Dec 21, 2023

Empanadas are small, easy-to-hold pockets of pasty-like crust stuffed with a sweet or savory filling. They’re delightful on the palate, though finding ones with the right crunch and mix of flavors can be difficult. You want a dough that is slightly flavored and will complement any filling. But the good news is, Panama City residents and visitors can easily access this cuisine if they know the right joints. 

Read on for our list of the top five places to enjoy empanadas in Panama City. 

Los Antojitos Mexican Restaurant

Image via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 by bibliojojo

At Los Antojitos Mexican Restaurant, you can find everything you’re craving, and more. The restaurant staff is attentive and greets you with a smile while they deliver your tasty order. Menu items here include traditional Tex-Mex fares like fajitas, shrimp tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. And when you have a craving for Mexican food, one convenient yet tasty menu option is the Mexican-style street corn. It is a generous serving of corn in a cup topped with cotija cheese, chipotle crema, and a squeeze of fresh lime. 

Interestingly, many people connect empanadas with dessert. But at Lost Antojitos, you can get your empanadas as an appetizer. This easy-to-eat finger food is ideal for activating the appetite and keeping the conversation moving. For $10.50, you get crispy golden empanadas stuffed with perfectly seasoned ground beef and melty cheese. These fried little pastries are perfect for dipping, pair well with a beer, and come served with sour cream. 

Los Antojitos Mexican Restaurant is at 1236 Beck Ave, Panama City. Check their updated hours through their website. To order online or for more information, call 850-640-2553.

Amavida Coffee Roasters

Few things go as well with coffee as a sweet empanada. A warm, mildly sweet, and crunchy empanada satisfy that craving as you sit down for your morning brew. At Amavida Coffee Roasters, they pair two of your morning favorites in one. This coffee house consistently drops new roasts to keep things fresh for customers and minimize the outlet’s carbon footprint. Amavida is certified carbon-neutral and plastic-neutral, two credentials validating their commitment to nature preservation. 

Further, they work with organizations like On the Ground Global to help producers create prosperous local communities and ensure overall quality. Based on their dedication to excellence, we suggest you try one of their blends to introduce your taste buds to premium coffee. The Florida Sunrise Blend, a local favorite, is chocolatey, dense, and clean. It has just enough caffeine to get you up in the morning and energize you for the rest of the day. Pair your morning brew with a flakey empanada from the cafe, and we reckon your morning will begin on a great note. 

Amavida has several locations throughout Florida. The Panama City location is at 2997 W. 10th St. They’re open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., so you can swing by on your way to work or after dropping the kids off at school. For information, call 850-213-1965. 

Boricuba Cafe

Our verdict is, Boricuba Cafe does Mexican food right! This bakery-plus-restaurant is a hidden gem of Panama City and delivers quality in a modest shop. The service is consistent, staff kind, and food incredibly delicious. Set on simple white plates, each menu item is a generous serving and comes freshly prepared. 

Loyal customers love the carne (meat) empanada. That said, a cafĂ© con leche is a must-try no matter what you order. Your meal plus coffee taste homely even while you run off and continue your day. Most menu items are fried, and there are baked treats, too. So, grab a dessert to enjoy after dinner. You won’t regret it. 

Boricuba Cafe sits humbly at 11206 Hutchison Blvd., in Panama City Beach, Florida. For order or operating hours inquiry, call 850-249-0087.

Muy Wayne O’s 

The beach-side atmosphere and colorful decor at Muy Wayne O’s is inviting and one of the many reasons to visit this fun outfit. They have a variety of creatively named dishes sure to keep your appetite in check. Try the Nacho’s Supreme to fill your tummy, then top your meal off with Pedro’s Treats. These sweet little deep-fried pastries are perfect to munch on outside or pair with your morning coffee. 

Muy Wayne O’s is at 303 S. Arnold Road, Panama City Beach, Florida. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Monday. Call 850-249-6830 if you have any questions for the staff.

Los Rancheros Mexican Grill And Bar

Los Rancheros Mexican Grill and Bar is an authentic Mexican restaurant that knows how to coat your food with yummy flavors to produce the aromas synonymous with Mexican cuisine. Known for their tasty tacos, the restaurant also serves some of the best enchiladas and chimichangas in Panama City. Don’t end your night without dessert. Grab some fried ice cream, sopapillas, or yummy empanadas, and end things right. 

Los Rancheros Mexican Grill and Bar has two locations in Panama City ready to serve you. Check the website for directions. To reach the Front Beach Road location, call 850-249-5195. For the other location on W 23rd Street, call 850-769-7999.

So there you have it. Panama City Toyota has just shared with you our recommendations for the top five places to enjoy empanadas in Panama City. Check out one of these spots when you’re craving little pockets of delight with a delicious filling. What do you think of our suggestions? Did we miss your favorite spot to cure your empanada craving? If we did, let us know! Leave a message and we’ll be happy to check out your suggestions.