Cultura Ccafe came to be thanks to Claudia Quiñonez and Carmen Aguilar. The empanada spot is a homage to their roots– Guatemala for Quiñonez, and Ecuador for Aguilar. They specialize in cozy decor, delicious coffee, and handmade empanadas.
It’s always been Claudia’s dream to open a restaurant and for now, she’s starting small with a coffee shop in Avondale. As for the name, the double C’s are for the shared first letter of both their names.
The space itself is warm and inviting, with plenty of space to sit down and enjoy. With an expansive drink menu filled with lattes, espresso, teas, and matcha, there’s no shortage of warm drinks to keep you fueled. Yet, it’s the empanadas that will have you coming back for more. With sweet and savory options to choose from, the pastries are sourced from a local friend. Who that person is exactly, remains a mystery as the owners are not telling. They’re also coming up with exciting new drinks, like flavored lemonades, a horchata frappe, and other unique concoctions. There are also sweet crepes, waffles, and other items on the menu.
When members from the pop-punk band Green Day stopped by during Lollapoloza back in July, the owners didn’t even know they were famous. They just came to enjoy a coffee and empanada. As one does at Cultura Ccafe.
The cheerful Cultura Ccafe is open for business Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 4:30 PM, Saturday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and Sunday from 7:30 AM to 3 PM.
Address: 2943 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618