Julia's Empanadas in Connecticut Ave. is delish. Our favorite Chilean beef. We love the regular size but often order for parties the cocktail or "small" size. We also love the sweet empanadas. The jewel of that store is the employees Don Luis and another gentleman with white hair they are kind and provide great customer service. The only setback is no parking it can be a headache to drive there if you don't find a meter close by. read more

The worst service I have ever encountered! I bought an empanada at 7 pm and the guy literally said I should go outside to the cold in an empty store because eating the empanada that you just bought is illegal inside since they are "takeout only", no idea why they then have counters for people to eat in? I was forced to eat in the cold in 30 degree weather because one should not eat inside his store when he is alone. I have never in my life heard of any takeout handheld food with counters that does not allow you to eat what you purchase inside. The empanada itself was poorly done and not properly closed which made the beef dry out. Empamuchos or dmv empanadas are much better, better priced and even if they are street markets they let you eat in their tables next to the store like every other takeout place in DC. Save your time and energy and just go to any fast food joint especially in the winter. Sad because this is a locally owned place and it used to be good. read more

Delicious empanadas. The crust had an amazing crumb and crunch while the filling was complex and flavorful. I got the Chilean empanada! read more

Julia's Empanadas - a half eaten sandwich - Empanadas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This is the Julia's on Connecticut Avenue in Northwest, DC. I was born and raised in DC, I ate at Julia's for years. But I moved to Georgia in 2019, and I've been craving saltenas, a Bolivian empanada, that this store used to be absolutely delicious. NOT ANY MORE! Disgusting! Not only were the saltenas not cooked all the way, which means the peas were crunchy, it didn't have all the ingredients: no olives, no raisins, no boiled egg, and even the dough wasn't cooked well! Such a big disappointment, and a waste of money--I bought 8 of those nasty things not knowing they were garbage! read more

One of my classmates recommended that we get an empanada from this place after bar hopping. Now, I'm not sure if it was really good because we had just been drinking and walking around, or if it was really that good. All I know is, I really want to go back. Compared to the Filipino and Chamorro empanadas I grew up with, theirs were HUGE and had more filling. My classmates and I were loving them at that hour. I think I got the Chilean empanada. Damn it, my mouth is watering right now just thinking about it. I recommend trying their empanada at least once. read more

Julia's Empanadas - Empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is one of my favorite go to places in DC and whenever I'm in town I always stop by. They are various locations around the city. I highly recommend trying them all but my favorite is the Jamaican, Salteña and Chilean. read more

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Best Chilean version of empanadas that I have had in the US. If I lived in DC, I'd definitely would be going back!!! So tasty.

Everyone already knows Julia's Empanadas are a tasty (and affordable) late night snack in DuPont after going out - the savory empanadas are delicious and also the sweet empanadas (I had a strawberry and cream cheese one) hit the spot too! But I wanted to write this review for the kindness of their employees as well. There was an unconscious inebriated stranger outside nearby on a bench that looked like he needed help. When I asked the cashier at Julia's Empanadas if they had a cup of water I could give him, they told me I could take a bottle of water on the house to help this stranger. They didn't have to do that and it really gained my respect/support for this business (even though I already loved the food to begin with)! read more

I came here during the day and I would say the empanadas are a hit-or-miss. If your order a couple different types, it is harder to differentiate. The consistency from empanada to empanada can be pretty drastic. They are large and okay for the drunk munchies. I probably would not go again. read more

It was very hot on the inside, no AC at all and the empanadas were bland, they were crispy but just lacking more flavor

These empanadas have some of the best, if not the best, restaurant made Chilean empanadas I've tasted since moving back to the United States - other than the ones my uncle makes (he grew up in Argentina). I grew up in Chile, and an empanada is more than a treat - it's a meal in itself. Julia's gets it right and I'm sad when they don't have any. Please make more Julia's! read more

Under seasoned empanadas lacks salt and flavor had the Jamaican and sáltenla and neither of them tasted good they both were bland no bueno

It's no secret that Julia's is the drunk food provisioner of choice in the area. Throngs choose Julia's weekend after weekend, and there's often a crazy line snaking out the door. (I have nothing but respect for the few behind the counter.) What's an empanada? It's a huge deep-fried turnover filled with tasty meat and/or veggies, and theirs are the best. Even sober, bite into one and - goddamn - you'll be blown away. Try their Jamaican variety ($3.41; cash only), with ground beef, onions, potatoes, and curry, or the more oniony Chilean style variety. Take your time when eating, and don't burn yourself. read more

Julia's Empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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$4.18 for an Empanada. The menu here is simple. They offer sweet (ie. Apple, Strawberry, Pineapple, Coconut ) and savory (ie. Spinach, Chorizo , Turkey) Empanadas. The Jamaican Style was my favorite. The pastry is fresh, warm, slightly crisp yet soft. Filled with lots of spiced beef, onions, potatoes, and curry. My taste buds were happy. Note: There is no seating here. Cash only. read more

I've been to Julia's a couple of times, and aside from the post-club crowd that rolls in around 3 AM (which isn't Julia's fault...she's just giving the people what they want), it is a great little stop-in for a snack! The empanadas are all $5 each. Today, I had a Jamaican empanada with curried beef, potatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. I'm a fan! I've also had the Chilean beef empanada, which is more like a "traditional" empanada. This isn't a sit-down place, as they don't have any seating areas. Rather, there's a little shelf/bar where about two people can squeeze in and eat their empanada before heading back outside. But you didn't come to Julia's because you wanted a gourmet plated meal anyway, so it works. Julia's is fine by me! read more

Came here late afternoon when no one was around. Place looks like a small fast food take out place which it is. Food is good, place is clean, customer service is good. I generally get the Chilean empanadas. I saw they also have desert empanadas but never tried them. I assume they taste just as good. The guy working there did however specify that the pear desert empanadas was his favorite so something to keep in mind. Lastly as others have mentioned there is a 10$ minimum charge, but if your planning to tip on that it has to be in cash because there's no line for tip. read more

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I was definitely not impressed by their empanadas. I was very bummed too because I was looking forward to this place. We ordered: 1. Chilean Style Beef (Ground and chopped beef, raisins, hard-boiled egg, onion and ripe olive) - our favorite, lots of flavor 2. Spinach (Spinach, mozzarella and ricotta cheese) - good but nothing special 3. Chorizo (Spanish sausage with rice and black beans) - worst one, where was the sausage? It was ground beef to me, were we given the wrong empanada, but it did have rice and beans so I'm assuming what they call "chorizo" is really ground beef 4. Guava - a little too sweet for me, but had some nice chunks of guava Overall I'd give this 2.5 stars, the lady working with us was not friendly at all and she was on the phone the whole time! The empanadas weren't that hot either. The dough they used was so bland. I've had far better empanadas here in LA. I'm soo disappointed in all of these rave reviews, but I did notice that some of them were DRUNK when they tried this place. Of course everything tastes better when you're drunk! read more

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A must try place when visiting DuPont Circle...shop doesn't look nice but a must try for the empanadas....been looking for food that I don't see in the West Coast and found one to try...bought three types of empanadas and all of them are good...so if you are visiting DuPont Circle try to visit this small store....two thumbs up.... read more

Julia's Empanadas - two empanadas on a table - Empanadas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Julia's Empanadas got lucky with their location, smack right in the center of the bars and clubs in Dupont Circle. Opened til late so it's a good, cheap option if you've got the munchies after a night out drinking and dancing. However, in a sober state, the empanadas are just okay. It's got a decent amount of filling. Maybe the empanadas would have been better if they were fresh and hot. They were just warm from the heat lamp the previous times I've been. Sorry Julia, thought they were just meh. $10 minimum if you use card. It's about $4 per empanada. read more

