Empanadas El Machetico las de Nico
The go-to spot in Medellin for the crispiest, most flavorful empanadas. A local institution serving up fried perfection for over 30 years.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Empanadas El Machetico las de Nico
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The go-to spot in Medellin for the crispiest, most flavorful empanadas. A local institution serving up fried perfection for over 30 years.
"Hands-down, the best empanadas in all of Medellin, you will not regret going here."
Cash is King
Bring cash as Empanadas El Machetico is a cash-only establishment.
Fast & Furious Lines
Expect bustling lines, but service is quick. Grab your empanadas to go.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Colombian Street Food
Price
$
Phone
+57 604 4079925
Address
Cl. 9 #42-38, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary Empanadas
Crispy, golden empanadas filled with juicy beef, a local favorite perfected over three decades. Served with complimentary lime and hot sauce.
Authentic Colombian Street Food
Beyond empanadas, discover other delicious fried treats like arepas de huevo and papas rellenas, showcasing their expertise in classic Colombian snacks.
Local Hangout
A no-frills, grab-and-go spot packed with locals, offering a genuine taste of Medellin's vibrant street food culture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cash is King
Bring cash as Empanadas El Machetico is a cash-only establishment.
Fast & Furious Lines
Expect bustling lines, but service is quick. Grab your empanadas to go.
Off-Peak Enjoyment
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the longest waits, or simply enjoy your empanadas on-the-go.
Add Your Own Flair
Enjoy unlimited lime and hot sauce to customize your empanada to perfection.
Tips
from all over the internet
Cash is King
Bring cash as Empanadas El Machetico is a cash-only establishment.
Fast & Furious Lines
Expect bustling lines, but service is quick. Grab your empanadas to go.
Off-Peak Enjoyment
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the longest waits, or simply enjoy your empanadas on-the-go.
Add Your Own Flair
Enjoy unlimited lime and hot sauce to customize your empanada to perfection.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about Empanadas El Machetico's legendary empanadas, praising their crispy texture and juicy beef filling. Many note the affordable prices and the complimentary lime and hot sauce as great enhancements. While the menu is focused, the quality and tradition of their offerings, perfected over decades, make it a must-visit.
"Great empenadas. Which is the only thing on the menu and they are fantastic. Side note they will contain coriander in case you have the soap taste however it's not strong"
J
"Just as I had read in reviews and recommendations before, my expectations were fully met. The empanadas were truly delicious."
Lucia Hercegova
"Delicious empanadas. They only serve one flavor, beef, but that's good enough. Simple and delicious and they have been making the same ones for 30 years.
No place to sit down. You walk up and order and they serve them with a salsa and a lime.
Always a line but it moves very fast. Cheap and delicious. Grab a few if in the area."
Hayden Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
They are famous for their incredibly crispy and juicy beef empanadas, considered by many to be the best in Medellin. They also offer other fried Colombian snacks.
No, Empanadas El Machetico is a grab-and-go establishment. There is no seating available.
No, Empanadas El Machetico is a cash-only establishment. It's best to bring cash for your order.
While empanadas are their specialty, they also offer items like arepas de huevo, papas rellenas, panzerotti, and palitos de queso.
The empanadas themselves are not spicy, but they come with complimentary lime and hot sauce for you to add as much as you like.
There is often a line, especially during peak times, but service is known to be very fast.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best Things to Do in Medellin, Colombia
And for the best on-the-fly empanada in town, hit Empanadas El Machetico las de Nico for the crispiest morsel and pair it with some spicy ají sauce. There may be a mob of locals around its front counter, but that’s how you’ll know you’ve arrived at the right spot.
Where to Eat With Kids in Medellín
El Machetico is a popular Medellín chain that has been serving up savory snacks to hungry locals for over 30 years. Here they do favorites like empanadas, arepas de huevo (fried corn cakes with egg), papas rellenas (fried potato balls), panzerotti (fried pastry filled with mozzarella cheese), and more. If you're noticing a theme that everything is fried here, you'd be correct.
Empanadas El Machetico, Medellin | Ticket Price | Timings
If you are looking to relish some great Empanadas, it is best to visit Empanadas El Machetic in Medellin. Located on Calle 9, if you are a foodie and have a taste bud for salsa, then head here to grab bunches of 20 empanadas. Although empanadas are hard to make, this place does the crust and filling expertly, and the food will not disappoint you.
ECONOMICAL RESTAURANTS MEDELLIN | BnB Colombia Tours
A popular spot in Poblado known for serving up some of the best empanadas in the city. This local outfit has satisfied hungry customers for over thirty years with its savory street food like empanadas, arepas de huevo, papas rellenas and panzerotti. The menu mainly comprised fried delights, showcasing their expertise in this cooking style.
17 Best Restaurants In Medellin For Every Budget [2025]
I stumbled on this place when I was researching where to eat in Medellin and apparently, this is a local’s favorite!. Matthew and I were ready to try these empanadas before the Colombia soccer match but when we arrived…the lines were very long!. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to wait so we couldn’t try them.
Five Colombian Food Experiences in Medellin
Empanadas are arguably the most popular and flavorful street food in Colombia, available in every restaurant and street corner food stand. With an abundance of choices, there is truly something for everyone. Yet, in Medellin, there is an institution specializing in crafting these snacks, El Machetico.
20 Best Restaurants in Medellin for 20 Different Cravings
There is always a huddle of taxi drivers, cops, and office workers enjoying a quick snack of sizzling hot fried empanadas in front of Empanadas El Machetico.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit