There comes a time in every man's life where he must embrace the viscerality of his fatness. The mentality of his glutton. Pop's Empanadas is a great way to explore that depressive, or impressive, state of mind. The sun barrels its way into my workspace on a spring afternoon. I welcome its studs up challenge and continue to dribble until I can no longer not acknowledge the aura of Apollo's chariot. - I don't recognize Helios as my Sun god, deal with it. - I check my meagerly checking account and my minute wallet and decide "F it" I've not got but do got a few buccaroons to spare as I continue to wheel around for the cheddar in this rat race we call life. In doing so - I notice a certain extensive tingle in my tummy. One that calls for mass amounts of food. In tandem, the shining sun begs me to bask in its warmth. I need to find some food. Sit in a park. Devour said park. And take a long enough lunch that somebody, somewhere, somehow thinks of me. Once that occurs, I will return between the rock and the hard place of which sits a desk, a chair, brittle bones and a big but battered heart. With my pension for poppin' sandwich and my expertise of my surround areas - radius of 45 mins in all direction - I half-conclude on Pop Empanada for my stroll, toll and roll. - TM'ing that don't even think about taking that line. Actually do think about it. And think about how you've never come up with something that original. This is in writing, I'm the first, I'm the last, I'm your everything. - Anyways, I take an 8 min drive out to a lot nearby and stumble in upon my order. The empanadas are solid, shrimp one is superior. Haven't tried them all. Not crying home to mama about em' but that's not the star of the show so it doesn't matter. I haven't tried everything and definitely should. But every time I'm feeling like I need to challenge my bowels I go straight for this Cuban Sandwich. My oh my. This thing may weigh 5 pounds. Packed to the brim. Sturdy bread. I mean it's literally one of the biggest boys I've ever corralled. It's tasty, tender, savory and sweet. Crunchy, chewy, choppy and neat. This would feed a normal man for an entire day. I, to no surprise of the reader, am not a normal man. By the end of munching on this crunching I'm panting and sweating and clenching my chest. My cholesterol spike so high that a doctor wouldn't even be able to help. By 75% of sandwich completion I don't even want the rest. It's just my hard wired protocol that this whole pups gotta hit the pound. I just gotsss to complete my task. This is probably the best Cuban I've ever had - in sandwich form... if you catch my straits of Florida drift. For the price, it is one of the best bang for buck sandwiches I've ever had. Highly recommend you give Pop Empanada a go. On a sunny mid week afternoon there's a hot chance you'll catch me reviving myself from a heart attack on the bench in the park only a stone throws away. Don't to try help me. It's all part of my sick game. Love you, babes, have a beautiful day - LB. read more

If you know, you know... but if you don't, make it a priority to find out. That Supper Club is something special. What Tommy Greco, Chef Nicolas Pescatore, and their team are putting together here goes well beyond a typical night out. It feels curated, intentional, and genuinely exciting from start to finish. From the moment we sat down, the energy was right. The service was dialed in without being overbearing, and every course felt like it had a purpose. The tasting menu that night was a full experience, layered with creativity and bold flavor combinations that somehow all worked effortlessly. We started with a Snack Trio that set the tone immediately. Grilled mahi mahi with Aleppo pepper and charred lemon delivered bright, smoky notes. A rich foie gras with rhubarb jam on toasted milk bread struck the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The prawn toast on brioche with sesame, miso, and panko brought crunch and depth in every bite. The red snapper ceviche followed, incredibly fresh and vibrant, with yuzu lime, serrano, and green strawberry adding a unique twist that elevated the entire dish. Then came a stretch of courses that really showed off the kitchen's range. The tender greens with mortadella yakitori brought unexpected flavors together seamlessly. The caramelized onion casoncello with a light spicy vodka sauce, mascarpone, and prosciutto was rich yet balanced. The ramp lasagna bianco with white bolognese and béchamel was pure comfort, elevated to another level. For dessert, the strawberry rhubarb tartlet closed things out beautifully. Amaretto custard, toasted meringue, dark chocolate shell, olive oil, and sea salt created the perfect sweet finish without feeling heavy. We also added a couple of extras that were absolutely worth it. The East Coast oysters with lacto fermented melon mignonette were incredibly fresh and bright, and the 40 day dry aged filet mignon with house made NamJim Kosho was cooked perfectly and packed with flavor. Bottom line, this is not just dinner, it is an experience. The creativity, execution, and hospitality are all on point. We will definitely be back very soon because there is still so much more we want to explore and experience here. What makes it even more impressive is how they transform a humble empanada shop into such a refined and decadent dining experience. The ambiance was just right, intimate, elevated, and perfectly suited for a night like this. read more

