PuffPies has slipped into South City with all the subtlety of a lunchtime rush. The family-run carryout counter on Gravois in the Princeton Place strip quietly opened this month, then promptly sold out its soft debut. The snug operation is all about Chilean-style empanadas - savory hand pies made with a flour-based dough - plus a Basque cheesecake that comes in classic and Chocolate Bueno versions. It is one more early-morning and lunch-focused option on South City’s increasingly stacked takeout list.
South City debut drew a crowd
PuffPies officially opened on July 19 and reportedly sold out on day one, a pretty clear sign the neighborhood was ready for a fast, hand-held upgrade to its lunch plans. The family-owned, carryout-only spot sits at 6915 Gravois in the Princeton Place strip and keeps weekday hours from morning into early afternoon, as reported by St. Louis Magazine.
What’s on the menu
The menu mixes traditional Chilean fillings with more playful spins. The Pino comes stuffed with shredded beef, caramelized onions, black olives, sweet raisins and pieces of hard-boiled egg. There is a pepperoni-pizza empanada, a baked chicken option with bacon and cheese, and breakfast picks like bacon-and-cheese or ham-and-cheese. Vegetarian and spicy choices include a spinach-artichoke empanada and a buffalo-chicken version that tones down the heat with a garlic sauce. The full lineup and prices are listed on PuffPies.
Packaged for quick pickup
Orders are boxed for grab-and-go speed, with multi-slot containers that hold several empanadas at once. Each pie is stamped during baking so you can see what is what without guessing, and the box even includes a built-in holder for dipping sauces. The team plans to rotate in limited-time flavors as they lock in a steady rhythm, and the owners have said they hope to add delivery and possibly catering down the line. Details on the packaging, rotating flavors and future plans were outlined by St. Louis Magazine.
A multigenerational recipe
The whole venture is built on a family empanada recipe passed down from northern Chile, and the owners say baking together has long been how they mark big life moments. Family members cover prep, baking and front-of-counter service, and the business leans into its community ties and appearances at local events. PuffPies shares its family origin story on PuffPies.
How to pick them up
For now, PuffPies is strictly carryout, and popular flavors can disappear early on busy days. Expect breakfast-and-lunch hours and a quick handoff at the counter. Before you make the trip, check the shop’s site for the latest menu details and schedule updates so you are not left staring at an empty pastry case.
