Before Fat Tummy Empanadas had its own storefront on West Commerce Street, it was operating out of a gas station near Medical and Callaghan, the kind of humble beginning that makes its current following even more impressive.
Now with a proper spot of its own, this hole-in-the-wall shop has built a loyal fanbase around one thing done really well, flaky, generously filled empanadas.
Why This San Antonio Empanada Shop Has Locals Hooked
The crust here gets singled out constantly, described as flaky and crisp in a way that holds up against generous, meaty fillings without falling apart.
One longtime San Antonio local specifically pointed out that the quality has stayed just as delicious now that the shop has its own building, a reassuring sign for anyone who worried the move might change the recipe.
The Original Beef, Spicy Beef, and Ham varieties tend to come up most often in reviews, with fans specifically calling out these three when demanding their favorites from the counter.
Some diners have noted the filling can lean salty on occasion, but the overwhelming majority still walk away calling it some of the best empanadas they’ve ever had.
Satisfied customers consistently praise the generous portion sizes and the balance between crust and filling, saying the ratio is exactly right rather than skimping on either side.
That kind of consistency across years of reviews says a lot about a shop that’s stayed committed to doing one thing well instead of overcomplicating the menu.
If it’s your first visit, order a mix of the Spicy Beef and Ham Empanadas so you can compare the two most talked-about options, then grab an Original Beef for good measure.
Food Highlights
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Chicken Spinach and Cheese Empanada: Tender sautéed chicken breast blended with fresh spinach and a rich two-cheese mix, all wrapped in a perfectly balanced dough, the Chicken Spinach and Cheese Empanada gets called out by staff themselves as everyone’s favorite, and once you taste it, you’ll get why.
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Beef and Potato Empanada: Flavorful ground beef paired with onions, bell peppers, and tender potatoes finished in the shop’s signature Argentinian seasoning blend, the Beef and Potato Empanada is the kind of hearty, comforting order that keeps regulars coming back specifically for this combo.
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Spicy Chicken Empanada: Diced chicken sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and chipotle peppers for a smoky kick, the Spicy Chicken Empanada brings serious heat that even Guy Fieri singled out when he stopped by the shop for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
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Guava and Cream Cheese Empanada: Tropical guava paired with smooth cream cheese folded into a perfectly balanced flaky crust, the Guava and Cream Cheese Empanada is the dessert order reviewers keep pointing to as the standout of the whole sweet lineup.
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Milanesa Sandwich: A breaded beef cutlet topped with ham and melted cheese served on toasted French bread, the Milanesa Sandwich gives diners a full Argentinian sandwich experience beyond the empanada counter, and it comes with a side of your choice.
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Choripán: Traditional Argentinian beef chorizo served on toasted French bread and topped generously with the shop’s in-house chimichurri, the Choripán is the sandwich regulars specifically praise for its bold, smoky flavor.
Atmosphere
Fat Tummy Empanadas keeps things simple, functional, and completely unpretentious, exactly what you’d expect from a spot that started out of a gas station and built its reputation on food alone.
There’s no elaborate seating or trendy decor here, just a straightforward counter built for grabbing empanadas and going.
That no-frills approach has clearly worked in the shop’s favor, with years of consistent praise from fans proving that word of mouth alone can carry a small operation a long way.
It’s the kind of place locals recommend specifically because it feels like a genuine hidden gem rather than something manufactured for social media attention.
Bottomline
Fat Tummy Empanadas is the San Antonio spot to seek out when you want proof that a hole-in-the-wall shop can build a serious following on flaky crust and generous fillings alone, whether that’s through the Spicy Beef or the classic Ham Empanada.
With a story that started in a gas station and years of consistent praise from regulars, it’s easily one of the city’s most beloved hidden gems.
Address:
2922 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207
📞 +1 210-383-6415
🕔 Open Tue–Wed 10:00 AM–3:00 PM; Thu–Sat 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (Closed Sunday, Monday)