Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Empanada Factory

    4.2 (234 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order The Empanada Factory Takeout or Delivery

    The Empanada Factory Photos

    THE EMPANADA FACTORY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    More like The Empanada Factory

    Recommended Reviews - The Empanada Factory

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Factory Sampler
    Lori F.

    Small unassuming place. Cute little grass wall. Lady was nice. We tried the Factory Sampler. It came with 2 empanadas we got the boricua (beef, cilantro, green olives& onions) and the brasiliero (beef and potatoes) 2 tacos (the steak and the pork) 2 tostones, some yuca fries and a small side of guacamole. We also got the 3 empanada box which we got the Cubans (champ, pork, pickle, mustard and cheese), the tripleta (pork, steak, ham and cheese with onions and mayo mustard) and the spicy picadillo and cheese. We also tried the sauces: cilantro Lime ranch, the garlic mojo (garlic olive oil, fresh lime juice) and , roasted tomato (roasted tomatoes a d jalapeño said extra hot) and cilantro lime (cilantro jalapeño and lime based sauce said hot) If anything said hot I tried it and I believe them!! I'm not much for spicy stuff but the cilantro like ranch!!! I will get that every time. The only thing that would be negative for me is their drinks are cans and that the tostones aren't really flavorful. They are crunch and fresh heals but wouldn't order them again! My absolute favorite was definitely the cubano empanadas! I could get a box of those and be completely happy! Will definitely return if I'm in the area!

    Basket 1
    Tonya C.

    First time at the Empanada Factory. There are several options on the menu to combine items but you can't just order two empanadas and be on your way. Hubby & I both ordered the trio basket with a side. The beef and cheese was DELICIOUS!! You'll be full with the three! They may look small but they are full! The interior is very cute with a decorated wall as well as framed empanada history story art. The manager/owner is very personable and helpful. He takes pride in knowing you're enjoying your food. I'd would come back if driving through that area. It was a little out of the way from our typical path.

    Matthew H.

    First time trying these empanadas. They have a good selection of veggie empanadas, and gluten free options as well. I chose three different veggie empanadas. A mushroom, cheese and rice and bean blend. All were equally as tasty with a unique flavor to each. I do want to try a pizza empanada next time. I paired my empanada meal with some friend yuca fries. Yummy!

    Chicken + veggie empanada & side of rice
    Monica B.

    I tried the chicken + veggie empanada & side of rice! They were very good! So good I bought six more for dinner! The employee was very kind and patient. The atmosphere was chill. I will definitely be back!

    Tostones   Chicken and Cheese Empanada Chicken & Veggie Empanada Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Empanada Beef and Cheese Empanada Mayo ketchup
    Jeimi J.

    I loved it , I searched up nearest empanada place and it was 2 minutes from my job so I went they are AMAZING it's so good and filled to the rim . Haha has lots of cheese and beef is so good I recommend the spicy beef with cheese

    Jess O.

    Although this was my first time trying The Empanada Factory, it is far from the last! The staff was extremely welcoming and personable. I ordered the 3 count empanada option and the employee kindly pointed out the daily specials with Monday's special being a 4th empanada for free when ordering the 3 count option. I ordered takeout though would love to eat-in in the future. The dining room was inviting and very clean. The Colombian music was very upbeat! I ordered the mushroom, cheese, and onion and the truly Cubano empanadas. Both were full of flavor and had a great texture!!! I can't wait to go back as I'm already craving another empanada!

    Empanada combo and half chicken meal.
    Kim T.

    The food, the service, the atmosphere are all top tier. We had whatever the owner recommended and he did not steer us wrong! The chicken is flavorful and juicy... The empanadas are deep fried, as all empanadas should be. I'm their newest recruit as number one customer.

    Kellie R.

    The Empanada Factory had gone out of business for a little while and I was so upset because nothing beats their Romeo and Juliet empanadas made with guava and cream cheese! However, they're back and better than ever! Service was much better this time around and the food was outstanding!! Will definitely be back again.

    Ashleigh F.

    The Empanada Factory excels in both savory and sweet offerings. TRY THE CHIMICHURRI SAUCE. You won't be disappointed.Their pastry is perfectly flaky yet substantial, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. Each empanada is generously filled, ensuring a burst of flavor with every bite. Their Nutella dessert empanada is to die for! Overall, everything I've tried here has been delicious. Empanada factory is a must-try for anyone with a savory or sweet tooth.

    See all

    3 months ago

    My daughter and I made the 1 hour drive to get the vegan friendly empanadas & yucca fries. It was so worth it. Until next time.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    26 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    23 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mary S.
    67
    31
    638

    9 months ago

    I went with the tacos. They were delicious and everything was fresh nice clean, quiet restaurant and the service was delightful.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jess O.
    4
    29
    71

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rita V.
    245
    1868
    211

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of El K.
    2
    44
    38

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Harley C.
    36
    184
    100

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Nice place to eat good ambiance and affordable meal options. The service was excellent and there was not a wait. Good place to go for lunch.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kong L.
    465
    1562
    4422

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Wen T.
    1
    52
    6

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - The Empanada Factory

    Are the empanadas baked or fried?

