Franchesca's Empanadas Cafe

After moving here from NYC, one of the things I missed most was grabbing street empanadas, so we’ve been on a mission to find the best ones in Baltimore. So far, Franchesca’s comes the closest to hitting that nostalgic spot.

We tried the beef and potato corn empanada, the crab and shrimp, and the chipotle pulled pork, which ended up being my personal favorite.

The café has an adorable outdoor seating area spread over two colorful levels. Inside, it’s just as charming, with a feature brick wall adorned with plants and cozy little knick knacks that give it a warm, inviting vibe.

We loved our visit and will definitely be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic empanadas! Make sure you try the BBQ, pork and plantain and cheese. But everything was good. Excellent hot sauce and juices as well. 10/10! We will be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Deliciousness, is the best way to describe this establishment! I had the ground beef and crab! My son had the seafood medley and beefless empanadas. Three out of the four, were outstanding; my son didn’t care for the meatless one as much. Will definitely return!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

They are by far the best pupusas around. They are also the biggest well worth the price and a great variety. Their empanadas are great too

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food and friendly staff. I love their plantain and vegan cheese empanada.

Not bad but also not great.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2

Authentic Hispanic food! Very peaceful atmosphere and great service! Empanadas are top tier.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Empanadas are incredible, good vegan options that are delicious too

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I went to an event there and loved the food, so I decided to host an event there myself. The food was delicious, service amazing! I unfortunately I can’t remember the lady’s name but she was so attentive the whole time and so helpful. The guests love the place, the food and the service. It was also very clean! & fair prices! I would def. be holding more events there and recommend the food and place!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was amazing, I recommend the specialty split empanadas. Definitely will be headed back for the back patio and happy hour drinks.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I reviewed Francesca’s 4 years ago when they opened and recently had such a lovely experience that I felt the need to update my review. I went for lunch yesterday and got the bean and cheese pupusas, the chicken split enchilada, and a fresh lemonade, fresh passion fruit juice, and a chicken tamale. I sat outside in the back where they’ve created an adorable little oasis in the with plenty of shaded seating options. The pupusas are always delicious and one of my go-tos here, but this is the first time I got the split enchilada and I can’t describe how much I would eat this every day. They also recently got a liquor license and have some fun drink options. I was an occasional guest before but I clearly need to come way more often.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We got takeout (tacos and the Dominican bowl) and it was delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I absolutely love this place! They serve the best empanadas I’ve ever had—highly recommend the crab empanadas made with corn flour. When I’m in the mood for something healthier, I go for the platter—it’s incredibly delicious and nutritious. Their patio is also lovely, making it the perfect spot for a lunch with family or friends, especially in this beautiful weather.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love the fresh empanadas! 🥟😝

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Update: Francesca's reached out through the review and we continued a dialogue. They were very communicative and accommodating. We stopped back in tonight and they remade the bowls which were delicious. The whole crew was very kind and went above and beyond. Thank you all for explaining and making it right.

LOVE THIS PLACE. Ordered 2 salmon coconut curry bowls. Got bowls with no sauce (walk-in, ordered off the menu to go) it took 40 minutes. They forgot one part of our order so I walked back to get that. I ordered the same dish 2 weeks ago and it was amazing. Tonight we got dry bowls, no sauce. If you change the menu, just tell people if you're doing that. Not sure what made the change happen, but probably won't go back. The food was kind of nasty.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5