Makus Empanadas

1819

2173

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3 years ago

As far as Empanadas go, these were just OK. These were not bursting with flavor and they were kind of small. The dough was good, but not great. I like a flakier "shell" so maybe that's why I wasn't a huge fan. OK is just 3 stars. I live in Florida where there are many different kinds of empanadas, and out of all of the ones I've had, these Makus ones were the smallest. The chimichurri sauce was good though. read more

Makus Empanadas - 3 Empanadas and Chimichurri Sauce. Kinda small. - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Helpful 45

Thanks 5

Love this 22

Oh no 3

Emma G.

2

42

59

9 months ago

The empanadas and rice&beans were good and the chimichurri was great. I like that they are baked and that they label which empanadas is which. The bacon and cheese empanada didn't have a lot of filling and was pretty hollow. We had to wait 20-30 minutes for our food. The food did come out very hot. We went around lunchtime and it looked like an employee had left for lunch and the other was just on her phone. At Morgan St Food Hall so you just find indoor or outdoor seating. read more

Makus Empanadas - Bacon and cheese empanada - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Makus Empanadas - Empanada ID - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Makus Empanadas - Empanadas and rice and beans - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Adriana P.

8

73

441

2 years ago

This place is a safe place to eat for those in our family with allergies that we trust to eat and we have never had any issues eating here. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about their menu. The food is always yummy and made fresh. There are various empanada flavor options so you are bound to find something that you like. We will definitely be eating here again! read more

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Lilia V.

22

144

602

3 years ago

This is our second time here. Today we ordered a kids meal which consists of an empanada, cookie and a drink. I ordered a pork and chimichurri empanada. The empanadas are small and it can have more flavor. The sauce was very oily. Service is fast but being Colombian my expectations are high. Not sure I will be back.. read more

Makus Empanadas - Kid meal Chicken empanada - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Makus Empanadas - Pork empanada - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Will R.

217

296

2291

3 years ago

I used to like Makus. I want to say this place has been there since Morgan Food Hall first opened. The flavor for the most part remains good but just nothing amazing, especially not for the size and price of each empanada. I feel like the filling is much smaller as well. The sauces aren't free with each empanada (0.75/ small sauce). Didn't quite help that the girl taking my order absolutely didn't feel like serving me or anyone else really. read more

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Garnette J.

2

29

101

2 years ago

I waited in front for about 5 minutes while a worker (alone) stocked and cleaned. I don't know whether she thought I was looking at the menu or what. A gentleman walked up and before he could get his self around the corner to the register I asked for 1 empanada. He rang me up with only saying "we will call you when it is done". I know it is a small place but can I get a thank you or something. At this point another young lady came. I waited in the middle seat for him and about 5 minutes later I received my empanada. It was hot but dry. Was this helpful? Did you love? Or is this a oh no? read more

Makus Empanadas - Building - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Makus Empanadas - Beef Empanada with dipping sauce - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Elexis D.

51

328

1827

3 years ago

So, I'm not sure how I felt about this place. They had a "lunch meal" that I ordered. You picked two empanadas which, I am a huge fan of, these breads and a drink. The empanadas were very small, the cheese was good but I ordered a chicken one and I'm not sure if that is what I was given. It was mushy and did not smell like chicken. I eat chicken empanadas all the time and I don't think that what I was given. The little bread bites were tasty but the meal was small. read more

Makus Empanadas - a woman standing in front of a counter - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Jace S.

283

23

3

2 years ago

If you are a company in the RTP area you should absolutely put Makus on your rotation!!! We have had several catered lunches and they are always top notch. The variation is incredible and the service is unmatched! I HIGHLY recommend the pepperoni or onion and cheese! Light and crispy. Nothing too heavy that you need to take a nap after lunch and of course....Incredibly delicious. Local is best!!!! read more

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Cindy C.

371

380

939

5 years ago

I have been here twice now and have enjoyed the food both times. Even though we ordered a pickup order most recently and then drove ~20 minutes home, the empanadas were still hot and fresh. They also have a ton of different options to pick from in terms of the filling, so you are bound to find something that suits your taste. Most recently, we ordered 6 empanadas: beef, chicken, pork chimichurri, ham & cheese, sweet corn, and spinach. All of the empanadas are nicely labeled so you know exactly which one you're eating before biting into it. I really loved the chicken, pork chimichurri, and sweet corn empanadas. On the flip side, I felt that the ham & cheese and spinach empanadas could have used a bit more flavor, and there was also barely any filling in the ham & cheese one. read more

Helpful 3

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Amber N.

96

568

3421

3 years ago

The empanada was much smaller than expected. It was nice & crispy on the outside, but unfortunately the beef inside was not good. read more

Makus Empanadas - Beef Empanada, inside - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Lexie M.

0

1

0

1 year ago

The food is always great here and the owners took care of me right away the one time I had an issue with service.

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Stephanie V.

321

524

19927

4 years ago

We tasted four empanadas with chimichurri sauce. The empanadas have the type pressed into the seam of the empanada pocket. For example, you can see a 'C' imprinted onto the chicken empanada. Tasty and a nice flaky pastry crust. The dipping sauce was a nice touch. It had some kick and spice to go along with the herbs and fresh oil. We had just a small sampling to share and enjoyed what we tasted. read more

Makus Empanadas - Pork Chimichurri Empanada - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Makus Empanadas - Front and register - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Makus Empanadas - Bacon & Cheese Empanada, Pork Chimichurri Empanada, Chicken Empanada, Beef Empanada, Chimichurri Sauce - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Helpful 4

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Na'Shota L.

141

760

5994

2 years ago

Service was very slow and cashier was very confused on what the kitchen was doing. Thank goodness the empanadas were labeled. She was forgetting orders, drinks, silverware, etc. I did not feel well hours after eating here and had not eaten before hand. If I am in the area, I do not think I will return. read more

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Anna L.

6

243

79

2 years ago

I ordered just one empanada. I just wanted to taste them before I bought more. I ordered a ham and cheese. Yes, the server did mention they are small. I'm okay with that, it had more cheese than ham. The flavor could be better. I'll give them another try read more

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Chip R.

681

820

4412

4 years ago

Bottom line: Makus Empanadas are tasty and flavorful, and made for a delicious lunch stop. I would go with the Makus Meal package if you want a bit larger meal instead of the lunch special described but all are tasty regardless of choice. The Deets: I had got to enjoy Makus Empanadas a couple of times over at the food court area of Duke University Medical Center, so when I saw them at Morgan Street Food Hall recently I gave them a visit here for lunch. I am usually drawn to their Makus Meal package with 3 empanadas, 1 side, 1 drink, and 1 sauce. This time, I saw a lunch special that caught my eye...1 order of chipa bread (Latin American small rounded cheese breads), 2 empanadas, 1 sauce, and 1 drink. For my empanadas, I chose the chicken and the sweet corn varieties. When I received the lunch special, it had 5 small balls of the cheese bread, my choice of empanadas, my choice of chimichurri sauce, and my Diet Coke in a plastic bottle (see my pic taken for reference). I liked the cheesy bread balls, but there are only 5 so it's not for larger appetites. The empanadas themselves are very tasty, and actually I loved the sweet corn even better than my stand-by chicken I usually get for empanadas. Both had great taste and very flavorful without being spicy (again, not into spicy foods myself). These type of empanadas made at Makus are more of a baked dough casing instead of deep fried, and I like both types/styles honestly. I think though even though the lunch special was a good deal, I would rather go back to selecting the Makus Meal package in the future. I'd also like to try out the Empadog I saw on the menu, a hot dog wrapped in empanada dough. I enjoy the empanadas from Makus Empanadas, and suggest if you want a bit more for your meal then go for the Makus Meal package instead of the lunch special...but both are tasty choices in my book. read more

Makus Empanadas - Lunch special 11a-4p M-F consisting of Chipa Bread (Latin American cheese bread), 2 empanadas, 1 sauce, 1 drink. - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Makus Empanadas - the menu - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Helpful 5

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Jamie M.

148

280

1286

6 years ago

Our apartment complex took orders yesterday for Makus and had them delivered to us for pickup. The food is so yummy! I like that they have so many different choices of empanadas and various sides to choose from. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available. You can't beat three empanadas, a side, and a drink for $10.99 for any meal, either. Thank you for a great meal! read more

Makus Empanadas - Makus Meal with Beef Empanada, Chicken Empanada, and Pork Chimichurri Empanada, along with Beans and Rice and a drink. - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Mary Z.

227

544

861

6 years ago

The Makus Meal has gone up a dollar since I visited their Durham restaurant a couple of years ago. It's still a good deal, though, with three empanadas, a side, a sauce and a drink for $10. 95. I chose a spinach, a chicken and a ham empanada, with a side of black beans. I was there on a Saturday afternoon about a month ago. There was no line, and my food came out quickly. The empanadas were hot, crisp and packed with filling. I like that they stamp a letter on the edge so you know which is which. The chimichurri sauce was a good accompaniment, and the black beans were so filling my meal was almost too much for lunch. read more

Helpful 3

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Jillian S.

139

1403

4017

6 years ago

Good place for an affordable, quick lunch! Pros: -affordable -orders are made quickly and accurately -sides (particularly the coleslaw) are large -buzzer to alert you when your food is ready -meal deals available -delicious pastry -the empanadas are labeled so you can easily identify them -easy to eat -convenient location in Morgan St food hall -ample parking available downtown (parking lots, parking garages, and street parking) -tried the chimichurri sauce. The empanadas did not need much sauce, but the sauce did have a good flavor Cons: -not a big fan of the fillings. The veggie empanada was filled with more like a puréed mushy veggie mix. The chicken was more veggie than chicken. The empanadas are still delicious due to the flavor and pastry. We would eat here again. read more

Makus Empanadas - 3 empanadas and an empadog - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Makus Empanadas - Meal deal (also includes a drink) - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Makus Empanadas - Veggie Empanada - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Brittany P.

Elite 24

13

38

103

4 years ago

Makus is my go to when I don't know what I want at Morgan Street Food Hall. Their empanada options are always great! I wish they had a few more sides and drinks to choose from. Their empanadas are very tasty! If you're looking for the perfect snack while downtown, this is it! Our favorite flavors are onion and cheese, pepperoni, and beef! read more

Makus Empanadas - Makus Meal - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Luis G.

