Restaurant Review – 5411 Empanadas

This week took me back to another favorite: 5411 Empanadas. Sometimes, you just have to go to a place you already know and love. I went to the location on Southport. It’s quaint, small, and charming. There are a handful of tables, as well as a long bar with seating. The menu is small but mighty, with 16 types of empanadas. I decided to start with their newest addition: Sriracha Pork. I also ordered the Mushroom, Thyme, and Blue Cheese: sliced mushrooms sautéed in garlic butter, thyme, and blue cheese; and the Bacon, Dates, and Goat Cheese: crispy applewood smoked bacon sweetened with thinly sliced dates and goat cheese. All three were fantastic! The Sriracha Pork was very tasty. The meat had just the right amount of spice and the soft, sautéed red cabbage gave it added crunch. It’s hard to narrow down, but I think my favorite was the Mushroom, Thyme, and Blue Cheese. The flavors are just fantastic- creamy, smoky, buttery- need I say more? The Bacon, Dates, and Goat Cheese is also wonderful. The goat cheese is tart and tangy, the bacon is fatty and rich, and the dates are perfectly sweet. My best friend ordered the Ham and Cheese: smoked ham, mozzarella, shredded parmesan, and oregano; the Mac and Cheese: macaroni elbows, smoked gouda, white cheddar, asiago cheese, pimento, and scallion; and the Banana Nutella: perfectly ripe bananas and Nutella. The Ham and Cheese was my favorite of the two savories! I don’t normally like ham that much, but this is just a great combination. The Banana Nutella was very nice as well! I’ve never had one of their dessert empanadas, but this has definitely converted me. 

5411 Empanadas has multiple locations in the city: Wicker Park, Lakeview, the Loop, Southport Corridor, and River North. You can find more information about their locations, catering, and delivery services here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO