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Cafe Tola — honest cafe in Lakeview. Order the Empanadas. "The prepared one were limited but got to try Mexican Egg, Spicy Red Pork, Chicken Mole" — Victoria D
Claire
90 reviews
“They gave me a nice salsa on the side to add a little more spice and flavor to the empanada, and the hot cocoa was so good, I practically drank it in one sip”
3612 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
“Ok, yum! I stopped in for a horchata latte today and it was amazing. The barista was friendly and...”
Ok, yum! I stopped in for a horchata latte today and it was amazing. The barista was friendly and the wait time was minimal. I also love the decor.
Kae
Feb 2026
“Cafe Tola never misses.”
Cafe Tola never misses! Their empanadas are delicious and big enough to be a meal. My current favorite is the birria & cheese but I also love the buffalo chicken and ham, egg & cheese. DON’T SLEEP ON THE HORCHATA LATTE! The folks who work there are so kind and the decor vibes are amazing!
Rachel Simon
Dec 2025
“Great selection of empanadas and tacos along with coffee drinks.”
Great selection of empanadas and tacos along with coffee drinks. The interior is very small but there's a patio on the sidewalk and next to the café to sit at. The empanadas were great, crust and fillings were both superb. Absolutely worth your time to go here.
Michael Damato
Sep 2025
“Cafe Tola is a fun & colorful stop for coffee and empanadas.”
Cafe Tola is a fun & colorful stop for coffee and empanadas. The apple pie empanada was comforting and tasty, while the iced latte was refreshing and well balanced.
Bill
Jul 2025
“WOW, I was impressed by their empanadas.”
WOW, I was impressed by their empanadas. Wasn't sure what to expect even with reading a few reviews. Their empanada dough is nice and flakey. We bought 4 to sample. 2 with meat and 2 veggie. The fillings are super flavorful and have serious depth. The only thing I would comment on is that, maybe they could find a way to note the different flavors. Otherwise, you have no way of knowing which is which until you open them. We had two different potato ones and the description did not match the flavors. And a little pricey. We spent $28 on 4 small/average sized empanadas. That black bean w/goat cheese. Insert drool emoji.. Regardless, they are delicious. And please don't pass on the spicy sauce/side salsa. You won't regret it. Great find!!
Ericka Shane
Apr 2025
“I was walking past on a cold morning and stopped by to get a hot cocoa.”
I was walking past on a cold morning and stopped by to get a hot cocoa. Ended up grabbing a chicken mole empanada as well. Both were delicious! They gave me a nice salsa on the side to add a little more spice and flavor to the empanada, and the hot cocoa was so good, I practically drank it in one sip. Great service, great atmosphere, great food/drinks! It’s card only, just a heads up. Really great to grab and go as there’s no seating inside (and only a small patio outside). Definitely on the pricier side, but I’ll still be back to try some other empanadas.
Claire
Feb 2025
“Cute place to stop for a quick lunch and good coffee.”
Cute place to stop for a quick lunch and good coffee! :) Tons of filling options including some vegetarian ones.
Gray McGregor
Oct 2024
“Yes! Excellent empanada offerings! Authentic and spot on. Small but big wow factor. Cute outdoor...”
Yes! Excellent empanada offerings! Authentic and spot on. Small but big wow factor. Cute outdoor space as well. The guava and cheese empanada was off the hook.
Craig Hogan
Sep 2024
“This cafe is full of character and color.”
This cafe is full of character and color. We got the black bean, plantain, and goat cheese and the spinach and ricotta empanadas and ate in the bright blue side patio. Both were hearty and flavorful. The cafe is very small, but the patio is a nice place to eat in the warm months.
Eloise
May 2024
“So freaking good.”
So freaking good. Meaty empanadas and delish breakfast tacos. We may go again tomorrow because we liked the so much
Adam Bush
May 2024
“I loveeee this place.”
I loveeee this place. I’ve been meaning to go for ages now and I’m glad I finally did. They didn’t have many empanadas left by the time I got there but I ordered the Dulce de leche latte and a spinach and feta empanada. I feel that that was one of the best empanadas I have ever had. I will come back earlier when they have more empanadas
Janae Thornton
Apr 2024
“What an awesome place.”
What an awesome place. Plenty of veggie/vegan options. The workers were so awesome and just made our day!
Logan H
Dec 2023
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