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Review for Supper Club. Amazing time at night. BYOB. Owner led the night and was very friendly. It was a family atmosphere. The dishes came out in a timely manner and you won't go home hungry. There were a few add-ons that are optional. The dishes varied from oysters to small bites to veggies to fish and pasta. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. They have a rotating seasonal menu and I will definitely be back! read more

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Picked up empanadas as I was driving home I saw the bags drenched in oil I opened the bag and it was a mess all over my car so I called the restaurant and asked to speak to a manager or owner they took my number and nobody called so I called the next day and still never got a call back ! I never would have put a review like this but the establishment must not care about customer service! So I said why should I ! All I wanted was a call back to at least say sorry or apologize for the inconvenience but nothing! read more

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Pop is located in central Park Ridge and there's usually street parking available, especially during the day. The inside is cute, nicely decorated and has enough tables if you'd like to sit down. Bathrooms are also available and the place overall looks clean. The girl at the counter was really on her game, taking orders, filling bags and sending customers on their way. I saw her correct a couple errors from the back while waiting for my own order. I tried the chicken empanada and the BBQ beef brisket empanada. Both are good, tasty and adequately filled. My son and I just weren't wow'd. I've heard a lot about this place and even how the empanadas are supposed to be big. They're standard size as we always get at Noches and the Noches ones are half the price of these. So we weren't impressed enough to return. Yes, they taste good, but seen a bit overpriced. It's otherwise a cute place and they seem to have dinner offerings, which I've never tried. There was a seasonal menu on the counter, different from the standard menu. read more

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100/10 service/food/quality/quickness. I literally crave the empanadas. Then I tried their fries. Amazing. Overall best empanadas I've ever had in my entire life. Family vibe. Can't go wrong. read more

You can't go wrong with this place Food is so delicious , great service and friendly staff, highly recommended read more

Empanada shop by day, pasta supper club by night! I found out about this place after visiting a local farmers market and they mentioned they hosted a supper club on Thursdays and Saturdays. If you're a foodie it's a MUST GO! It is a 6 course meal with the most unique and delicious experience you will ever have. The meal changes weekly and it's clear the chef knows what he's doing. On top of that the service is spectacular. The owner and his wife make you feel so welcomed and attentive throughout the whole experience. Of course you can never go wrong with BYOB! There is an empanada apart of every supper club menu and it's always amazing, so if that is any indication to what they are serving up daily you need to check this place out! read more

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Amazing! Pop Empanada serves some awesome empanadas during the day. But the little place turns into a by reservation only secret spot with a tasting of gourmet dishes. Love the experience, dinner, and the service. Excellent! read more

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guys these empanadas were sooooooo delicious. I got three and it was the perfect amount :-) the ham and cheese is my favorite

Awesome place! Their empanadas are perfect, hot, crispy and delicious! The service is fast and friendly. They also support our community in many ways such as sponsoring events. They also have a supper club that I've heard is fantastic and would love to try sometime. read more

I tried this restaurant for the first time. The young lady at the register was very nice and the pop-culture references on the wall were cute. I tried the beef empanada and the pop salad. The empanada was really tasty, just be careful, it's juicy! I'd order that again. The pop salad, on the other hand, was beyond mediocre with close to no flavor. It was just romaine lettuce with a mild-tasting white cheese and little pieces of mango. It had an avocado dressing but, that's where they messed up (in my opinion) because it was watery and tasted like avocado, vinegar, and olive oil. Needs...garlic, or onion, or at least scallions. They were out of strawberries, which also goes in this salad, but I doubt they would have made a big difference. I wouldn't order that again. read more

Pop Empanada - Pop salad, beyond bland. - Empanadas Near Me - Park Ridge, New Jersey

The empanadas were delicious and the service went above and beyond! We'll definitely POP back in next time we're in the neighborhood!

I don't think you can ask for more for $85 as of Dec 2024. I even worry if it's sustainable. Just get it when you can. read more

Pop Empanada - Tasting menu - Empanadas Near Me - Park Ridge, New Jersey

We enjoyed some excellent takeout from Pop Empanada, including an excellent Cubano sandwich with 12-Hour smoked tender pork shoulder, with premium Spanish Ham, Swiss Cheese, Pickles and Mustard; a fantastic cheesesteak sandwich with 11oz Angus beef, Grilled onions, Galbani Provolone Cheese, Garlic butter toasted bread, Ken's Original Mayo; a delicious spicy Buffalo chicken empanada and a BBQ beef brisket empanada. The empanadas had a nice crispy flaky crust. We still have a half sandwich and empanada each for leftovers. It was worth the long trip! read more

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Pop Empanada turns into a Pasta Supper Club 2-3 nights a week and it is one of the best kept secrets in NJ! This 6 course tasting menu not only showcases Chef Nick's mad pasta skills, but also his ability to create elegant dishes that will satisfy your palate and awaken your senses! All this for only $75 is a steal, so be sure to make your reservation ASAP since they tend to sell out! We're still dreaming about this meal and wishing it never ended! Thank you to Chef Nick, Tommy, and the team at That Pasta Club for an unforgettable evening! Check out our full visit here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1514pYMNbY/?igsh=MmZhOXNmbmQwend0 read more

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I was heading to the local tailor and noticed Pop Empanada when I was parking. After finishing at the tailor, I took my daughter in to try some empanadas. The restaurant is bright, the decor is trendy, and the woman working at the counter was pleasant. It was an early lunch, so I stayed disciplined on my order size. We ordered a chicken empanada each and sat down at a nice table. A few moments later, the piping hot empanadas landed with their side salsas. Perfect crispy exterior and a flavorful filling that was nicely set off by the salsa. 33% of the way into my empanada, I was regretting that I hadn't ordered more. I'll be back for some of the other creative empanadas and menu items. read more

Pop Empanada - Great tasting Chicken Empanada! - Empanadas Near Me - Park Ridge, New Jersey

What a cool experience in NJ!! Had a Saturday at 5:30p reservation, and arrived 3 min late resulting in everyone waiting to begin the experience - so be sure to arrive on time folks! Overall the experience felt so special - everyone enjoying the same courses at the same time, with a guide to take us through the multiple courses. Everything looked and felt intentional - like a private meal. Local bread with a specially enhanced butter - yum. Then the official six courses began: 1) the amuse bouche was a yellowtail mango ceviche, yellowtail sashimi on a crostini with foi gras, and a spinach cheese empanada. The fish was so fresh! 2) greens/salas with ricotta stuffed fried squash blossom. The greens were so fresh and I loved the dressing it was in. The squash blossom has a little heat. 3) a mushroom and dashi broth soup with homemade tortellini, made that morning. The edible flowers in the soup gave it an extra seasoning, and the pasta was so fresh and light. 4) crab cake with fried pancetta, an avocado cream and a side of fish sauce. I could dunked anything and everything in that fish sauce - it was delicious. The crab cake was good, but a little too dense and flaky - it could've been nicer with larger chunks of crab. 5) the short rib agnolotti sauce tasted soooo homemade - it was decadent tomato based gravy! I could see how much love and attention was put in that gravy. Admittedly my palate was off because of basically drinking the fish sauce in the last course. I did wish that the short rib wasn't so shredded - it was a tad on the dry side, but overall comfort food. 6) the berry panna cotta was light and refreshing. I loved that it wasn't overly sweet - only from the berry puree. They even added a candle for my husband's birthday! Overall it was such a fun experience bringing together a community of foodies who appreciate both good food and a connected food experience. I loved not having to travel to NYC and the great price point at $75/pp plus BYOB. My calendar is marked to make a reservation for their fall menu after Labor Day. read more

Glad to see something new and very different in the little town of Park Ridge. Heads up, this isn't your traditional empanada shop, but a fun and eccentric twist on some Latin American favorites. I was lucky enough to meet one of the owners, Tom, who gave me the run down on his new business. We ordered a chicken empanada, ham & cheese empanada, and a beef empanada to take home. Although our order was to go, I really like the inside decor. It's very modern and has a decent amount of comfortable seating for customers. My favorite part of each empanada was the dough. They are very soft and fluffy, with just the perfect amount of crisp on the outside. These are "fun" empanadas, so they will be more reminiscent of savory pastries you might try at a deli. Out of the ones we tried, I would say the chicken one is my favorite. This place definitely stands out from all other types of eateries in the area, so definitely give Pop Empanada a try! read more

Pop Empanada - Chicken empanada - Empanadas Near Me - Park Ridge, New Jersey

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Absolutely LOVED this place! We've been eyeing it for months and finally got the chance to pick up lunch. We ordered the Cuban Sandwich and one Chicken Empanada and one BBQ Beef Brisket Empanada. The Cuban was the absolute best I've had, ever! When I entered to pick up my order, everyone welcomed me and made me feel very comfortable. Super friendly people! The restaurant was adorable and I wish we had the time to dine-in. Hoping to come back soon to try more items on the menu! read more

Pop Empanada - Cuban Sandwich - photo: @ohforkoff - Empanadas Near Me - Park Ridge, New Jersey

The chicken and the beef empanadas are very good, kind of oily because they are fried, which i prefer, baked are not worth it. The cubano sandwich is delish with a generous amount if meat read more

Amazing service!!! The lady at the front was super kind and helpful and they made my empanadas very fast. I got one bbq brisket empanada and one regular chicken. Both were delicious, I definitely recommend read more

The owners are awesome and very welcoming. I had a cheese empanada and it was soooooo good! I've been craving it ever since.

These empanadas are always made to perfection. We love the brisket one in our home and the bacon cheeseburger is a close 2nd. Would love it if they had rice and beans for a side dish. (Hint hint) They are so nice and always deliver on time. read more

The best empanadas ever!!! The place its so beautiful and fun,full of color an amazing art! The empanadas are so delicious,my favorite is spinach and cheese and the beef! Also try the churrasco sandwich,out of this world! Thank you pop empanada! read more

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Today I visited Pop Empanada for take out. The shop was new, clean and comfortable. The menu was short and clear. The service (Mrs. Mancini) was pleasant, prompt, knowledgeable and engaging. I picked a spinach, ham & cheese and the new pizza empanada. I loved the to-go packaging. Oh, and the food was delicious. We shall return. read more

This place is fantastic! Ordered delivery and it still came crunchy. They Jam-pack the empanadas and don't skim on the filling. The shrimp, beef brisket, and pizza ones were fantastic. The salsa they give on the side is very very flavorful and a great addition. Going to try a whole lot more here! read more

I don't understand what has happened here, but they have had a terrible change, they are almost always closed for something private but they don't have the decency to publish it online or on the door. You go to the business because it is still open, however when you get there you go in and they tell you no, that it is closed for a private event. Terrible, when I have bought the last few times I receive the wrong order or no sauces, I am very disappointed, apparently there has been a change of management, before it was very pleasant to come. read more

The food is delicious. The empanadas are original Chilean empanadas. The supper club is a hidden treasure. Check it out.

