The only PR establishment I know of in the immediate area. Man, I love this food. You can go in for a quick bite because the food is already made & you just go pick what you would like. They also have a varying selection of empanadas on any given day, including dessert ones. Did I mention they're the loveliest people? Go see for yourself & try the yummy coffees Nextdoor. read more

Not the biggest fan of the baked empenadas. They are just a little too dry for my preference. They also have plates of rice beans and choices of meat. I've gotten the pork a few times and on more than one occasion it was farm tasting. There are a lot of other rice and bean spots that I think are much better. Now, I believe someone from the family of this place opened El Coqui Cafe right next door. I love El Coqui. (They sell items like the empenadas from Spanish grill) and they cook most of the food there and then carry it over. This place to me is the best new restaurant and they have amazing Cuban sandwiches and treats. read more

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Ambience is amazing! The staff is so kind and the food is unreal. I love the cheese burger empanada. Very well priced too. Definitely check this spot out!!! read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

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A family neighbor restaurant that cooks, serves and welcomes you with authentic food and love. Please stop by and share your love, but remember to feed your palate. read more

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this place is so well kept for years now. The cheeseburger, bacon cheeseburger, maduros and cheese, potato and bacon and so much more are all 10/10 they really don't miss. somewhat unique beverages in the fridge too read more

I only came here for a coffee which was okay... I was expecting it to be very hot but it was actually cold, it seems like the milk wasn't warmed up. It was strong and did the job but I will be back to try their empanadas & food. Love the ambiance and decor in the restaurant though, it definitely made me feel like I was in PR for 5 minutes! read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Seating area - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

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Great food - empanadas come in many varieties. They close earlier than most places but worth it to go early.

They remain a staple on Market Street. Family run -- been around a while. They also have a coffee place next door. Their decor is Caribbean fun. They are popular for their empanadas and the platters are priced reasonably. The owner makes his own hot sauce -- which are always great. I try to come here as often as I can read more

Everytime I walk in here, I feel like I'm family. The guys are so nice and help you with deciding which empanada to eat today. I get so full on 2 empanadas because they are stuffed with meat, cheese & veggies. Did I mention they are figure friendly? BAKED EMPANADAS read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Daily Empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

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This is a pretty good spot for Puerto Rican food located in Clifton. Been here a few times before but this is the first time I actually tried an empanada. The prices are very reasonable even in this crazy inflation. The food here is pretty good.....tonight they had yellow and white rice, pernil, BBQ pork, chicken stew, and baked chicken. There were about 8 choices left for the empanadas and I went for the predictable by looking at me cheeseburger...lol. I also had the pernil with yellow rice and red beans. The food was good.....I think it would be better if i went earlier but it was the end of the night. The empanada was 5 star worthy though, awesome flavor and I actually liked the baked version.....not greasy at all. Next time I visit here I'm gonna try it for lunch.....they also had homemade hot sauces which I will try next time too. read more

I was looking for lunch and came across this restaurant. When I arrived I parked on the street nearby. I walked in and went to the counter. They had food made on display and I went with the chicken stew and 2 chicken empanadas. One of them had mole sauce! I paid and left. The first thing I ate was the chicken and mole sauce empanada, and that was ok. The plain chicken one was much better! The chicken stew dish was pretty good and very filling. I enjoyed my overall experience. read more

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Should one choose to embark on an empanada expedition? Look no further than a visit to this establishment, as the star attraction is their daily assortment of baked empanadas, such as beef stew empanadas, Cuban sandwich empanadas, etc. Tucked in a corner off of Market Street in Clifton, Empanada Spanish Grill is a family-owned business much like a visit to the island of Puerto Rico, with its artwork lining the walls preparing one for exactly how delicious the food will be. I paid them a visit as a first-timer for lunch today, with heavy foot traffic for takeout orders and dining in.The menu isn't extensive, but the variety of choices features authentic Puerto Rican cuisine such as freshly cooked pernil, barbecue pollo, oxtail, and much more. As an appetizer, I decided on their Cuban sandwich empanada. It was soft and chewy--not crispy-fried but a tad salty. For the main meal, I opted for their special: a plate of beef stew (carne guisado) with white rice and black beans. The food was incredible, as everything was made fresh, authentic, and reasonably priced. The owner and staff were very welcoming and friendly. I can recommend this place. read more