Julia's Empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

THE HOLY GRAIL WHEN YOU'RE HUNGRY AFTER DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY. My ABSOLUTE go-to place for after clubbing and waiting for surge pricing for Uber and Lyft to die down. Super glad this place is next to all the bars and night scene. Blessed that this place also stays open super late! My go-to empanada is the Jamaican! The empanada is so big and filling. The portion size vs the price is hella worth for $5. Inside the Jamaican is curry and ground beef. It's so warm and the outside is thick and flaky! It has become a tradition for me to get an empanada every time I'm done with clubbing in the area. Note that they have a credit card minimum of $10. read more

When I initially saw the price I thought $3.89 for 1 empanada? This BETTER be good! .. then I saw how big they were and thought "What the heck!? These empanadas are HUGE!" We're from San Diego so when we heard they had the best empanadas I thought "Nothing beats San Diego" but holy cow - these are bomb.com! Don't be fooled by the location - they may seem run down and small - but their food is seriously packed with flavor! One empanada is filling enough for a meal! I had the almond pear one (just because it was cute) - and it was my absolute favorite! pic- http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/julias-empanadas-washington?select=gxqxxgTx76H4fsXRxaQpdQ#EGjihsTSJ2990E6GuJ8e7A The best part?!! They're BAKED - not fried! Oh Julia's - can you open a location in San Diego please!?!?!? read more

Julia's Empanadas - Pear almond empanada. I had to get it cuz it was so stinking cute! - Empanadas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Decent size empanadas. Note, no inside seating. Cash only for an order $10 or more. Spinach mozzarella was pretty tasty.

After reading and hearing how great Julia's Empanadas is, and having passed it myself, I decided to give it a try. I didn't try the fruit ones, but I tried the saltena and Jamaican one with a friend. Very tasty. I'm not exactly sure why some empanada shells looked different than others -- isn't it just the "stuffing" that's different? -- but that didn't make a difference to me. At $3.75 (tax included) per empanada, I was pretty satisfied. I went back afterwards and bought two more (Chilean beef, turkey). I liked the Chilean beef a little less but I think that's just personal taste. I wish it wasn't just a carry-out place but then again, that's probably a smart business move on their part, esp to deter night owls from just wandering in and sitting around the whole night. read more

Empanadas! A bit of a dive in appearance but great take out. I was alone one moment giving my order and in the next moment there was a decent line. Everyone from the typical DC worker to student to construction worker and tourist visit Julia's. I had a Jamaican empanada, not spicy, and a pineapple and cream desert empanada. Enjoyed them. They are a good size and I got it all for under $10. A wonderful change of pace. I recommend you give it a try. read more

I love this place. You can get a variety of amazing empanadas for a very good price, although they don't accept credit card below $10. I'm partial to salteña and chilean steak, but I don't think you can go wrong with any of their meaty empanadas. They're massive, they're filled to the brim with meat and veggies, and they taste great. This is pretty popular spot for people partying in the area, but you don't have to wasted to enjoy the food here! read more

Before I went on my DC trip, I was researching for food places of course and Julia's Empanadas kept popping up on almost every "must eat" list. Because of that, I made sure to bookmark this place to try and I'm so glad I did. Located in Dupont Circle, I came here with Ken L for dinner/snack. Their empanadas are handmade and ready to go. There were a variety to choose from but we settled on a Spinach (spinach, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, onions, and spices) and the Saltenas (chicken, potato, green peas, hard boiled egg, manzanilla olive, and spcies). Both were $4.18 each. We also got a pear almond dessert empanada for dessert ($2.50). You could make it a meal and go with the good meal deal: 1 empanada, 1 fruit empanada, and 1 soda for $6.82. You could also opt for the healthy meal deal: 1 empanada, 1 soup, and 1 salad for $7.27. Because they were fresh, and hot, we ate both of the savory empanadas right then and there and saved the dessert one to finish at the hotel since it didn't come out hot. The empanadas were so good and flavorful and pretty inexpensive for the size. The fruit empanada we had for dessert was not as fulfilling since it wasn't fresh, hot out of the oven. While the flavors were good, my only complaint was that the outside dough was overwhelming and should have been thinner. Overall, I'm a fan of Julia's Empanadas and I wish I stayed longer in DC so that I could some of their other savory empanadas. read more

