The empanadas were absolutely divine--perfectly light and flaky on the outside, with just enough structure to hold all that rich, savory goodness inside. We tried both the beef and chicken, plus two sides of sweet plantains, and left completely stuffed (zero regrets). You'll find this gem tucked inside the Crown Center food court--definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. read more

The staff is very friendly and the sauces were tasty. The beef filling in the Empanada was very tasty but the ratio was not enough an my dough was crispy on the outside but almost raw inside, very mushy. My arepa dough was good but the steak was almost like beef jerky it was so overcooked and dry with a lot of chewy fatty pieces. There was virtually no seasoning on the meat. For $23 I would expect much better. I might try again but order differently, maybe a bowl or something like that. read more

This place is great. The food is fresh and the flavors are delicious. They have quite a variety of foods. I got the chicken and cheese arepa with a side of rice and beans. Oh, and the avocado jalapeño salsa is delicious too! read more

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Oh this place was DELISH! I only had the empanadas, so not much to comment on, but I surely would love to come back and try their main dishes! I had 1 shredded chicken empanada and 1 queso fresco. I have to say the shredded chicken was my favorite! It reminds me of Filipino empanadas I have when I visit my family. Super shredded chicken and a really delish mix of spices I can't quite put my finger on, but overall I'd take 12! read more

Food was delicious! Everyone enjoyed the arepas and empanadas. The food was made fresh and the prices are reasonable. The only hiccup was that they forgot to make the empanadas. The arepas came out quickly, and the guy went back into the kitchen. About 15 minutes later, when everyone was almost done eating, I rang the bell to ask about my empanadas. He had completely forgotten about them, and I had to show him the receipt on my phone so he could see what I ordered. He apologized and made them. The strange thing is that we were only customers in the place, so it wasn't even busy. Maybe they just need a more organized way of taking orders. Also- they were out of beef and tequenos. read more

The restaurant has a new home in Crown Center. The empanadas, sandwiches, appetizers and other small dishes are still available... and they're still good, however unfortunately, as of this writing, the old main courses haven't made an appearance. Those dishes, like the Lomo Saltado and the Bendeja Paisa, were highlights at the old location. Hopefully they return as the new spot grows into its space. read more

Empanada Madness - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Haven't had an arepa this good in a long time. What a treasure! Their emanadas were great too read more

Empanada Madness - Ate every last bite! - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

The employee here on July 1, 2024 at 11AM was so sweet and accommodating! The empanadas are big, but too much dough to filling ratio. The creamy dipping sauce is great! I was sad that they didn't have arepas available. The employee said they wouldn't be available until whenever the cool gets there. There is lots of indoor seating. I'd give it a try. It's one of the better things at the Crown Plaza. read more

Empanada Madness - Empanadas in Kansas City! @BryantCabrera - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I'm glad I was able to find this place again as it moved locations. I ordered the empanada combo which comes with 2 empanadas (chicken, beef or cheese filled) with rice and beans. My favorite has to be the beef empanada, it was so flavorful and paired well with the sides. I also tried their maracuya drink and it was so tasty and refreshing. Can't wait to come back. read more

Empanada Madness - Empanadas - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I grew up in Colombia so I have a lot of strong opinions and I have eaten several arepas and empanadas (lots, too many... no such thing as too many arepas or empanadas). These are delicious. BUT the empanadas that we tried were not the typical Colombian empanadas (those corn-forward, crisp pockets of deliciousness). They do sell "Colombian" empanadas but only by the dozen. So I was slightly disappointed that what we ordered wasn't exactly what we had anticipated getting. They were still very good. These were probably more on the Venezuelan side of the empanada world. Arepas. So good. Way more crispy than most that I've had but very good none the less. I will level with you, that firm-meets-pleasantly-squeaky, salty white cheese is noticably absent. I do miss the queso asadero/queso menonita. read more

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I went with a lot of desire to try the empanadas, but I was disappointed with the experience. They are very small for the price they charge and the attention leaves a lot to be desired. I would not return or recommend it until they improve the service and value for money. read more

Delicious food, quick and corteous service. Took a friend who had never heard of empanadas and now he cannot wait to go there again.