98

254

92

7 years ago

3 Stars for the Empanadas. Definitely go with beef as it's far superior to the chicken & pork chimichuri options. A little on the small side compared to places I've visited before. 4 Stars for the Lunch Deal, Freshness & Overall Taste 5 Stars for the atmosphere. I will definitively visit Morgan Street Food Hall again soon. So many great food options and a great place to people watch. I also enjoyed their Chimichuri sauce which was odd because I usually don't like it but I almost used all of it while eating my empanada combo. *They currently have a Monday special. 15 Empanadas for the price of 12. read more

Makus Empanadas - Lunch Special: 3 Empanadas, Spinach Salad, Chimichuri Sauce & Drink just under $10 - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Stephanie J.

1014

2881

14114

7 years ago

These are not my favorite empanadas but they are good. We tried the Makus Meal which includes 3 empanadas, 1 side, 1 drink and 1 sauce. We chose a beef, sweet corn and veggie empanada, a side of rice & beans and chimichurri sauce. It was a good deal for the price. read more

Helpful 4

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John H.

Elite 13

28

872

123

4 years ago

Keep in mind these empanadas are really small. I can fit 2 of them in the palm of my hand. I can easily eat 5 of these for lunch. What you should also know is once you bite in to one, the filling is tiny. See my picture. read more

Makus Empanadas - Size is misleading. Filling inside is tiny. Need to eat a lot of these to get full. - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Rob D.

Elite 25

87

1186

1245

7 years ago

Markus does a pretty good empanada. Every time I find a place to get empanadas I need to try them. I was pretty happy with the empanadas here at Makus. It was pretty quick from order to delivery. The empanadas were really good from a flavor perspective. I had the beef and the pork chimichurri. I like the pork ones the best. I would recommend read more

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Kong L.

465

1576

4458

7 years ago

You can't go wrong with Makus! I'm glad that there's a location in this part of town. I hope that the restaurant starts popping up throughout the triangle so I won't have to drive the distance to eat it. The food was fresh and was made to order. The lines can get long during lunch but it's worth the wait. It's great option if you want a light lunch or dinner. 1-2 can easily fill you up. The empanadas are the perfect size in my opinion with just the right amount of filling. Also, don't forget to grab the sauce! It will kick your experience up a notch. My favorite so far are the cheese filled ones. read more

Makus Empanadas - Delicious - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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George C.

107

417

844

7 years ago

Having never had an empanada, this was a real treat. I've tried about 1/2 of the different kinds they have, and haven't found a bad one. I especially love the bacon and cheese and pepperoni versions. The beef is not ground, but shredded beef, which was a pleasant surprise. I probably eat here at least once a week. I will take the 12 pack home one day. read more

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Tim C.

390

1007

678

8 years ago

There was a long line for Makus when we first arrived on a busy evening at Morgan Street Hall, but after things died down a little, I wanted to see what everyone was waiting in line for. I ordered a pork chimichurri and a ham and cheese empanada (I love that you can just order a few for a snack), and enjoyed both. The exterior was nice and firm, yet flaky and tasty, and the inside filling was delicious. I liked the flavor of the pork chimichurri, but the ham and cheese packed a great punch as well. I would love to try more, and plan to when I'm back here, or near the Durham location. The service was excellent - they did a great job explaining what I would be getting and what was in each of the different flavored empanadas. read more

Helpful 9

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Sofia M.

Elite 24

96

83

132

3 years ago

Love all the vegetarian options! The spinach & cheese, and cheese & onion were great. Recommend trying a few as they are on the smaller size but the price is great read more

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Steemi S.

0

8

5

3 years ago

Their empanadas taste incredible!! They are even labeled by what they are. Our favorites were probably the chicken and cheese and spinach (not so much the vegetable). The service is also great and the staff is friendly. Overall cute, clean, place that sells pretty bang empanadas! read more

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Sergio F.

5

183

246

6 years ago

Great deal two for 5 !!! The beef and pork one were the ones I chose..... only thing is I didn't like the red sauce . Felt like it was buffalo sauce read more

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Cristina L.

Elite 21

329

207

27

6 years ago

We ordered curbside pickup and the process was so easy! The empanadas are yum. A bit on the smaller side but still yum. My favorite is the pepperoni empanada -- that was like a treat. The curbside process was easy; you can order directly on the Makus website! I wish they put cheese in all of the empanadas -- in the chicken and beef ones especially. That said: they're still delish. read more

Helpful 1

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Megan M.

Elite 21

10

77

5

7 years ago

These empanadas were amazing: light, flaky crust and rich fillings. Plus, you can see that they bake letters into the empanadas so you know what you're about to eat. So cute! Good thing they came with rice and beans since 3 were not quite enough for a meal, but even the rice and beans were good (not too salty). read more

Makus Empanadas - Chicken, spinach, veggie empanadas! - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Julie K.

109

4

8

7 years ago

We had an amazing dinner at Makus! We sampled all the empanadas - and enjoyed the chimichurri and hot sauces. Our favorite discovery was chipas - cheesy, delectable bread - addictive! Great setting at Morgan Hall and outdoor dining space. We will be back soon! read more

Helpful 1

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Srini R.

0

1

7 years ago

Total rip off! Canned beans and white rice Fake empanadas-- real small with empty filling read more

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Dominic R.

37

13

2

8 years ago

I visited their Raleigh location at the Morgan Street Food Hall. Let's start with the good: As Paul Hollywood would say, "good bake; nice color, decently flaky texture." They looked pleasing, were warm, and had a nice firm crunch when biting into them. Now for the bad: The filling was not tasty. I got three empanadas: chicken, pork chimmichuri, and veggie. They were all seasoned the same making them all taste roughly the same despite their ingredients. Moreover, the seasoning was not good. I can't put my finger on exactly what the dominant flavor was, but the closest I can approximate is a bland, stale, dried out oregano. Very unpleasant. It actually made the veggie one the worst. The fact that the chicken and pork were indistinguishable also does not bode well. There was no juiciness to the meat, nor did the flavor of the animal come through. The result was a characterless blend of warm matter. I would not go back. read more

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Patricia P.

0

7

0

3 years ago

Edible? Yes. Enjoyable? Not at all. We ordered beef, ham and cheese and the sweet corn. All dry and no salt. Will not be recommending.

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Terry C.

1

11

4

6 years ago

Tried this place for the first time today for lunch and I highly recommend it. My ex was from Argentina and made the best empanadas, but this place is very close. The chipa bread was great as well as the rice and beans. I tried 3 different empanadas and they were all excellent. I will be going here often. read more

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Mo' W.

6

59

6

6 years ago

I think that I'm addicted to this place! I order via Postmates and the food is fresh and hot every single time!!! I haven't a bad thing from here. Their cookies (both) are so delicious! read more

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Paul M.

0

4

1

7 years ago

Been at the Food Hall several times, tried Makus 2 months ago and it was great, so I came back with my office staff and it was a complete success, everybody loved the empanadas, one of the ladies in the group told me that she had them before when they catered to her husband's office and they order at least once a month, great service too, next time we will try catering to the office. read more

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Jami T.

113

20

6

5 years ago

If you're gluten free I would not recommend their gluten free options. They only sell by the dozen so you have to buy 12, which is around 33$. I got them home and I've tried eating them on a few occasions but they are not good. I followed the directions and sprayed my pans but they still stick, and they burnt on the outside quickly and the inside stays cold. I haven't enjoyed any of them and ended up tossing them out. I understand gluten free can be hard to make but I wish they wouldn't force you to buy 12. read more

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More info about Makus Empanadas

411 W Morgan St
Raleigh, NC 27603
Directions
(919) 307-4935
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.makusempanadas.com

Hours

What time does Makus Empanadas open?

Makus Empanadas opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Makus Empanadas close?

Makus Empanadas closes at 8:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Makus Empanadas take Bitcoin?

No, Makus Empanadas does not take Bitcoin.

Does Makus Empanadas take credit cards?

Yes, Makus Empanadas takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Makus Empanadas have catering options?

Yes, Makus Empanadas does have catering options.

Does Makus Empanadas have a happy hour?

Yes, Makus Empanadas has a happy hour.

Does Makus Empanadas serve alcohol?

Yes, Makus Empanadas serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Makus Empanadas allow dogs?

Yes, Makus Empanadas allows dogs.

Does Makus Empanadas have TVs?

Yes, Makus Empanadas has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Makus Empanadas have bike parking?

Yes, Makus Empanadas has bike parking.

Does Makus Empanadas have outdoor seating?

Yes, Makus Empanadas has outdoor seating options.

Does Makus Empanadas have parking?

Yes, Makus Empanadas has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Makus Empanadas wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Makus Empanadas is wheelchair accessible.

Does Makus Empanadas have free WiFi?

Yes, Makus Empanadas has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Makus Empanadas specializes in bringing freshly baked delicious Argentinian style empanadas to companies and individuals in the Triangle area of North Carolina.

History

Established in 2018.

Hernan, Santiago, and Ricky were best friends growing up in Argentina. Inseparable since preschool, they did everything together: overturning their tricycles into a muddy ditch, battling each other in sports, exploring Buenos Aires' nightlife. Their list of memories is long, but two things remain constant throughout: the good company, and the empanadas. Whether going out with friends or gathering with family empanadas were always involved. The guys have long dreamed of sharing their all-time favorite food with absolutely everyone. More importantly, they want to share the strong sense of community that this little pocket of intense flavor seems to bring with it, wherever it goes. Their authentic recipes come from grandparents, passed down to the kids in their home kitchen. Makus Empanadas is built around the belief that good food doesn't have to be complicated and that the best memories can be built around something as simple as a pack of empanadas. Maybe also a good Malbec.

Makus Empanadas Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
1 Review

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Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

Came here after the Durham Farmers Market with a friend and wow this place was a surprise. …read more I went with the grain bowl and honestly it is one of the best I have had in downtown Durham. It is built on quinoa and rice with black beans and kale, then layered with corn salsa, tomato cortido, guacamole, and a creamy acevichado style sauce that pulls everything together. It is finished with a crunchy mix of pepitas, nuts, and grains. The balance is quite ideal in my view. My friend had the rotisserie chicken with two sides, kale and slaw, and it was just as impressive. Crispy skin, juicy inside, and really clean flavors. Simple food done right and GF friendly. Everything felt thoughtfully prepared. Prices land right where you would expect for the quality, roughly 16 to 21 dollars depending on what you order, and it feels worth it. My bowl plus side of dark chicken was plenty. A few notes. Parking is what you would expect for downtown, so plan accordingly. Service was solid and friendly, but nothing that stood out. The vibe inside is festive and relaxed, bright and open, and just a fun place to hang out for lunch. Porbably not a special occasion. I also suspect it could get loud when full. This is definitely going into my regular rotation. That grain bowl is going to be hard to pass up next time, so instead of replacing it I will probably just add a side or an empanada and start working my way through the rest of the menu.

I would say the service here was average to poor. The sweet tea had a strong chemical/artificial…read moretaste to it; I recommend they simply take it off the menu. The food is decent!

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Metro 8 Steakhouse

My husband and I went here before attending a show at DPAC. It wasn't very busy, but it was fairly…read moreearly on a Thursday. The service was attentive and prompt without being intrusive. Kaitlyn was great. We have dined at Nana Steak, Angus Barn, and The Library in Fuquay. The steak we had this evening was on par if not better than all the other restaurants for a much better price. I would love for the sides to be a bit more adventurous- I do love a fried brussel sprout, but what they had was good. The baked potato came loaded, which was nice. We got the 16oz Churassco to share. Cooked perfectly and the chimichurri was very good. We will come again for sure.

I was introduced to Metro8 through a company dinner, and was immediately blown away with how…read moredelicious their appetizers were (chorizo, cheese, empanadas). What was even more surprising was also how juicy and flavorful their steaks were!! I have now gone multiple times, especially when I want to have a churrasco cooked the right Argentinian way, with the chimichurri sauce and sweet potato fries. Truly recommend this place for a romantic date night in Durham or a celebratory dinner! The ambience is intimate and the service is great. The manager checked in on us multiple times and I even watched her handle a "difficult" customer very professionally ! Can't wait to continue to come back.

Filet Mignon

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Chocolate Soufflé

Che Empanadas

Rating based on: Consistency, Cleanliness, Quality, Taste, and Presentation…read more Let me be REAL with you....I walked into Che Empanadas thinking this was some ordinary empanada spot. I was magnificently WRONG. This place is absolutely BANGING, and I'm so glad I found it tucked away here in Raleigh, NC. First up, the Beef Empanada. Listen. The meat is juicy, tender, seasoned with what I can only describe as impeccable love. The crust? Flaky, moist, golden perfection. Ground beef, onions, peppers, olives....every bite hits different. You can TELL they put their heart into this.... Then I tried the Dino Cheese....a scrumptious four-cheese blend wrapped in that same magnificent golden crust, dipped in their Chimichurri sauce, and oh my GOD. The flavor combo is luscious beyond words. That chimi hits like a flavor bomb and elevates every single bite. Now let me keep it honest with you because you know I'm a REAL one....in the pictures, the empanadas look a lot bigger than what they are in person. But with that said, if you have the urge to put up a couple extra dollars, this experience is WORTH it. Every. Single. Penny. The Knish....a Jewish-Argentinian classic with homemade potato and caramelized onion wrapped in flaky dough....MELTS in your mouth. I'm telling you, it's worth the drive alone. Scrumptious doesn't even begin to cover it. And the sweets? The Cubana....guava and cream cheese pastry....is luscious, buttery, and hits that perfect sweet spot. The Alfajor de Chocolate....dulce de leche sandwiched between crispy chocolate wafers and dipped in chocolate....absolutely MAGNIFICENT. Sumptuous is right. I tried about 80% of the menu and everything was delicious. And believe me, I KNOW good bakeries. I grew up a few blocks from Delancey Street in NYC....you feel me? I've been to more bakeries than I can count, and Che Empanadas? It takes the cake. The presentation is clean, the packaging is on point, and you can taste the authenticity in every bite. This isn't some mass-produced nonsense....this is handcrafted, Argentine soul food done RIGHT. Do yourself a favor. Go. Now. RIGHT NOW.. for a religious experience and I don't even care if you're atheist or not this place will blow your mind away.!

Che Empanadas is located inside Transfer Co. Food Hall on the southern edge of downtown Raleigh…read more Coming from North Raleigh, it's a bit of a trek, but Transfer Co. has become a regular destination for us despite the drive. Parking can usually be found outside, but on the Sunday morning we visited, the lot and nearby street spaces were full. I circled back to Chavis Way, where parking is more reliable, and from there a short trail leads straight into the food hall. There was no line, and our order was taken promptly. We started with: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Empanada Sausage, Egg & Cheese Empanada At $9.20 + tax and tip for two, it was a light but flavorful start. The empanadas were so good that we each went back for another round, bringing the total to $18.40 + taxes and tip for two empanadas each which was plenty of food for breakfast. The empanadas themselves were excellent: flaky crusts, generous fillings, and thoughtful seasoning. Both flavors were outstanding, and in past visits we've had the same experience with other varieties. Seating was plentiful inside the hall, and water is available in the center. Servie is prompt and friendly. In my opinion, these are the best empanadas in the triangle, and maybe the best we've ever had. Highly recommended.

We didn't like this sour one

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Lechón Latin BBQ & Bar

Friendly quick service. Explanation of choices was excellent. The food came out quickly and was…read moredelicious.

I've had this placed saved to try for a while and finally got the opportunity to try it out on a…read morerandom Wednesday. The space is large with plenty of seating and also bar seating. You order your food at the front (bar) and then grab a seat wherever you want. I got a mango margarita which they didn't skimp on the tequila in it! Was sweet enough where I didn't notice at first how much tequila was in it (a win in my book). For dinner, I got the pernil w/cuero which was full of flavor. Tostones were nice and crunchy without being greasy. The rice was just okay, I prefer a bit more sazon and sofrito. I think this restaurant would do well in a more inhabited area instead of connected to the mall but the guy working stated they do very well on the weekends, so I hope it brings them continued business!

