Arepas Or Empanadas Come Stuffed Fat At These 10 Venezuelan And Colombian Kitchens In Washington
A Colombian empanada is often made with corn dough and deep fried, not wrapped in flour and baked. That one detail changes the whole crunch.
And it’s only half the story.
Across the border in Venezuela, the star is the arepa. It’s a griddled corn cake split open and packed with shredded beef, black beans, sweet plantains, or a creamy chicken and avocado mix called reina pepiada.
I love that two neighboring countries took the same humble corn and went in such different directions. Here in Washington, you can taste both without a passport.
Some of these kitchens sit in strip malls. One is a food trailer.
Another is a coffee shop that hosts salsa lessons.
So which side are you on? Team griddled pocket or team golden half-moon?
I suspect the right answer is ordering one of each.
1. Antojos 509 LLC
Kennewick doesn’t usually top lists of Venezuelan food destinations, and that’s exactly why this family-owned spot is such a fun find. Antojos is the Spanish word for cravings, so the name tells you what you’re in for.
The arepas here come out big and piping hot. One popular build packs shredded beef, fried plantain, black beans, and fresh cheese into a single corn pocket.
Prefer poultry? The Arepa de Pollo Mechado brings shredded chicken to the party.
There’s also the Pabellón Tradicional, Venezuela’s national plate of beef, beans, rice, and plantains.
Vegetarians get a treat with the Cachapa con Queso de Mano. A cachapa is a sweet corn pancake folded around soft white cheese, and it’s pure comfort.
Here’s a twist you might not expect. The menu also wanders into Pasta Bolognese and Paella Valenciana, which makes it handy for a group with mixed tastes.
Coffee gets serious attention too, so this works for a slow morning meal. The doors open at 8 AM Tuesday through Sunday, and Monday is the day off.
The restaurant also lists a fireplace and rooftop seating among its features. Throw in an easy parking lot and you have a relaxed stop in the Tri-Cities.
If you’re road-tripping through eastern Washington, this is a tasty excuse to pull over. Just don’t plan your visit for a Monday.
Address: 5453 Ridgeline Dr #140, Kennewick, WA 99338
2. Rico’s Authentic Colombian Flavor
Chorizo and an arepa walk into a lunch order, and the result is the Choriarepa. That clever mashup is one of the reasons Rico’s earns a spot on this list.
This Everett kitchen leans proudly Colombian. Arepas, buñuelos, and homemade dishes form the backbone of the menu.
Buñuelos deserve a moment of your time. They’re round, golden cheese fritters, crisp outside and fluffy in the middle, and they pair beautifully with coffee.
Empanadas are part of the lineup as well. Grab a few as a side, or make a whole meal of them with a couple of other snacks.
Feeling extra hungry? The Bandeja Paisa is Colombia’s famous loaded platter, and the Picada is built for sharing around the table.
Papas Rellenas, or stuffed potatoes, are another fun pick. The Tamal Tolimense shows up too, a hearty bundle that’s a weekend tradition in many Colombian homes.
Wash it down with a Manzana Postobón, the apple soda loved across Colombia. It’s sweet, bubbly, and a little nostalgic for anyone who grew up with it.
Families will appreciate the kids’ menu and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast starts at 10 AM most days, so a late morning arepa run is totally doable.
Address: 607 Southeast Everest Mall Way #6B, Everett, WA 98208
3. COF&
Salsa lessons and arepas under one roof? Downtown Bellingham pulls off that combo at this Colombian coffee shop.
Coffee is the headliner, with drinks like the Cappuccino Gold and an affogato. Still, the food is what makes it belong in a list about stuffed corn cakes.
The arepas here are gluten-free, which is good news for anyone who usually skips the bread basket. The menu’s best seller is the Arepa Bucaro, a vegetarian option.
Empanadas sit right alongside them. Add some freshly baked Colombian pastries and your breakfast suddenly looks a lot more exciting.
Plant-based eaters get extra love. The shop offers a full vegan menu and a full vegetarian menu, which isn’t something every Latin kitchen can claim.
