These 7 Illinois Empanada Shops Fold Their Turnovers By Hand And Fry Them Golden

There’s a special kind of joy in biting through a shell that shatters just right, then hitting a warm, well-seasoned filling underneath. Across Illinois, small kitchens are folding their turnovers by hand and frying them until they turn a deep, glowing gold.

Some are tucked into strip malls, others sit along a riverfront, and a few hide in college-town corners you might drive past a hundred times. If you love chasing down food that tastes homemade in the best way, these seven stops are worth every mile.

1. Savory Crust Gourmet Empanadas, Carol Stream, IL

Flaky, buttery, and crisp enough to crackle when you break it open, the empanadas here taste like someone rolled the dough out in a home kitchen that same morning. The shells shatter cleanly, and the fillings run bold, from picadillo and Argentinian beef to pork belly and a playful bacon brie fig.

Creativity is the calling card. Coconut curry and chicken curry share menu space with sweet options like blueberry lemon, guava and cheese, and a hazelnut cocoa and banana empanada that doubles as dessert.

Beyond the turnovers, you can round out a meal with rice bowls, churro fries, and elotes. It’s a quick-bite spot with no table service, so plan on takeout, curbside pickup, or delivery.

You’ll find it at 135 E St Charles Rd Unit A in Carol Stream, open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM, with easy free parking. Expect to spend around $10 to $20 per person for a satisfying, family-friendly haul.

2. Alice’s Corner Bolivian Cuisine, Aurora, IL

Made entirely from scratch, the empanadas at this cozy Bolivian spot come out crispy on the outside and packed with steak, chicken, or spinach, each one paired with a homemade hot salsa that brings the heat.

Bolivia’s flavors shine across the whole menu. Salteñas arrive juicy and filled, alfajores and flan handle the sweet cravings, and hearty plates like lomo saltado, asado en olla, and picante de pollo turn a snack run into a full sit-down meal.

Sides steal the show too, from fried plantains to fried yucca and a fresh bean salad, all served with a spicy sauce that ties everything together. There’s real seating here, plus table service, breakfast, and coffee if you want to linger.

Located at 37 W New York St in Aurora, it’s open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM. Reservations are accepted, parking is easy, and the welcoming space makes it a friendly landing spot for groups and solo diners alike.

3. Fryland Venezuelan Food, East Dundee, IL

Crispy edges, flaky layers, and a generous scoop of meat inside make these Venezuelan empanadas hard to stop eating, and the dipping sauce on the side might just be the best part.

Venezuelan comfort food anchors the menu, with tequeños, arepas, and a lineup of small plates that make it easy to graze your way through breakfast or lunch. The space itself is cute and quiet, the kind of tucked-away place that feels like a neighborhood secret.

Everything leans toward quick, satisfying bites, and the flavors punch well above the casual setting. Whether you dine in or get it delivered, the empanadas travel and hold up beautifully.

You’ll find Fryland at 212 Dundee Ave in East Dundee, with morning-friendly hours that stretch across the week and busy weekend mornings that show just how loved it is. Free parking, counter service, and a price range around $10 to $20 per person round out an easy visit.

4. El Mirador En El Rio, Peoria, IL

Set right along Peoria’s riverfront, this Latin American cafe pairs handmade empanadas with fresh salads, gourmet paninis, and artisan coffee in a modern, cozy space that feels like a small getaway.

The empanadas are the reason to stop, made fresh with sauces that match each filling and turnover shells cooked to a clean, golden finish. Every bite reads as homemade, and the flavors hold their own against empanadas from anywhere.

Coffee lovers get plenty to explore too, from a Spanish latte to cold brew and signature drinks, while paninis like the truffle prosciutto add a heartier option. A sampler makes it easy to try a little of everything.

Find it at 110 Northeast Water Street in Peoria, with hours that stretch into the evening most days and outdoor seating for warm afternoons. Free parking is plentiful, dogs are welcome outside, and the trendy setting makes it a great spot for a relaxed bite with a great cup of coffee.

5. Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas, Urbana, IL

Hand-made pastry and in-house fillings set this Urbana favorite apart, where thin, flaky dough wraps around well-stuffed savory empanadas and even a strawberry cheesecake version for dessert.

Half the fun is the double act. Alongside the empanadas, you get hole-in-the-wall pizza by the slice, including thin-crust and gluten-free options, plus creative fillings like curry chicken and savory sausage.

Vegetarians and vegans have real choices here too, with meat substitutes and a full vegetarian menu that keeps everyone at the table happy. The mushroom option even comes vegan, which is a nice touch for a campus crowd.

Parked at 1115 W Oregon St in Urbana, it’s open Monday through Saturday with late Friday and Saturday hours that fit student schedules. Delivery runs cheap, prices stay friendly around $10 to $20 per person, and the trendy, easygoing vibe makes it a go-to for a quick, quality bite.

6. Golden Tuzo, Chicago, IL

Fried fresh to order, the empanadas at this chic little Chicago cafe are worth the short wait, arriving hot with a buttery, flaky crust that leans almost pastry-like.

Flavor variety keeps things interesting. Chicken tinga stands out as a favorite, joined by chorizo, Hawaiian, and a mushroom and cheese option, with pastes and warm pastries filling out the case for anyone with a sweet tooth.

The setting is small but cozy and thoughtfully decorated, the kind of welcoming corner where the counter service feels personal. Because they cook each batch fresh, you’re getting turnovers at their crispy peak rather than something sitting under a lamp.

Golden Tuzo sits at 5648 W Diversey Ave in Chicago, open daily with evening hours through the week. Street parking can take a minute to find, but between the coffee, the fast service, and empanadas made to serve at events or just for yourself, it’s an easy detour to justify.

7. La Cocinita Restaurant Evanston, Evanston, IL

Crisped to perfection and packed with flavor, the scratch-made empanadas here are hearty and filling, the kind of Venezuelan-inspired street food that satisfies without weighing you down.

Contemporary and casual, the space serves up fluffy empanadas alongside flavorful arepas, tostones, and arepa chips with pico de gallo. Vegetarian and vegan options run deep, so plant-based eaters get their own full lineup rather than an afterthought.

Fast, friendly service and affordable prices make it an easy weeknight stop, and dessert delivers too, with a flan that fans rave about. Standouts like la sifrina show off just how much filling gets tucked inside each order.

You’ll find it at 521 Davis St in Evanston, with late hours on Thursday through Saturday that run all the way to midnight. Seating is limited so it moves quickly, but between quick bites, a lively crowd, and empanadas fried to a golden crunch, it earns its place on this list.