Delicious food! Service was authentic and good. The ambiance was great The empanadas and plantains were out of the world. The plantains were tasty too read more

Empanada Madness - Steak Empanadas - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Finding good food is hard, finding good salad is HARDER Sometimes you pay a high price, some times you have to BARTER Sometime Barbie comes here in fencenets, sometimes in a GARTER But for the best Latin Food, come and get an EMPANADA! WHAT! So I've been told I'm a sociopath because I have no empathy. But I have empanadathy, and that's better. It might seem like Madness (not the band) to find great Latin food in Kansas City, where we used to live, close to our house, in the middle of our street. This is one step beyond what I expected around here, so instead of waiting for the train that never comes, try this place, and you'll agree... it must be love! So it's Latin food, from heaven no less. And in this case we're talking not Mexican but all kinds of delicious South American Delights. They really do have some amazing food in Kansas City, and while the barbecue is out of this world and second-to-none literally (Arthur Bryant's, Woodyard, Gates) there's also an amazing variety of ethnic and traditional American food here as well, and this is one of the really great examples of that. I'm a huge fan and I have a feeling that I'll be coming here in future for many many years. In fact, Empanada Madness has some of the best empanadas I've ever tasted in my life. I'm excited to go back and try the arepas and other stuff. I should have realized what I was ordering because they are Venezuelan. So I should have known that Venezuelans make completely different, soft, moist, chewy Empanadas, rather than the crispy hard kind that most of you will be used to. Venezuelan Empanadas are definitely superior to all others, in my opinion, much as Salvadoran Tamales are. So Empanada Madness absolutely corner the market on Empanadas, like a David Beckham corner. It's so chewy and juicy and perfect, you just could not get a better one of these things. I should have remembered that was the kind of thing I was going to get because I've had one like this at Rancho's in Buffalo (now closed down) before, and a few others in various places. The price is ridiculous - only $3 for this amazing delicious heavy filling Empanada, and they offer you any type of sauce. They have three different types of sauces mild medium and hot. I didn't try the hot, but the medium is pretty spicy and absolutely delicious, and I recommend it. So come here and try the amazing Venezuelan delights. Anyway, if you made an Empanada out of "Madness", then it's have a bunch of chunky London guys in it, playing two-tone pseudo-reggae music, and doing it rather well. But let's go One Step Beyond that concept, and have a look at one of these songs by "Empanada Madness", known as "Our House." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXA6CLTDekw Father wears his Sunday best Mother's tired, she ate the rest The kids are ordering Paletas next door Sister's chewing in her sleep (nom nom nom) Brother's got a date to keep, he can't hang around Empanada house, in the middle of KC Empanadas, in the middle of my tum Empanada Madness has a crowd There's always something cooking And it always leaves me wowed The owner's so food-proud Nothing ever slows him down and a mess is not allowed Empanada house, in the middle of KC Empanadas, in the middle of my tum Empanada house, in the middle of KC Empanadas, in the middle of my tum (something tells you that you've got to stay away from it or you'll get fat) read more

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Everytime I go there I have to get an Arepa! Omg they have the best Arepas! Fresh made to order! Great customer service, and a chill vibe there. Also had the Lomo Saltado and that did not disappoint! So good! read more

Empanada Madness - La Catira Arepa - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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I ordered the secret menu item. It was a Colombian entree for ~$26 and got steak instead of ground beef. You are not able to substitute items. It was fresh hot and tasty. I really enjoyed it. The passion fruit drink was also fresh and tasty. I really enjoyed the meal. The staff was friendly. It is inside the mall that is attached to the Westin downtown read more

Here for NYE visiting/staying with my friends in the area.... it's in downtown area (just finished NYE party shopping) hungry and having heard via social media Salvador Perez having high reviews on the place. The place was empty when we arrived and packed when we left. The empanadas hit the spot! You need to get here if nearby!!! Lightning fast prepping of the food and the staff was super friendly! I was very pleased with our visit! That Cuban sandwich...I can't get over how fresh and amazing it tasted! When in the area again I will get in there! They fix hunger! Need one in Oklahoma! Respectfully, Bryan OKC read more

Empanada Madness - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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This is an update to my previous good review.. The more I order from this place the worse the service is. Very unfortunate since they make delicious food. read more

Empanada Madness - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Went for a weekday lunch. Decided to sit out in the Crown Center Atrium. Was a great atmosphere. Ordered the 2 empanadas with rice and beans . My steak one was burnt from sitting under the warmer. The filling was great adm would be 5 stars had they not been burnt. Also ordered the Pastelitos. They were made fresh and were so much better. Next visit I plan to order something made fresh not the empanadas in the warmer. read more

Was in the area and decided to look up on Yelp what was good in the area. After looking at pictures and reading a few reviews, I am glad I dropped in. I ordered one pork belly arepas, shredded beef empanada, and garlic rice per recommendation of the sweet lady working the counter. All unique and great. I want to learn how to make the garlic rice. The three sauces - green, red, and white all had a kick and couldn't decide which one I preferred because they were all good! read more