The space also hosts live bands and performances. That gives it the feel of a community hangout more than a quick grab-and-go counter.
Dogs are welcome inside and out, so your four-legged buddy can tag along. Students and remote workers like it as a laptop-friendly stop too.
Hours run 7 AM to 5 PM daily. That makes it a natural first stop before a stroll around Bellingham Bay or a drive up toward the North Cascades.
Address: 1209 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
4. Sabor Colombiano Luis Panes
Empanadas are practically in the job description here. The Tacoma kitchen specializes in crispy Colombian empanadas, and the website even carries their name.
So what makes them different? Colombian empanadas are usually made with corn dough and deep fried, giving them a crunchy shell and a soft interior.
That contrast is the whole point. You get the snap first, then the tender filling, and you’ll probably reach for a second before the first is gone.
The Rancheras Empanadas are a vegetarian pick on the menu. Pair them with a blended fruit juice for a classic Colombian combo.
Want a full plate? The Bandeja Paisa is a showstopper, and the Picada Paisa brings a mix of goodies meant for sharing.
Patacones are another fun choice. These flattened, fried green plantains come topped with beef or chicken, so they almost act like a crunchy edible plate.
The room is casual and on the quiet side. That makes it an easy lunch stop when you want good food without a lot of noise.
Plan ahead on timing, though. Doors close at 6 PM Monday through Saturday, and Sunday is a rest day, so this is a daytime craving spot.
Address: 5640 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409
5. Don De La Colombiana
Soup and empanadas might sound like a rainy-day pairing invented for Olympia. This little Capitol Way spot happens to serve both, with real Colombian flair.
Start with the Colombian Empanadas, which come two to an order. They’re the corn-dough, deep-fried style, and they’re considered a must here.
Arepas and plátano maduro also make an appearance. Maduro means ripe, so these plantains bring a soft, caramel-like sweetness to the plate.
Now about that soup. The Chicken Soup Ajiaco is a Bogotá favorite, and the Beef Ribs Sancocho is the kind of bowl that fixes a gray afternoon.
Save room for dessert if you can. Buñuelos come two per order, and the Coffee Flan gives a nod to Colombia’s most famous crop.
Thirsty? Pony Malta, the malty soda many Colombians grew up drinking, is on the menu.
Fresh fruit juices are another specialty.
The space is small and casual with Colombian music in the air. The team has a friendly, welcoming reputation, even with guests practicing their Spanish.
Street parking downtown can be tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes. Also note it’s closed Tuesdays, which is an easy detail to forget.
Address: 609 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA 98501
6. Arepa Latin Street Food
Black-and-white photos decorate this food trailer, which feels fitting for a place serving such classic flavors. Olympia’s east side gets a serious dose of Venezuelan street food here.
The Arepa Carne is a top pick. For some diners raised in Venezuela, that first bite tastes like childhood.
Portions run generous, with fresh veggies and a lineup of sauces. Some of those sauces bring real heat, so ask before you go bold.
Side dishes might steal the show. Yuca Fries come with a garlicky mojo sauce, and they’re both vegan and dangerously snackable.
Plantain fans get two options. Tostones are the crunchy green version, while Tajadas are sweet, ripe slices, so you can try both and pick a favorite.
Not in an arepa mood? The Ropa Vieja Bowl piles on shredded beef, and Steak and Fries keeps things simple.
Finish with Coconut Flan for a tropical ending. It’s a smooth, light way to cap off a filling lunch.
There’s a kids’ menu and a full vegetarian menu, so mixed groups are covered. Dogs are welcome, and parking is usually easy.
The trailer closes Sundays and serves until 7 PM on other days.
Address: 728 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98501
7. Paparepas Venezuelan Food (Renton)
Midnight arepa cravings are real, and Renton has an answer. On Fridays and Saturdays, this Venezuelan kitchen stays open until 12 AM.
The arepas are the reason to come. They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside, which is exactly the texture you want.
Empanadas share the spotlight on the menu. That makes it easy to settle the great arepa-versus-empanada debate at one table.
