A highly praised Venice Beach empanada stand with excellent, fresh-tasting fillings and standout chimichurri, though boardwalk pricing, occasional waits, and a few serious service or cleanliness complaints warrant realistic expectations.
Rico's Empanadas delivers strong food quality and warm hospitality from a beloved boardwalk location that draws loyal repeat customers. The outstanding setting appeal and consistent execution anchor the experience, though occasional service inconsistencies and modest design polish prevent a higher grade.
Rico’s Empanadas is a compact, counter-service stop right on the Venice Beach boardwalk, where the setting does half the storytelling: waves, basketball, music, skaters, and a snack you can carry straight toward the sand. Customers repeatedly describe the owners as warm and entertaining, with the overall feeling summed up by one visitor as “a perfect Venice beach bite.” Expect an informal, lively stop rather than polished dining-room service. The food centers on recognizable Argentinian empanadas with crisp pastry, savory fillings, and a chimichurri sauce that reviewers mention almost obsessively—in the best way. Beef is the consensus favorite, while spinach and cheese, ham and cheese, jalapeño and cheese, sweet corn and cheese, and vegan eggplant broaden the choices. Fresh preparation can mean a wait, and boardwalk prices are higher than many diners expect, especially for specialty coffee, but the combination of flavor, portability, and location makes it a strong alternative to ordinary beach fast food. Families can make this work, especially with familiar beef, chicken, ham and cheese, or sweet corn and cheese fillings, plus coffee and lemonade for adults. The vegan eggplant option is useful, though the menu is small and not every filling will suit picky children. Reviews include both family visits and shared meals, but this is still best understood as a casual snack counter, not a leisurely sit-down family restaurant.
Area vibe: Bohemian beachfront promenade mixing tourists, street performers, and local creatives.
Safety: Busy and well-lit along the boardwalk during day; evenings can be rowdy and occasionally unsafe after dark.
What's nearby: On Ocean Front Walk near Muscle Beach, Venice Boardwalk attractions, beach access, bike path, and shops.