Belen de la Cruz - Empanadas & Pastries - Beltline Kroger

Belen de la Cruz - Empanadas & Pastries brings the authentic, comforting flavors of Argentina right to the heart of Atlanta. Conveniently located inside the popular Beltline Kroger on Ponce De Leon Avenue, this local bakery specializes in a culinary staple of the South American nation: the empanada. These are not your average fried pastries; Belen de la Cruz is renowned for offering baked empanadas with a delicious, flaky crust and a variety of carefully crafted, traditional fillings.

Founded by Belén de la Cruz, an Argentinian cook and entrepreneur, the business is dedicated to sharing the traditional flavors and culture of her native country with the Georgia community. The bakery has quickly become a beloved spot for both a Quick visit snack and for take-home meals. The convenient placement near the BeltLine and within a major grocery store ensures maximum accessibility for the busy Atlanta lifestyle.

Customers in the 30306 area and beyond appreciate the bakery's focus on quality. Unlike many commercial versions, these empanadas are not fried, and the fillings are made with high-quality ingredients and no preservatives, reflecting a commitment to fresh, flavorful alternatives. Beyond the savory options, the bakery also offers a selection of authentic Argentine pastries, most notably those featuring the rich caramel flavor of dulce de leche, such as the famous Alfajor cookies.

Belen de la Cruz - Empanadas & Pastries enjoys a prime retail location within the Kroger store often referred to by locals as the "Beltline Kroger" due to its proximity to the Eastside Trail. The bakery is officially situated at 720 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA.

This location is highly advantageous for local users in the 30306 zip code:

• Unbeatable Convenience: Customers can easily grab a savory snack or a dozen empanadas for dinner either before or after their regular grocery shopping trip, as noted by local patrons.

• BeltLine Access: Located near the entrance facing the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, it is a perfect stop for residents and visitors enjoying a walk, run, or bike ride.

• Ample Parking: The Kroger facility provides plenty of free parking for up to 90 minutes, a significant benefit in the dense Ponce de Leon area, catering to those who choose to drive.

The accessibility features are also designed to accommodate all customers:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance: The Kroger building provides a seamless experience for accessibility.

• Wheelchair accessible parking lot: Designated parking spaces are available in the attached lot.

While the bakery itself is a dedicated counter with no exclusive seating (Takeout focused), customers often utilize the communal space available in the surrounding area, including tables provided by Kroger or nearby coffee shops (like the Starbucks also inside the Kroger).

The service model at this location is streamlined to provide fresh, authentic products for on-the-go customers and home preparation.

• Takeout (Ready-to-Eat and 80% Baked): The primary offering is quick, counter-service takeout. Patrons can purchase empanadas hot and ready to eat, or, as a unique service, purchase them 80% baked. This practice ensures the highest food quality upon consumption, requiring customers to finish the baking process at home (typically 2-3 minutes in a 450°F oven) to ensure a perfectly crisp, non-soggy pastry.

• Delivery: The bakery utilizes third-party delivery services, allowing customers to order their favorite empanadas and pastries to their home or office across the metro Atlanta area.

• Wholesale and Catering: Belen de la Cruz has a growing wholesale and catering operation, making their Argentine delights available for large events, corporate functions, and other local markets and coffee shops in Georgia.

• Payment Options: The bakery accepts modern, convenient payment methods, including Credit cards and Debit cards, ensuring a smooth transaction for a Quick visit.

The Belen de la Cruz experience is defined by its dedication to authentic Argentinian cuisine and high-quality production.

• Authentic Baked Empanadas: Their core product consists of up to 13 different flavors of empanadas, all traditionally baked, not fried, using high-quality ingredients and no preservatives. This results in a "flaky and delicious" pastry, often described as the closest to authentic Argentinian empanadas available in Atlanta.

• Popular Savory Flavors: Top-selling empanadas often include:

  • Beef Empanada: Angus ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and green onions.
  • Cheesy Beef Empanada: Angus ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and Colby Jack cheese.
  • Chicken Cheese Empanada: White meat chicken, caramelized onions, and Colby Jack cheese.
  • Ham & Cheese Empanada: A simple, classic combination of ham, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.
  • Vegetarian Options: A range of options like Spinach, Caprese (mozzarella, tomato, basil), Mushroom, and Onion empanadas are available, catering to different dietary needs.

• Decadent Pastry Bites: The sweet selection includes authentic Argentine desserts such as Alfajor Dulce De Leche Cookies, a shortbread cookie filled with delicious dulce de leche, and other treats like Cheesecake-Dulce De Leche and Lemon Bites.

• "Baked with Love" Philosophy: The owner’s passion for Argentinian food and culture is a core value, with the entire operation focused on sharing a satisfying, high-quality meal reminiscent of a family home experience.

For customers in the Atlanta area seeking the authentic flavors of Argentina, please use the following contact information.

• Address: 720 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA (Inside Beltline Kroger)

• Phone: (470) 983-9432

• Mobile Phone: +1 470-983-9432

For residents of Georgia, especially those in the Atlanta area, choosing Belen de la Cruz offers a distinct, high-quality culinary experience that provides both convenience and authentic flavor.

The primary reason to choose this bakery is the Authenticity and Quality of the Argentine empanada. As an Argentinian-owned business, it provides a level of traditional flavor that is often difficult to find locally. Their dedication to baking the empanadas, rather than frying them, aligns with modern preferences for lighter, yet equally satisfying, baked goods. The variety of over a dozen flavors ensures that whether you are craving the classic beef or a rich vegetarian option like spinach or caprese, there is an expertly crafted empanada for your palate.

Secondly, the Unmatched Convenience of the location at the Beltline Kroger in the 30306 area cannot be overstated. It transforms a typical grocery run into an opportunity for a quick, unique meal or an easy take-home dinner. The ability to grab an empanada for a snack while simultaneously shopping, or to pick up a dozen of the 80% baked "Ready to Reheat" empanadas for a family gathering, is a logistical game-changer for busy Atlanta residents.

While a small number of customers have noted occasional inconsistencies with wait times for fresh orders or less-than-ideal experiences with a specific staff member, the overwhelming sentiment from the community praises the quality of the dough, the flavorful fillings, and the delicious desserts. The ability to enjoy an authentic Argentinian treat, often complemented by a delectable dulce de leche pastry or coffee from the neighboring shop, solidifies Belen de la Cruz as a unique and valuable gem for the Atlanta food scene. It is a local small business that successfully shares its culture through fresh, quality food, which is always worth supporting.

Belen de la Cruz - Empanadas & Pastries - Beltline Kroger

720 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA