Pampas

Delicious empanadas! We tried the mushroom, fugazetta, and humita. I can’t wait to try more! Everyone was very nice and the atmosphere was great.

Nice lil Cafe tucked away besides trader Joe's. When u walk in it feels like ur at home. The staff is very friendly and kind and have alot of knowledge of the coffee and food that they offer. I ordered coffee. The coffee is amazing. It's better than the big name brand store. The coffee is strong and not too bitter at the same time. They also have amazing art on the wall that u can buy from local artists,so if u see something make sure u get it because they change them out every week. They also have a live band every week. Prices are good. So if ur local or just traveling through looking for an amazing cup of coffee make sure to stop in and show some support. Much love going out to pampas empandas and coffee co.

I found this cozy spot recently and it completely blew my mind! The coffee here? Absolutely the best I've ever had. No kidding, it's like a hug in a cup – so rich and smooth, I couldn't get enough of it. And don't even get me started on their mushroom empanada. I mean, I've had empanadas before, but this was on another level. Crispy on the outside, insanely flavorful and juicy on the inside... it's literally to die for. Seriously, if you're around, you've gotta check this place out. The coffee and empanadas combo here is a game changer!

Cute little store that serves what in my opinion is authentic Empanadas. They have a wide variety of fillings to choose from. So far, I was told that the Spinach is a popular choice, I personally went for the Chorizo, and the Sweet Potato! Both are fantastic. The place is a little small, but this is a order, grab, and go kind of place because they only have 4 places to sit (2 inside, 2 outside). They also serves Drip Coffee and other espresso drinks. The atmosphere is amazing. Love the brick, the colors, and of course the food. Couldn't be more happy with the service too! Appreciate the fact that you guys are in my home town! Castro Valley always welcomes local businesses!

Excited to see that Pampas has moved to a larger location. They still have the best empanadas I've ever had, amazing coffee and friendly service. They've added beer on tap! There's comfortable high top tables as well as cozy seating area with a sofa and comfy chair. I'll continue to recommend this place to everyone. Congratulations to the owners and staff on making this move and creating a welcoming space.

LOVE this place! Their vegan empanadas are the stuff of dreams. And they have oat and soy for coffee! The employees are so nice and I love that they’re now right next door to Trader Joe’s in a much bigger location!

Foodie Traveler

I absolutely love this coffee shop! It’s an ideal spot for a quick break after grocery shopping next door. The ambiance is warm and inviting, and the staff is incredibly friendly. Although I’m not a coffee enthusiast, I can’t deny the allure of their coffee. There’s something about the way they craft each cup that I find irresistible. But while I’m a fan of their coffee, I must admit that their empanadas aren’t my cup of tea. The crust is a bit too thick, but the fillings are delicious. Now parking can be a challenge but somehow I always find a good spot although it might take some patience.

Britney Carr

10/10 always recommend this place. Go try it- it’s that simple. Our favorites are breakfast, beef, ham & cheese, spinach, chorizo, and all of them. Coffee is so good. I always get a latte and it hits every time.

Des

This cafe is so cute! I love the aesthetic and its location (right next to Trader Joe’s) because I can grab a coffee right after grocery shopping without having to drive elsewhere. I got a small hot mocha with oat milk. It’s not super sweet which I enjoy. I didn’t get food this time, but will try it out on my next visit. However, it all looked delicious. The idea of having a free library fits the cafe so well. I’m all for free things (I mean who isn’t? 😂) but a friendly reminder to not abuse it. I adore small community things like that and would love to enjoy it long term. I highly recommend checking this place out! Service & drinks 10/10!

Chloe Medina

I forgot to take a picture of the empanadas because they were so good I couldn’t stop 😂 got the ham and cheese and the breakfast empanada - SO GOOD! Soft on the outside and warm in the center. They also sell alfajores and they were perfect! Got a hot and cold latte and they were both perfect 🤩 it’s right next to Trader Joe’s so I’ll be hitting this spot before every shopping spree! EDIT: Went back and grabbed some pictures to add to my review!

Kimberly Stephenson

We ordered online ahead of time, so we got our order practically the moment we arrived, and it was delicious! I was also grateful to get a splash of almond milk for my coffee from the barista; her and the rest of the staff we encountered were warm and obliging. 🥰 And the new location— sooo much roomier inside than their former spot, and the decor made the experience all the more pleasing. Consider us soon-to-be regulars here— we’re completely won over!!!!

