Philadelphia, PA - Old City is for wandering. You're walking past historic landmarks and sleek art galleries, and then it hits you—you're hungry. Not "sit-down-for-a-two-hour-meal" hungry, but "I-need-something-amazing-right-now" hungry.
That’s how I found Empanada Alley.
It’s not so much a restaurant as it is a discovery. Tucked away as a quick-service window next to its parent, Cuba Libre, the name is perfectly literal. You feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret. A bright, colorful menu greets you, and the "problem" becomes immediately clear: you can't just have one.
The list is a perfect mix of classic and creative. Beef Picadillo, with raisins and olives. Chicken De La Casa, with corn and jack cheese. A Queso empanada with three kinds of cheese and sautéed onions. My mind was racing. How many is too many? (I decided the answer was "four.")
I settled on a classic Beef Picadillo, the alluring Chicken De La Casa, and the savory Queso. Then, the most important part: the sauces. This is what separates the amateurs from the pros. I went for the Argentinian Chimichurri and the creamy Aji Amarillo.
A few minutes later, a white paper bag and a box were in my hands. I stepped out of the alley, found a nearby bench, and opened my treasure.
They were beautiful. Each empanada was a golden, half-moon pocket, glistening and perfectly crimped at the edges, with a flaky, almost pastry-like crust. They weren't greasy, just hot and substantial.
I picked up the Beef Picadillo first. The crust was crisp, not doughy, and gave way to a wave of savory, complex filling. The beef was seasoned perfectly, with that little surprise of sweetness from the raisins and the salty bite of olive—a true classic done right.
But the main event, for me, was the dipping.
I dunked the chicken empanada into the bright green chimichurri. The-sauce was a flavor explosion—garlic, parsley, and a sharp vinegar tang that cut through the rich, cheesy chicken filling. Then I tried the Queso with the Aji Amarillo. The creamy, spicy, yellow-pepper sauce paired with the gooey, savory, onion-laced cheese... it was pure, handheld perfection.
I sat there, perfectly happy, in the middle of a busy Old City afternoon. Empanada Alley isn't a long, drawn-out meal. It’s a moment. It's a quick, delicious, and deeply satisfying bite of comfort, a pocket of joy you can hold in your hand. And in a city full of grand culinary experiences, it’s one of the best little secrets I’ve found.
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Joy Franklin
Food and Event Writer
My joy is aimed at food and foodie lovers. I enjoy covering trends, issues, and all things Philly.
