Fat Tummy Empanadas — Restaurant in San Antonio

We learned about the Fat Tummy Empanada shop from Guy Fieri and DDD on the Food network (I think). The food looked really good on TV but we hardly ever get into San Antonio from Comfort, TX, and definitely not Downtown. I would gladly take a detour downtown to visit this restaurant from the far NW side for lunch. When we walked in the smells coming from the kitchen were amazing. The restaurant was clean and had plenty of room for seating. The waitress quickly came over and took our drink order we told her we never been there before and began to ask questions about the various types of empanadas. She brought us a menu with descriptions to make it easier to decide what fIlings we wanted. The sandwiches also looked good but we decided to go with the empanadas since they were the reason we were there. We ordered a variety to share --- we got spicy chicken, spicy beef, traditional beef, beef and cheese, and humita. Now all varieties were good but the humita was spectacular. It's a blend of corn and three cheeses and a little bit of spice it was wonderful. We brought home half of each one of them they were so large and we may have to arm wrestle for some of those LOL. The only problem with bringing home half is I'm not really sure which half is which. During the filling process they mark each empanadas with a letter to tell you what flavor it is but it's only on one side of the empanadas so if you cut it in half and share it with someone you're not sure which one you're eating. We also brought home two dessert options one guava with cream cheese and the other is the dulce de leche. We went ahead and got them fresh and the waitress gave us instructions on how to cook them at home so they wouldn't get soggy.

We did meet the owner's wife and we told her that we'd seen the show on Triple D. She said they had only been in this location since October 2018 but that business was doing well. I hope they continue to grow, the empanadas are wonderful. So if you're in the neighborhood go...

Fat Tummy Empanadas is a hidden gem that exudes charm, warmth, and a homely vibe. This small yet beautiful vintage-inspired restaurant instantly makes you feel at home, and its ambiance takes you on a cultural journey, almost as if you’re stepping into Argentina itself.

I recently visited after a long break, and let me tell you, tasting their empanadas was nothing short of a revelation. If these delightful pockets of flavor truly represent Argentinian cuisine, then I’m now convinced I need to visit the country.

Their spicy chicken and spinach chicken empanadas are nothing short of mind-blowing. The burst of flavors in every bite is an experience I can’t put into words. The crispy crust encases a perfectly seasoned filling—juicy chicken with a medley of tomatoes, garlic, and what I think is parsley, all coming together harmoniously. And the spinach version? It’s equally unique, with the parsley adding a fresh note that elevates the flavor profile.

Let’s not forget their parsley sauce—it’s tangy, spicy, and infused with olive oil, making it the perfect accompaniment to the empanadas. Dipping a hot, crispy empanada into that sauce is pure bliss. Honestly, I feel like a slave to this dish; it’s just that good!

I’ve visited this place about 10 times now, and every visit feels like the first because of their consistent quality, warm service, and cozy ambiance. I can’t believe I waited so long to write this review, but here it is—it will be a sin if I eat here again without leaving this review. Fat Tummy Empanadas is absolutely a 5-star spot for its impeccable taste, inviting atmosphere, and top-notch service. If you haven’t been, you’re truly missing out on a culinary treasure! Ps. I haven’t added any photos to this post as I was so much involved in the food that I forgot to take a pic. Next time I visit this place I will surely take some snaps and...

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The Good: Encouraging all empanada lovers to check this place out! Really enjoyed how the crust of the empanada came out. There was a good amount of flavor in the crust itself and it had a nice bite to it.

We tried several empanadas but the two that stood out were the humita and chicken/spinach with cheese. The humita was not what I had expected at all. I had anticipated some sort of creamy corn filling. What I got was an empanada that was essentially a cheese stick with corn mixed in. Fortunately, I love cheese sticks and I would definitely get that again. 😂😋

The chicken/spinach with cheese had a great flavor to it. It's a popular combination for most and it was executed well. I really appreciated how well those elements came together texturally. I don't love when my food falls apart and the fillings in this one binded together perfectly. The chimi churri sauce was also a fun touch for the dish.

Dessert: Guava and cream cheese was our personal favorite. The dessert empanadas are considerably smaller but they're also cheaper. I would certainly get the guava and cream cheese again. The pumpkin was good but paled in comparison.

The Bad: I didn't love the flavor of the beef/potato and beef/cheese. There was a small pool of grease that came out upon opening but my real issue was the flavor. It wasn't terrible, it just wasn't something I'd care to try again.

The Aftermath: We had a nice experience here. There's not a lot of parking and it's a small place but they really know how to put together a great empanada. We will definitely be making a return trip. 🥰

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