I've walked by this place over 20 times in the last week. My brother told me they have great empanadas and to try it out.
So I just dropped in and ordered an empanada and a yerba mate. The server asked if I had ever had a yerba mate and I said no I haven't. She said she would come by my table to help me out and came over to explain everything to me. As a rookie I was very happy I was getting a lesson. With what was given to me I would have looked like an idiot trying to figure it out!
She was awesome, explained the leaves, the sugar, the gourd and the straw. She gave me pointers on how to pour the water (8+ gourds worth) and how to place the straw in and set it. She helped me with my first glass and I was off to the races.
The first gourd I had was BITTER! It hit me hard and I wasn't sure I was going to like it. She said the first one is always the worst. I decided to have a bite out of my empanada at this time and WOW is that thing excellent. It was very tasty and I poured more water into the gourd. I had a few more and with the empanada the yerba mate was very pleasant and very drinkable at this time.
I'd equate the first gourd of yerba mate with taking a shot of terrible alcohol! However after a few more shots it tastes ok!
I'll be back, there seems to be a lot of awesome items here and the staff are super friendly.