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I always visit Julia's Empanadas when I'm in D.C. They have various styles of empanadas (Jamaican & Chilean) made with different meats like beef, chorizo, turkey, among others. They're decent size and decent prize. They're open until midnight on weeknights and 1am on the weekends. It's perfect food food getting out of the bar with hot protein and carbs. I recommend the Jamaican empanada the best. For side dishes, they have awesome gazpacho (cold tomato soup with a kick) and salads (I love potato salad). read more

Julia's Empanadas - Have to get my empanada fix in every time I'm in d.c. - Empanadas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Back when I lived in DC I walked by Julia's every day to/from work. A colleague of mine always mentioned how great it was but i never checked it out. Now that I was visiting and craving something sweet I decided to check it out, however, I wish I hadn't. We decided to split the pear almond empanada to get a sweet craving. The first thing I noticed was that the meat filled empanadas were in a hot case while the fruit ones were not, but i figured it would be alright. Paid my $3.40 and went outside to enjoy. The first thing is this was clearly old. It was dry and tasteless. I figured there would be some kind of filling outside of the pear but nope, just dry empanada crust. The pear was clearly a canned pear half, not fresh. For $3.40 I expect more. Usually those are full of moisture but this had none. Dry and tasteless with a hint of almond probably from almond extract. The worst part was that it had a huge piece of string inside that we bit into. I guess they use this to tie hem together? But why was it still in my empanada? After pulling it out the whole thing fell apart so we left it in a trash can nearby. With so many options in DC, avoid this place unless you enjoy nibbling on string. read more

Who knew a dish this simple could taste so good? I came into this antique-looking hole in the wall with fairly low expectations, which dropped lower once I was informed the soup-and-salad part of the menu no longer existed. "Only empanadas!" the cashier said. I proceeded to order a spinach empanada for a couple bucks (the prices here are quite low), and took a bite. It was heavenly. The dough was toasted just right--crispy on the edges, and soft in the middle to hold together a mouthwateringly rich veggie filling. This dish served as the perfect pick-me-up to relieve the residual stress of a long week. I recommend Julia's Empanadas to anyone who wants phenomenal Latin food for a low price. read more

I ordered two empanadas (around $7 each). I paid with a $20 bill. The cashier took my cash, went to the back, and never gave me my change. Extremely disappointed and frustrated with this service and theft. read more

I came here after an upsetting brunch in hopes for my tongue to be happy. Vegan empanadas? Say what?! The stuffing changes daily?! You've got to be spoiling us vegans. We gladly accept the special treatment. Our tongues thank you. This tiny franchise is a level up from the NYC Empanadas Mama. How so? Well, first the price is $4+. But it's super stuffed with filling! I had a vegan veggie empanada and one empanada is the perfect snack size. It's the type of snack where you'll last an hour or so if you're waiting for lunch or dinner. AKA pregame meal. But in my case, post-game meal. read more

Julia's Empanadas - Vegan empanada - Empanadas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The hubs and I were in the area and decided to walk around to see what we'd bump into for lunch. Julia's Empanadas appeared. He's been once. I'd never been. We went inside and I wanted everything I saw. Instead, we got one of each of the following: 1. CHILEAN - We both picked this as our fave. The flavor of the meat and the olives and whatever spices they used, blended together well. 2. JAMAICAN - My second fave. It was a tad spicy (but not really) with peas inside. I guess that's what made it Jamaican. It was odd because, of course, I was expected a Jamaican beef patty taste, but it was good. 3. CHORIZO - I can't personally speak to this one since I was stuffed and didn't eat this one. The hubs put it as his least fave, and he LOVES him some chorizo. He said it was good, but just less good than the rest. OK. 4. SALTENA - This seemed to have tumeric, chicken, potatoes and other things. I liked it. I liked that it looked like it had a mohawk. All of the dough/crust was supergood. It was soft but kinda crisp on the outside. I could honestly have eaten just the dough of each item and been very happy. If I'm in the area again and need a bite or 2 or 3, I'm going into Julia's Empanadas. Inexpensive good food. Gotta love it. read more

