LA PORTEÑA

Beat choripan around by far and they have lots of snacks it is in the back of a liquor store but the food is amazing we stop by atleast once a week.

I love and recommend this place for great empanadas for anyone who will listen! Pluse the chimmichuri sauce is amazing!

What a diamond in the rough. This lil place is literally located inside a liquor store but dont let that shake you. They have banging empanadas.

The empanadas at this place are great crispy bread on the outside & savory an juicy packed with meat on the inside I always grab an order to go!

Don't plan on eating in the 'restaurant' because it is in the back of a liquor store. But. . . Take out is great. Eva, who runs the restaurant, was very pleasant. The food was fresh and different from any standard sandwiche shop. Very creative sandwiches. Even though I am not an empanada fan, I tried them and these far excelled over specialty empanada bakeries - I ordered 3 different choices and they were all better than any I have tried.

I've been looking all over OC for good empanadas like the ones I grew up with made by my Argentine mother. These were fantastic, well priced, in a quaint little store where locals just happen to break into song. I wish I could've stayed longer to listen to them. I'll be back.

Empanadas! Need i really say more? No but really their empanadas are super delicious. Best part is you can get some to eat there and some to reheat later at home and they will be equally delicious. My friends love it when i bring these over for dinner or snacking.

I love the empanadas and the prosciutto sandwich. The prosciutto sandwich is on a fresh baguette with lettuce, tomatoes and tons of thinly shaved prosciutto. Ive had the cheese, corn, spicy chicken and beef empanadas. I love them all. The restaurant is in a liquor store in the back of the store. I always order for takeout but they have room for dine in.

I was a little confused because the place is in the back of a liquor store but I'm glad I found it! Very friendly staff who make you feel at home and a large variety of menu items. I ordered a dozen of the beef empanadas and they are delicious. Baked fresh right when I ordered them, and came with a side of chimi churri and another sauce which I forgot the name of but is very good! The chimi churri is one of the best I've tasted from restaurants. These empanadas were as good (maybe better but shhh) as my grandma's (who was born in Argentina). I also bought a bag of mate, which is usually hard to find around here. Great place! can't wait to go back and try more from their menu!

Had a craving for empanadas after watching the Netflix street food episode on Latin America. Discovered a local Argentinian place in the back of a liquor store that makes probably a dozen different flavors. I called ahead for pickup and the sweet auntie working here baked them all to order for me and packed them with love, even labeling the outside of the pizza box with the names of the empanadas. You could see in her smile under her mask these are her labors of love and she is so proud of her work. The boys couldn't wait to eat them while we drove home! I ordered 7 but should have ordered more--we devoured them in about 15 minutes. Delicioso! Chimmichuri and salsa Criollo were on point as well. Got to practice my Spanish. We will definitely come back, and order so much more!

Hidden gem! When we pulled into the parking lot, we thought we were at the wrong place. This place is behind a liquor store. We would have imagined that. You order at the cashier in the back and the food is served for you on the table. We tried the milanese a La Farola and it was absolutely amazing! Too bad we couldn't accompany it with a cerveza, it was daytime. They also sell facturas and we pretty much bought their whole inventory.

Love these hole in wall (hidden gems) places, had the Choripan Sandwich, was freshly made, chorizo. Was tender and tasty, overall excellent 👍🏼

Lots of good food I love this place. Best empandas around. Very polite and friendly employees work here. They are a small.hidden inside a liquor store. They are constantly on point. The spicy beef empandas are not for the soft hearted. My favorite. I have never tried the pizza or sandwiches here but they look really good.. thank you for another good lunch.

The restaurant is inside the liquor store at the back. It also has dine-in option but its not the best atmosphere. Food is yummy!

La Porteña is in the back of the liquor store and has delicious empanadas! They have a menu with sandwiches and more, as well as a little selection of Argentinian goods.

I had their Torta the ribeye steak one!! Holly F , Mexican Tortas have nothing on them. And I'm Mexican. Bomb

Stopped here for a "take-out" Argentinean dinner on my way home to San Diego from L.A. -- perfect mid-way point stop, with convenient access to and from I-5. Loved the Choripán sandwich, from the browned sausage to the rich chimichurri sauce to the crusty baguette. Also a fan of the Spicy Salteña Empanada, which packs enough heat to tease you without actually hurting you. Will visit again. Wish it were closer to San Diego!

Best Argentinian pizza in California, and the price is very good.

Dennis Martel

Lots of good food I love this place. Best empandas around. Very polite and friendly employees work here. They are a small.hidden inside a liquor store. They are constantly on point. The spicy beef empandas are not for the soft hearted. My favorite. I have never tried the pizza or sandwiches here but they look really good.. thank you for another good lunch.

Vatsal Patel

The restaurant is inside the liquor store at the back. It also has dine-in option but its not the best atmosphere. Food is yummy!

Tatiana Torres

La Porteña is in the back of the liquor store and has delicious empanadas! They have a menu with sandwiches and more, as well as a little selection of Argentinian goods.

