Belen De La Cruz Empanadas & Pastries in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re craving Argentinian-style empanadas and pastries in Atlanta, Belen De La Cruz Empanadas & Pastries is one of the names you’re likely to come across. This guide walks through what they offer, how it fits into Atlanta’s international cuisine scene, where you might find them, and how locals typically use a spot like this—whether for a quick bite, catering, or take‑home baking.

Overview: What Is Belen De La Cruz Empanadas & Pastries?

Belen De La Cruz Empanadas & Pastries is an Argentinian-focused bakery and café concept built around:

• Handheld empanadas (savory and sweet)
• Dulce de leche–driven pastries and desserts
• Some ready-to-bake or frozen options you can prepare at home

In the Atlanta area, businesses like this often serve as:

• A casual lunch or snack spot
• A take-home dinner solution (grab a dozen empanadas for the week)
• A source for small events and office gatherings
• A way for Atlanta residents and visitors to explore Latin American and specifically Argentinian cuisine without needing a full sit‑down restaurant experience

You’ll typically find a counter-service setup where you order, choose from a case of empanadas and sweets, and either eat on site or take everything to go.

Where You’ll Typically Find Belen De La Cruz in Metro Atlanta

Exact addresses and hours can change, but Belen De La Cruz Empanadas & Pastries has been associated with locations in popular in-town and near‑north Atlanta neighborhoods, including:

• Sandy Springs / Roswell corridor
• Buckhead / North Atlanta areas
• Occasional presence in farmer’s markets, pop-ups, or shared commercial kitchens

Because Atlanta’s food scene changes regularly, it’s wise to:

• 🔎 Search for “Belen De La Cruz Empanadas & Pastries Atlanta” in your maps app for the latest locations
• 📞 Call ahead if you’re checking on specific pastries, large orders, or frozen stock
• ✅ Confirm parking and dine‑in availability, which can vary from location to location

If you are staying in Midtown or Downtown, you may need to drive or rideshare 15–30 minutes to reach their nearest outlet, since many Argentinian bakeries cluster in north Atlanta suburbs.

What’s on the Menu: Empanadas, Pastries, and More

While specific menu items can rotate, here’s what you can generally expect from a place like Belen De La Cruz Empanadas & Pastries in Atlanta.

Savory Empanadas

Empanadas are stuffed pastry pockets, baked or sometimes fried, and usually labeled with small crimping patterns or markings so you can tell flavors apart. Common categories include:

• Beef empanadas

  • Ground or minced beef
  • Onions, peppers, herbs, and spices
  • Sometimes olives, egg, or mild chili

• Chicken empanadas

  • Shredded chicken
  • Onions, peppers, herbs, occasionally cheese

• Ham and cheese or “jamón y queso”

  • Melty cheese blends
  • Diced ham for a rich, kid‑friendly option

• Vegetarian options

  • Spinach and cheese
  • Mixed vegetables and cheese
  • Possibly mushroom or caprese‑style fillings

• Special flavors (rotating)

  • Spicier blends
  • Seasonal fillings (such as chorizo, special cheeses, or new veggie combinations)

In Atlanta, many diners use empanada shops as a faster alternative to a full restaurant: two or three empanadas plus a drink can feel like a complete meal.

Sweet Empanadas & Desserts

For dessert‑leaning items, you’ll often see:

• Dulce de leche–filled pastries (a caramelized milk spread that’s a staple of Argentine sweets)
• Sweet empanadas, such as:
  • Apple and cinnamon
  • Dulce de leche with chocolate or coconut
• Alfajor‑style cookies or bars with dulce de leche and chocolate or powdered sugar
• Occasional cakes or tarts, depending on the day and location

Sweet items are popular with Atlanta locals who want something different from typical American bakery options but still approachable and not overly heavy.

Eat Now or Bake Later: How Atlantans Typically Use It

Many customers in Atlanta use Belen De La Cruz in a few specific ways.

1. Quick Lunch or Snack

People who live or work near a location may:

• Drop in for 2–3 empanadas and a drink
• Pick up a mix of savory and sweet for an afternoon snack
• Grab an easy on‑the‑go meal before heading to a park, office, or event

2. Take-Home Dinner

Because empanadas reheat fairly well, they’re handy for weeknights:

• Buy a dozen assorted empanadas
• Reheat them in the oven or air fryer at home
• Pair with a quick salad, rice, or roasted vegetables

Many Atlanta families use empanadas this way when they want something different from pizza or burgers but still fast and easy.

