About Lord Empanada

Staying true to our roots from Córdoba, Argentina, we offer a wide variety of authentic Argentine empanadas, chimichurri, sandwiches and specialty plates such as tri-tip, porchetta, choripan, milanesa, beef stroganoff and chili verde!

Get the origins of our family chimichurri recipe!

OUR STORY

Welcome to Lord Empanada, where every bite tells a story of resilience and community spirit. Starting as a humble popup, Lord Empanada was born in 2020 and quickly evolved into a popular collaboration in the community; we are an Argentinian restaurant nestled in the heart of Monrovia, CA.

The journey with Lord Empanada began amidst the uncertainty of losing work due to the Covid pandemic. Determined to turn adversity into opportunity, we drew inspiration from family and used my grandmother's cherished recipes to create handmade empanadas and authentic chimichurri.

During a time when breweries faced stringent COVID-19 restrictions, we found an opportunity to partner with these businesses, offering our empanadas as a complement to their beers. This collaboration not only provided a legal avenue for breweries to operate – since they needed to be able to serve food under adopted pandemic guidelines – but also created a vibrant atmosphere that attracted new and returning customers alike. Through cross-promotion and dedication, our brand flourished thanks to our loyal customer support, necessitating the opening of a brick-and-mortar location to meet growing demand.

The journey from our parents' kitchen to owning a storefront has been one of immense challenges and triumphs. Countless sleepless nights, grueling workdays, and personal sacrifices tested my resolve, but an unwavering and a supportive team propelled us forward.

Today, Lord Empanada stands as a testament to the power of determination and community support.

Central to our ethos is giving back to those who helped us along the way. From providing employment opportunities, to supporting charitable causes like breast cancer awareness and for local schools, we are committed to making a positive impact beyond our restaurant walls. Our dedication to collaboration extends into showcasing products from other small businesses in our restaurant, further amplifying the reach of local brands which we believe strengthens the vibrant tapestry of our community.

As we continue to grow, we are humbled by the support of family, our team, countless friends, and the entire Monrovia community; their unwavering encouragement fuels our mission to uplift and empower others.

At Lord Empanada, we believe that through shared experiences and collective effort, we can overcome any obstacle. Together, we celebrate resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of community. Thank you for being part of our journey.

Ryan Lopez
Founder and Owner