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Was craving alcapurrias very badly. God almighty they made me wait for 20-25 minutes for alcapurrias I'm pretty sure were Goya frozen alcapurrias...a disgrace. Being Puerto Rican I know a traditional alcapurria when I taste it. To make it fake the people that work there are fake friendly, and phony. The guy that handed me the fake alcapurrias even had a smirk on his face. Stay away from this fake restaurant. read more

Have been here several times recently and I'm surprised I've not updated my review! Food is still excellent! Prices have gone up a bit, like everywhere else, the hot sauce selection is now limited, but the food is still great and a good value!Baked empanadas are the way to go! Had a Venezuelan empanada last time that was just amazing! Sadly, not available today. Can't wait to go back! read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Maduros - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

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Great lunch today! Thank you to Abel for accommodating our large group for a fantastic lunch!

Was in the area and wanted authentic PR and found this place. This place sits in a difficult part of Clifton with no accesible area to park unless you do it illegally which is what I did. The counter person was very inviting and friendly and eager to help. I ordered the pre paired pernil, carne gisada with rice and red beans as well as one beef empanada. The protein portion was good the beans to rice was not. Then came to enjoy what I been waiting for an authentic PR place. Regrettably I was disappointed as a matter of fact the food overall had very little flavor I also expected to taste calabasa in the beans which did not happen and the beef empañada was not good at all meaning no flavor maybe bc it was baked. I didn't hate the place but it didn't meet my expectation of authentic boricua food. I think it was a healthier choice as little to no seasonings where used possible. read more

I don't what they are grilling but the food sure is good. The name could be deceptive since nothing they serve is actually grilled. The empanadas are baked (NOT gluten free) and looked very appetizing. My husband swears by them and tells everyone about this place. I had the lunch special of rice, beans and pernil. Be ready for a siesta after this lunch. The well season yellow rice and black beans could easily be eaten alone. The pernil was tender but could use a little more marinating. If you need an extra kick or burst of flavor, try the array of hot sauces they have at the counter. Overall good lunch for a very good price. read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Pernil, yellow rice and black beans - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

Totally recommend if your in the mood for great Puerto Rican food! The Empanadas are top notch!!

So I finally went to Empanada Spanish Grill. I waited til Thursday because they have oxtails on the menu. The place is small and mostly known I believe for their Baked Empanada's (which I didn't try) The oxtails were flavorful and tender, it comes with a choice of white or yellow rice and a choice of black beans or refried. I choose the white rice which was pretty seasoned (over seasoned in my opinion) but good. I wanted to try the papas rellenos but they didn't have any for a second time ... read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Oxtails, white rice and black beans - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

Came here for a quick lunch before going home. It's a small spot with quick service, and nice people. The hot empanadas, are actually hot, which was a nice change. I wasn't thrilled with their chicken empanada. A little dry but toward the last bite, a squirt of liquid, came flying out....everywhere lol They take credit cards. read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

A friend if mine.re-introduced me to empanadas about 8 years sgo. I had had them before but since what I had tried wasn"t particularly good I had no desire to try again. So it was a real eye opener tasting an authentic empanada and then realizing that the many different Latin cultures do slightly different varieties of them. Empanadas are seasoned meat pies either baked or fried. I havent seen many options for my vegetarian friends except for sweet dessert empanadas usually containing cheese, fruit and or chocolate. There are other menu items for vegetarians just not empanadas. Their rice and beans were the only veggie option I can comment on and they were respectable. My review is for the savory baked meat pies. I would take savory over sweet any day. I have been to the this place 3 or 4 the times. If you are in the area you need to check out this place My son and husband prefer fried empanadas so that is why I am giving 4 stars not 5 stars. I actually like both fried and baked empanadas. They are different and this restaurant has some of the best baked empanadas I have had. Baked are a healthier option. These have a flour dough so the flavor comes from the fillings not the dough. My husband likes his seasoned but not spicy while I like we'll seasoned and spicy. To me these empanadas hit the sweet spot by offering varieties that appeal to both to me and my husband. These empanadas are made in a pizza oven. This small holenin the wall place sells massive quantities of them on a daily basis. They have their standard flavors plus a selection of rotating flavors. You know they are good when you can easily buy a batch of 50 or a 100 like you would a dozen bagels. Anyway my favorite variety is called the prosecutor. It is.chicken, cheese, and hot long peppers. When I ordered a few the 2 police officers who were enjoying a meal had to ask about it. The prosecutors are excellent. The regular chicken and beef I find a little bland for my taste but I husband enjoyed them. They have some homemade sauces and serve some hot dishes. On another occasion I tried their beef stew which was good but to me the star is their empanadas. The prices are reasonable and shown in one of my photos. Go try one of the empanadas you won't be disappointed. read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Yummy baked empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

Have gone two times, first time a friendly gentleman who took my order, great empanadas, etc. The second time a young kid who won't even say hi or thank you. Gave me a mini portion of meat. Disappointed. I guess I'll only get empanadas from now on. read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Lots of rice, very little meat - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

Been coming to Empanadas since it opened, my go to spot for lunch in the area when I feel like having Spanish food. Ample portions at a pretty low cost for the area make it a prime spot during the work week. Not a huge location, a couple of tables setup for those that wish to dine in. Street parking only, but typically spots are open and difficult to find (today I had to park the farthest I ever had and it was a quick 2 minute walk to Empanadas). Friendly and courteous staff, happy to help you out and explain any of the dishes they have. For food platters, you can check the website for what they have available to pick from that day. And you can pick multiple from what they have available. The worst complaint I ever with the selections is when they run out of what I was wanting). What I like the most here is their namesake, the empanadas they offer. Many choices to pick from and they are baked not fried! read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Pernil with black beans and white rice... - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

Empanadas were great which is the main reason I came here! We tried all the chicken varieties, which I love that they had so many chicken options since I was w/ someone who avoid red meat/pork. There was so much flavor in each chicken empanada version..and the sauces wow. I love spice and these sauces were perfect in that area! Also tried a plate of baked chicken w/ yellow rice and beans and oh yes.... chicken was dynamite...dark meat with the perfect flavor and fall off the bone! It was just perfect, and I can't wait to go back read more

Great restaurant, food is delicious and staff is well coming and extremely pleasant. I truly recommend this restaurant, you won't be disappointed!! read more

How could anyone say no to an empanada!? They have a huge variety of flavors that they rotate weekly and if you have a favorite you can check the website to see when they will be having that certain empanada out. They also have great lunch specials which also rotate during the week. The staff is very pleasant and when you choose to eat there you're allowed to pay afterwards! read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

I went here with my family while our car tires are being replaced from a block away ETD. Food, ambiance, music, and crew were all good. Will definitely comeback. Simple menu, big flavors, really tasty meals we all enjoyed it. Btw all empanadas are baked! wow with the little bit of healthier options too. I had a lasagna looking dish but with plantains instead of the pasta delish! read more

Baked Empanadas were excellent! I bought them for a card game and folks are still talking about how delicious they were. I would definitely go back read more

Amazing place! Keep coming back for their juicy pernil ! Excellent service and very affordable prices, empanadas are delicious too. For the 1st time had the luck to try their sweet empanadas next door at their cafe, pumpkin, nutella with cheesecake among others and not to mention great coffee too. 5 stars always!!! Had a really good time. Thank you. read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Cortadito - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

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Wow. Best spanish food I've ever had. Had the bbq pernil with yellow rice & black beans for $8. Also got a cheeseburger empanada to go. Yum. Wish I lived closer so that I could have it more often! Staff is also super friendly. Stop by the bakery next door too for dessert. read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - bbq pernil with yellow rice & black beans - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

The staff and own are very welcoming and the food is on point . They even host a Domino's contest at the end of the month. read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Life is good here - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

