Besties Empanadas “Taste of Tango” in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re craving Argentinian-style empanadas in Atlanta, “Besties Empanadas – Taste of Tango” is the kind of spot many locals and visitors look for when they want something quick, flavorful, and a little different from the usual burgers-and-fries. This guide walks through what you can typically expect from an Atlanta empanada shop with this theme, how it fits into the city’s international cuisine scene, and practical tips for planning a visit.

Because restaurant concepts, locations, and menus can change, it’s always a good idea to confirm the latest details directly with the business before heading out. The information below focuses on how a Taste-of-Tango–style empanada experience usually works in Atlanta and how to make the most of it.

What “Taste of Tango” Usually Means in Atlanta

When an Atlanta restaurant uses a phrase like “Taste of Tango”, it’s typically signaling:

• A focus on Argentinian flavors, especially empanadas
• Some nods to Buenos Aires café culture – think relaxed, social, and snack-friendly
• A menu that may blend traditional fillings with local or modern twists

You can expect a setting that feels casual rather than formal:

• Order at the counter
• Grab a seat at a small table or counter bar
• Food often served on trays or simple plates, ready to eat with your hands

This fits naturally into Atlanta’s broader Latin American food scene, which is spread across neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, Decatur, and along Buford Highway.

Empanadas 101: What You’re Likely to Find

Most Atlanta empanada spots with an Argentinian focus serve a lineup that looks something like this:

Classic Savory Fillings

Common Argentinian-style fillings often include:

• Beef empanadas
  • Ground or finely chopped beef
  • Onion, mild spices, sometimes green olive or hard-boiled egg
• Chicken empanadas
  • Shredded chicken with peppers, onions, and mild seasoning
• Ham and cheese
  • Simple, melty, kid-friendly and familiar

Some places add more creative options inspired by Atlanta tastes, such as:

• Spicy beef or chicken for people who like a kick
• BBQ-style meats as a nod to Southern flavors
• Veggie empanadas with spinach, cheese, or mixed vegetables

Sweet & Dessert Empanadas

A “Taste of Tango” theme often extends to dessert:

• Dulce de leche empanadas (caramel-like filling)
• Apple-cinnamon or other fruit fillings
• Occasional seasonal flavors, especially around holidays

These are typically smaller or lighter than a full meal empanada and pair well with coffee, tea, or a latte.

How Empanadas Fit Into an Atlanta Day

In Atlanta, empanadas are flexible. You might use a place like Besties Empanadas for:

• A quick lunch near your workplace or hotel
• A pre-game snack before heading to State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• A casual bite while exploring neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or West Midtown
• Catering-style trays for office meetings, school events, or casual parties

Many empanada spots in the city are set up so you can be in and out in under 30 minutes, making this a realistic option on a busy day of commuting or sightseeing.

Typical Menu Structure

Here’s a simple overview of how a “Besties Empanadas – Taste of Tango”–style menu in Atlanta might be organized:

Not every spot will carry all of these, but this is a common pattern in Atlanta’s empanada-focused eateries.

Ordering Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

1. How Many Empanadas to Order

Portion sizes vary by restaurant, but in Atlanta you’ll often find that:

• 2–3 empanadas is a light to moderate meal for most adults
• 1–2 empanadas is more of a snack
• 4–6 mixed empanadas can work for sharing between two people, especially if you add sides

If you’re unsure, you can:

• Ask the person at the counter what a typical order looks like
• Start with fewer and add more if you’re still hungry

2. Mixing Flavors

To try the full “Taste of Tango” idea, many people in Atlanta:

• Choose one classic (beef or chicken)
• Add one veggie or ham and cheese
• Finish with one sweet empanada to share

This keeps the experience affordable and lets you sample different fillings in a single visit.

3. Eat-In vs. Takeout

In Atlanta, a lot of empanada traffic is takeout or pickup:

• Great for grabbing food before heading to Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, or a brewery
• Easy to bring back to an office or hotel room

If you’re eating in, seating is often limited but comfortable enough for a short meal.