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Mateo

One of the best things about traveling is discovering great places to eat. They're usually not very…read morebig, not part of a large chain, but they're full of magic. Mateo, a Spanish tapas bar in Durham, NC, has everything you could want in a good restaurant. You can't miss it!

Mateo is a very comfortable tapa restaurant. The atmosphere and service make you feel at home and…read morethe food is excellent. Starting with the Datiles, which are dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in Serrano ham, we could have stopped there. They are that good! We also enjoyed the Patatas Bravas, Gambas Al Ajillo, Ensalada and the Tortilla Espanola. With our meal, we also ordered a large Pan de Tomate, which included fresh tomatoes on freshly baked focaccia. We devoured every last piece! It was especially good to dip in the saucy broth the shrimp left behind. Our server, Aidan, was very attentive and was helpful when making selections. Having this assistance was helpful, as I could have made a case to order the entire menu! If you want excellent tapas, excellent drinks and a comfortable spot where you can sit and chat...Mateo has it waiting for you!

Inside. View of dining room and bar from our table in the back. I'm facing towards the storefront.

Datiles. $10. Goat cheese stuffed dates, crispy serrano ham, romesco.

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Outside. Storefront. Main front entrance. We parked for free in the city parking lot behind the restaurant. Enter via Ramseur St.

Mami's Latin Style Rotisserie Chicken

This is the place I make a detour from I-95 to come and eat..Worth all the hassle. It pays to be…read morethere on weekend because of their specials.

I love Mami Nora's chicken! Sure, the place is not decorated like an upscale bistro, but it isn't…read moresupposed to be. It's Peruvian. It comes complete with Peruvian attitude and casualness towards time. If you're in a big hurry, this is not the place to go. If you're relaxed, visiting with friends and not worried about the clock, it's perfect. I love the chicken and the plantains. I really haven't tried anything else because I like what I always get.

Pollo Saltado

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Horchata

Makus Empanadas

| Overview + Good…read morevariety of empanada fillings to choose from with gluten free options + Texture of empanadas is fine - Size of empanada is ridiculously small - Slow & unfriendly customer service - Makus mostly serves empanadas (the rest of its menu are boring) - Not comfortable ambiance | Review After 3 years, I decided to give Makus another chance. I went to Makus in New Hope Commons, Durham in a Tuesday afternoon, and when I entered its lackluster ambiance with cheap-looking uncomfortable high chairs, I was surprised that there's not a single employee in the front. I saw about 2 of them in the back, seemingly preparing the empanadas. I was ready to order but no one was there to accept my order. I almost left Makus until I saw the bell on the concession with a notice saying, "NEED HELP? RING ME PLEASE!" I rang the bell once, no one came; I rang twice, finally, an employee! I ordered 2 beef empanadas & 1 ham & cheese empanada for a total of almost $13. There was only 1 customer before me, waiting for her order when I went. While I was waiting, the employee who was smoking earlier outside came in and just ignored me as he returned back to work in the back. At around 15 min. mark of waiting, an employee went to the front, holding a plastic with a small takeout box inside. I stood up and asked if my order was ready, the woman just nodded without saying a word, just cold and expressionless. Finally, after about 20 minutes of waiting just for 3 empanadas, the same woman handed me the plastic with my order. I thought they were busy preparing empanadas in the back. Why'd it take so long just to get 3 empanadas ready? Out of all the empanadas my girl & I have tried: Filipino-style, Ilocos-style & El Salvadorian style in the Sabor restaurant nearby, the empanadas in Makus are the smallest. Each empanada cost about $4 (a dozen for $47 - seriously, who would buy a dozen of these?). I'd be fine with this size if the empanadas are gourmet quality with astonishing fillings and flavors, but the taste was alright - nothing special, and definitely not worth $4 in our book. The good part was that the empanadas were not doughy, so the texture was fine. The sauce that came with it was alright, and the 1 small cup is just fine for 3 tiny empanadas. When I came home to eat the 3 empanadas with my girl, she asked me why I returned to Makus after we were disappointed in our first visit a few years ago. I said that I wanted to give it another chance. Now, I deeply regret this decision. | Overall Score: 1.2/5

Bottom line: This Durham location of Makus Empanadas provide tasty choices I enjoy for delivery…read morelately. The chicken filling and sweet corn filling are my two go-to varieties of these baked empanadas, each hitting the spot and delicious. I am a fan! The Deets: I've had the chance to enjoy meals from a few of the NC Triangle locations of Makus Empanadas. With this Durham location, I mainly utilize delivery to enjoy their empanadas lately. Even with them not being just around the corner from me, they arrive fairly warm and withstand the trip well. One of the draws for me in getting Makus Empanadas are they appear to be baked and not fried (don't get me wrong, I like fried empanadas as well!) and honestly they remind me of mini-versions of my grandmother's homemade fruit turnovers in appearance (a good thing). I usually order these light pockets of tasty goodness with their chicken filling or their sweet corn filling version. I find both pretty good, they hit the spot with chicken giving flavorful and needed protein with not being overly spicy while the sweet corn version being a delicious but not so heavy choice. They even identify which are each variety by initials baked in at the edge of the crust, pretty cool and no guessing. I am a fan and I will continue to keep this location of Makus Empanadas in my delivery meal rotation.