Love the atmosphere. Decorations are awesome fun. The food came out quickly and the cashier was super friendly. Tried three different empanadas- chicken, cheese, and spinach & cheese. All three were excellent- the crusts were tasty and perfect and they were very full of good stuff. Fave was the chicken. As read more

The BEST experience ever. The owner was extremely nice and welcoming. Did not hesitate to explain the menu and was very patient. I got the cheese empanada and BBQ chicken empanada. I sat outside and she delivered my food and a surprise tres leches dessert for my birthday on the house. I cannot wait to return :) read more

Pop Empanada - Tres Leches Cake - Empanadas Near Me - Park Ridge, New Jersey

Hey, y'all. Good news! I have a new Cuban sandwich spot! Pop Empanadas. I am always in Washington Heights and at Floriditias before it was demolished by Columbia. Never have I ever had a Cuban sandwich so good. I also love empanadas. I was in Park Ridge looking for a quick lunch. I ordered for pickup, a Cuban sandwich. OMG! Perfectly, smoked, slow roasted shoulder. I melted in my mouth. The flatbread, perfect, crunchy, light toast. OMG! Pickles, perfect. It was a big sandwich. I wanted to save some for my wife. It was not to be. It was a romance destined to be. I only wish I had ordered two. D-E-L-I-CI-O-U-S! Ready and waiting when I arrived. read more

I've been wanting to try this place ever since they opened up. I had a coupon I was given when they first opened so figured I would go and get one empanada as a snack. I got a beef empanada and it was pretty good! It had hints of sweetness in it which I wasn't expecting though. I didn't get to take a picture since I was so hungry! I will definitely come back to try the other empanadas. read more

Pleasant surprise!!! Clean, well run, and right in the heart of Park Ridge. I had my first Cuban sandwich in the mid-60's in Union City. I honestly can say this was the best sandwich I've ever had; made with care, at every level. Service was excellent. Nice place to stop for a few tasty treats, empanadas were nicely seasoned and came to the table freshly cooked and ready to eat. Highly recommend for lunch, takeout or dinner specials. read more

Pop Empanadas was so cool! The retro vibe with modern technology was combined well. The super friendly staff made awesome recommendations that exceeded our expectations. The food was so good we ordered more to take home for later. read more

We stopped in here for a quick bite the other day. We ordered two bacon cheeseburger empanadas, they were tasty and came in individual bags which was cute. They didn't have as many flavors as I was expecting but the one we had was good. The inside was colorful and bright, which makes sense for a place called POP. A cute place to stop and grab an empanada or two. read more

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never been here before, only in town for the weekend, stopped in here because I was starving and holy shit I'm glad I did. I can't believe I'm even writing a review right now - I usually feel more compelled to do so when I have a bad review to leave. but damn, the Pollo Frito sandwich fucking SLAPS. first of all, it's straight up massive, but more importantly it's absolutely delicious and has the perfect toppings. I went in blind and couldn't be more satisfied with what I got. I think Pop Empanada may be Jersey's redeeming quality. read more

Pop Empanada - Pollo Frito Sandwich - bite shot! - Empanadas Near Me - Park Ridge, New Jersey

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This was honestly the worst empanada place I've tried. I don't understand the good reviews. Maybe it was an off day? We tried about eight different kinds of empanadas given the great reviews. Chicken, beef, pork, cheeseburger, dessert, etc. Could not eat any of them...they were drenched in grease inside and out. I've never seen so much fat and oil coming out of food! The taste was overwhelmed with the sensation of having lube in your mouth. The tres leches was a meager portion as well. Short review because the food was inedible in its entirety. Wouldn't give this place a second try. read more

Pop Empanada - Cheeseburger empanada - Empanadas Near Me - Park Ridge, New Jersey

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So, I was like oh they got a new burger so, I went over there and I loved it so so go now I I'm ubsesed with the burger read more

First timers last night... It was incredible. Tommy and his wife were wonderful hosts and worked very hard to make all of their patrons feel special with their smiling faces, attentiveness and service. Their service is five star. The atmosphere was energetic and bustling. We heard about a five or six course meal on Thursday and Saturday nights and we had to try it. They didn't disappoint, from appetizers to the final pasta meal, it was delicious. I feel it was almost tapas style and we didn't walk away from the meal hungry. If I'm correct, I heard his wife is Chilean and forgive if I'm wrong. There was definitely a latino flair incorporated into their food. The chef came out afterwards and said a few words and was so welcoming and deserved a round of applause. This place should have a Michelin star. We'll definitely be back again. read more