Food King

I had their Torta the ribeye steak one!! Holly F , Mexican Tortas have nothing on them. And I'm Mexican. Bomb

Jay Keyes

Stopped here for a "take-out" Argentinean dinner on my way home to San Diego from L.A. -- perfect mid-way point stop, with convenient access to and from I-5. Loved the Choripán sandwich, from the browned sausage to the rich chimichurri sauce to the crusty baguette. Also a fan of the Spicy Salteña Empanada, which packs enough heat to tease you without actually hurting you. Will visit again. Wish it were closer to San Diego!

Sergio L

Best Argentinian pizza in California, and the price is very good.

Love this place. 12 empanadas for $30.00 Excellent variety. Argentinian cuisine! Family owned I believe.

My spouse exposed me to this amazing place a few years ago. The empanadas are the best I’ve ever had in OC. Luckily I work right next to them now so every so often I like to get some norteña empanadas or their ham & cheese sandwiches from the fridge. Every meal I’ve had from here has always been a hit & the workers are very nice as well.

Got a dozen empanadas for $30 and a La Porteña pizza for $16. The empanadas were excellent with the perfect crust. The meat in the empanadas is on the dry side, I personally prefer a saucier version, but each individual has their own preference. Would be nice if they offered a beef version that has extra sauce. They come with yummy home made chimichurri and they sell a jar for $8, which I gladly bought (very good deal!). The pizza has a super thick layer of "cheesy" mozzarella which is the typical Argentinian way. Each slice has a good size slice of ham, red bell pepper, and an olive. The crust is beyond amazing. Don't order online because the web people will add a substantial fee, so just call over the phone. They are super friendly!

Great $2.50 empanadas, grilled chicken, tomato & onion salad and other Argentinian specialties. Don't be dissuaded by the location within the liquor store. Great service, food and value! Cold beer on tap too. Several small tables inside.

Lunch at La porteña was a delightful experience from start to finish. The food was exceptional, the staff attentive, Highly recommended!

Family that works there is great, they are truly amazing..nice, polite and seem to be really good people. The empanadas are to die for, so are the sandwichitos de miga. I have yet to come back and try other things in the menu but love this place, wish I'd live closer!!

At first glance, I wasn't sure what to expect with a restaurant in the back of a liquor store, but I trusted the reviews I'm very happy I did. The empanadas were delicious and they had a great variety for all taste buds. They even had vegetarian options if that's your thing. I had the spicy beef, spicy chicken, "Arab" style (which was a delicious lemony beef), and a spinach and creamy cheese empanada and all were amazing. The restaurant is small and very casual, which gave it a more comfortable and at home feeling. The staff were very friendly and welcoming and it was great talking to them and learning more about Argentina and their culture. I would recommend this spot to anyone I know and if I'm ever in the area again, I'd love to come back. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

Wow! What a hidden gem. My boyfriend is Argentine and we’ve been looking for a spot for sometime…and this is it. The food is authentic - truly Argentine recipes, and the food is delicious. The Quilmes beers are a great touch. As for service, the sincerity and genuine kindness from the cashier is memorable. She was so happy to share with us what she recommended, and what she’d like to share with us next time. She was overjoyed to hear how happy we were about our food. If you want to discover a small hole in the wall with great service and food, place this at the top of your list. You won’t regret it.

A M

Wow! What a hidden gem. My boyfriend is Argentine and we’ve been looking for a spot for sometime…and this is it. The food is authentic - truly Argentine recipes, and the food is delicious. The Quilmes beers are a great touch. As for service, the sincerity and genuine kindness from the cashier is memorable. She was so happy to share with us what she recommended, and what she’d like to share with us next time. She was overjoyed to hear how happy we were about our food. If you want to discover a small hole in the wall with great service and food, place this at the top of your list. You won’t regret it.

Terri Garry

Love this place. 12 empanadas for $30.00 Excellent variety. Argentinian cuisine! Family owned I believe.

Alex Ruiz

At first glance, I wasn't sure what to expect with a restaurant in the back of a liquor store, but I trusted the reviews I'm very happy I did. The empanadas were delicious and they had a great variety for all taste buds. They even had vegetarian options if that's your thing. I had the spicy beef, spicy chicken, "Arab" style (which was a delicious lemony beef), and a spinach and creamy cheese empanada and all were amazing. The restaurant is small and very casual, which gave it a more comfortable and at home feeling. The staff were very friendly and welcoming and it was great talking to them and learning more about Argentina and their culture. I would recommend this spot to anyone I know and if I'm ever in the area again, I'd love to come back. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

Christian Damian

Lunch at La porteña was a delightful experience from start to finish. The food was exceptional, the staff attentive, Highly recommended!

Sabrina Cipriotto

Family that works there is great, they are truly amazing..nice, polite and seem to be really good people. The empanadas are to die for, so are the sandwichitos de miga. I have yet to come back and try other things in the menu but love this place, wish I'd live closer!!

Nicole Sanchez

My spouse exposed me to this amazing place a few years ago. The empanadas are the best I’ve ever had in OC. Luckily I work right next to them now so every so often I like to get some norteña empanadas or their ham & cheese sandwiches from the fridge. Every meal I’ve had from here has always been a hit & the workers are very nice as well.