Luke Nervig

Fantastic coffee so tasty. Empanadas delicious. Cool arty atmosphere. Nice view of the trader Joe's parking lot. Lots of comfy chairs and such. Yep still delicious 😋

Alex

I came here for a light brunch on a Saturday, around 1:30PM. I had seen this cafe a few times before, but had never been in before. But I was looking for something quick and filling, as well as an early afternoon caffeine fix. The seating area is relatively small, with maybe seating for 20. There was also a small corner with leather couches and a piano. I placed an order for 4 empanadas (beef, chicken, mushroom, and spinach), and a latte + cappuccino. The empanadas were preheated, sitting in a warmer box near the counter. Since we came closer to the end of their operating hours (they close at 2:30pm), there were a few types of empanadas that were either sold out or would need to be baked, which would result in a 15-20 minute wait on those. I opted to get some of the available ones instead of having to wait. Soon after I got the empanadas, the barista also finished up our drinks. If you dine in the cafe, the coffee is served to you in ceramic cups with art done using the steamed milk. The empanadas were flaky and rich in flavor, and they definitely don't skimp on the filling. Each empanada also had a clever design, where a letter or two was worked into the dough of the empanada, to show what the filling inside was (IE - a "B" on their beef empanadas). Their coffee was also well brewed, and well balanced. All in all, this was a gem of a find, and I will definitely return whenever possible.

Amanda Freeze

Excited to see that Pampas has moved to a larger location. They still have the best empanadas I've ever had, amazing coffee and friendly service. They've added beer on tap! There's comfortable high top tables as well as cozy seating area with a sofa and comfy chair. I'll continue to recommend this place to everyone. Congratulations to the owners and staff on making this move and creating a welcoming space.

Emma Tam

So glad this place was able to get a bigger space to expand their business! The space had a cozy feeling and the empanadas were delicious as usual. Super cute space and they also added some new empanadas to the menu including beer! P

Rowena Anne Lacson

So glad they have a new spot! Conveniently by TJs! I tried their empanadas in their old spot and wasn't too happy about their crust but now... their crust is lighter, less dense, and more flaky. The fillings were hot and well made and well seasoned. I loved their mushroom empanada and also their staff recommended a favorite: Fugazetta which is caramelized onion oregano and mozzarella. Yum. So glad I tried it. Capaccino was perfectly strong =) simple sarah coffee w cinnamon was lovely. also got a bit of work done on their wifi, comfy couch, and lounge tunes! I Will be back!

Becca Gomez Farrell

Fantastic empanadas every time I've been to this place, with great coffee drinks too. Love that they also have alfajores cookies from the Wooden Table. My favorite has to be the chicken with that zesty sofrito sauce.

Taylor Murphy

Delicious empanadas! We tried the mushroom, fugazetta, and humita. I can’t wait to try more! Everyone was very nice and the atmosphere was great.

Sergio Ma

Nice lil Cafe tucked away besides trader Joe's. When u walk in it feels like ur at home. The staff is very friendly and kind and have alot of knowledge of the coffee and food that they offer. I ordered coffee. The coffee is amazing. It's better than the big name brand store. The coffee is strong and not too bitter at the same time. They also have amazing art on the wall that u can buy from local artists,so if u see something make sure u get it because they change them out every week. They also have a live band every week. Prices are good. So if ur local or just traveling through looking for an amazing cup of coffee make sure to stop in and show some support. Much love going out to pampas empandas and coffee co.

Aisuluu K (Luna)

I found this cozy spot recently and it completely blew my mind! The coffee here? Absolutely the best I've ever had. No kidding, it's like a hug in a cup – so rich and smooth, I couldn't get enough of it. And don't even get me started on their mushroom empanada. I mean, I've had empanadas before, but this was on another level. Crispy on the outside, insanely flavorful and juicy on the inside... it's literally to die for. Seriously, if you're around, you've gotta check this place out. The coffee and empanadas combo here is a game changer!

Bryan Black

Cute little store that serves what in my opinion is authentic Empanadas. They have a wide variety of fillings to choose from. So far, I was told that the Spinach is a popular choice, I personally went for the Chorizo, and the Sweet Potato! Both are fantastic. The place is a little small, but this is a order, grab, and go kind of place because they only have 4 places to sit (2 inside, 2 outside). They also serves Drip Coffee and other espresso drinks. The atmosphere is amazing. Love the brick, the colors, and of course the food. Couldn't be more happy with the service too! Appreciate the fact that you guys are in my home town! Castro Valley always welcomes local businesses!

Alyssa McShane

LOVE this place! Their vegan empanadas are the stuff of dreams. And they have oat and soy for coffee! The employees are so nice and I love that they’re now right next door to Trader Joe’s in a much bigger location!

