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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Very good spot for a quick meal. Got beef ribs with white rice. The rib meat was soft and flavorful. Definitely would come back again expecting single they were so warm, welcoming and most importantly clean! I did not try the empanadas but will next time I come read more

I came here for lunch because I had a snow day from work. I wanted a quick bite before going to the gym. Many of the food option near the gym is take your time and eat except for Moe's. I inhaled the chicken stew with rice and pinto beans. I also ordered a spicy beef empanada. Both items were under $10 and it filled my belly with comfort type food. There's a lot of hot sauce bottle for you to experiment if you're adventurous as well. The decor is pretty cool. There a lot of Caribbean nic naks stuff. The bathroom is clean. There's no real wait service. Just walk up and point to the 2-3 entree dishes and several variety for empanadas. This place is a hit with the lunch crowd. I paid in cash. Not sure about cc. I'd come here for sure. read more

This place is an Authentic Puerto Rican Food you could ever find around the area. The food is always on point. I go there almost every day. The Chef/ Cook and his family is always friendly and nice. read more

Yummy. I've never had empanadas before but i thought I've give them a try because of the name of the restaurant. They were very good. I came back the next day and had the beef stew with yellow rice and one BBQ sparerib on top. Yummy. Than the next day i came back and had pernil and yellow rice. Yummy again. The customer service is very nice too. I high recommended their food. read more

Baked empanadas all varieties, never disappointed in the taste and flavor in there food. Entrees are excellent kids love the chicken and rice. Always a great treat for the kids. read more

Stopped in for lunch for the first time and got 2 emps and 2 plates combo (chicken, rice n beans and pork, rice n beans) all came out to $20 bucks and it was delicious. Their green hot sauce was so good. And their red one was nice too. They have a tiny to-go hot sauce container for to-go orders so you don't feel left out if you're a hot sauce freak like me! read more

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Great casual place for picking up empanadas fast. I love the cheeseburger and bbq pork! Also, they're baked and not fried so makes me feel a tad bit better about indulging. They also have homemade hot sauces and the staff is very friendly. Will definitely be back more often after work! read more

When you want empanadas, there's without a doubt no other choice to be made. Empanada Spanish Grill is where it's at. From hearty to sweet and savory they have something for you. A small place, pumping out delicious home style cooking with smiles on their faces. I've been coming here for years but I haven't been there in a while. I recently paid a visit and it reminded me why I would go out of my way for some of their food. Aside from the myriad of choices of empanadas they have a small fantastic buffet. Basically everything you ever want when you think of home. Rice, beans, meats, tostones etc. No frilly ribbons or fillers. Food for the soul when you want it. You can skip the empanadas altogether if you wish but you'd be crazy to do so imho. As for the Empanadas they have everything from beef, chicken, pork stuffed fare to cheeses and guava. It's kind of magical. Also, they're baked so that might help the more health conscious weigh a little less than their fried counter parts. If you're a local you already know about this place. It's usually pretty busy but they do a great job of getting the food out quickly. If you're in the area do yourself a favor and stop in. You won't be disappointed. read more

This place is excellent for a quick bite to eat. I usually stop by after work to take some empanadas to go. Sometimes the selection is not too great, but they are willing to heat up any ones they have in the back if you ask them. I am pretty basic with the flavors I like (Chicken/Cheese, Beef), but they offer basically anything you can imagine, even dessert empanadas. I've seen them have "Hot Dog" filled ones as well as "Ham/Cheese." There is no set menu, so when you go you really don't know what they're going to have out. All the empanadas I've gotten have been really fresh and hot. They are baked instead of fried, which makes them less greasy. The decor here is like island-themed. They have a good selection of different hot sauces if you intend on eating in, but no fancy salsa or pico de gallo. I do wish they had guacamole or pico that you could order as a side, that would be a great addition. While I haven't tried any of their dishes, they do have a selection of signature meals, such as rice and beans. read more

Cool little place that sells baked empanadas and other dishes. The empanadas are good, if they are fresh. If you get one that has been sitting for a little bit, then its not so great. The dish I had was decent as well. Would go back. read more

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

The food was okay. Place is decent but the amount of food they serve will fill you up based on the daily special I ordered. The beans and rice could have had more flavor in my opinion but the baked chicken was pretty good. The woman was really nice who took my order. For 7 bucks you can't really complain but I have had way better Latin food so this place didn't live up the majority of reviews I read but that's just my opinion read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Daily Special $6.95 White Rice, Black Beans, Half Baked Chicken - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

Really great baked empanadas! Love this place and one of my favorite spots on market street.