Been wanting to stop by here every time I pass by. Well, today I made it happen. Glad I did. My focus was only on the empanadas. They have a hot case right on the counter displaying their unique flavors. I like the variety of flavors they had. They told me that some of the flavors are rotating. The best part was that these "stuffed pastries" are baked, and not fried like they usually are. No greasy taste and no extra calories. These bad boys were a good size stuffed with the proper portion of meats. The pastry was perfectly crispy. I will be ordering a tray of these for my next gathering. read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Cheeseburger, The Prosecutor(Chicken and peppers), and Chicken and Pepperoni - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

4 stars for the empanadas. After a few years away, I decided to return after a trip to the nearby Home Depot to pick up some empanadas. What makes these empanadas unique is that they are BAKED not fried. Every empanada that I have ordered elsewhere has been fried, so this was a nice change. I had: - Beef with Maduro (ground beef with sweet plantain) -Chicken, Cheese, Salsa -Chicken All were flavorful and tasty. The crust also had a nice crisp without all the grease. I came by on a Saturday before noon, and the empanadas seemed freshly baked. An order of 4 cost under $10, which is fairly reasonable. Next time i'm craving empanadas, i'll be sure to come by. read more

I feel like the food has gone down hill over the last couple of years. Whn I first came here years ago the food was on point...today I went and got yellow rice and bbq pork. Bbq pork was decent. The yellow rice was cold and hard...rice definitely wasn't cooked all the way. Very disappointing.... read more

I had to do another review for Empanada Spanish Grill. Not only did the wife of the owner contact me but she also offered to pay for my meal. That meant a lot because most places never reach out to try to right a wrong. Even if I wasn't offered anything I still would have appreciated her just contacting me. When I got there, Seth who was working behind the counter assisted me. He was very niceand courteous. He even make sure I had freshly cooked maduros. I advised that I was going to get empañadas which I would pay for. He apologized again and said how the normally have the food fully stocked and fresh which it was. When he brought the food out. He told me everything was taken care of and I did not have to pay anything. The food was great and I am definitely going back again! read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Chicken/yellow rice/black beans/plaintains (maduros) - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

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One word, delicious. I am so excited to find a good empanada place so close to home. The cheeseburger one was definitely the highlight. We also loved the one with the plantain inside. Sweet meets savory and it's perfectly done. Service was very friendly. We definitely will be back! read more

Great spot for a nice lunch if your looking for home cooked style food. I love the variety of empanadas they have and the empanadas are baked. If you get a chance pop in next door to the cafe and get a dessert empanada. read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Lunch special !! - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

Let's see....short and simple review, that's all this place really needs. Over priced for the quantity you receive. $2.25 for a 4"x 2" lightly filled little bread + Meat surprise inside. (Empanadas) My family and I were the first in line. We were told to wait on behalf.....of..... The cashier, cook, and server was one person. If you decide to go I recommend allowing your self 25min wait time. Food is authentic , and mediocre. 300 square ft restaurant with roughly 18 sets and nicely decorated. Hope this helps Dave C. read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Menu and bar area - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

We have tried this place a couple times and every time I hope it gets better but it does not. They are known for their baked empanadas but I have definitely had better and cheaper. Maybe I'm just partial to fried empanadas. The Latin dishes are just ok. The beans taste like they are missing something. Chicken is decent, cooked right and falling off the bone. Pernil was dry but had good flavor. Portion size is decent for the price. Cute inside decor. Employee who helped us last time we were there was very unhelpful when we had questions about some of the dishes. Maybe we will have to give it another try. 3 strikes and out right? read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

Came here on a Thursday after a pretty good day of studying with some friends. I ended up ordering the maduros with black beans. The place is very homey, warm, reminds me of a tropical place with bamboo and the chalkboards around. Prices are nice on your wallet, empanadas are 2.25 each and they are filling. They have tons of hot sauces, ooh and they have banana ketchup as well omg bless. The black beans in the empanada were amazing like put that over a warm bed of yellow rice and you'd be on cloud nine. They offer various flavors, some vegetarian and some with meat, ample selection, the people up front were really nice. Took a little bit to wait for the empanadas to bake but their crisp flavor was worth it. I'd come back again to get more and then try the black beans and maduros with rice. read more

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