Mulata Kitchen
136 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL
Crema's Take
“Mulata Kitchen is a leisurely Colombian-inspired café where exceptional espresso meets warm hospitality and house-made empanadas that locals rave about for their perfectly moist fillings and authentic flavors. The laid-back, inviting atmosphere makes it feel like a genuine gathering space rather than a coffee pit stop, whether you're lingering over a café miel or catching up with friends over breakfast. It's the kind of place where the details matter—from the quality of the espresso to the care taken in each pastry—creating an experience that reminds visitors of cafés they've loved in Miami and beyond.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Chicken empanadas were stuffed and baked. Great flavor, reminiscent of the kinds I would eat in cafes back in Miami. The espresso is wonderful!
I was excited to try this coffee shop. The chicken empanada was good and pleasantly moist—most chicken empanadas tend to be dry, so that was a nice surprise. I also tried the café miel, which is usually my go-to drink. I asked for it half sweet; it was okay, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if it were a bit milkier and slightly less sweet. Unfortunately, the service affected the experience. When I walked in, I smiled and said hello, but the cashier looked at me blankly and didn’t respond. I felt a bit uncomfortable and had to ask if I ordered at the counter, to which she only nodded. When I asked for my drink half sweet, I also felt that she seemed visibly annoyed. Overall, the interaction felt unwelcoming. I’m excited to bring my husband back to try the food, but I’m unsure I would return if the overall vibe from the staff remains the same. I love coffee shops, and feeling welcomed is a big part of the experience for me.
I tried the beef empanada and guava and cheese empanada. The beef had a good flavor but was a little dry. The guava and cheese was more sweet than expected for my liking. I would have liked to taste more of the cheese for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The service was great. I didn’t dine in but it was super cute inside and had a fun, upbeat atmosphere.
I stopped in just to get a few empanadas to take home. I ordered two vegetarian, one chicken and one four cheese. The service was friendly, the atmosphere is laid back and inviting with plenty of seating if you want to eat there, sit with a drink or do some computer work. I didn't try a drink but the empanadas I ordered were tasty. The empanada was full of filling and the pastry was soft and had a nice flavor. They are large and the price is fair. I recommend giving this place a try and I definitely plan to go back.
Great food, coffee, service, & atmosphere. We each had a breakfast empanada (ham & cheese) and shared a guava cream cheese one. Both were delicious, along with the coffee—luna miel & a regular latte. Definitely recommended!