Downtown Baltimore is welcoming back more than a bar or restaurant. With the return of The Empanada Lady, owner Elisa Milan is reopening a cultural hub rooted in Afro-Latinx food, music, and community—with a four-day, culture-forward celebration that reflects both resilience and growth.
After a brief closure for bar renovations supported by a grant from the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, The Empanada Lady will host its aptly named “Re-Re-Re Grand Opening” from January 8–11 at its downtown location, 10 South Street. The extended celebration acknowledges the real journey of small business ownership—one shaped by adaptation, perseverance, and deep community ties.
Rather than centering a single reopening night, the weekend unfolds as a curated series of experiences highlighting a refreshed bar layout, an elevated cocktail program, and collaborations with local DJs, artists, and spirits brands.
A Weekend Rooted in Culture
The celebration kicks off Thursday, January 8, with Mic Check!, a karaoke night hosted by DJ Queen HD, setting the tone for a weekend where music and self-expression take center stage.
Friday’s First Pour Friday features an all-night happy hour soundtracked by DJ Justit and Los Hermanos, while Saturday blends food, art, and nostalgia with the Bodega Baddie Brunch, an afternoon art exhibit featuring Insanely Dope Designs, and a high-energy 90s Night with DJ Nay Baby.
Sunday closes the weekend with Sound + Sip: Culture Brunch, featuring DJ Vershawn and a brand activation with Amber & Opal Spirits, alongside bottomless mimosas and sangria.
Throughout the four days, guests can also learn more about The Empanada Lady’s expanding catering services, off-site bar activations, and to-go spirits—signaling the brand’s evolution into a multifaceted hospitality platform.
Building Through Resilience
“The Re-Re-Re Grand Opening reflects resilience, collaboration, and our commitment to creating space where food, music, and Afro-Latinx culture naturally come together,” Milan shared.
She launched The Empanada Lady from her home in 2017 before opening a brick-and-mortar location downtown. Now entering year three, Milan says the reopening marks a milestone not just for the business, but for her personal journey as a 33-year-old mother and entrepreneur.
“Making it through the first two years of a restaurant—especially in this industry—is not easy,” she said. “It’s long nights, tight margins, constant pivots, and a lot of faith. This reopening represents growth, resilience, and gratitude.”
A Cultural Anchor Downtown
More than a place to eat or drink, The Empanada Lady has become a cultural gathering space—hosting DJs, artists, pop-ups, and conversations that reflect Baltimore’s creative and diasporic communities. As downtown continues to rebuild and reimagine its post-pandemic identity, spaces like this play a critical role in shaping what vibrancy looks like on the ground.
As part of its next chapter, The Empanada Lady is also hiring for front- and back-of-house positions, inviting those interested in hospitality and culture-driven work to inquire online or in person.
The doors may be reopening, but the mission remains the same: creating space for connection, creativity, and culture—one empanada at a time.
The Empanada Lady
📍 10 South Street, Baltimore, MD
📅 January 8–11, 2026
🌐 theempanadalady.shop
📸 Instagram: @the_empanada_lady