Had the offerings from the winter bryant park location. They don't honor the free empanada from the website sign up. Which i knew that before waiting 20 minutes!!! However the cheese and original were so good. A bit pricey at about 4 bucks a piece, but large in size. They were crispy but not overly done. My only issue was it was greasy. I'd try another flavor it I didn't have to wait so long. read more

If you're craving a fried empanada as you stroll along the High Line, La Sonrisa's gotchu. The menu is split into meat and meatless varieties, all of which are $4 even once tax is added. There are also two house specialties (both meat) that cost a dollar or so more. You order and pay at the register, then step to the side and wait as the raw empanada is taken out of a fridge and placed in a frier. When it's done, the cook gives it to you it in a paper boat with spicy mayo and/or hot sauce. I ordered the mushroom empanada, and it was delicious. I wish it was mushroom-and-cheese, rather than just sautéed mushrooms, but I'm not complaining. The other meatless options also looked fantastic if you love cheese-- one was mac & cheese, and the other was double cheese. Note that none of the empanadas are vegan, and they're all fried in the same oil. Also, whereas some empanada spots have a choice of baked and fried empanadas, these babies are all fried. La Sonrisa is a good option for an indulgent savory snack while on the High Line. Know that it takes a bit for them to cook, and that they're not super filling-- get one, enjoy it in the park, and eat lots of green things elsewhere for your real meal. read more

See all

Yummy, yummy for my tummy! Besides my own and my mama's empanadas, these are a fav! My favorite is a toss up between their delicious, sweet, slight heat chicken curry and their awesome crab cake. I have had them all and have not been disappointed once. I really love how filling their small pockets of love can be, whether it's chicken, beef or crab. They don't skimp on the goods and that's a win in my book ;) They make these awesome little sauce that compliment the empanadas very well. They have a green sauce (sometimes) that I can practically drink. They make a great replication of Ropa vieja (shredded beef) with black beans and cheese that def hits the spot every time. They are always crispy but not greasy and for $4 it's really a steal. They have vegetarian options for the meatless lover, which I think is really dope, because, meat or not who doesn't enjoy a crispy hot empanada? read more

Gorgeous delicious juicy pork (pernil for my spanish folk) with the perfect spicy mayo. Sooooo good. If you only do one...do the pork. Next comes beef I like the beef one with the green sauce. My favorite spot downtown for empanadas. Nothing's beat it so far. read more

My boyfriend and I visited La Sonrisa's pop-up stand at the Bryant Park Winter Village and loved it! They are definitely big enough to share, so we tried 3 kinds: classic beef, pulled pork, and ham & queso. My favorite was the classic beef with the hot sauce they give you, and my boyfriend's favorite was the pulled pork with the spicy mayo sauce they give you; but all were delicious! At $4 a pop, definitely worth a try! read more

La Sonrisa Empanada - Menu @ Bryant Park pop-up location - Empanadas Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Went to their Garment District Market location and I was sadly disappointed when they told me they didn't have any more crab after I had already paid. They made it right by offering me their Garlic shrimp empanada instead. I will be back to try their crab later this week. I also want to try their chimichurri sauce but they never have any in stock - so disappoint 7/2/2018 - Came back a couple days later before the lunch rush and was told they don't have any crab empanadas. "There was a shortage of crab from New Jersey" 7/9/2028 - Kelvin is the best!! He finally got me my crab empanadas! Sooo good!! Definitely worth the wait! read more

SO DELICIOUS! Stopped by at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market pop-up and tried the mac & cheese and chicken empanadas. Both were amazing and exceeded our expectations. Good portions and well priced. We will be back! read more

The best empanadas of my life!!!! My friend and I stumbled along this gem last year and have been waiting to return to NYC for round two. Today is our second visit to La Sonrisa and they do not disappoint! Hot, Fresh, and FULL OF FLAVOR! Theses Cali girls are sure to return! Do yourself a favor and experience these if you are strolling through the High Line! read more

I visited this "food truck" without the food truck in December at Bryant Park and I will honestly say it was an amazing experience. The chicken curry empanadas were flavorful and a unique dining experience. I walked with my family over 3 minutes to their location at high line park as their Facebook page they were open and were greeted by a kiosk that was closed. No sign, nothing. The booth next to them said no one showed up and I should try the hot dog place 2 kiosks down. Disappointed they don't keep up social media. read more

Just had this at the Union Square Xmas Market. The empanada flavours are unique and interesting. I tried the bacon mac n cheese empanada. My thoughts are that there isn't nearly enough bacon. The dough itself was crispy but over fried. The dough carried the deep fryer oil flavour which over powered what was supposed to be bacon mac n cheese. Perhaps this is a result of being a pop up location so if definitely give it another try. read more

When my documentary partner and I stopped by this booth at the Bryant Park Winter Village as part of our upcoming series Parks Unknown, we were ready to satisfy a shared days-long craving for hot, crispy empanadas. And we (mostly!) weren't disappointed. The coconut chicken curry had the perfect blend of sweet and spice; the pulled pork was wonderfully tangy; the ground beef was flavorful and mixed well with the carrots and peas. Make sure to get the hot sauce, which somehow goes well with every different empanada and is just spicy enough without setting your mouth on fire. The only bummer was that the ham and cheese empanada was all cheese, save for a single cube of ham -- definitely don't get that one if you're looking for a meaty option. Otherwise, everything was great, including the service. What a friendly man manning the booth! We will return. read more

yum!!! Had the shrimp empanada and it was so good! Decent amount of shrimp and good size. Made to order, so it takes a little long but worth the wait! They have a booth set up at the Bryant Park Winter Market and one other winter market I went to. It's worth a try if you're looking for a slightly less traditional empanada that doesn't have beef or chicken. They do have more traditional ones as well if you're not feeling too adventurous. read more

While walking in High Line Park we came across this place and the menu looked yummy. Had both the Mac & Cheese w/ Bacon and the Pulled Pork empanada. They were both amazing. The server was extremely nice and attentive and even asked if I'd like them cut in half to share! Thank you from saving us from becoming hangry! read more