Empanada Madness - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Every time I walk by this restaurant there isn't a single person inside while other restaurants in Crown Center are plenty busy. I felt a little bad about that today so stopped in at 4:40 since the doors were wide open. Waited 10 minutes for someone to come to the front, which was fine because we had a lot of menu to read. But then were told they were closed, twenty minutes early, with the dining room open and food in the warming trays. I'm not really sure why a place would close at 5, just before meal time, but it really bothers me when places close early and then can't be bothered to put a sign up so we don't all waste our time. read more

Do not waste your money in this restaurant, it is excessively expensive, the food is lousy, the place is dirty, and the attention is the worst. No malgasten su dinero en este restaurante, es excesivamente caro, la comida es pésima, el lugar está sucio y la atención es lo peor. read more

Empanada Madness - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Oh my gawd!!!! I'm staying in the hotel attached to this shopping mall and have been here for a few days. Of all the food I've had during this visit Empanada Madness is the best! And the owners/staff were the nicest people I've encountered during this trip. Definitely a wonderful experience. read more

Empanada Madness - Fried plantains, shredded beef empanada, jamón y queso arepa, chicharrón arepa, cachapa - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

One of my favorite spots in KC for Latin cuisine. The arepas are a must have. And the arroz con pollo is delicious. Anything I get always has that avocado crema sauce on the side. read more

Empanada Madness - Arepas with chicken avocado - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

While it's obviously known for its incredible empanadas, my favorite menu item is the shredded chicken arepa. Stuffed with delicious shredded chicken and melted cheese, I top it off with EXTRA green and red sauce - green sauce for the added flavor and red sauce for a spicy kick. Of the empanadas I go with the shredded beef. Great flavor but if a little grease concerns you, this isn't the place for you. Also, be sure to google their operating hours because they sometimes only offer to-go orders rather than dine-in. read more

Everything was great. Black beans, rice and chicken and beef empanadas. Staff were amazing too

This is such a nice shift away from the usual Mexican restaurants--not that those aren't any good, because they are; they just all tend to be very similar in quality and taste--and I highly recommend Empanada Madness to anybody looking for something a little different while still retaining that south (if waaaay south) of the border feel. Not having been there before, I asked the waiter for a recommendation and got the a shredded pork fill arepa, a ground beef filled empanada, rice and beans. It was all excellent; I couldn't decide if I preferred the empanada or the arepa, but out of convenience I did order an extra empanada to go after I finished; this one filled with potato, egg and cheese, and it was awesome. It's also located on a stretch of buildings on Southwest Boulevard that are all heavily latin-influenced in decor, with brightly painted buildings and signage, which adds to the--I hate to use this word because it's overused to the point of pretension, but it really is apt in this case--authentic feel of dining at a restaurant like this. Check it out! read more

Empanada Madness - Empanada with ground beef, arepa with pork, rice and beans. Nice! - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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solid place, good food. Very nice employees and clean eating area. They're agua naturales were amazing.

Great food and service. I was born and raised in Colombia and know what the food of my home is supposed to taste like. They know what they are doing in Empanada Madness. read more

Holy frijoles, Empanada Madness you are delicious. We came here during the holiday week to get a change of pace from the ham/turkey/potato cycle and I cannot express how good it was. A combination of hunger and excitement basically had me holding a fork and knife ready to pounce on the first empanada that came near me. I tried the Reinapediada arepa which was a chicken salad blended with avocado, wrapped inside of a fried, crispy arepa. It was as good as it sounds, as was my empanada that was full of whipped potato, queso fresco and egg. One of my favorite parts of it were the three bottles of sauce that are brought out with the meal. One is a ranchy, cooling sauce that is good on the salad. One is a verde with a bit of a kick and was my all around favorite.. It's good on everything. The red one was perfect with the empanada as well and had the most spice to it. I thought it was pretty awesome that a large contingent of Venezuelan Royals come in here. The server said they come in all the time during the season. I couldn't quite give it five stars mainly because our server left us waiting for the check for nearly 20 minutes at the end. I want to express that this is a family run spot and he was helping out in both the kitchen and with a larger table, so I'm being a bit ridiculous but I have to be fair.. When I finally did get up and ask for the check, they overcharged my card for $10 more than my actual bill was and I had to catch the error and get the right bill. It's one of those situations when you're in a small family restaurant that doesn't bug you much at all but would feel much more negative at a chain restaurant. So yes, Empanada Madness. I'll be back, in fact I'm already looking forward to it. This place is a home run. read more

