Half Moon Empanadas

Bringing the warmth and flavor of Latin American street food to the heart of Chicago O’Hare, Half Moon Empanadas is a standout grab-and-go kiosk offering freshly made Argentinian-style empanadas. Co-founded by Pilar Guzman Zavala and Juan Zavala, this female-owned, ACDBE-certified business has become a fast-growing airport favorite for travelers craving authentic, handcrafted comfort food.

📍 Location

• Terminal 3, Halsted Food Court – Rotunda (Pre-Security)

🥟 What’s on the Menu

Each empanada is handmade from scratch using a traditional dough-rolling technique and quality ingredients. The kiosk offers both savory and sweet options, including vegetarian and vegan selections.

Empanadas ($5-$7 each)

• Beef – Ground beef with classic Latin spices
• Spicy Beef – Same as above, with extra heat
• Chicken – Shredded, seasoned chicken
• Spicy Chicken – Chicken with a fiery twist
• Three Cheese – Creamy blend of cheeses
• Guava & Cheese – Sweet and savory favorite
• Vegan Options – Spinach, mushroom, or seasonal veggie (availability may vary)

Drinks

• Bottled Water / Soda – $2-$4
• Coffee (where available) – $3-$5

💳 Payment: Credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay
💰 Price per Person: $6-$20

✈ Fast-Casual Setup

• Type: Quick-service kiosk
• Ambiance: No-frills counter service located in the busy pre-security rotunda
• Seating: No dedicated seating-shared tables nearby
• Best For: Arrivals, early check-ins, and travelers with time before TSA

🌟 Why Choose Half Moon Empanadas?

• Authenticity: A true taste of Argentinian street food, made with heart and heritage
• Female & Hispanic-Owned: Founded with a mission to share culture through food
• Quality Ingredients: Made from scratch daily, using a distinct rolling method
• Speed & Convenience: Ideal for travelers on the go

⚠ What to Know Before You Go

While reviews for O’Hare’s new location are still emerging, experiences at other airports like Miami and Denver offer helpful insight:

Common Feedback:

• Freshness can vary – Some report dry or underfilled empanadas during busy hours
• Flavor favorites – Beef and Guava & Cheese empanadas are often top picks
• Price vs. value – $5-$7 per empanada is considered pricey by some
• Service – Generally fast, but staff friendliness varies at peak times
• Stock issues – Popular flavors may run out later in the day
• Gluten-free status unclear – Ask about cross-contamination if sensitive

✅ Travel Tips

• Arrive early for better flavor selection
• Double-check your order before walking away
• Don’t expect a full meal-most people order 2-3 empanadas for a satisfying portion
• Bring food through TSA: Empanadas are typically sealed and customs-friendly for domestic and some international flights

🧭 Nearby Alternatives

• Tortas Frontera (Terminal 1, Gate B11) – Upscale Mexican sandwiches
• CIBO Express (Terminal 3, Gate H1) – Pre-packaged healthy snacks
• Gold Coast Dogs (Terminal 3, Gate L4) – Chicago-style hot dogs
• Eli’s Cheesecake (Terminal 1, Gate B8) – Iconic local dessert

Bottom Line: Half Moon Empanadas delivers bold, Latin-inspired bites that are both comforting and quick-perfect for a taste of Argentina before takeoff. While not the cheapest option at O’Hare, it offers a flavorful break from standard airport fare, especially for travelers looking to support minority-owned businesses and eat on the fly.