    Hello Carol, Our empanadas are covered with a light flour coating and tossed in the deep fryer for… Read more

    View All 2 Questions

    El Chapin - Wake Forest - Mojarra frita , mixtas, camarones al ajo

    El Chapin - Wake Forest

    4.7(37 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    First time visiting. Food is authentic. I had the Sopa de Mariscos; was very good. Definitely…read morewill return to try other items on the menu.

    We live in North Raleigh, so it's about a 25-minute drive to Wake Forest. The upside is that once…read moreyou're there, shopping and dining are all close together--making it a convenient outing. After running errands, we drove just six minutes to El Chapin, a Guatemalan restaurant. Forget Tex-Mex--this is a completely different Latin cuisine experience. The two of us spent $76 (including tax and tip), but we intentionally ordered extra to take home leftovers. Parking was easy, right out front, and the restaurant itself is spacious. Since we arrived just a few minutes after opening, we had the place to ourselves at first and were seated immediately. Service was prompt and very helpful--the server even suggested we might have ordered too much food (he was right, but we didn't mind!). Here's what we tried: Plato Chorizo y Longaniza - a sausage platter with salad, rice, refried black beans, and two delicious housemade corn tortillas. Pollo Adobado - marinated chicken with rice, salad, refried black beans and two housemade corn tortillas . Ceviche de Camarón - fresh and tangy, though light on shrimp, which tasted a bit tough Fried Plantains - perfectly done, sweet, and satisfying. Plus, I had an unsweetened iced tea with lemon. The highlights for me were the flavorful rice (with vegetables mixed in, including carrots and squash), the marinated chicken, and the sausages. The plantains were also excellent. The ceviche had great flavor but could've used more shrimp. The only miss for me was the salad--generous in portion but iceberg-based, so a bit bland. Overall, the food was fresh, flavorful, not heavy or greasy, and we left with enough for another one or two meals. We'll definitely be back.

    Photos
    El Chapin - Wake Forest - Chorizo sausage

    Chorizo sausage

    El Chapin - Wake Forest - Breakfast

    Breakfast

    El Chapin - Wake Forest - Cocktails

    See all

    Cocktails

    Che Empanadas - Some sort of yummy spicy meat and pepper one

    Che Empanadas

    4.5(144 reviews)
    13.3 mi
    $

    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.

    Photos
    Che Empanadas
    Che Empanadas
    Che Empanadas - We didn't like this sour one

    See all

    We didn't like this sour one

    Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas - Pollo a La Brasa / Crispy Yuca Frites / Maduro

    Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

    4.3(691 reviews)
    20.8 mi
    $$

    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.

    This place was amazing. We tried both the brisket and chicken sandwich, and they did not…read moredisappoint. We also shared a potato empanada that was recommended by another customer, which was also fantastic. The yuca fries and plantains were delicious. You also get a large amount of food for the price, definitely left us feeling satiated. Staff was very friendly, we will be back!

    Photos
    Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas - The main area

    The main area

    Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas - Patacón

    Patacón

    Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas - Sangria

    See all

    Sangria

    Empanadas and More - Shredded Chicken Pabellón with a beef empanada

    Empanadas and More

    4.2(118 reviews)
    19.7 mi
    $

    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!

    They usually have good food, but they will literally insult you before accepting a mistake so this…read moreis a goodbye after being faithful clients for almost two years! Two sundays ago we ordered take out and the cachapas were very different from what we usually eat (we religiously eat their cachapas at least once a month!) they tasted different and were very undercooked and soft. The first bite I took had no cheese in it, so for a moment I thought they'd forgotten to put it and when lifting the cachapa with the fork it completely crumbled apart. It was like a mush. I told my husband I could not eat this (he is a very hungry man and though the quality was not what we usually expect from them, he had eaten half of his already. I, on the other hand, only had the first bite). We called and they asked us to drive back to the restaurant and bring in the cachapas for a refund, which we did. Never actually received the refund after multiple talks with them because according to them: "one was eaten halfway through, and the other one had been purposely smushed by a hand/played with." Yes, the cachapa was pretty much destroyed. Because it was so soft and undercooked it broke apart the moment I manipulated it with my fork and knife, as one does when eating food!! Also they claimed the product was the same as it always has been, yet it clearly tasted different as we know their cachapas very well, and their own cook spoke to us on the phone saying their cachapas came from an external provider and they'd recently changed the product!! So who's lying? We used to recommend them to all our friends because we support fellow Latino business and they are very close to where we live in Cary. But now I'll tell you all to try Pana's Flavors' Cachapas in Raleigh, for authentic cachapas actually made by Venezuelans!

