La Masa Empanada Bar
1300 E. Brady St.
(414) 885-1866
lamasaempanadas.com
La Masa is a great spot to hang with friends. Chairs are comfy and high top tables easily accommodate groups of six to eight. Although you can make a meal of the scratch made baked empanadas with both traditional (Argentinian beef) and inventive fillings (like bratwurst with onions and sauerkraut, Italian sausage or spinach and cheese), La Masa may be a more appropriate spot for lunch, happy hour or a pre-bar snack. (In fact, I think they're missing a prime market by not staying open through bar time for the late-night crowd).
Be sure to check out the great craft beers on draft; or branch out and try one of the 500-ml wines in a can (yes, a can!).
Type of food: Latin American; empanadas.
Prices: Empanadas $3-4 each; salads and sandwiches $8-12.50.
Vegetarian friendly? Yes. Multiple vegetarian empanadas, along with salads.
Hours: Sunday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Parking: Plentiful metered street parking available.
Vibe/dress: Casual, come as you are vibe. Decor is warm and modern with comfortable high top and bar seating, along with limited 4-top tables along the west wall.
Hits: The tinga empanada featuring smoky, spicy chicken ($3); the Argentinian beef with its sweet and salty combination of seasoned beef, green olives and raisins ($4). And be sure to try the empanadas with a spoonful of housemade chimichurri (served alongside). For dessert, try the chocolate chip empanada (or the banana nutella version) with a side of housemade dulce de leche ice cream for $5.
Misses: We tried the canned rosé wine – which actually wasn't half bad, pulling in flavors of sweet tart and floral notes – but temperature-wise, it would've benefited from a bit more time in the cooler.
Insider tip: Head over with a group of three to four and order the tray of 12 empanadas. It will give you plenty to share and you'll get $5 off (and, since empanadas are marked with food-grade stamps, you'll be able to tell them apart). If you're a single wanting a similar deal, order a trio of empanadas with jicama slaw for $9-12 (depending on which empanadas you choose; jicama slaw is free).
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
