Capybara Empanadas | Discover Delicious Comfort Food in Mammoth Lakes

Overview

Capybara Empanadas is a standout culinary gem nestled at 686 Old Mammoth Rd in Mammoth Lakes, California. This quaint food truck offers an authentic taste of Latin America, specializing in empanadas that masterfully balance crisp, flaky dough with rich, moist fillings. The experience here is refreshingly simple yet deeply satisfying, perfect for those seeking quick, wholesome meals with bold, layered flavors.

The main attraction is undoubtedly their empanadas. Options range from tender, flaky beef with a taco-inspired, juicy marinade to a comforting chicken that resembles a handheld pot pie. Vegetarians will appreciate the truffle mushroom variant, featuring earthy notes paired with a light cheese that complements rather than overwhelms. What sets these empanadas apart is the care in preparation—the bread strikes a precise harmony between crusty and soft, retaining moisture without sacrificing structure.

Beyond empanadas, the menu showcases innovative items like the Capybara Sandwich and the spicy-sweet Choritastic, expanding the savory lineup for guests eager to explore. Seasonal offerings, including a refreshing Capybana Smoothie and crisp salads, add a fresh dimension, ideal for sunny Mammoth days. The De Leche Cheesecake and Chipa provide a sweet and savory finish, rounding out the culinary journey.

Located near a small river and opposite the LA Kings Ice rink, this food truck offers more than just exceptional food—it invites a moment of connection with nature and community. Guests can enjoy their meals while watching local anglers at work or taking a stroll, making the dining experience here both casual and memorable.

Capybara Empanadas appeals to a diverse audience: from outdoor enthusiasts needing a quick, nourishing bite to locals and visitors craving fresh, flavorful alternatives to typical fast food. The eco-friendly packaging aligns with a growing preference for sustainability, further enhancing its appeal.

The service is notably swift and friendly, with an inviting setup that complements the surroundings. Payment options like Apple Pay ensure convenience, adding to the seamless experience. Whether it is the expertly seasoned beef, the uniquely smoky and zesty chimichurri sauce, or the thoughtful drink pairings, Capybara Empanadas offers a distinctive and satisfying culinary escape in Mammoth Lakes.

Menu Highlights

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Amenities & Services

Popular for

Lunch

Offerings

Comfort food

Quick bite

Atmosphere

Casual

Trendy

What Customers Say

Meg Tsuruda

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Delicious fillings and crisp flaky dough. The chifas were really good too. Definitely adding to my list of must eat places whenever I visit Mammoth. I also appreciate the eco friendly packaging!

Scarlett Ng

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Got chance to try this shop at Mammoth Lake. Simple menu with some different meat option and sweet empanadas. I got: Mushroom cheese one: fulfill fluffy empanada with mushroom and “light” cheese. I was expected more cheese. But truffle mushroom by itself is good with affordable price. 4.8/5 The herbal tea is perfect. A little bit of herb, mint, light sweet from honey. Very fresh for a sunny day. 5/5 Service’ fast and helpful. Food waiting around 10 mins. As it’s a food truck. You can wait at tables in the park. There is a small river closes by. Good for a short walk while waiting for food ready. I noticed even some ppl go fishing around the river. Good experience. Worth a try. If i have chance come back around this area. Definitely will try the other flavors Good truck color design. Very cute and pleasant!

Jaclyn Godek

Dec 3,2025

5/5

So amazing, lots of options. We loved the beef empanada the best of them all. Chicken was like a hand held chicken potpie! Corn was sweet and creamy, she bakes them so they are fresh to order!

Steven Chang

Dec 3,2025

5/5

This hidden gem is located right in front of LA kings ice. I was walking the dogs at the park and was hungry so decided to check out the truck. I didn’t have my wallet, but thankfully they accept ApplePay and contactless payment. I must agree with this being probably one of the best empanadas I’ve had! I was able to try the beef, chicken, and cheese and ham and I was definitely blown away by how soft, yet crispy they were. The chicken was very tender and I imagined it as chicken noodle soup coming out of each bite. The ground beef was more like taco style marinade, still very juicy. The cheese and ham reminded me of just a good ol American breakfast. I am amazed at how the filling manages to stay so moist, warm, and delicious without compromising the structure and taste of the empanadas!

Gravity Gabriel

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Wow... these are the BEST empanadas I have ever tried! I am from Los Angeles, and trust me, I've must have eaten empanadas from over 50 places, but this definitely gets the top spot! The bread isn't too flaky or dry. It has a nice crust while not sacrificing the moisture and density of the bread. Filling was seasoned perfectly and had a ton of exotic flavors! I tried the beef, chicken, and truffle, and they were good! I was expecting ground beef and chicken, but no, it was sliced meat, which is so much better cause it remained juicy! Let me tell you that the chimichurri sauce is very different but in a good way. It's not your traditional style chimichurri with a sour and oily flavor. It was smoky, but spicy for flavor but not enough to get the tongue tingles, zesty, citrus, and maybe oregano? It definitely had a lot of ingredients. I want to buy a jar worth and take it home! I'm definitely coming back during the winter season! If you're tired of burgers, pizza, and Mexican food and want an explosion of flavor in your mouth, then give this spot a try. You won't be dissatisfied! By the way, it's located in between the ice rink and playground. Thanks!

Fish Head

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Look for the bright red food truck tucked in by the ice rink. I got the chicken, truffle and apple empanadas. The chicken was stuffed full of shredded chicken. The chimichuri sauce goes well with this one. The truffle was full of mushrooms and cheese and the combination of those flavors with the flakes empanada crust was divine. The apple one gave me a little sentimental flashback to my grandma's apple pie! Not too sweet and cinnamon forward. Luna, the owner, was very sweet and really seemed to care about her food and customers. Can't wait to come back and try some of the other food.

Damon Corso

Dec 3,2025

5/5

WOW! This place is the best! I could eat a chipa a day! The empanadas are top notch and the owner/chef Luna is such a wonderful woman. Next time you need a bite to eat you can’t go wrong swinging by Capybara Empanada. The stuffed animals she had as decorations are adorable as well.

Steve Edmonds

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Gem of a place located in the picturesque mountain town of Mammoth, run by a lovely couple. Empanadas 10/10, and individual labeled with letters of the choice of ingredients...genius! Can't go wrong with any of the items or beverages, and the staff will help you with any questions with a ear to ear smile.