroz con leche and guava with cheese.

Lito’s Empanadas first opened in Lincoln Park in 2007 and has since added locations in Little Italy and inside the Chicago French Market and Revival Food Hall. They offer 17 varieties with fillings inspired by the flavors of Mexico City including a breakfast version stuffed with chorizo, egg, potato, and cheese; al pastor made with marinated pork, pineapple, cilantro, and cheese; and vegetarian with chipotle, cilantro, and onion. Try dipping them in sauces spiced with morita or serrano peppers.

The Cuban ropa vieja-stuffed empanada is one of the highlights Omarcitos, this cute family-owned Latin American cafe that earned a rave review from the Tribune. The influences come from the entire region and the empanadas, including the guava and cheese version, run the gamut. There’s something for everyone; even vegans. And owner Omar Cadena is a delight.

Venezuelan empanadas have deep-fried corn dough, making them sweeter and bigger than other versions. Rica Arepa makes nearly 25 of them to order until 3 p.m, with varieties including ham and cheese, sweet plantains, shrimp, and pabellon, a traditional mix of shredded beef, black beans, cheese, and sweet plantains. Their newest flavor is rompe-colchon, stuffed with an octopus and shrimp ceviche that’s meant to be an aphrodisiac. They’re served along with hot sauce and a creamy garlic sauce. The restaurant also has a location in Lakeview.

Any meal at this Bucktown BYOB stable should begin with an order of fried empanadas stuffed with beef and potatoes, spinach and cheese, or the sweeter plantain and cheese combination. Cover them with plenty of the Costa Rican restaurant’s creamy empanada sauce and a squeeze of the hot sauce stationed on every table. Bring a bottle of rum to spike the fresh pina colada mix that helps tame the heat.

The lobster empanadas, made with big pieces of claw and tail meat, chihuahua cheese, and flaky pastry dough and served topped with avocado slices with a side of chipotle aioli have been a favorite at this Latin-inspired seafood spot since it opened along the Chicago River in 2020. They’re available along with the rest of Azul’s menu on the Cielo rooftop; enjoy them with pitchers of margaritas and sangria.

In one interation or another, Cafe Central has been around since 1952, and this iconic Puerto Rican restaurant continues to provide family-friendly fare in West Town. Pastelillos are the Puerto Rican version and at Central, there are plenty to pick from.

In West Town, Chicago Empanada Mama is a full-service Puerto Rican restaurant with an assortment of empanadas to pick from including guava with gruyere; and chicken, basil, and cheese. Wash them down with a cocktail.

Get a taste of Peru in River North with brisket, raisin, and onion empanadas served with herbaceous huacatay sauce, stewed chicken empanadas filled with sweet yellow peppers and rocoto pepper cream, and a vegetarian version featuring sweet corn, cilantro, queso fresco, and huancaina, a mild cheese sauce. Order two pieces as a snack or a tasting trio that offers one of each. The restaurant also features a rotating empanada of the day as part of its happy hour menu from 5-7 p.m. on weekdays.

Fons is a mini chain from Venezuelan owners who use many South American countries as influences for their meat- and dairy-free selections. They make their own vegan cheese and use items like jackfruit as meat substitutes. Find them at various locations and at select farmers markets.

This Hyde Park institution serves Italian fare with a splash of Spanish tapas including empanadas stuffed with spinach and bechamel, or chicken, onions, red peppers, green olives and hard boiled eggs. Piccolo Mondo also features an Argentinean bakery in front serving traditional pastries including croissant-like medialunas and cañoncito, a cannon-shaped pastry stuffed with dulce de leche.