The Pabellón is a smart order for a first visit. It’s Venezuela’s signature plate of shredded beef, black beans, rice, and plantains.
Asado Negro is another classic worth knowing. This slow-cooked beef has a dark, sweet sauce and shows up at many Venezuelan family celebrations.
Seafood lovers can go for Camarones al Ajillo, garlic shrimp sold by the pound. Arroz con Pollo rounds out the comfort side of the menu.
Want something to sip? Guava Juice is fruity and bright, while a Cortado Cubano gives you a strong, sweet coffee kick.
Live music shows up here too, along with a kids’ menu and a full vegetarian menu. Service has a reputation for moving fast.
Parking is usually plentiful. That’s handy when you’re coming from around south King County for dinner.
Address: 17034 116th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058
8. Monserrate Colombian Cuisine
Lunch and grocery shopping can happen in one stop at this Bellevue favorite. Monserrate works as a restaurant, a mini market, and a bakery.
The bakery is where many visits begin. Pan de bono, the cheesy little Colombian bread, sits alongside empanadas and chorizo con arepas.
That chorizo and arepa pairing is simple and satisfying. Smoky sausage and a warm corn cake make a great quick bite.
Tamales are another specialty here. Grab a few for later, since the market setup makes takeout feel natural.
The sit-down menu stays fairly small, and that’s a plus. Fewer choices usually means more care on each plate.
Big appetites can tackle the Bandeja Paisa or the Churrasco. Mojarra Frita, a whole fried fish, is a coastal Colombian classic.
Then there’s Sancocho Trifásico. Trifásico means three kinds of meat in one hearty soup, so it’s a meal all by itself.
The kitchen is family-run with a reputation for friendly service. It’s a relaxed, quiet spot, and there’s even a kids’ menu.
Shoppers will appreciate the mix of pastries and pantry items. You can pick up a taste of Colombia for home after eating.
Address: 15600 NE 8th St Ste PM4, Bellevue, WA 98008
9. Arepa Venezuelan Kitchen
Can’t pick a country? The Factoria location of this kitchen serves both Venezuelan and Colombian empanadas, so you don’t have to.
The arepas get filled generously, and that’s a big part of the appeal. Expect flavors that taste closely tied to Venezuelan home cooking.
The Cochino Félix Arepa is a menu standout. It’s one of several fillings that make choosing just one a real challenge.
Don’t skip the Tequeños. These are sticks of white cheese wrapped in dough and fried, and they disappear fast at any party.
Hungrier groups have options too. Plato de Pabellón delivers the national dish, while Sancocho brings a hearty bowl of soup.
Cachapas and pasteles also appear on the menu. That variety makes it a good place to sample several Venezuelan favorites at once.
Families get high chairs and a kids’ menu. Service tends to be quick, which helps when little ones are hungry.
Catering is available if you want to bring arepas to your next gathering. A tray of tequeños could easily win the party.
The free parking lot at Factoria makes it simple to swing by. Hours run until 8 PM most days and 6 PM on Sundays.
Address: 4058 Factoria Square Mall SE, Bellevue, WA 98006
10. El Parche Colombiano
In Colombian slang, a parche is your crew, the friends you hang out with. This north Seattle restaurant lives up to the name with a festive, colorful room.
Empanadas come in three flavors. You can pick carne, pollo, or queso, which covers beef, chicken, and cheese fans alike.
Pandebono is another must for bread lovers. These chewy cheese rolls make a great snack while you study the menu.
Big plates are where portions get generous. The Bandeja Paisa is available even to go, and Sobrebarriga Guisada offers tender braised flank steak.
Fish fans can try the Mojarra Frita. Arroz con Pollo and a hearty Ensalada de Carne round out the main options.
For a drink, the Jugo de Maracuyá is bright and tangy. Passion fruit juice is a Colombian staple and a fun break from soda.
Live music adds to the party feel, and the space is popular for watching soccer games. Weekends tend to bring the biggest crowds.
Kids are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu on hand. Reservations are accepted too, which helps for birthday groups.
Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily, it’s an easy close to any Washington arepa and empanada tour.
Address: 11740 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125