Empanada Day is April 8, and the city has plenty of places to help you celebrate the savory hand pies that can easily serve as a snack, appetizer or entrée. Empanadas are a culinary cousin of the pierogi, which is probably why Pittsburghers love them so much.
1. Cilantro & Ajo,
Cilantro & Ajo specializes in Venezuelan street food, and empanadas are the biggest seller. The white corn patty is stuffed, folded and deep-fried, and fillings include shredded beef, chicken, sweet plantain with cheese, shrimp, and bacon and gouda. 901 E. Carson St., South Side
2. La Feria
Not only do the folks at La Feria sell Peruvian food — grab two empanadas with a side of soup or a salad for $10 — but they also sell Peruvian goods. Pick up lunch and a gift, from folk art and handwoven rugs to pottery and kitchenware. 5527 Walnut St., #2, Shadyside
3. Gaucho Parrilla Argentina
Head to Gaucho for an Argentinian spin on the empanada. The restaurant serves beef with olives, chicken with chorizo or veggie varieties. Can’t decide? Order a dozen along with a flight of chimichurri sauces. Happy dipping! 146 6th St., Downtown
4. Arepittas
Take a pit stop at Arepittas for a taste of Venezuela. You can get fried cornmeal dough packed with a variety of ingredients, from ground beef or pork to chicken or choriqueso. Like seafood? The Marinera is a mix of shrimp, squid, octopus, mussels and scallops with house seasoning. 412-428 Cherry Way, Downtown
5. Edgar’s Best Tacos
Edgar Alvarez is a taco king, but he also makes a mean Mexican empanada. Varieties include Picadillo with marinated ground beef, the vegetarian Soyrizo and Carne de Cangrejo, a blend of crab meat and shrimp. 108 19th St., Strip District
6. Mi Empanada
This grab-and-go spot offers an array of Argentinian empanadas you can eat while strolling down Butler Street. Want to cook at your own convenience? Mi Empanada also sells frozen varieties from roasted lamb to peaches and cream that you can bake at home. 4034 Butler St., Lawrenceville
7. The Colombian Spot
The Colombian Spot soon will have two! A second location is opening in May at 3533 Forbes Ave. in Oakland. The restaurant’s empanadas are stuffed with your choice of beef, chicken or veggies, along with potatoes, and minced and sautéed tomatoes and onions. 2019 E. Carson St., South Side
8. Pabellon Venezuelan and Mexican Cuisine
With two types of cuisine, there’s plenty to sample at Pabellon. The empanadas — served with the restaurant’s signature sauce — feature white cheese, shredded or ground beef, chicken, pabellon, seafood, bacon and cheese. 2957 Banksville Road, Banksville