    Photos
    Empanadas and More - Interior

    Interior

    Empanadas and More - Chicken empanadas

    Chicken empanadas

    Empanadas and More - Shredded Chicken Pabellón with a beef empanada

    See all

    Shredded Chicken Pabellón with a beef empanada

    HARTURA - Omelet santiago and small fruit with toasts Best breakfast in the area and very friendly team.

    HARTURA

    4.3(86 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    Hartura is one of Wake Forest's gems. It is located in the Market of Wake Forest Shopping Center…read more The building has transformed from what was once home to Pizza Hut. It is on the side closer to Capital Blvd., and there is plenty of parking. Usually, when I dine here, I can select my own seat, and they bring me a menu, but at busy times, they will seat me. You can enter from either side of the building, and one side has a ramp. I try to enter on the left side as I like to look at the daily specials. Over the years, I have gotten to sample quite a bit on the menu. The portions are always large and generous. My favorites are the eggs Benedict, the burgers and the fried fish. But I have enjoyed everything I've eaten here. Breakfast can be ordered all day here. The menu has Southern dishes and Dominican dishes, too. I am always warmly greeted when I enter, and service is friendly and attentive. I'm usually given a tea to go as well. The prices are quite reasonable.

    We joined some Wake forest groups to find things since we are soon moving up here. We had seen…read morepictures of specials this restaurant had of like sandwiches and like chicken wings, grilled pork chops and some southern foods. The door we entered didn't have that sign so we thought maybe at the wrong place...(to be continued...) We entered and was greeted and immediately seated. Place wasn't very full but was clean and looked nice. Our server brought our menus and got our drinks, my boyfriend ordered us some Arepas and it came with 2 sauces one salsa verde and one mayo/ketchup mix. They had sandwiches and some Spanish Caribbean food. I decided to try something I have never had before and got the Ropa Vieja with black beans and tostones and He got the Cuban sandwich (with no mustard ) and maduros. It was delicious very flavorful food although my bf was like that would be good with white rice since Rooa vieja is stew like and so I ordered that as well and man....that was exactly what it needed (it should automatically come with it!) the meat was sooooo tender and juicy and delicious! Also I didn't realize what the tostones were so I ended up trading those for His maduros (which is what I thought I was ordering with the tostones...now I know better) The meat from his sandwich was also tender delicious well seasoned and make me jealous I didn't order it too! (Story continues) ....When our server came and asked how our meal was we definitely gave praises on the tasty meal but did ask him about the specials...he said "yeah it's on our board by the front door!!! We came in the back door!!!! Now we know. He said it's a southern food/ Spanish Caribbean inspired restaurant. Either way we will definitely put this in a regular rotation to eat at.

    Photos
    HARTURA
    HARTURA - Peanut butter pie

    Peanut butter pie

    HARTURA

    See all

    Boricua Soul

    Boricua Soul

    4.5(241 reviews)
    21.0 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Catering service

    Food was amazing! Macaroni and cheese were perfect. The collards great as well. The service was…read moregreat! Met the owner and he was very nice and let us sample a few items before our purchase. The ambiance was nice. They have outdoor seating.

    We visited for lunch on a beautiful spring weekday. The place was hopping, both inside and out. The…read moremusic was great, the ambience was fast-casual. I love how they had a lot of drink options, including fountain drinks, and special lemonades. We got here on the late side for lunch, and found there to be several different options for ordering. You could wait in line and order with a cashier, you could do a self service kiosk, or you could order from a QR code at a table. We ended up grabbing a table and opting to do it with a QR code. Everything was very clear, and I like that they showed what was popular immediately. I opted for a Boricua Soul Bowl, which I'd sampled during a food tour a few years back- then I tried it with chicken, so today I opted for shrimp. I feel like you really should go with pork since that's the default, and a mainstay of Puerto Rican cuisine and soul food, but alas I have an aversion to pork so I can't. I was also intrigued by the jackfruit option- there's something for everyone! My husband went for a platter with pork, which he said was delicious and rich. The Mac and cheese was amazing, and the collards were to DIE FOR! They have four house made sauces, which were a very fun way to add different flavors (I doused mine in Guava!). Since I've now been, I understand that there are many different methods of ordering, but I'm not sure I understand if there's a benefit or staff preference to one over another. I think one thing I might do in the future is order online (if you're using Toast Tab anyway, might as well order in advance) and then sit outside after I arrive. It took about 30 minutes to get our food, which probably means everything is made to order and fresh (as opposed to sitting around) so that's great, but I was STARVING by the time we got our food. Will definitely be back!

    Photos
    Boricua Soul
    Boricua Soul - Entrance, and outdoor seating.

    Entrance, and outdoor seating.

    Boricua Soul - Coquito French toast, pimento cheese deviled eggs, sweet plantain chicken and waffles, cheese hash brown waffles, sausage and mixed fruit.

    See all

    Coquito French toast, pimento cheese deviled eggs, sweet plantain chicken and waffles, cheese hash brown waffles, sausage and mixed fruit.

    The Empanada Factory - latin - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...