Just a nice saying that they have

Filling was sufficient

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Makus Empanadas menu

Pana's Flavors

4.2

(17 reviews)

2.3 mi

I love fried plantains, and theirs were fantastic. First time having tequenos, and they were flaky…read moreand delicious. The woman that took my order was nice and efficient. I'm excited to try their empanadas next time. I would definitely recommend them just from the 2 appitzzers I got.

I placed an order for a Pabellon empanada and was told they were out of black beans (took one star…read moreaway as this is a signature Venezuelan dish that is supposed to come with black beans) and asked if I wanted to substitute with something else like corn or bacon so I chose corn. I also ordered a chicken empanada with cheese and pico added extra. I was told it would be 5-10 minutes. Only one other person was waiting for an order. Empanadas were fresh and hot and tasted delicious! Even the side of garlic sauce was yummy. Customer service was great too. Would recommend you give them a try. Note- prices on menu are not accurate to what you are charged. Instead of 10 for Pabellon it was 10.30, Chicken was not 7 but 7.72 additional toppings were not 1.00 but 1.03 just a little over a dollar more than advertised prices.

Grilled chicken Sweet Plantains and fried pork arepa

Truck

Pabellon! My favorite.

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Empanadas and More

Wow this place is delicious! I'm mad I didn't try it sooner. I got the pork patacon sandwich,…read moremaduros, and fresh blackberry juice. Everything was excellent. I'll be back for sure!

Saw this place in passing while visiting the area for the weekend and decided to double back and…read moregive it a try before I hit the road back home to the DC area. I was warmly greeted by staff and even had a nice chat with the actual owner and chef! He was so kind and patient with my questions. They even offered recommendations since I was new their spot! OMG, I enjoyed every single thing that I purchased and now upset that I didnt bring even more back home with me! The Chaufa rice was AMAZING! So much for what you pay! There is the option to buy empanadas vacuum sealed and frozen and I took that route for a few flavors that I wanted to try. I did air fry one recently and it tasted just as delicious as the ones I ate the day I visited them! The prices was good and I felt I thoroughly got my money's worth! I didnt try any sweets this visit but the next time I'm in the area or even passing through, I'll make a pit stop for sure! I've already told friends that live locally to try them out and one went recently and raved about how good everything was and shared their own review with other local friends! The parking was ample and the seating space was plentiful. I dont eat pork/red meat and primarily eat clean. I felt at ease after the chef explained the ingredients and which menu items would be safe for me to try. They had an abundance of options to meet my needs. I just wish they had a location in the DC area, too! I would be a patron every week! Haha!

Shredded Chicken Pabellón with a beef empanada

Interior

Chicken empanadas

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101 Kitchen

Food was amazing!! Customer service was great! Very attentive. It was early so it wasn't so busy,…read morebut it was a great ambiance! :) will come back for dinner soon!

I loved it the service was definitely spectacular and they always made sure I was feeling good and…read morecomfortable at every minute , the food was AMAZING the fried chicken was crunchy and the biscuits and honey were warm and just dissolved in my mouth sweet and savory at its finest , the Ambience was beautiful the scenery the lights around us the furniture was comfortable I felt cozy and good I had a blast

Hot chocolate

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Hamburger

Ponysaurus Brewing Co

Meet some friends at Ponysaurus one night and liked it so much we took family who were visiting…read morefrom out of town a few weeks later. I've also been to the Durham location, check out the review if you want to know more. Panysaurus over all is a very cool place (either location) but they have drastically different vibes - which in my book is a good thing. The Raleigh location has a smaller footprint and doesn't have the same outdoor patio vibe. The dinning area is a bit small but turn around is quick and there is plenty of space to stand and socialize if you're just there for the beer. I really love Ponysaurus beer, their pilsner is nice but their kolsch is my favorite. The Raleigh location menu has lots to choose from, we had a margarita pizza with pepperoni, hummus and wings. I can't recall what was in the hummus but we practically licked the bowl and the wings were a big hit too - note the Durham menu is a bit scaled down but one thing that's consistent with both locations is the amount of pita that came with the hummus. There is nothing worse than getting a huge bowl of hummus and only a few pieces of hummus or chips. Both locations knocked it out of the park - plenty of WARM pita for everyone. Service was great, we did't wait long and the tables were turned over quickly. They use a mobile app for ordering food which makes ordering fast and efficient and the food is delivered to your table - which I must note came out very fast.

Some things are better than others, but the star if the show is the beer for sure…read more Other drinks all come across a bit on the overly sweet side Wings are really good but overpriced And by far their best pizza is the chicken parm but you have to add the burrata mozz which again takes you away from value for money. I like it there overall but I'm definitely not a fan of the thunder-dome cut throat atmosphere of the "seat yourself" first come first serve...just make a wait list, takes 3 seconds

Ponysaurus in Raleigh

Wings!

