Empanada House

- 500 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95126

For California residents seeking an authentic and vibrant taste of South American flavor, **Empanada House** in San Jose offers a dedicated culinary experience focusing on the rich traditions of Colombian cuisine. More than just a simple eatery, this establishment is a dedicated **Colombian restaurant** that brings classic, comforting, and savory dishes to the heart of the Bay Area. The name itself highlights their primary specialty, promising patrons some of the freshest and most authentic **Empanadas** they can find locally. This is a must-visit spot for both those familiar with Colombian food and newcomers eager to explore its distinctive and delicious offerings.

The core philosophy of Empanada House is centered on authenticity and quality, aiming to provide a dining experience that feels genuine and welcoming. Customer feedback often highlights the deliciousness of the food and the high quality of service provided by the people who run the place. Located in a central San Jose location, it serves as a local haven for a satisfying meal, whether you're craving a quick, flavorful snack or a more substantial, traditional Colombian dish.

While the menu is focused, offering key staples of Colombian fare, it’s comprehensive enough to provide a delightful culinary journey. Whether you are looking for a savory lunch, an easy takeout option, or a spot to sit and enjoy the local atmosphere, Empanada House is a local gem that consistently strives to deliver a taste of Bogotá right here in California.

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Empanada House is conveniently located at **500 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95126, USA**. This location places the restaurant in a bustling and accessible corridor of San Jose, making it a practical stop for local residents and those traveling through the area. The ease of access to this main street is a benefit for patrons looking for a satisfying meal without venturing too far off the beaten path.

While specific details about comprehensive accessibility (like ramps or restroom size) are not provided, the restaurant does offer several service options that enhance its accessibility and convenience for a wide range of customers in California:

• **Seating:** The restaurant provides dedicated seating areas for patrons who choose to **Dine-in**.
• **Outdoor Seating:** An attractive option for those who prefer to enjoy their meal in the fresh air, which is often a perfect choice given the pleasant California weather.
• **Curbside Pickup:** This service option is highly convenient for customers who want to place an order ahead of time and quickly pick it up without leaving their vehicle, maximizing efficiency for a quick meal.
• **Parking:** Given its main street location, visitors should be prepared to navigate local parking options, as is common in central San Jose.

The combination of a prominent address and flexible pickup options ensures that Empanada House remains a practical and reachable dining spot for the local community.

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Empanada House provides a range of modern and traditional service options, ensuring customers can enjoy their authentic Colombian cuisine in the way that best suits their day. This commitment to flexible service is key in a fast-paced environment like California.

• **Dine-in:** Guests are invited to sit down and enjoy their meal inside the restaurant, taking advantage of the available **Seating**.
• **Takeout:** A quick and easy solution for grabbing food to enjoy at home, work, or on the go.
• **Delivery:** The restaurant offers convenient delivery services, bringing their Colombian specialties directly to your door.
• **No-contact Delivery:** For added peace of mind and safety, especially important in today's environment, this option allows for food delivery with no direct physical interaction.
• **Curbside Pickup:** Allowing customers to pick up their pre-ordered food quickly and efficiently from the curb.
• **Outdoor Seating:** Provides an opportunity to dine al fresco and enjoy the local surroundings.

These service options collectively highlight the restaurant's dedication to convenience and customer satisfaction, allowing more people in the San Jose area to access their delicious food.

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Empanada House stands out in the San Jose dining landscape by providing an authentic and specific culinary focus, coupled with friendly operations. The experience is defined by several key features and highlights:

• **Authentic Colombian Focus:** The entire menu is dedicated to traditional Colombian dishes, providing a genuine cultural experience that can be hard to find.
• **Signature Empanadas:** As the namesake implies, the variety and quality of their empanadas—including options like **Carne Molida** (ground beef), **Pollo** (chicken), **Camarón** (shrimp), and the distinctive **Rancheras**—are the main attraction and a major highlight.
• **Exceptional Service:** Multiple customer reviews specifically call out the **very good service from the people who run this place**, emphasizing a welcoming and warm atmosphere.
• **Traditional Sides and Staples:** The menu includes beloved Colombian staples such as **Papas Criollas** (small Colombian potatoes), savory **Papas Rellenas** (stuffed potatoes), and classic **Arepas**.
• **Unique Colombian Beverages:** The offering of drinks like **Sodas Colombianas** and, more notably, **Avena de la Casa** (house oatmeal drink) and fresh **Jugos Naturales** (natural fruit juices) provides an authentic, refreshing complement to the food.
• **Traditional Meats:** Patrons can enjoy deeply flavorful, traditional meat preparations such as **Chicharron** (fried pork belly), **Chorizo** (sausage), and various smoked meats like **Carne Ahumada** and **Costilla Ahumada**.

It is important to note, however, that one customer review indicated that **many of the dishes on their menu are not available**, which suggests that menu availability might fluctuate. Patrons looking for a specific item might consider calling ahead, though this does not detract from the high quality of the dishes that *are* served.

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For first-time visitors or seasoned patrons of Empanada House, the menu offers distinct items that truly showcase the richness of Colombian cuisine. The most essential items to choose revolve around their celebrated namesake and traditional savory preparations.

The centerpiece of the menu is undoubtedly the **EMPANADAS**. Trying a selection is highly recommended to appreciate the variety of fillings. The **Carne Molida** (Ground Beef) is a classic choice, offering a perfect balance of seasoned meat inside the signature crispy cornmeal shell. For those who enjoy smoke flavor, the **Carne Ahumada** (Smoked Meat) or **Costilla Ahumada** (Smoked Rib) empanadas are flavorful options.

Beyond the empanadas, exploring the **Food** section offers a taste of traditional Colombian comfort. The **Papas Rellenas** (Stuffed Potatoes) are a must-try—a potato-based sphere filled with savory ingredients, then fried to a golden crisp. Similarly, the **Arepas** and **Chicharron** are classic staples that deliver an authentic, hearty flavor.

To complete the meal, one should absolutely sample the **Drinks**. The **Jugos Naturales** (Natural Juices) are a refreshing and authentic pairing, offering fresh, vibrant flavor that perfectly complements the savory, often fried, food. For a truly Colombian experience, the **Avena de la Casa** (House Oatmeal Drink) is a unique, traditional beverage that offers a sweet, creamy finish. For a quick snack or dessert, checking out the **Postres** (Desserts) and **Chips Colombianos** is also recommended to round out the experience.

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To enjoy the delicious and authentic Colombian food at Empanada House, please use the following contact details:

• **Address:** 500 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95126, USA
• **Phone:** (669) 348-1668
• **Mobile Phone (Alternative):** +1 669-348-1668

Empanada House

500 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95126, USA