Verified Cafe

Pampas Cafe

Castro Valley

About

Pampas Cafe is listed on FindALoco in Castro Valley, CA with address, phone, website, and map location. Common services and related keywords include Cafe.

Pampas Cafe is a welcoming cafe in Castro Valley, California, known locally for empanadas, coffee, and a relaxed setting. Located at 22222 Redwood Rd in Castro Valley, CA, the small cafe sits next to Trader Joe's, making it an easy stop for a casual meal, a coffee break, or something flavorful to take along. With a 4.6 rating from 406 reviews, Pampas Cafe has earned steady appreciation from customers who return for its approachable service and satisfying, hand-held fare.

Empanadas are the clear centerpiece at Pampas Cafe. Customer favorites mentioned in reviews include beef, chicken, chorizo, ham and cheese, mushroom, kale, spinach, and apple varieties. Diners describe generous fillings and distinct flavor profiles across the menu, so there is something to explore whether you prefer a savory classic or a lightly sweet finish. Vegan empanada options are also noted by guests as flavorful and substantial. The chorizo and beef empanadas receive particular praise, while ham and cheese is another staff-recommended choice. For those who enjoy a condiment alongside their order, chimichurri sauce is available to try with the empanadas.

Beyond the food, this Castro Valley cafe offers drinks that suit both a quick visit and a slower afternoon. Coffee is a frequent reason people stop in, and reviews also mention terere, a yerba mate drink with lemonade, along with a mate latte. The setting is described as cute and comfortable, with a piano, couch, and seating area that gives the space a personal neighborhood-cafe feel. Friendly staff are another recurring part of the experience, especially helpful for first-time visitors looking for recommendations.

Pampas Cafe is a fitting choice for empanada fans, coffee drinkers, nearby shoppers, and anyone looking for a casual cafe in Castro Valley, CA. It works well for a daytime meet-up, a simple lunch, or a study session when seating is available. Because the cafe is small, seating can be limited at busier times, but that intimate scale is also part of its appeal. Whether you are ordering a savory beef or chorizo empanada, trying a vegan selection, or pairing an apple empanada with a coffee, Pampas Cafe offers a warm, flavorful stop on Redwood Road.

Ratings & Reviews

4.6406 reviews
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frederick montes
7h ago

This was my wife’s and my first time at Pampas. We saw the great reviews and decided to give it a try. When we walked in, we noticed a sign saying “Best Café Spot of 2025,” which felt like a good sign. We ordered a beef, chicken, spinach, chorizo, and apple empanada. They were out of spinach and told us it would be about a 12-minute wait, which we were fine with. However, it ended up taking closer to 30 minutes before we got our food. The food was just okay—the empanadas were small for the price and not very filling if you’re hungry, more of a light snack. The space itself is nice and feels like a good spot to work, study or hang out. They also support local artists and display their artwork in the store, which is awesome to see. We'd have to go back someday and give the coffe a try.

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Claire Wood
7h ago

This spot is a must go for empanadas and or coffee. But you must have the empanadas. And vegan options that are fabulous and full of flavor. Among the 3 of us we had the Chorizo, Beef, Mushroom, Kale, Fuguzzu and Spinich all of them had their own unique flavor profile, ample filling and perfect pastry texture. Openly LGBT welcome. Nice clean bathroom. Upscale design and decor. If I lived near here it would be a regular spot for me for coffee + empanada and co-working or solo computer working.

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J Matibag
7h ago

Cute little place next to Trader Joe’s that serves empanadas and coffee. I’ve only been there during the daytime. Lovely seating area with a piano and couch to sit in. Empanadas are yummy and I have yet to try their drinks. Staff is always friendly when I eat there.

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Dennis Phan
7h ago

Cute, small cafe right next to Trader Joe’s. I like their beef empanadas, as well as the apple ones. I have had the tereré (yerba mate with lemonade) as well as their mate latte. Good place to study, although seating might be a bit tricky.

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Fallon Blackard
7h ago

Can’t express how good these little pockets of heaven are! My husband and I asked for recommendations upon arrival. We were pointed to the ham and cheese, along with the chorizo. WOW! Both were absolutely delicious! We were told to try them with the Chimichurri sauce which was ok, but we both thought the chorizo would go great with Cholula hot sauce. **the chorizo had zero paprika or chili flavoring, tasted more like ground pork sausage and cheese but was still very tasty as is! We also tried their blackberry matcha tea which came iced and we both thought was good enough to order again. The blackberry flavoring was subtle, light to medium sweetness. The hot chai (sweetened) was very lightly sweet and just ok. Could use some cinnamon powder or something to give it a little more flavor/spice kick. Inside: There’s a good amount of seating, they have a station to grab lids, sugars, straws for your beverage, silverware and napkins. Outside: It’s right next to a Trader Joe’s so parking can be quite difficult, but found parking both times we went. Overall, we went twice and will definitely return in the future.

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