Dietary and Ingredient Considerations

Every restaurant handles ingredients differently, but here’s what people in Atlanta commonly ask about empanadas:

• Vegetarian options:
  • Spinach and cheese, mixed vegetables, or cheese-only fillings are often available.
• Vegan options:
  • May be more limited; some places offer vegetable-only fillings if the dough is made without animal products.
• Gluten considerations:
  • Most traditional empanada doughs are wheat-based. If you need gluten-free food, ask directly if they have specific gluten-free items.
• Spice level:
  • Many Argentinian-style empanadas are seasoned but not very spicy. Ask for spicy sauces on the side if you prefer heat.

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, Atlanta restaurants are generally used to those questions. It’s practical to ask:

• What’s in the dough?
• Is anything fried in shared oil?
• Which fillings are meat-free or dairy-free?

Price Range and What to Expect in Atlanta

Exact prices vary by neighborhood and concept, but in the Atlanta area, empanadas typically land in this ballpark:

• Individual empanadas: Priced so that a 2–3 empanada meal usually feels comparable to a casual fast-casual lunch
• Combo options: Some places offer combo plates with a drink and side
• Party trays or catering: Often available with advance notice and priced by the dozen

If you’re visiting from out of town, expect empanadas to be on par with other quick-service international options in the city.

Where Empanada Spots Fit in Atlanta’s International Food Map

Even if you’re specifically hunting for a “Besties Empanadas Taste of Tango”–style experience, it can help to know how this fits into Atlanta’s broader international restaurant landscape:

• Midtown & Downtown:
  • Easy to pair empanadas with a day at Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or a show at the Fox Theatre.
• West Midtown & Howell Mill area:
  • Known for modern and creative eateries; empanadas often show up in food halls or small street-food style shops.
• Buford Highway corridor:
  • Famous for diverse global food; while more heavily associated with Asian and Latin American gastronomy in general, you may find other Latin options that complement an empanada-focused meal.
• Decatur & East Atlanta:
  • Often home to smaller, independent concepts and pop-ups that highlight specific cuisines and fusion ideas.

Empanada-focused businesses tend to slot into food halls, shared kitchens, or small storefronts, which is consistent with Atlanta’s growing street-food and quick-bite culture.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Visit in Atlanta

Here are ways to make your empanada stop smoother:

• Check hours before you go ⏰
  • Atlanta restaurants sometimes adjust hours for game days, events, or holidays.
• Look for parking info 🚗
  • Many intown spots rely on street parking or shared lots. In dense areas, you may need to use a paid deck or rideshare.
• Consider timing
  • Lunch and early evening can be busiest, especially if the spot is near office buildings, colleges, or event venues.
• Ask about reheating
  • If you’re grabbing empanadas to take home, it’s useful to ask how they recommend reheating them in an oven or air fryer.

If You’re New to Atlanta or Visiting

If you’re just arriving in Atlanta and looking for argentinian-style empanadas:

• Downtown / Midtown hotels:
  • Quick-service international spots are often within a short drive or rideshare.
• Airport area (Hartsfield-Jackson):
  • You may find Latin American options nearby; if you have a long layover and a car, you can reach central Atlanta in reasonable time outside of peak rush hours.
• Using MARTA:
  • MARTA rail stations in Midtown, Arts Center, Peachtree Center, and Five Points give you relatively quick access to neighborhoods where empanada businesses are more likely to be found, often with a short walk or connecting rideshare.

If you’re staying longer, it may be worth exploring other Latin and South American restaurants around the city as well, since many Atlantans build entire food days around trying a few different international spots.

How to Get the Most Out of a “Taste of Tango” Stop

To really enjoy a Besties-style empanada experience in Atlanta:

• Treat it as a mini tasting tour
  • Order a small selection of different empanadas instead of multiples of the same one.
• Try a sauce you don’t usually order
  • Chimichurri or a house-made spicy sauce can completely change the flavor profile.
• Pair with a walk or activity
  • Empanadas travel well: grab them to go and walk the BeltLine, sit in Piedmont Park, or enjoy them before or after a show.
• Ask what’s most popular today
  • Staff often know which fillings are freshest, seasonal, or especially liked by regulars.

If you’re in Atlanta and searching specifically for “Besties Empanadas Taste of Tango,” thinking in terms of these patterns—Argentinian-style fillings, casual quick-service setup, and a flexible snack-or-meal concept—will help you know what to expect and how to build it into your day in the city.