Went for the first time last week and I was happy with the food. The staff is genuinely nice, friendly, helpful, and hospitable and I'm rooting for their business to thrive. The empanadas are baked, but have a nice crunch at the edges. They are well-seasoned and they have a good variety of spicy and non spicy options. The other food was good too, though I'd like more options for sides. Nice, festive and bright decor, quality food, and extremely friendly staff. I'll be back. read more

I wanted to have some Spanish food and this was the closest to the batting cages that we went to. I tried the beef empanadas because they were out of most of the empanadas that they had. Very good and I love the fact that they bake their empanadas not fry them...cant wait to go back to try their meals! read more

Yum! I stopped in here for lunch today around one o'clock. What I like about this place is the variety that it has, they rotate certain empanadas every day, I tried the potato and chicken and the buffalo chicken. Also, the owner and staff are very kind, very knowledgeable and attentive. Both were delicious, especially the chicken and potato because it was very fresh. Everything is freshly baked here so it's slightly better for your health. I think the empanadas here compare to those that are fried. Lastly, very reasonably priced. 2.25 an empanada and two or three will fill you up, making a cheap spot to grab lunch. Definitely recommend you stop in here for a quick bite, you won't be disappointed. read more

I love this place! It's maybe one step up from a "hole in the wall," but it's very cute and an A-typical restaurant with pretty good food. The woman cashier is so sweet and English is obviously not her first language and she's not very loud, but she's a sweetheart. Also, I believe the man is the owner and he is also very friendly and a pleasure to deal with. They have over 50 varieties of empanadas but only make 8 kinds on any given day. All of their empanadas are baked, and many of their empanadas are pretty creative. They have dessert empanadas (i.e. their guava and cheese empanda or their cheesecake empanada) and they have other innovative empanadas (i.e. their bbq rib empanada or their philly cheesesteak empanada). My favorite empanadas are the philly cheesesteak and the cheeseburger, but they are all pretty good. They also have great hot food. My favorite is the pernil, but my boyfriend loves the ropa vieja and the steak. They sometimes have coconut rice which is delicious and occasionally they have special sauces that they give out. Overall I love this place, but I am a fan of "hole-in-the-wall" places or what I like to call diamonds in the rough. read more

Being only 5 minutes away from the office, Empanada Spanish Grill quickly became my go-to spot when I was craving some latin food. Despite having several other offices and law firms around, this place never seemed too crowded during weekday lunch hours (12pm-2pm). I have stopped by several times and would be in and out within a matter of 5 minutes. Like any other establishment, there are very good days and not good yummy ones since I know they can be spot on. The chicken is always spot on in terms of flavor and same with their pernil. There were times, however, when I would end up with some dry pieces. I've always gone for the yellow rice and pinto beans. Despite having ordered food from here several times, I have yet to try their white rice and black beans. Their oxtail is great and beef stew even better. Can't go wrong with any of the choices they have to offer at Empanada Grill. I'm not a huge fan of empanadas in the first place but I do enjoy their baked empanadas. I do like the fact that the empanadas are baked, as they are healthier. The portions are great for the price. There have been times where I would ask for half/half (i.e. a thigh of chicken and some pernil). They never charge me extra for my little special request and understand that how difficult it is to just choose one! The only disappointment you will leave this place with is that you couldn't try a little bit of everything that they have to offer. read more

This place is really worth 2.5 stars. The atmosphere is really cute and the concept is great. They have good priced specials daily. They also make some of their own hot sauce which I thought was cool. Unfortunately the food is a tad dry and the rice could use much more flavor. It's Spanish fast food. The food is prepared and sits there until ordered. The empanadas are baked not fried. They're not too bad. I like how they have a lot of interesting flavors, for example I tried the pumpkin cheesecake. I also enjoyed the cheeseburger one. Overall, not a bad place for a quick and easy bite, but I wouldn't rave about it. read more

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A nice local place. The empanadas are a nice change of pace from the usual fast-food fare. They serve a selection of 8 varieties, with beef and chicken always available, with the other 6 rotated daily. The Ropa Vieja empanadas are a special treat, if you're lucky enough to go on a day they're available. It's also reasonably priced. Staff is only 2 people, a man baking and a woman manning the counter and phone. I've always found her friendly and helpful. Took one star off because the food goes right from the oven to a heating tray, so it's tough to get "out-of-the-oven" fresh food unless you happen to be there as it come out. But otherwise, a nice local spot for lunch. read more

