Republica Empanada is the perfect little lunchtime gem I've been looking for in the area. I almost don't want to sing its praises because it is at the top of my lunchtime list and I don't want to throw any elbows for a seat. But. It deserves some love, so I'll share I guess.\n\nWhat's not to love about empanadas? It's the latin american equivalent of a hot pocket but instead of processed bread and mystery meat, there's no mystery and tons of flavor. RE does empanadas right with a perfectly flaky crust that serves as a sleeping bag for quality fillings of beans and cheese, potato, pork and even figs. Two is enough to fill me up at lunch, but I could probably eat more if naptime were an option afterwards. My favorite so far is the El Capitan which is a mixture of ground beef, green olives, hard cooked eggs and raisins. I know, I hate raisins too, but it works in this empanada. I also really like the bean and cheese empanada which is simple but so good. The only one I haven't cared for so far was the potato which I felt was under seasoned and just didn't work for me texture-wise. \n\nThe lunch time special is great-for $6.95 you get two empanadas (selection of which ones qualify for the lunch special changes daily) with rice and beans. It's just enough food to be satisfied without leaving that post-lunch food hangover. They also have a fantastic early week special that runs Monday and Tuesday 6P-10P of four empanadas+four beers (OR a bottle of wine) for the baller on a budget price of $20. It makes for a great happy hour, particularly on Mondays, because Mondays are just hard.\n\nThe decor is super cute and they have an enclosed patio which is a plus come summertime. The inside layout features a dining bar that stretches almost the length of the restaurant and then a handful of two and four tops. It's not the biggest space, so I imagine it can get pretty crazy during the lunch time rush which I've never witnessed because I'm always hungry by 10:30, which makes my lunchtime no later than 11:30.\n\nIf you work in the area or are just passing through downtown Mesa-definitely worth a stop!
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