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OBRA HandBakery
Master Critic Review
OBRA HandBakery
8.2
Latin American-inspired bakery specializing in scratch-made baked empanadas since 2014. Chef-owner Cesar Villarreal brings Colombian heritage to creative fillings like chicken curry and BBQ pork, plus Cuban sandwiches and breakfast burritos served alongside specialty coffee drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Curry Empanada, Cuban Sandwich, BBQ Pork Empanada
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Hand-made empanadas baked every half hour with Colombian family recipes
Who should go: Latin food lovers and empanada enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday mornings for freshest breakfast empanadas
What to order: Chicken curry empanada, Cuban sandwich, tres leches latte
Insider tip: Buy empanadas by the dozen (get 2 free) and freeze for baking at home
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking in 2nd & PCH shopping center lot - easy access, plenty of spots
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, it's a bakery counter
Noise level: Low to moderate - bakery setting, good for conversation
Weekend wait: Closes at 3pm - weekend mornings can have 5-10 min line
Weekday lunch: Quick service - usually under 5 minutes at counter
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese, spinach & feta, and veggie empanada options available
Vegan options: Limited - some empanadas can be made without cheese upon request
Gluten-free options: No - all empanadas made with traditional wheat dough
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates - counter service bakery with limited seating. Great for a coffee date or grab-and-go before another activity.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service with first-come seating. Note they close at 3pm, so plan accordingly for early lunch.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - empanadas are perfect handheld food, breakfast burritos available, casual atmosphere. High chairs available.
Can I take empanadas to go and bake them later? Absolutely - they sell unbaked empanadas by the dozen (buy 10 get 2 free). Freeze at home and bake fresh whenever you want.
What if I've never tried empanadas before? Start with the chicken curry empanada - it's their signature and approachable for first-timers. The flaky baked crust is lighter than fried versions.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Latin American bakery experience at bakery prices - scratch-made empanadas with creative fillings you won't find elsewhere. The baked-not-fried approach and ability to buy frozen dozens makes it unique. Perfect for a quick quality bite or stocking your freezer.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down restaurant experience or need dinner service (they close at 3pm). If you're looking for traditional Argentine-style fried empanadas, this isn't that. Also skip if gluten-free is required.