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    Empanada Mama

    4.1 (59 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 11:30 pm

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    Katherine N.

    Empanada Mama has become my unofficial late-night pit stop, the kind of place you stumble into on autopilot after a long evening. This time, I went for the plantain nachos--an inventive twist I couldn't resist. The plantains leaned a little soggy, but the sweetness paired with the pulled pork actually worked in their favor, adding a depth you don't get from ordinary nacho chips. The pork itself was tender, the queso melted into everything beautifully, and together it made for a plate worth lingering over. The restaurant itself is wonderfully laid-back, the kind of chill sit-down space where you can catch your breath before heading home. Nothing fancy, nothing forced--just comfort food with a little personality. Late-night cravings don't stand a chance here.

    El Jefe - flavor of the month
    Seby I.

    The cheese empanada was downright delicious. No wonder- it was fried. The cheese inside was soft and pulled like mozarella. It was quite filling but as I was still hungry I had a second one with spinach and cheese. This one was less tasty as the spinach only lent color and no flavor. Here oniy one tiny sauce is given as the second one costs money. Service was friendly. Mama Empanada has been here for over two years. I knew the hot dog place which was here. Each empanada costs under $5. Besides empanada, a variety of food is available and some is expensive like the guacamole and plantain chips for nearly $15. This place is popular with youngsters.

    Betty S.

    They have delicious empanadas. Have ordered several times in store and for pick up & even for big groups. Never disappoint. Only con is if you order in store there is always a wait of 5-10 minutes. I suggest ordering for pick up.

    Michelle O.

    8/19/2024: Enroute home saw this before heading to train station: Cute and small. Staff is friendly and pleasant. I selected 3 to try: El Toro: had a little kick Chicken: flavorful Reggaeton: a bit spicy All yummy and would definitely return if in the area.

    Eva G.

    The best empanadas I have ever tasted are from Empanadas Mama!!! They are filled with delicious ingredients and every bite is delectable and delicious!!! They don't skimp on ingredients!!! Every time I'm in town I do my best to drop by to any of their locations and bring some back to Cali!!!!! My faves are the spinach and cheese, Greek spinach, chicken corn. I also like the Bombay, Brasil, Viagra , Desayuno Columbiano. They are all good. I recommend to come and enjoy some empanadas!!!!

    Bombay + Rice & Beans Combo
    Justin T.

    I heard a lot of great things about Empanada Mama, so I had to give it a shot. This location seems much smaller than the others, and there's really only a handful of seats available -- this seems more like a grab and go location. There was a lunch special deal that came with 2 empanadas and a side of beans and rice, so we got that. The two empanadas we chose were the Wheat flour Bombay and the Shredded Chicken. I thought they were both pretty good and the sauce it comes with compliments the empanadas well. The rice and beans were good too, but nothing special. Looking back, I feel like the food was a bit pricey when considering the size, but nonetheless it was good. I would recommend checking it out at least once!

    Inside
    Vanessa S.

    What a great spot to goto when your on the run and need some tasty empanadas! I got the corn empanadas with meat and another with vegetables both were amazing. While their good, it sometimes takes a while to come out it's absolutely worth it I promise. They also take all forms of payment so just bring your phone to pay if you want.

    Corn veggie empanadas
    Vincent W.

    This location is my go to along the L. Late nights I'd order online and they have discounts when order ahead via website. The service is usually fast and empanadas are consistent. This location is pick up mostly, due to limited space but you can dine in. I recommend try this eatery.

    Carolina , Alvaro , Andres
    Kristina V.

    I was searching for best empanadas in the City for a very long time .... I believe I found it ! Great food and perfect customer service. The owner of this place Karolina is great, hands on owner! She attentive equally to customers and her staff. I would highly recommend eggplant parmesan empanadas. Bartenders Alvaro and Andres were so nice ! I wiish bartenders in Sunnyside can do that ( wishful thinking? :) The service I received was absolutely terrific! The Ambience is relaxed/ casual. I would highly recommending that establishment . Sincerely

    Corn shell, cheese
    Bloss C.

    Empanadas are the perfect food in my opinion, and Empanada Mama always delivers quality empanadas. This new location is small and clean with a few stools if you want to eat at the high-top by the window. I had two of my usuals, cheese (corn shell) and Viagra (wheat shell), and tried the eggplant (baked wheat shell with tomato, oregano, basil, red wine, parmesan and mozzarella) which was a revelation! Definately give the eggplant a try, it was out of this world good. My only gripe with Empanada Mama is they could have more vegetarian options.

    Nephthalie E.

    If you're looking for a satisfying and hearty lunch or quick bite, empanada mama is where it's at! They have a great lunch deal where you get two empanadas with a side of rice and beans for less then $20. This will be my go to for lunch from now on! I've been here a couple of times since they opened and tried the spinach and cheese, breakfast, and Colombian empanada. I've never had a bad meal here, which is why I'll be a regular here. My one gripe is that it does take a while to get your order, expect to wait at least 10-15 minutes.

    El toro

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    7 months ago

    Great spot. Price, Quality, & convenience perfectly blended in the east village. Will be revisiting!

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    1 year ago

    Delicious- dont sleep on the cheeseburger one its so good I think about it even after moving away from NYC

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    2 years ago

    What a great variety of empanadas love them all, fast service and friendly staff I can't say enough.

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    3 years ago

    Delicious empanadas!! Service is a little wonky and so is the ambiance but the empanadas are worth the trip!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Empanada Mama

    Review Highlights - Empanada Mama

    If I had to choose what to eat as my last meal, I would say Viagra empanadas time and time again.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

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    Enough for leftovers next day! Tofu pad Thai
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    Empanada Mama - empanadas - Updated June 2026

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