Bochini

Got a dozen empanadas for $30 and a La Porteña pizza for $16. The empanadas were excellent with the perfect crust. The meat in the empanadas is on the dry side, I personally prefer a saucier version, but each individual has their own preference. Would be nice if they offered a beef version that has extra sauce. They come with yummy home made chimichurri and they sell a jar for $8, which I gladly bought (very good deal!). The pizza has a super thick layer of "cheesy" mozzarella which is the typical Argentinian way. Each slice has a good size slice of ham, red bell pepper, and an olive. The crust is beyond amazing. Don't order online because the web people will add a substantial fee, so just call over the phone. They are super friendly!

Gabrielle Windsor

Great $2.50 empanadas, grilled chicken, tomato & onion salad and other Argentinian specialties. Don't be dissuaded by the location within the liquor store. Great service, food and value! Cold beer on tap too. Several small tables inside.

IT IS INSIDE THE LIQUOR STORE! I was almost foul by the entrance. The food is really good. Please go earlier since the empanadas are popular and you might end with less variety.

Just recently discovered this restaurant as it's located inside a liquor store towards the rear. Small restaurant, very clean, well priced, polite n professional workers. My fav is the three dollar fries. Still have yet to try there menu.

Excellent! I had some co-workers who told me about this place and said they have great empanadas and it's in the back of a liquor store??? So I happen to be going by there today and thought I'd try it. I had the spicy beef and a couple others. It was wonderful. :-)

Joshua Copeland

Excellent! I had some co-workers who told me about this place and said they have great empanadas and it's in the back of a liquor store??? So I happen to be going by there today and thought I'd try it. I had the spicy beef and a couple others. It was wonderful. :-)

Market section was tiny but wonderful! Felt transported to another place. Restaurant section takeout was a bit of a letdown after high hopes. Pastry on empanadas was subpar. The desserts looked great--sorry I didn't give them a try. The owner was absolutely lovely, and very helpful.

Joseph

Just recently discovered this restaurant as it's located inside a liquor store towards the rear. Small restaurant, very clean, well priced, polite n professional workers. My fav is the three dollar fries. Still have yet to try there menu.

Kerry Drake

Market section was tiny but wonderful! Felt transported to another place. Restaurant section takeout was a bit of a letdown after high hopes. Pastry on empanadas was subpar. The desserts looked great--sorry I didn't give them a try. The owner was absolutely lovely, and very helpful.

Delicious tuna empanadas + Lavazza Coffee, love the chimichurie sauce. Just few people working there so they ignore the phone if you want to place an order in advance. I had to wait 40 minutes for my order. Hard to find parking space.

Excellent empanadas very popular with the Argentinian community only problem is too long to get your order that's my experience as so far if you're not in patient like I am then it's fine

I wanted to love these..but the empanada crust is shiny and almost waxy, a bit hard to chew through. Would like a more powdery soft crust. My mother is from Buenos Aires so maybe I’m spoiled…

Not impressed at all! Don't know how they got all these good reviews, but the empnadas were chewy and not tasty! The Lumito sandwish was so so, but the fettuccine was absolutely terrible!

I've enjoyed this place multiple times but this time our chicken milenesa was raw My daughter had a few bites before I noticed.

I had high hopes after reading the reviews. The empanadas were ok at best. Not much flavor and these need to be bold. If you know what empanadas from Argentina taste like don't expect it from here. Cost for a side was a bit much for what you get as well.

Raymond Garcia

I've enjoyed this place multiple times but this time our chicken milenesa was raw My daughter had a few bites before I noticed.

Giovanni Verdecchia

I had high hopes after reading the reviews. The empanadas were ok at best. Not much flavor and these need to be bold. If you know what empanadas from Argentina taste like don't expect it from here. Cost for a side was a bit much for what you get as well.

This place is in the back of a liquor store. Pretty sure the empanadas are frozen and reheated. I think I’ve had better hot pockets before. The Chimichurri was actually better than some places but overall would not recommend.

Ignacio Maldini

This place is in the back of a liquor store. Pretty sure the empanadas are frozen and reheated. I think I’ve had better hot pockets before. The Chimichurri was actually better than some places but overall would not recommend.

For $12.00 a portion. Their Locro was horrible. It was a posole with pumpkin. Locro was missing Sausage, tripe, stomach lining, and beans. I mean it was interesting for posole but disappointing as locro.

First time there wanted to try this place with my wife. It was 630 i ordered fettucene and she said we closed at 7 and wont be able to do it. So we ask how long does it take to cook she said 15 minutes. So obviously shes not good at math. Since the moment we got there she was looking at us from feet to face. So i took my business elsewhere instead we went to Buccaneer Pizza great choice and definitely going back there.

I walked in to get ice and I ended up grabbing a bag that was already opened and unfortunately ended up dropping a few ice. I apologized and apologized again after paying for my bag of ice. The cashier didn't say anything. Didn't even acknowledged me when i said sorry. He looked stressed and on edge. What a rude person. I will never come in to this liquor store again. If he doesn't like his job then quit a get someone who is more courteous and welcoming.