At Julia's Empanadas, we bring the rich flavors and traditions of Latin American cuisine straight to your plate. Founded in 1993 by Bill and Julia Hohman, our family-owned and family-run business is a testament to the power of tradition and love. Julia, who immigrated from Chile in 1971, grew up making empanadas with, and then for her mother, brother and sister. This cherished family tradition lives on through our delicious handmade empanadas, and we are proud to share it with our community. We are honored to be the first restaurant specializing in empanadas in Washington, DC.
Our empanadas are crafted from authentic recipes passed down through generations, ensuring every bite is a taste of home. We source the finest, freshest ingredients to create fillings that burst with flavor, and each empanada is carefully handmade, guaranteeing the highest quality and a personal touch. Our diverse menu caters to all tastes and dietary preferences, offering both savory and sweet options, as well as vegetarian options, that are sure to delight. From the classic beef empanada to the sweet apple and cinnamon, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
We are dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience, believing in the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories. Our commitment to quality and tradition means you can always expect the best from us. With three convenient locations, we're ready to serve you. You'll be able to enjoy a night out dancing, for special events or parties, or just a healthy and fast alternative to cooking at home. It doesn't matter if you're a DC local or from out of town touring the capital, you will be sure to enjoy our empanadas.
Come visit us at any of our three locations:
2452 18th Street NW
6235 Georgia Avenue NW
Coming Soon: 1515 17th Street NW
We also cater for parties and special events. Please call the store directly to book catering for your next event. We look forward to serving you and making your gatherings memorable with our delicious empanadas.
"Made by Hand, Baked with Love"
At Julia's Empanadas, each empanada is crafted with care, reflecting the rich culinary traditions from various parts of Latin America. Here are some of our beloved empanadas, each with its unique flavor and story.
Inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Jamaica, our Jamaican empanada is a taste adventure. Filled with a savory mix of seasoned beef, potatoes, and onions tied together with a blend of curry, this empanada brings a spicy kick that will transport your taste buds to the Caribbean. The Jamaican empanada is a tribute to the island's rich culinary heritage and its love for robust, spicy flavors.
Our Spinach empanada is a delightful blend of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta and mozzarella, and a hint of nutmeg, wrapped in our signature pastry. This vegetarian favorite is both wholesome and indulgent, offering a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. It's perfect for those who appreciate a lighter yet flavorful option. This empanada reflects teh versatility of traditional recipes, proving that simple ingredients can create extraordinary tastes.
The Chilean empanada is a homage to Julia's roots and the flavors she grew up with in Chile. Filled with a savory mix of beef, onions, raisins, kalamata olive, and hard-boiled egg, this empanada captures the essence of Chilean cuisine. The combination of sweet and savory ingredients creates a unique and delightful flavor profile, making it a favorite among our customers. This empanada is a true taste of Chile, where empanadas are a staple at family gatherings and celebrations.
Our Chipotle Steak empanada is a flavorful fusion of tender steak and onion, seasoned with a smoky chipotle. The rich and spicy filling is complemented by the pastry, creating a delicious and satisfying empanada. This empanada is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and a bit of heat. The Chipotle Steak empanada brings together the best of Latin American flavors with a contemporary twist.
The Salteña empanada is inspired by the traditional Bolivian and Argentine salteñas, known for its juicy and savory filling. Ours is filled with a hearty mix of chicken, green olive, peas, hard-boiled egg, and raisins, all encased in a golden pastry. This empanada is a true representation of a wonderful street food found in Latin America, where salteñas are a beloved snack enjoyed by many. The Salteña empanada at Julia's is a tribute to this rich culinary tradition.
Our Vegetarian empanada is a delightful medley of garden-fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and aromatic spices, all enveloped in our signature hand-crafted pastry. The fillings change with the seasons, ensuring the freshest ingredients and most vibrant flavors. This empanada is a perfect choice for those who crave a wholesome, plant-based meal without sacrificing taste. Feel free to ask our staff about the current seasonal filling when you visit. It's a vibrant celebration of teh bounty of nature, showcasing that vegetarian fare can be both exciting and fulfilling. Ingredients change weekly.
The Chorizo empanada is a robust blend of spicy chorizo sausage, savory black beans, and seasoned rice. This empanada captures the essence of comforting Latin American home cooking, with each bite delivering a rich tapestry of flavors. It's a favorite for those who enjoy a familiar, satisfying comfort meal.
Experience the rich flavors and traditions of Latin American cuisine with each bite of our handmade empanadas.