Empanadas are left much to be desired. Crust was very flat. Most of the ones I saw on display were burnt. Inside was very dry. At least they had a lot of meat - mine being venison. The daily special, however, is a very different story. I opted for yellow rice, pinto beans and bbq pork. The bbq pork was probably the moistest pork I've ever had without being too stringy like pulled pork, yet there was still bark with crunch on the outside. The sauce wasn't too sweet or salty. Not to mention there was a generous portion of both pork and rice & beans. The chicken and steak offerings also looked good. I might have to stop by here more often. read more

Cheap, Authentic, home cooked puerto rican food is exactly what you'll find here. A Huge serving of rice & beans for $3 is deff sure to hit the spot. Theres a huge selection of empanadas that are made daily BUT if you show up late like i did, you might not get first choice. I was pleasantly pleased to try the eggplant one---never knew puerto ricans enjoyed eggplant or even used it in their diet but they were good. Deff stuffed to the rim--a great choice for vegetarians. As a dessert empanada, i got the Pinepple & cheese one. Pineapples are like crack ive noticed for a lot of puerto ricans (ive been there twice, pinas are everywhere). the "cheese" is so sweet and thick, the chunks of pineapple make a great pair for it. Its not the fanciest restaurant or anything like a 5 star dining course, but its right to the point and will fill you up and keep your pockets full. Next time i will call ahead to see what empanadas they have because i dont eat meat and their shelves were shocked with pizza, chicken, beef, pork and cheeseburger ones. (my friend loved the cheeseburger one). read more

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Can't stop coming back to this place for their lunch. Always on point, quick, cheap, and tasty.

Been going here for years and it is a mom and pop shop run by the family. Only reason why i took off 1 star is that they used to serve 2 peices of chicken now they only serve 1 and their yellow rice can be hit or miss sometimes. Otherwise still the best baked emapanadas and great food read more

The place as everyone seems to agree is cute in decor but the food is what really matters right? The food is bland as other yelpers have stated. I got an alcapurria and it was heavy but tasted like nothing. It wasnt crunchy but it tasted brnt, maybe old oil? it was just a heavy ball of nothing. I also got the white rice black beans and chicken. Rice was ok. Beans could use more flavor. The chicken was dry , too hard and " crunchy " to even get any edible meat off it. They dont have much of a selection in the food area and as another yelper said, it sits there waiting to be chosen. read more

Great place Very welcoming and relaxing.Delicious food and pastries, and most importantly. hands down best coffee I ever had!!!

Fantastic atmosphere- but there can be a long wait for empanadas if they run out and they are really dry. Great flavor combos but they are lacking - a little vinegar and some raisins could easily add some life to these! I know they're baked but .. Still. Rice is decent and medures are mushy but still tasty. If u want a cheap snack stop by for one or two but maybe not a full dinner. read more

The best baked empanadas. The food is delicious, prices are reasonable and the worker are very friendly. They opened a new location next door for coffee and desert. The flan is very good. Pay a visit you won't be disappointed. Enjoy!!!! read more

It was awesome! The service was great, they were super nice and helpful. The empanadas were delicious! I will go back to try the oxtail one since they didn't have it made that day and the Nutella one too! Highly Recommend read more

I gave this place 4 stars because the empanadas that I did like, were really good. We had the beef, chicken, and cheeseburger empanadas. My boyfriend has also had the pizza one and say that it's great. It seems like the more unconventional flavors are better, but I found the chicken to be quite bland. The beef one was decent and the cheeseburger one was great! If you want to try something different, this is the place, but if you want more traditional empanadas there is probably better elsewhere. read more

The name says it all. Empanadas get it- Don't go there and try to be daring by trying the other food they offer. Stick with the Empanada- Cheeseburger one is the Best! Ask for Extra Mango Sauce, since it Enhances the taste on all their Empanandas. They know the Mango Sauce is good that is why they ration it like there was a food shortage... The service is ok. I laugh at the other reviews that say the woman that works there was not to customer friendly. I kind of got used to that attitude and behavior and like to think of it as part of the whole experience... They got about 6-8 varieties daily so why not give this place a shot if you are an Empanada lover... read more