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Ponysaurus in Raleigh

Death & Taxes

Wow, this might be one of the best restaurants in Raleigh! I stopped in for a business dinner and…read morewas really excited to finally try one of Ashley Christensen's restaurants. Parking can be a bit challenging as you'll either need to find street parking or in a open lot near by. The restaurant itself is located in a historic building that once was a funeral home and also was also a tax practice in a different chapter. The restaurant feels very upscale but there isn't a strict dress code. The kitchen is open as well if yo prefer to sit along the kitchen and watch the chefs cook. When you order you'll have to place everything at the same time but they'll pace it out to your table. For drinks, I ordered the In Gold Blood (Bourbon, amaro, Fino sherry, banana, golden raisin) and the head in the clouds (Vodka, Falernum, strawberry, pistachio). Both drinks were excellent and extremely easy to drink. You'll definitely want to start with the sourdough bread, NC Oysters (Roasted NC oysters, chili butter, preserved lemon gremolata), and fried NC shrimp (Fried NC shrimp, buried garlic aioli, pickled green tomatoes). All of the appetizers were excellent in their own way. The bread and butter just complemented each other so well, the oysters were well balanced and almost seared where they weren't chargrilled but partially still raw, and the fried nc shrimp has a nice contrast of flavor with the pickled green tomatoes and fried shrimp. For the entree we split the Prime-aged Delmonico (ribeye; and was served in a red wine jus, and topped with sea salt and peppercorn). The steak fell apart as you bit into it. For sides, we ordered the crispy potatoes (Crispy potatoes, Italian chili crisp, piquillo peppers) and Brussel sprouts (Embered Brussels sprouts, apples, lardon vinaigrette, almonds). The steak and potatoes were definitely my favorite. The Brussel sprouts were good but a bit on the salad side where they were still a little hard. For dessert, we ordered the cheesecake (Basque cheesecake, strawberry compote, olive oil shortbread) and the Sticky Toffee Pudding (Sticky toffee pudding, embered vanilla ice cream, benne seed brittle). The sticky toffee pudding was so warm and was excellent. The cheesecake also had a nice balance of flavor and the strawberry compote combination worked perfectly. This is by far one of my favorite meals I've had in Raleigh and you definitely need to go here if you are in the area.

It's not every day you get to dine in a former mortuary. Eating solo, I opted for a seat at the…read morebar, which turned out to be the right decision. While the food left me somewhat underwhelmed, the cocktails were exceptional, among the best I've had in recent memory. The standout was the Over/Under, a beet-infused gin take on a Negroni. Absolutely phenomenal. The earthy beet notes were subtle but present, complementing the bitterness of the Campari, the floral qualities of the gin, and just enough sweetness to tie everything together. Every cocktail I tried was excellent, but this was the clear winner. As for the food, it never quite reached the same heights. The beef tartare was the best dish I had all evening. In fact, I found myself enjoying it more on the accompanying sourdough bread than on the rice crisps it was served with, which ultimately justified ordering the bread. The "pickled egg yolk" was an inventive twist, essentially replacing both the raw egg and cornichons found in a traditional French tartare. Clever in concept, but the pickling process seemed to sacrifice some of the creamy richness that the dish could have benefited from. The rice crisp accompaniment is also part of a trend I've noticed at several restaurants and one I'm not particularly sold on. They're usually too brittle to hold much tartare and often end up scattered across the plate. I find they work better crushed into the tartare itself than as a delivery vehicle. The oysters were the biggest disappointment of the meal. Heavily drenched in butter, they felt one-dimensional, with the lemon zest providing the only real counterbalance. To be fair, this is likely intended as a shared dish, and as a solo diner consuming the entire portion myself, the richness may have become more pronounced than intended. The gnocchi delivered deep, satisfying flavor and were impressively light, though perhaps a touch too soft for my personal preference. As I glanced over at the roast chicken being served to the couple next to me, a sense of ordering regret began to creep in. What ultimately elevates Death & Taxes is its hospitality. The service was genuinely five-star. Every dish was explained thoughtfully as it was delivered, and the bar team struck that perfect balance of attentiveness and conversation, making a solo diner feel completely welcome. Their warmth and professionalism raised this experience from a three-star meal to a four-star evening. And they are all 5 star.

Interior

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Potatoes

Crumbl - Raleigh

3.7

(164 reviews)

3.2 mi

TLDR: Large, tasty, but expensive cookies. Exciting rotating menu. Subpar flavors…read more While in the area and needing a Friday sugar fix, I stopped at Crumbl. To save time I started an online order. It took a while to go through the log in process and a $2 tip was required. This brought the total of one cookie to nearly $7! Then when it said the wait time was 15-20 min, I decided to abandon the online order and order at the counter. There were about 3 employees busy at work and no customers. I was greeted upon arrival and helped right away. I ordered one cookie and the order came to over $9 before tip. I questioned the total and the employee returned to fix it. I like how you can easily see and pay on the screen so I could see the error. When fixed the total was about $5. Pricy for one cookie, but they do look pretty and are packaged well so they make a great gift. The rotating weekly menu is exciting, but the cookies are not very flavorful so they taste similar. Even the guava cookie had a very faint fruity flavor and mainly tasted like sugar. Many times I have noticed that the unique flavors are just in the frosting not the cookie itself. I understand having a weekly changing menu is challenging, but there is room for improvement on their flavors. The cookies are all perfectly baked and decorated beautifully. Overall, good place for the occasional treat or gift.

The cookies here are awesome. This weeks selections are insane. They are huge and taste delicious.read more

7/13/26 - 7/18/26: Beach Bum Cookie

7/13/26 - 7/18/26: Hawaiian Coconut Cookie

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7/13/26 - 7/18/26: Molten Lava Cake

Raleigh Brewing Company

Nice stop for a beer! They had several styles, and had the choice of a full pour or a half pour…read more Huge indoor space with plenty of seating. Service was friendly. No food.

Horrible beer! Save your money and buy Old English it would…read moretaste better. I would search for other local brewing spots before this location.