Porto's Bakery is a Los Angeles–based chain known for Latin American pastries, including a wide range of empanadas

Porto's Bakery operates multiple locations across Southern California, primarily in the Los Angeles area. The bakery specializes in Latin American baked goods and prepared foods, with empanadas as one of their signature items. Unlike a mail-order operation or national chain, Porto's is a walk-in bakery where you order at the counter and take items home the same day.

The bakery started as a family business and has expanded to several locations over decades. Each location operates its own kitchen, so availability and hours vary by store. Porto's is known for making items fresh throughout the day, which means popular items can sell out, especially during peak hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Porto's empanadas come in both savory and sweet varieties, with beef, chicken, cheese, and fruit fillings among the most common options.
  • You order at the counter and pay per item or by the box, with prices varying by location and filling type.
  • Porto's locations are in Southern California only, concentrated in Los Angeles County, so you cannot order online for delivery to most areas.
  • The bakery is busiest in late afternoon and on weekends, so arriving early in the day increases the chance that your preferred empanada type is in stock.
  • Porto's also sells other Latin American pastries, prepared foods, and cakes, so you can combine empanadas with other items in one visit.

Empanada varieties and fillings at Porto's

Porto's offers both savory and sweet empanadas. Savory options typically include beef, chicken, cheese, and sometimes spinach or potato fillings. The beef empanada is one of the most popular items. Sweet empanadas feature fruit fillings such as pineapple, guava, or apple, and are often dusted with cinnamon sugar.

The exact selection changes based on the time of day and how busy the location is. Morning hours tend to have the full range of both savory and sweet options. As the day goes on and items sell, the selection narrows. If you have a specific filling in mind, calling the location before you visit is the fastest way to confirm they have it in stock.

Empanadas are sold individually or by the box. A box typically holds six empanadas and is a common choice for families or for taking to events. Prices per empanada vary slightly by filling type, with specialty or seasonal fillings sometimes costing more than the standard beef or chicken options.

Porto's locations and hours

Porto's has multiple bakery locations across Los Angeles County. The original location is in Glendale, and additional stores are in areas including Burbank, Downey, Long Beach, and other nearby cities. Each location has its own hours, which typically run from early morning (around 6 or 7 a.m.) through evening, though closing times vary.

Hours and exact addresses are best confirmed by searching "Porto's Bakery" online or calling the specific location you plan to visit. Some locations may have different hours on weekends or may close for holidays. If you are traveling to Los Angeles specifically to visit Porto's, confirm the location nearest your destination before making the trip.

Pricing and payment

Porto's empanadas are priced per item when you buy individually, or you can purchase a box of six. Individual empanada prices typically range depending on the filling, though exact costs vary by location. Boxes are often slightly cheaper per empanada than buying individual items.

Porto's accepts cash and card at the counter. You order and pay at the same time, and items are handed to you in a bag or box. There is no online ordering or delivery through Porto's directly, though some third-party delivery services may cover certain locations — pricing through those services is usually higher than buying in person.

What to expect when you visit

Porto's operates as a counter-service bakery. You enter, look at the display cases or menu boards, and tell the staff member what you want. During busy times (late afternoon, weekends, holidays), there can be a line. Staff speak English and Spanish, and the environment is casual and fast-moving.

Empanadas are usually warm when you buy them, especially if you arrive during or shortly after a baking cycle. If you are buying multiple items, staff will pack them together. The bakery does not have a seating area — it is takeout only. Many customers buy empanadas and other items to eat at home or at a nearby park or picnic spot.

Other items to consider at Porto's

While empanadas are a signature item, Porto's also sells Cuban sandwiches, croquetas, pastries, cakes, and prepared foods like ropa vieja and picadillo. Many customers combine empanadas with one or two other items in a single visit. The bakery also sells whole cakes for special occasions, which require advance notice at some locations.

If you are new to Porto's, asking the staff for recommendations is common and welcomed. They can tell you which items are freshest at that moment and which are popular with other customers. This is especially helpful if you want to try something beyond empanadas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Porto's empanadas online or by phone for pickup?

Porto's does not offer online ordering or phone orders for pickup. You must visit a location in person, order at the counter, and pay on the spot. Some third-party delivery apps may show Porto's, but those are not run by the bakery itself.

Do Porto's empanadas have meat or dairy in them?

Most savory empanadas contain meat (beef or chicken) and some contain cheese. Sweet empanadas are typically dairy-free but may contain fruit or sugar. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, ask the staff at the counter — they can tell you the ingredients in specific items.

How long do Porto's empanadas stay fresh?

Empanadas are best eaten the day you buy them, while the pastry is still flaky. They can be refrigerated and reheated the next day in an oven or toaster oven. Freezing is possible but may affect the texture of the pastry slightly.

What is the difference between Porto's empanadas and empanadas from other bakeries?

Porto's empanadas are made fresh daily in-house and are known for a crispy, flaky pastry. The fillings are generous and flavorful. Other bakeries may use different pastry techniques, fillings, or preparation methods, so taste and texture vary. The best way to compare is to try empanadas from different sources.

Are there seasonal or limited-time empanada flavors at Porto's?

Porto's occasionally offers seasonal or special empanada fillings, though the core menu of beef, chicken, cheese, and fruit options is available year-round. Calling ahead or asking staff when you visit is the best way to find out about any current specials.