Empanada Brothers — Restaurant in Seminole

I don’t know where to begin, but I need everyone in the Pinellas County or Tampa Bay area to come together and join hands in celebration, in a group acknowledgment of the amazingness that is Empanada Brothers' food. I found them on a whim as I was looking on Google, hoping there would be somewhere nearby that makes gluten-free empanadas. I drove over to Empanada Brothers, about ten minutes from my house. There was light traffic and I didn’t know what to expect. I was a little bit apprehensive, honestly, it being one of the only options available for the food that I was looking for.

I didn’t know that it would turn out to be the experience that I would hope for. I walked in the door and it’s a nice quaint open-air facility, which gave me my first positive note regarding the company and their food. There’s something to be said when the business is comfortable letting you see the full process at play. A lot of times production is hidden behind walls and locked areas, and you don’t really get to understand the care and quality put into whatever it is you’re about to consume.

As I looked at the menu, one of the owners engaged me in a friendly and welcoming way, filling me in on the process, the nature of their gluten-free Colombian-style empanadas, and walks me through all of the various options that are available, breaking down what’s most popular and the way that they rotate through numerous combinations and options over the calendar year. As we’re talking, I’m getting excited. I wound up ordering an assortment of guava and mozzarella, beef and potato, buffalo chicken and cheese, and pizza empanadas as my order.

As I waited for the food to be prepared, the owner engaged me in a full-on discussion regarding local businesses that I frequented in the past and their passion for their food and the continued energy they pour into expanding on the culinary experience as well as the customer engagement that they employ. After a short time, the fresh empanadas that were prepared right there in front of me were delivered to me, handily labeled so that I would know exactly which one I would be biting into when the time came. I thanked them, wished them a good rest of their day, and I’m not kidding when I tell you that I started eating an empanada as soon as I sat in the car. The smell was way too good for me to wait until I got home.

In that moment, I knew that I was going to be writing this review. When I bit into that first empanada, I knew that I had to share this joyful experience with the world. By the time I finished the second empanada, I pulled up the voice dictation on my phone and started to dictate this review. I’m not even home yet, and I’ve written this much of a review about these amazing Colombian deliciousness-filled pastries that I just picked up less than twenty minutes ago. I hope that you give this company a chance to wow you in the way that I...

Update 2/15/25 Still great. I like using their platters to cater parties so it's low effort. Empanadas for Christmas! Love you guys.

Update 12/11/23

Thought I'd update - everything's still great. Breakfast empanadas are back, which I'm excited about.

Update 8/12/23

Still delicious. I probably eat here too often. I will continue eating here too often. The service, quality of food, and prices all remain great.

Update 5/17/23

Wanted to leave an updated review, because I've been eating here occasionally for a while. The service, quality of food, and safety for the gf among us remains great. Glad their business is doing well, and I hope they stay around.

These guys should be so proud of their business.

First off, they have dedicated fryers, which means their gluten free food is safe for celiacs. (I'm celiac and ate there with no problem.)

Second, generous portions of filling, extremely delicious food at a very reasonable price. This reminds me a lot of a pasty, if you've had those, though gotta say Colombia wins on flavors. Very reasonably priced. The temptation to buy a bag of 20 empanadas to just munch on over the weekend is...

Let me start off by saying I'd gone my whole life without trying an empanada and OMG because of these, I'm OBSESSED.

From the minute you walk in, you feel like home. Super helpful. Lots of interaction. They get your name for the order and use it thru out the entire experience and you can see how much they love their customers as you sit and watch regulars funnel in during lunch get treated like old friends.

The menu is HUGE and a little intimidating but just ask for guidance or listen to someone else order (lol). The guy in front of me got 6, so I ponied up to match and 😅 it was a stretch, but I ate every last one with no regrets!

Lunch special is great. Price is great. Size and consistency amazing. Finished cooked product is on point. Corn based so gluten free and don't feel bloated afterwards! (I've tried other empanada places in the last two days, again obsessed) and overall, this has been my favorite.

OH and let me mention SAUCES 🤯 Hot honey was the bomb.

Went on a Friday. Couldn't make it back Saturday. Sunday was closed 😭 Can't wait for...