Their vegan kale empanadas are amazing, simply awesome. They are baked so light and very tasty

Nithya Krishna

Their vegan kale empanadas are amazing, simply awesome. They are baked so light and very tasty

Got a bunch of empanadas to try, and the nitro cold brew. Felt that everything was decent, fresh, and good quality. Can’t say any of the empanadas stood out compared to each other. I actually think the vegetarian ones may have tasted the best. Cold brew was decent too, but not too memorable. Overall a cool place, trying a fun concept. The staff was very nice and the interior was clean and welcoming. It is a good stop for a snack if you’re in the neighborhood.

Clean and inviting premises for enjoying a good cappuccino and cortado while sampling the many empanadas which are special feature of this establishment. The owner is from Argentina which is reflected in the South American style of coffee - smooth and savory as distinguished from darker Italian roasted beans - and a delightful assortment of empanadas that all patrons were ordering to go or enjoying on site. These are not your run of the mill empanadas but artisanal pastries with diverse fillings such as chicken with triguisas spices and sofrito (yum!); spinach with carmelized onions and smoked mozzarella; ham & cheese with Black Forest ham, mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese; and a seasonal Humita item with corn, butternut squash, red pepper, onion, basil, aji and mozzarella. Yep - I tried several to make sure. Pampas also serves several nice beers on tap with to satisfy summer thirst and tropical notes pair nicely with the empanadas. A piano is available for patrons to play and a sign welcomes this participation. Coffee sources from Grand Roasters in San Francisco which is known for top notch beans. My wife found the decaf cappuccino to be exceptional. Pampas provides a pleasant alternative to the many coffee houses found across the Bay Area as the steady line of customers attests to. Put it on your roadmap and order several empanadas for a complete experience.

Farshad P

Got a bunch of empanadas to try, and the nitro cold brew. Felt that everything was decent, fresh, and good quality. Can’t say any of the empanadas stood out compared to each other. I actually think the vegetarian ones may have tasted the best. Cold brew was decent too, but not too memorable. Overall a cool place, trying a fun concept. The staff was very nice and the interior was clean and welcoming. It is a good stop for a snack if you’re in the neighborhood.

Gary Cole

Clean and inviting premises for enjoying a good cappuccino and cortado while sampling the many empanadas which are special feature of this establishment. The owner is from Argentina which is reflected in the South American style of coffee - smooth and savory as distinguished from darker Italian roasted beans - and a delightful assortment of empanadas that all patrons were ordering to go or enjoying on site. These are not your run of the mill empanadas but artisanal pastries with diverse fillings such as chicken with triguisas spices and sofrito (yum!); spinach with carmelized onions and smoked mozzarella; ham & cheese with Black Forest ham, mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese; and a seasonal Humita item with corn, butternut squash, red pepper, onion, basil, aji and mozzarella. Yep - I tried several to make sure. Pampas also serves several nice beers on tap with to satisfy summer thirst and tropical notes pair nicely with the empanadas. A piano is available for patrons to play and a sign welcomes this participation. Coffee sources from Grand Roasters in San Francisco which is known for top notch beans. My wife found the decaf cappuccino to be exceptional. Pampas provides a pleasant alternative to the many coffee houses found across the Bay Area as the steady line of customers attests to. Put it on your roadmap and order several empanadas for a complete experience.

This was my wife’s and my first time at Pampas. We saw the great reviews and decided to give it a try. When we walked in, we noticed a sign saying “Best Café Spot of 2025,” which felt like a good sign. We ordered a beef, chicken, spinach, chorizo, and apple empanada. They were out of spinach and told us it would be about a 12-minute wait, which we were fine with. However, it ended up taking closer to 30 minutes before we got our food. The food was just okay—the empanadas were small for the price and not very filling if you’re hungry, more of a light snack. The space itself is nice and feels like a good spot to work, study or hang out. They also support local artists and display their artwork in the store, which is awesome to see. We'd have to go back someday and give the coffe a try.

frederick montes

This was my wife’s and my first time at Pampas. We saw the great reviews and decided to give it a try. When we walked in, we noticed a sign saying “Best Café Spot of 2025,” which felt like a good sign. We ordered a beef, chicken, spinach, chorizo, and apple empanada. They were out of spinach and told us it would be about a 12-minute wait, which we were fine with. However, it ended up taking closer to 30 minutes before we got our food. The food was just okay—the empanadas were small for the price and not very filling if you’re hungry, more of a light snack. The space itself is nice and feels like a good spot to work, study or hang out. They also support local artists and display their artwork in the store, which is awesome to see. We'd have to go back someday and give the coffe a try.