Where to Find the Best Empanadas in the DMV

For Australians planning a food-focused trip to Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia, empanadas offer an easy way into the region’s Latin American dining scene. These hand-held pastries may be baked or fried, crescent-shaped or square, filled with beef, chicken, cheese, vegetables, or seafood, and served as a quick lunch, party snack, or late-night bite.

The DMV is large enough for every style to have its own following. D.C. delivers compact neighbourhood stops and food halls, Maryland rewards diners who travel towards its international suburbs, and Northern Virginia has a strong mix of Venezuelan, Colombian, Argentine, and Central American cooking. Expect prices in U.S. dollars, generous portions, and distances that are usually easier by car than by public transport.

Start With The Right Empanada Style

Argentine empanadas are often baked, neatly crimped, and filled with seasoned beef, chicken, ham and cheese, or spinach. They are usually less oily than fried versions and work well as a quick breakfast or desk lunch. Venezuelan empanadas are commonly made with cornmeal dough and fried until crisp, with fillings such as shredded beef, cheese, chicken, or black beans.

Colombian empanadas tend to have a golden corn shell and hearty fillings, while Puerto Rican and other Caribbean versions may use a wheat-based dough and a more generously spiced centre. If you are used to Australian sausage rolls or curry puffs, the appeal is familiar: portable pastry, bold filling, and plenty of room for regional variation.

District Favourites Worth Seeking Out

Julia’s Empanadas remains one of the most recognisable names for a fast, affordable empanada in Washington, D.C. Its baked selection makes it useful for trying several flavours in one sitting, particularly when your group cannot agree on beef, chicken, cheese, or a vegetarian filling. The format suits D.C.’s on-the-go rhythm, with counter service and locations close to busy nightlife and retail areas.

For a wider taste of the city, explore U Street and nearby Adams Morgan, where Latin American restaurants, bakeries, and casual counters sit alongside bars and music venues. Swizzle Chill’s U Street dining guide is a helpful companion for building an evening around an empanada stop rather than treating the pastry as an isolated snack.

Maryland Rewards A Longer Detour

Montgomery County is one of the DMV’s strongest areas for international food. Rockville, Wheaton, Silver Spring, and Langley Park offer restaurants and bakeries connected to Central American, South American, and Caribbean communities. Here, the best empanada may be found in a small family-run shop, a bakery counter, or a restaurant where the menu extends well beyond pastries.

Look for Colombian-style fried empanadas with ají, Venezuelan cornmeal versions with hot sauce, and Argentine baked pastries sold in mixed boxes. Maryland’s suburban layout means a car is often the practical choice, particularly if you are visiting several places in one day. For Australian visitors, the distances can feel less like a walk between inner-city suburbs and more like a regional food drive, so check opening hours before setting out.

Northern Virginia Has Serious Contenders

Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, and Fairfax County provide a dense spread of Latin American dining. Venezuelan restaurants are particularly useful for a full meal built around empanadas, arepas, tequeños, and fresh juices. Order a cheese-filled empanada alongside one with shredded beef or chicken to understand how the corn dough changes the experience.

Colombian bakeries and cafés in the area are another strong option, especially for a morning visit. Pair a crisp empanada with coffee, pan de bono, or a sweet pastry, then continue on to a larger meal nearby. Unlike Australia, where many cafés operate around a strong flat-white and brunch culture, American coffee shops often vary widely in quality, so a bakery specialising in Latin American breads may be the more rewarding breakfast stop.

Know What To Order With Them

Sauce can transform an empanada. Colombian ají adds fresh chilli, coriander, vinegar, and brightness; Venezuelan hot sauces may bring sharper heat; Argentine versions are often served with chimichurri or a simple salsa. Ask for sauce on the side if you are ordering a mixed box, since a delicate cheese or spinach filling can be overwhelmed by chilli.

A balanced order usually includes one rich meat filling, one cheese or chicken option, and one vegetable-based pastry. Fried empanadas are best eaten quickly while the shell is crisp, while baked ones travel better for a picnic or hotel-room snack. If you are carrying food back to Australia, remember that Australian biosecurity rules are strict: meat and dairy products generally cannot be brought into the country without meeting import requirements.

Turn The Search Into A Food Crawl

Empanadas are ideal for a DMV crawl because they are small, shareable, and available across several neighbourhoods. Begin with a bakery or counter-service lunch, stop for a drink, and finish at a restaurant that makes pastries to order. D.C.’s compact central districts can support this format on foot, while Maryland and Northern Virginia are better suited to a planned driving route.

Time the outing around a market, chef appearance, tasting, or cultural celebration by checking Swizzle Chill’s local events calendar. Food festivals and pop-ups can bring together vendors who do not maintain permanent storefronts, giving you a chance to compare regional styles in one location. This is especially useful when your visit falls on a weekend.

Pair Pastries With Drinks And Sides

For a casual pairing, try a tart citrus soda, passionfruit juice, or a cold lager. Rich beef empanadas also work with Malbec, while chicken and cheese fillings can handle a crisp white wine. D.C.’s brunch culture makes sparkling wine and empanadas a surprisingly good match, particularly when the meal includes eggs, potatoes, or a fresh salad. Swizzle Chill’s guide to brunch wine pairings offers useful inspiration beyond the standard mimosa.

Australian diners may notice that alcohol service is tightly tied to venue licensing in the United States. Rules vary by jurisdiction, and a restaurant may restrict outside drinks or require identification even when you look well over 18. Check the venue’s policy, and remember that the legal drinking age is 21. For dietary needs, ask clearly about wheat, dairy, egg, and shared fryers; U.S. menus are not governed by precisely the same allergen-labelling expectations as Australia and New Zealand’s Food Standards Code.

The best empanada trail in the DMV is built around variety rather than a single winner. Start with a baked Argentine pastry in D.C., compare it with a fried cornmeal version in Northern Virginia, then make time for Maryland’s broader international food scene. Save the stops, check the hours, arrive hungry, and let the fillings guide the rest of your itinerary.