3. Frozen or Ready-to-Bake Options

Shops like this often offer:

• Frozen empanadas (raw or par‑baked)
• Clear baking instructions, typically involving a hot oven and a short bake time
• Ideal for:
  • Small gatherings at home
  • Game days
  • Having an international snack option ready in the freezer

If you plan to stock your freezer, it can help to call ahead to make sure your preferred flavors are available in frozen form.

4. Small Parties and Office Events

In Atlanta, empanadas are a practical finger food for:

• Office lunches and meetings
• Book clubs and casual get‑togethers
• Baby showers or birthday spreads

When ordering for a group:

• Count on 2–4 empanadas per person, depending on what else you’re serving
• Include at least one vegetarian option
• Consider ordering a few extra desserts for variety

For larger orders, it’s common to place the order at least a day or two in advance, especially around weekends or holidays.

Typical Price Range and What Affects It

Prices can change, but in the Atlanta market, you can generally expect:

• Individual empanadas: often in the range of a casual café item (similar to a sandwich or a specialty pastry elsewhere)
• Dozens or party packs: sometimes slightly discounted per piece compared with buying individually
• Desserts: priced in line with local pastry shops, varying by size and ingredients

Factors that influence cost:

• Filling type (meat and cheese options often cost more than basic vegetable or simpler flavors)
• Size of the item (some locations may offer mini empanadas for events)
• Whether you’re buying single pieces vs. bulk quantities

To avoid surprises, Atlantans often:

• Check online menus when available
• Call and ask for current pricing if planning a large order

Dietary Considerations and Allergen Tips

For Atlanta residents who need to navigate dietary restrictions, here are practical questions to ask when you contact or visit:

• Vegetarian options

  • Ask which empanadas are fully vegetarian (no meat stocks or gelatin).

• Vegan or dairy‑free

  • Traditional Argentinian empanadas frequently include cheese, butter, or egg in the dough or filling, though some locations may offer specific vegan options.

• Gluten-free

  • Standard empanada dough is made with wheat flour, so it usually is not gluten‑free unless clearly labeled as such.
  • If you’re highly sensitive or have celiac disease, ask about cross-contact and prep areas.

• Common allergens

  • Empanadas often include dairy, eggs, wheat, and sometimes nuts in desserts.
  • Request ingredient lists or ask staff to point out items that may contain specific allergens.

Atlanta’s food businesses are accustomed to these questions, and staff at a specialty shop like Belen De La Cruz can usually walk you through what’s safest or most suitable.

Parking, Access, and Getting There in Atlanta

Your experience will differ depending on which location you visit, but some general Atlanta‑specific tips:

• Driving and parking

  • Many north‑Atlanta or suburban strip‑center locations have surface parking lots.
  • In denser parts of the city, check whether parking is shared with other businesses or limited during peak hours.

• MARTA access

  • Some locations may be within rideshare distance of MARTA rail stations like Sandy Springs, North Springs, or Buckhead.
  • If you rely on transit, it’s often easier to combine MARTA and rideshare rather than walking long distances along busy suburban roads.

• Peak times

  • Lunch hours, especially on weekdays around offices, can be busier.
  • Around weekends and holidays, consider ordering ahead if you want specific flavors or large quantities.

Comparing Belen De La Cruz to Other International Cuisine Options in Atlanta

If you’re exploring international food in Atlanta, here’s how a shop like Belen De La Cruz fits in:

Belen De La Cruz specifically leans toward Argentinian-style empanadas and desserts, so it’s a good choice when you want:

• A focused menu (instead of a huge list of dishes)
• Something portable and shareable
• A taste of Southern Cone cuisine within the broader Atlanta Latin food scene

How to Plan Your Visit or Order

To make the most of an Atlanta visit to Belen De La Cruz Empanadas & Pastries:

1. Check locations and hours

   • Use a maps search for the most current Atlanta‑area storefronts.

2. Decide how you’ll use it

   • Eat there, take home dinner, stock the freezer, or cater a small event.

3. Call ahead for large or special orders

   • Especially if you need dozens of empanadas, specific flavors, or frozen stock.

4. Ask about dietary needs

   • Clarify vegetarian, dairy, or gluten concerns before ordering.

5. Plan your transport

   • If you’re in town visiting, factor in drive time and parking from core areas like Downtown, Midtown, or the airport.

By understanding how Belen De La Cruz Empanadas & Pastries operates in and around Atlanta, you can more easily decide if it fits what you’re looking for—whether that’s a quick international bite, a unique dessert stop, or a flexible catering option for your next gathering in the city.