The food here is really solid, but the atmosphere is not good. Republica Empanada fries their empanadas, but they don't feel greasy or overly heavy. Everything comes out piping hot. The dessert empanadas are particularly stellar - this restaurant was on a list of the best restaurant desserts in the Phoenix area for their fig, cheese, and dulce de leche (caramel) empanada, and with good reason. They make the dulce de leche in house and it's phenomenal.
Unfortunately, the last time I went, it was so loud that it literally gave me a migraine. I would recommend either making a reservation to sit on the patio or just stopping by for dessert in the middle of the day when it's not so busy. The other reviews are correct about the disorganized service, but the desserts are worth it if you avoid sitting inside during peak hours.