Soon, visitors to the Milwaukee Public Market will be able to grab a warm, golden-baked empanada on the go.
La Masa Empanada Bar — the Brady Street spot founded by siblings Brad and Megan Todd — will open a second location inside the Market in the coming months, filling the space near the main stairwell alongside Thief Wine and Freese’s Candy Shoppe.
Known for its scratch-made dough and inventive fillings, La Masa has built a loyal following since opening in 2016. Every empanada starts with fresh dough made daily and is oven-baked to order. Traditional options like Argentine Beef (with raisins, olives, and hard-boiled egg) share menu space with creative picks like Grilled Chicken Pesto and the vegetarian-friendly Wisco Corn. A vegan and gluten-free “Doughless Empanada Bowl” gives everyone a way to join the party.
Of course, empanadas aren’t the only draw. The menu also includes fresh salads, jicama slaw, Stubby’s Black Bean Burger (a nod to another Todd family venture, Stubby’s Gastropub), plus dessert empanadas stuffed with Banana Nutella or house-made Dulce de Leche. Shoppers can also grab take-and-bake empanadas or a bottle of La Masa’s sangria to enjoy at home.
“We operate a true scratch kitchen,” says co-owner Brad Todd. “When guests bite into one of our empanadas, they know it’s been made that day, just for them.”
For the Public Market, La Masa was a natural fit. “La Masa has built a reputation for outstanding food, warm hospitality, and a menu that appeals to a wide range of palates and dietary needs,” says Paul Schwartz, executive director of the Market. “It’s exactly the kind of experience our customers are asking for.”
Megan Todd adds that the Market’s energy reminds her of Argentina itself: “In Argentina, empanadas are everywhere—on nearly every corner. That’s the vibe we feel at the Public Market. We’re excited to be part of it.”
La Masa’s Public Market location will be its second, joining the flagship restaurant on Brady Street.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