This place really deserves 5 stars. I've been going to this place since the year it opened, and I have NEVER been let down. Everyone I've brought here has loved it. Abel and his staff really know how to make some real good food and know how to make you feel like you're home. I have literally tasted everything this place has to offer and it's ALL GOOD! I will continue to be a patron of this fine establishment until they either close their doors or I die. And if I die, I want cheese burger empanadas and pernil on my deathbed. Thank you! read more

Place is awesome! The dinners are large portions, meats are well seasoned. The empanadas are delicious, and come in a large variety of fillings. Definitely check out the Nutella cheesecake empanada for dessert, you won't be disappointed. The staff are very friendly and make you feel welcome. Wish they were open Sundays. read more

I came in here a while ago for my first time, and as a Hispanic man myself I love a plate of rice with Pernil!! Oh boy did I not regret it! The flavor was amazing and the pork pulled ever so nicely that I was amazed at how it kept the consistency that it did. Their empanadas come in such a variety of flavors; I believe I had the cheeseburger empanada and it tasted so good! Haha! I highly recommend this place; it is the best Spanish restaurant in the Athenia/Allwood section of Clifton (and I think the only one!) read more

What a breath of fresh air this place truly is? I really miss the Puerto Rican food from my last trip there and and this place bring back the memory. When I first walk in the design of this place brings out an unique feel. As I walk up to the counter, I can smell the delicious empanadas and many other meat dishes on their hot plates. I notice the warm welsome and small conversaion the the owners exchange with the customer. At the time I didn't know what I wanted order, the owner quickly help me point out the special items that they have and their popular items. I order the steak stew over the yellow rice and it was so amazing! They told me that their hot sell item is the rosted chicken which will be out in an hour, I was too hungry to wait.... but it looks like I will have to make another 8 minute trip to tried their other yummy food. read more

I love empanadas! Do not live in the area but for years have always wanted to stop after leaving Home Depot. I am so happy that I did! I grabbed 6 to go. Buffalo chicken, bbq chicken, chicken and beef. My husband and I really enjoyed them. I already told 3 friends about this place. I'll definitely be back! Not to mentioned the inside is so cute! I loved it. Great empanadas. You guys are definitely doing it right. Keep it up! read more

Cute decor. It's like being at a countryside neighborhood restaurant on the island. Extremely small. 2 full round tables, 3 half tables up against the wall and the long high bar table against the window. Salsa playing somewhat low. You can speak to your friends softly and still here the music. The food is good but dry. Needs some more of the great Spanish flavor. Maybe it's just what I ordered. You can tell they were standing out for a while. I would come back for dinner but take it out. read more

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I come here about 2 o 3 times a month for their lunch special. This place is pretty hit or miss. Sometimes their sautée pork game is on point and the meat is juicy. Other days their meat is dry and the quality seems low. Today I got the BBQ pork and I was really disappointed. There was so much chewy skin and pieces of really fatty pork I ended up throwing out what looked like half the meat. I enjoy fatty pieces of meat but you want the majority to be lean, not the other way around. You can't really mess up the rice and beans so the meat needs to be the star player of the meal. They've dropped the ball too many times on the meat quality to be considered anything more than mediocre at best. read more

Empanada Spanish Grill - Scrappy BBQ pork. Very chewy and unappetizing. - Empanadas Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

Ordered some 40 empanadas for a get together with friends, everyone loved them! I will def order again, different flavors just to try them-I especially liked the eggplant and spinach and my all time favorite dessert-guava and cheese! Too bad they are closed Sundays, no empanadas were left and I kinda want some today! I did order about two days ahead because of the amount and it was super easy, they were ready on time. Also, one detail I loved, is they number stamped the actual empanadas so that one could tell what kind it was-like 35 was eggplant and spinach and 1 was beef, etc. read more

Everyday with different empanadas. They taste good and healthier for you cause they're baked. However I think 2.50 for 1 empanada is a bit pricey. All the food is on point, all of it. Ropa vieja, chicken, oxtail, beef stew and more. With white or yellow rice. Honestly not a big fan of the rice pudding they sell but I do like the Malta. Less sweeter than the Goya brand. I do like how they have a small collection of hot sauces for customers to try. I just get a little sad when I want to go get food on Wednesday night and forget they close early like 6 or 7. Don't know why. The owner is a nice dude. Seems ambitious from his personality. I respect that. I didn't give this place 5 cause it didn't WOW me. Place is really good and serves great Cuban food. And I honestly recommend all to go down there. especially the spicy lovers. Haha read more