Cafe Tola — Restaurant in Lake View Township

Tried today for the first time today and my only regret is that I waited so long. OH. MY. GOD. Sooooo f-ing delicious.

I ordered 4 empanadas, 3 savory and 1 sweet, which was the perfect amount for me(I'm a bike messenger, burn a lot of calories). 2 empanadas would be about as filling as a typical burger/fries combo meal.

Each of the empanadas were scrumptious AF! I forget the actual names but I had a potato/pepper/cheese, pulled chicken, braised beef, and a nutella/banana. Every single component of each one was unmistakably handmade, fresh, from scratch. Besides the great quality of the ingredients themselves, there was an almost tangible amount of love put into these things. You'd swear your grandma made them for you, I don't know how to describe it. Like a hug from a friend you haven't seen for awhile, but in food form. I almost cried they were so good. Really.

I 1000% recommend this place! They also have coffee drinks which I didn't try but I'd be shocked if they...

Love, love, love Cafe Tola! Especially in the summer and spring. It's always nice to enjoy an Inca Cola and a few empanadas for lunch on their patio. My favorite empanada is the Ropa Vieja which is not always available. So it's a real treat when I'm able to snag one. You've been warned, if you're behind me in line, I will order at least four. Haha! I recommend their tasty horchata. I always ask for easy ice since they tend to put too much. Did I mention they have the coolest staff and play the best music? They do! They also let you bring your dog in. As a courtesy and not to ruin it for everyone else, make sure they are leashed and friendly.

Note: This is a very popular, very small shop. Expect long lines in the mornings. The empanada inventory varies daily with a mix meat and veggies. If they don't have your fav be adventurous and try something new. You won't be sorry! They are walking distance from the Southport Brown Line and there is pay-to-park available...

so there I was: me, a simple suburbs lad, lost and confused at some bar in the city. we were at our third stop on our bar crawl. I had shown up late and missed dinner. I was tipsy, mildly scared, and hungry. it was getting later and later into the evening and I was worried that nowhere would have a kitchen open this late into the evening. luckily, this bar had a Cafe Tola empanada stand. at first, I was hesitant... surely anything served in this fancy Logan Square bar would be way overpriced, hoping to pick on less frugal, hungrier patrons for an easy buck. my will was not as strong as my stomach though, and after half an hour, I caved in, shuffling to the stand to check out the menu. to my surprise, they actually had a good vegetarian option, and the empanada was a pretty good size as well! For food served from a truck in a bar it was very satisfying, and I'd definitely like to visit a real Cafe Tola the next time I'm...