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Really good at what they're doing. It's late at night, you're hungry, Julia's Empanadas are the place to go. When I came, there was no line but I saw a group of people outside the shop eating the empanadas. My friend and I stepped into the small shop, which was small in size but smelled amazing. The empanadas were on display in the case, and the menu was simple and easy to navigate through on the wall. I ordered the chorizo empanada, which was crispy, golden brown on the outside and chewy, meaty goodness on the inside: just what I expected. I would give a 3, but the customer service was quick and patient that this little shop deserves a 4. Definitely gonna visit here if I'm in town. read more

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DC quality, without the DC prices. Fresh, hot empanadas influenced by both Hispanic and Italian cultures. These are hot and ready to go and easy to eat walking down the street in DuPont. A small place with big flavor and great service. read more

Very good pastries with filling. I don't actually think that they are out of this world, but there is definitely nothing similar to Julian's in Dupont. 1 is more of a snack so would probably get 2 if you want an actual meal. They also have combos which are a good deal. If you work around this area and need more lunch options I would definitely stop by Julians. read more

My review is only based on the Jamaican empanada. I'm not drunk enough for it to taste good. I'm eating one as I type this, and it's far from delicious. Certainly not inedible, but it's not good either. The flavors really aren't Jamaican. Maybe they're using an Indian curry. If you're expecting a beef patty, this ain't it. Look elsewhere. They have plenty of other flavors to try, so maybe I'd like another one. It's probably at least worth a try after a night of drinking. ‍ read more

Updated review. How in the world this place continues to be 4stars? Do not go here. Empanadas here are overpriced and disgusting. I came back here after clubbing. The empanadas are dry and flavorless. It seems like they make these in batches ahead of time and the it sits in a warmer. The crust is hard and stale. They continue to have the silly credit minimum at $10. That alone should be enough to deter you. Empanadas: dreadful. Saltenas don't get me started. Just awful. Jamaican patties: beyond awful. If your partying late and are hungry just go across the street to Sugar Shack. AVOID AVOID AVOID is my best advice! read more

Awwww it's pretty difficult to mess up empanadas for me, whichever cultural style they come in, but these were easily the worst I've had. I got the spinach and the Jamaican. The spinach's crust was super thick and practically a crisp. It was its own existence apart from the filling. I had to chew off some crust and then the inside to try and get an even bite. The filling also had an off taste, as if relish or mayo or something had been placed in it. Not a fan. The Jamaican, on the other hand, made the crust pretty soggy on the inside...because it was full of piping hot juice. And I'm not talking juicy inside. I'm talking actual juice, like dripping with every bite and creating a pool of juice. There was no heads up prior, so do be careful that you don't burn yourself. Eat it away from your clothes so no drippings surprise you on your first bite! It was flavorful though, and definitely had Jamaican and I want to say even Indian flavors that still has my breath smelling funky fresh. For those two, it was $11 flat. Definitely not worth it. read more

Julia's Empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Their Jamaican jerk patties are served hot and taste so fresh and delicious. I could have eaten 7 of these. Perfect for leaving one of the nearby bars and wanting a snack to come home to. Also their guava pastelito is amazing if you want a sweet treat. read more

Meh!! Maybe I hyped it up in my mind more than I should...but this place isn't somewhere I would go out of my way to get. I had the saltena and the Jamaican style. They were both flavorful, but could've had more kick. Also, the empanada crust wasn't crispy...its more pastry like. It was worth the experience, and could be the best thing you ever had if you were on a late night run, but definitely not the best. Customer service was great though!! read more