I’m Hooked On This Tiny Neighborhood Café’s Empanadas In Illinois

When I think of a typical neighborhood cafe, my mind goes to pastries, dim lighting and a great cup coffee. One cafe, however, has taken that traditional concept and added brightly-colored, slightly spicy filter to it. Cafe Tola is an institution of Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Early in the morning, I see Cafe Tola's brightly colored trucks delivering tacos and empanadas to other cafes all over the area. While there are lots of spots to pick up their delicious food, I love going straight to the source.

The original Cafe Tola opened in November of 2012 on the Southport Corridor.

Over the years the murals on the outside have changed, but one thing is constant: color. Last year, Chicago artist Nez (@studio__nez) collaborated with Cafe Tola to repaint the walls and create a maze-like path on the sidewalks.

Anytime I stop by Cafe Tola, I have to pick up at least one, if not two empanadas.

I have been trying all of Cafe Tola's empanada recipes over the last year, but most recently I ordered the Mexican egg and the chicken mole empanadas. Both were delicious, and while I don't normally put sauces on eggs, Cafe Tola's hot sauce really enhanced the flavor.

To complement its selection of empanadas and tacos, Cafe Tola serves inventive drinks at its espresso bar.

The coconut iced latte and horchata lattes are the two drinks I hear people ordering the most often. I usually stick with a café con leche, but if you are visiting for the first time, I recommend trying one of the sweet signature drinks.

The location on Southport is a testament to the idea that good things come in small packages.

There is a one-way flow of traffic so things don't get too cramped inside. As you walk in, you will see a display with the day's selection of empanadas to choose from. I recommend going as close as you can to opening hours as sometimes popular empanadas will run out.

While service is really quick, I like to take my time walking out to look at all of the decorations on the interior.

Between custom neon signs and displays of collectible toys, Cafe Tola's design is the epitome of fun.

There are no seats inside, but there are two patios when you can post up with your empanadas and take a bite while they are still hot.

Although Cafe Tola's empanadas are designed to be the perfect food to-go, I like to take a seat to the side of the cafe. The combination of the whimsical mural and the smell of a chicken empanada always puts me in a good mood.

I will attest that Cafe Tola's handmade empanadas are the most delightful pocket of food you can bite into to start your day.

One of Cafe Tola's most popular breakfast items is the chorizo & egg empanada. Their all-day menu features classic breakfast empanadas, but also has options more appropriate for later meals like the black bean, goat cheese, and plantain empanada. Cafe Tola also has sweet empanadas with fruit, jellies and peanut butter for a sweet treat to go with your coffee.

I am partial to having Cafe Tola's empanadas for breakfast because starting the day here always puts a smile on my face.

Owners Victoria and Gerardo Salamanca estimate that Cafe Tola makes upwards of 20,000 of empanadas per month in the summertime. Granted, they have a few other locations across the city, but this 400 square-foot neighborhood cafe in Lakeview has been a local favorite for over a decade.

The atmosphere of Cafe Tola has made it a social media-friendly attraction, but its consistently delicious food keeps people, including me, coming back for more.

Cafe Tola has had a presence at big Chicago events like Mayfest, Suenos Music Festival and Lollapalooza. Cafe Tola has been such a success that the owners have opened three additional locations in Chicago as well as one in New York City.

Bright colors, great coffee and classic toys have an almost universal appeal, but the design of Cafe Tola is a reflection of the owners' personalities.

The husband-and-wife duo behind Cafe Tola took inspiration from their mother and grandmother's cooking when it came to designing the menu. As for the space itself, Victoria, who goes by Tola, is behind the Frida Kahlo fan art and Gerardo brought in the retro collectibles.

Rarely have I seen Cafe Tola without a line outside.

Given how easy it is to walk around with an empanada and coffee in hand, Cafe Tola is my go-to spot to grab a filling meal I can take just about anywhere. I am always sure to bring some extra napkins with me though.

While I was unsure how I would like empanadas for breakfast, Cafe Tola has absolutely turned me into a fan. To learn more about Cafe Tola and see the operating hours at its original location on Southport, check out their website and Instagram page.

If you want to fill your home with some decor similar to what Cafe Tola has, check out this Frida Kahlo wall art on Etsy. What do you think is the best to-go meal in Illinois?