Pampas Cafe - Castro Valley, California

Alex

I came here for a light brunch on a Saturday, around 1:30PM.

I had seen this cafe a few times before, but had never been in before. But I was looking for something quick and filling, as well as an early afternoon caffeine fix.

The seating area is relatively small, with maybe seating for 20. There was also a small corner with leather couches and a piano.

I placed an order for 4 empanadas (beef, chicken, mushroom, and spinach), and a latte + cappuccino.

The empanadas were preheated, sitting in a warmer box near the counter. Since we came closer to the end of their operating hours (they close at 2:30pm), there were a few types of empanadas that were either sold out or would need to be baked, which would result in a 15-20 minute wait on those. I opted to get some of the available ones instead of having to wait.

Soon after I got the empanadas, the barista also finished up our drinks. If you dine in the cafe, the coffee is served to you in ceramic cups with art done using the steamed milk.

The empanadas were flaky and rich in flavor, and they definitely don't skimp on the filling. Each empanada also had a clever design, where a letter or two was worked into the dough of the empanada, to show what the filling inside was (IE - a "B" on their beef empanadas). Their coffee was also well brewed, and well balanced.

All in all, this was a gem of a find, and I will definitely return whenever possible.

Nour Hatu

10/10 the customers are nice and they are talented at making cafe coffee and hot choclates!

Des

This cafe is so cute! I love the aesthetic and its location (right next to Trader Joe’s) because I can grab a coffee right after grocery shopping without having to drive elsewhere. I got a small hot mocha with oat milk. It’s not super sweet which I enjoy. I didn’t get food this time, but will try it out on my next visit. However, it all looked delicious. The idea of having a free library fits the cafe so well. I’m all for free things (I mean who isn’t? 😂) but a friendly reminder to not abuse it. I adore small community things like that and would love to enjoy it long term. I highly recommend checking this place out! Service & drinks 10/10!

Taylor Murphy

Delicious empanadas! We tried the mushroom, fugazetta, and humita. I can’t wait to try more!
Everyone was very nice and the atmosphere was great.

Chloe Medina

I forgot to take a picture of the empanadas because they were so good I couldn’t stop 😂 got the ham and cheese and the breakfast empanada - SO GOOD! Soft on the outside and warm in the center. They also sell alfajores and they were perfect! Got a hot and cold latte and they were both perfect 🤩 it’s right next to Trader Joe’s so I’ll be hitting this spot before every shopping spree!

EDIT: Went back and grabbed some pictures to add to my review!

Joyce L Yang

I drove over from the peninsula to meet an old friend here recently. I had never been and honestly was just looking for a decent coffee spot between my friend's place and ours. Fortunately, Pampas was more than just decent. I got an iced Americano, which I was so happy came in a glass cup (for here) and a mushroom empanada. My friend got a hot cappuccino and the same empanada. They accidentally gave us one squash one so after one bite, realizing it was incorrect, I went back to exchange it. They were delicious! The skin was thin, which I prefer because it was less carb heavy. I ended up buying a dozen to go, which was 10% off. The beef one and the mushroom ones were our favorite.

Parking is a long the side and the spaces are marked on the ground. Trader Joe's is next door.

Gary Cole

Clean and inviting premises for enjoying a good cappuccino and cortado while sampling the many empanadas which are special feature of this establishment. The owner is from Argentina which is reflected in the South American style of coffee - smooth and savory as distinguished from darker Italian roasted beans - and a delightful assortment of empanadas that all patrons were ordering to go or enjoying on site. These are not your run of the mill empanadas but artisanal pastries with diverse fillings such as chicken with triguisas spices and sofrito (yum!); spinach with carmelized onions and smoked mozzarella; ham & cheese with Black Forest ham, mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese; and a seasonal Humita item with corn, butternut squash, red pepper, onion, basil, aji and mozzarella. Yep - I tried several to make sure. Pampas also serves several nice beers on tap with to satisfy summer thirst and tropical notes pair nicely with the empanadas. A piano is available for patrons to play and a sign welcomes this participation. Coffee sources from Grand Roasters in San Francisco which is known for top notch beans. My wife found the decaf cappuccino to be exceptional. Pampas provides a pleasant alternative to the many coffee houses found across the Bay Area as the steady line of customers attests to. Put it on your roadmap and order several empanadas for a complete experience.

Luke Nervig

Fantastic coffee so tasty. Empanadas delicious. Cool arty atmosphere. Nice view of the trader Joe's parking lot. Lots of comfy chairs and such. Yep still delicious 😋