Bocaditos Café is located at 11 N Batavia Ave, Batavia, IL 60510.
I have been excited to do this feature for months! The owners Juliana Cancelo and Silvia Sanchez moved their Argentinian Café from its old location in downtown Batavia up to its new location cattycorner from the Batavia Public Library last month. I wanted to make sure that they were settled in their new location and ready for our visit before we stopped by. Juliana and Silvia are a mother-daughter team who opened this fantastic Argentine Café to bring authentic recipes from their home and hearts to the Fox Valley. Bridget Johnson, owner of Red Hive Market, who was featured on the Know Your Neighbors of the Fox Valley series back in November told me how much she loved not only the food but Juliana and Silvia.
Juliana and Silvia are most well known for their delicious empanadas which are a baked flaky, puff-pastry turnover stuffed with assorted savory fillings. During my visit I tried the Carne (Beef), Pollo (Chicken), Jamon & Queso (Ham & Cheese), Humita (Corn), Espinaca (Spinach), and Cerdo (Pork). Okay, I didn’t try them all that afternoon, I actually ordered a huge takeout dinner for my family that evening along with the Ensalada de Zanahoria (Carrot Salad) and Ensalada de Lentejas (Lentil Salad). See their full menu here to see what they have available. My two favorite menu items were the Espinaca (Spinach) and Humita (Corn) empanadas and my husband loved the Jamon & Queso (Ham & Cheese) and Carne (Beef) varieties. The Jamon & Queso (Ham & Cheese) empanadas were also a favorite of all three of my girls, even my one year old was demanding a second helping!
And for those of you who value convenience, their empanadas can be hot and ready for you to pick up on your way home to feed your family, or you can purchase them frozen and have them ready to use at home. They also have a small dining area inside the café if you would like to stop by for lunch (order ahead if you are in a hurry!) or in the warmer months have a beautiful outdoor patio perfect for gathering with friends and family. Bocaditos also holds a liquor license and serves and sells imported Argentine wine from women owned wineries. And, if you are looking for a sweet treat they also serve up some delicious desserts and pastries made fresh daily.
Do you know someone who loves Argentine culture? Find them the perfect gift like Yerba Mate and it’s Mate cup, imported pantry staples like dulce de leche and a variety of handmade items like scarfs, aprons, and sweaters made in Argentina.
Bocaditos is also a great place to source food for your upcoming event or office lunch. Large orders can be placed ahead and made ready for you and your gathering.
For a list of upcoming events, and to see how Bocaditos gives back to the community, check out their events page.
So, what will you try on your visit to Bocaditos? Tell Juliana and Silvia Kristine says hi when you see them!
FUN FACTS ABOUT JULIANA CANCELO
Favorite Restaurants: The Burger Shop, Chef Abdul’s Mediterranean and Tusk Thai
Favorite Places to Shop: Paula’s, Wilson Street Mercantile, or Hearth & Hammer General
Favorite Places in the Fox Valley: Kindred Coffee, Tredwell, and Blackberry Market
CONTACT INFORMATION
Bocaditos Café
11 N Batavia Ave, Batavia, IL 60510
