School Street Foods — Restaurant in Lynnfield

School Street Foods: Empanada Excellence on the North Shore? 🌟

📍 Location: 618 Salem St, Lynnfield, MA 01940

I couldn’t resist checking out School Street Foods, a new gem in my hometown of Lynnfield, MA. Word on the street is they’ve got some of the best empanadas around, and I had to see if they lived up to the hype. Spoiler: They did. 🙌

🥪 The Sandwiches Chicken Sandwich: Crispy fried chicken paired with habanero honey mustard, crunchy pickles, smoky bacon, and melted cheese on a toasted bun. If you’re a honey mustard lover, this one’s for you. The chicken was seasoned to perfection, with a lovely balance of heat and sweetness. 9/10

Pulled Pork Sandwich: While the pork leaned on the drier side, the tangy sauce saved the day. And let me just say, the buns here are chef’s kiss. 9/10

🍟 Birria Fries Crispy fries loaded with house-made birria beef, chipotle ranch, melted mozzarella, cilantro, and onion, finished with a squeeze of lime. These were heavenly. The meat was marinated to perfection, but the salt level was a tad high. Still, the portion size was generous, and they’re a must-try. 9/10

🥟 The Star of the Show: EMPANADAS! Chicken Pastelito: A golden, crispy, traditional chicken empanada. Simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. Birrialito Pastelito: Imagine tender birria beef and gooey mozzarella wrapped in a crispy shell, served with consommé for dipping. This was unreal. They don’t skimp on the meat, and the flavor was next-level. I’m already planning my return trip to try their buffalo chicken and cheesesteak empanadas 10/10!

✨ Overall Ratings Food: 9/10 – A deliciously creative menu with standout items and generous portions. Ambiance: 7/10 – Limited seating, but they’ve made the most of the space with fun touches like a PlayStation 5 and chalkboard walls. Affordability: 8/10 – Great value for the portions and quality. If you’re in the North Shore area and craving late-night bites or a quick grab-and-go meal, School Street Foods should be at the top of your list. Don’t sleep on the empanadas—they might just be the...

Run, don't walk to this gem of a restaurant. Javi & crew are serving up the best Latin American food around.

Their pastellitos are perfectly cooked until the emapnada wrappers are golden brown with plenty of bubble char yet, just under that crispy outer layer, the wrapper remains soft and has just enough structure to hold everything together in a neat packet that's perfect for eating on the go.

I didnt forget the fillings! There's something for just about any taste. Shaved steak, pastrami, chicken, pork, and cheese. So. Much. Cheese. And it's all perfectly seasoned.

The birrialitos alone are worth the drive! They're stuffed with birria (slow-braised, shredded beef that's so tender your granny could pop her teeth out and go to town on it) and cheese. Of course, you get a cup of the consommé for dipping or loudly slurping down.

While you're there, order one of their ridiculously good sandwiches. The pernil three-way comes with shredded pork shoulder smothered in James River BBQ sauce, mayo, and cheese (on the bottom, where it should be). Keep plenty of napkins close by.

The chicken sandwiches pair soft buns with enormous beasts. There's no jiggle, but they're crispy and well-seasoned on the outside, and juicy inside.

They have loads of baked goods for dessert, as well as plenty of different beverages in bottles and cans.

The whole crew is super friendly, and Javi treats everyone coming through the door...

Wish I could give more stars for service... This place!!! Was out with a gf and she mentioned it and I was like "Ooh lets go"!!! Cutest little place, walked in and INSTANTLY great customer service, that to me is much more important than the food - Anyone can cook right?! But got the whole history on the location and Javier and how it all came about! The selections are crazy, I ordered way too many - couldnt decide!!! And I figured, Yeah these will be ok you really cant screw up a Pastellito right?!

BUT OMG THESE WERE SO MUCH BETTER THAN JUST OK!!! The Giving Thanks one is Turkey & Stuffing, LIFE CHANGING!!! Wish I had ordered 10 and I almost only got 1, glad they talked me into ordering 2. The Birria one was great (Thanks for the heads up on how to eat, LOL - the lime made it!) The beef & cheese plain, but yet the best beef & cheese one I have ever had! Im so full at this point & cant continue, but cannot wait to go back & bring the hubby!

Lots of sandwiches also and cookies, and other snacks!! Thinking Im going to be a regular REALLY FAST and the prices are CHEAP!!! Def worth the drive up if you arent too close!

Thanks everyone, you made this girl feel super welcomed & the food was all great, Ill...