Empanada Madness - So many Royals players love this place. Endeared me to it immediately! - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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We wanted someplace new and this was it. The desserts are yum. Flan is always good. The dessert empanadas were tasty as was the tres leche. Today there were four of us for lunch. The staff was very nice and accommodating to us newbies. No rush. Each of us tried something different and we were all satisfied. Not a big rice eater and it was a large serving so I let mine go but I heard that it was really good. The beans and steak I had were excellent. Nicely done egg on top. It's a quaint lunch place. Not on our beaten path but we'd definitely come back. read more

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I used to love this place and had it almost every week but after a little while it has gone so downhill I won't be back. I'm disappointed that I wasted my money on this meal! Let me spare you the same mistake They are closed randomly for no reason so I called first to make sure they're open and no answer. I drove by to check and they were open but the workers were sitting around gossiping and took far too long for them to acknowledge a customer walking in. I was the only one there and it was 30 minutes past open. I ordered and then I watched the cashier prepare the food. I got pabellon like I have several times before - but this time I watched her take the meat from a freezer labeled "frozen food" and defrost it in the microwave. The beans were cold, dry, and certainly not better than the canned black beans. I also got an order of yuca frita - which was tasty despite the lack of seasoning and onions like they used to do- but there's no way what I got is a full order. Next time I'm craving Venezuelan I'll just head to the Latin aisle at price chopper. read more

Empanada Madness - Yuca Fried Yuka - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Empanada Madness appreciation post! Literally every item I've had at Empanada Madness is delicious. Arepas, empanadas ... white rice?!? Who even thought white rice could be better one place than another?! Last but not least, the sauce. I have no idea what they put in that sauce but to paint a picture for you: I've found myself literally trying to spoon every last drop of it out of the solo cup. And you get THREE solo cups with a take out order. My constructive criticism for this establishment: GET BIGGER SOLO CUPS In all seriousness, no criticism warranted, constructive or otherwise. Thank you, Empanada Madness, for being wonderful. #sauce #forever Disclosure: wine pictured here is my own. Not for retail sale. read more

Empanada Madness - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Got the pabellon, hallaca, and tres leches. Quite liked all I got and will go back to sample empanadas next time. I am more familiar with Cuban food than Venezuelan, so most of what I can say about what I ordered is as comparison. The pabellon was much like Cuban ropa vieja. The filling of the tamale (hallaca) was much like Cuban picadillo, including the olives and raisins, which was a pleasant surprise since properly made picadillo is impossible to find around here. Black beans were very flavorful. And the tres leches was as good as I've ever had. read more

Hands down my favorite arepa I've ever had. A totally hidden gem and a welcome snack after the brewery tour. Jamón y queso por favor! read more

Empanada Madness - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I enjoyed my visit to this restaurant. The food choices are interesting and fun. I sampled a couple items and I can't know the portion sizes or the tasty execution of each item. I can say they are missing the boat on the details. My Arepa was busted and impossible to eat by hand served broken side down. The Empanada although good was hardly stuffed. Then the tamale item was also served ugly side down. Yes they can cook and the food was delicious however whoever was cooking during my visit didn't show me any heart coming from the kitchen. Instead of making it right they just hid their mistakes, to me that's either lazy or being cheap. The young lady behind the counter was sweet but way to engaging in personal conversation with a Spanish speaking customer. You should be too busy to discuss where you are from and where else to eat in Kansas City, Kansas or Missouri. Never underestimate a white guys ability to speak Spanish. My bottom line is go here for a novelty meal but i can't recommend living off this food on a regular basis. read more

Empanada Madness - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Please be advised: check times they are open online and call to make sure the time of operation are correct. I finally made it here and let me tell you... it was sooo worth it!!! Small family owned restaurant makes you feel like you are at your best friends families house! Preparing to make you a home-fresh home cooked meal. All I can say is that I will be coming back here again and again!!! This food is incredible and can't wait to try a new dish!!! read more

Empanada Madness - Latin American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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So fresh! And hot. We just happened upon the cart and we're so impressed! The owner was so friendly and we talked for awhile:

Stopped in today for lunch. After consulting Yelp. This is fantastic. My South American friend validated the authenticity of the menu and flavorings. Now I see why this location is highly recommend on yelp. We were there between the lunch and dinner hours so I order was made to go. We ordered the fried plantains and they were fantastic. The next time we are in the KC area we will definitely be back. read more

So, so good. I tried the pastelito with egg, potatoes and cheese, the Arepa pata, and an empanada. Everything was delicious and unique, freshly made, and served hot. My absolute favorite was the pastelito because I prefer a flour based empanada instead of the corn. I loved the pastelito so much, I actually took some to-go as well. The service was also great. Our waitress was fast and friendly, and our food came out quickly after we ordered. This no frills Latin restaurant is definitely one of a kind. read more