Holy moly ... the ropa vieja-like empanada was crisp yet soft (like an egg roll)... and flav-or-ful as he-double-toothpicks. Quick line ... inexpensive ... excellent. If I go back and have other yummy things I'll bump this up to a 5. Totally agree it's like a Philly Cheese Steak experience in an empanada. read more

Don't compare these to Julia's. They're smaller, first of all, but more importantly, the DC empanadas guys are experimenters. They try things that you would never expect in an empanada, and their daring is what makes them unique. I ordered 4 empanadas to split with a friend. The Traditional - He liked it a lot more than I did. I've had traditional empanadas, and this wasn't up to par in that realm. The Karate Kid - Of course pork is going to taste good in an empanada, but the teriyaki kick was surprisingly good. The Big Ragu - This was my favorite, because I never thought that italian food essentially deep fried would be any good. Speedy Gonzalez - My second favorite, because you really can't go wrong with a whole bunch of cheese. I'd say that splitting 4 was enough to be a "light" lunch, except that you're eating deep fried goodness, so it's hard to say it was "light". read more

The special fried fish taco was amazing, and I was a big fan. It was piping hot, decent portion size, and came topped with some delicious slaw/sauce. The whole thing was just fantastic and I wish I had gotten two. I also got the veggie empanada because I wasn't in the mood for any of the meats on offer for some reason. For $4, I thought it was a little small, and it was very greasy and came in a little waxy bag that was soaked with grease - reaching my hand in there I got grease on my arm, yick. I think I would describe the taste as "fairly decent" and I think it could have used a little more flavor. While eating this meal on the ledge by the Cosi I got pooped on by a jerky little bird for the 3rd time in my life. Some people manage to live their whole lives without being crapped on by a bird and it has now happened to me three times, and each time I have been eating. I guess it is one of the perils of eating outside and I happen to be extremely unlucky. Watch out for bird bombs if you plan to sit on the ledge under the nearby tree (when the truck is at Metro Center.) In conclusion, the fish taco special was amazing, but the empanada was underwhelming and expensive for the size. And I love fish tacos and can think of many other places where I can get a great one. So for now I will have to say it is an A-OK average truck. read more

First visit: 3.5 stars They have so many different types, that I feel like I have to come back. Portion wise, I think the size for one is just right. It allows you sample different types in one meal. 2 is more than enough for me. Unfortunately if you do not have cash, you need to buy 3 empanadas + a drink/dessert to put you at $10 for credit cards. The empanada shell was not too thick, flaky and crunchy on the edges. Yes, there is a little grease, but we are talking about fried food. The ones that have meat in it probably seem greasier too. For my first visit, I tried The Jake (asian pork), Tio Shawn (vegetarian), and the Ropanada (beef). The Jake was tasty, but a little too meaty for me. Needs some veggies with crunch. Maybe some cabbage or carrots? The filling in the Tio Shawn was cheesy and had a good combo of veggies. I think this was my favorite out of the ones I tried. The Ropanada, which is supposed to be "ropa vieja" style, was good but I think it needs the peppers that are traditionally found in the dish. Hopefully DC Empanadas will be back in my office neighborhood (West End!) so I can try and hopefully find an empanada that will have me chasing them around DC. read more

I tried The Matador at the food truck fest...and it wasn't disappointing. But it wasn't anything worth writing home about it. It had sausage, potatoes, and onions... not much to say. It wasn't overly greasy and not a bad bargain for $3.75 read more

Went during lunch - ordered 3 empanadas for the price of 2 (lunch special) and a mango lemonade! Everything was absolutely delicious, extremely affordable, and very filling. I decided to try the beef, pork, and cheese empanadas. I really can't decide which was my favorite because they were all THAT fantastic. The men behind the counter were really nice and the food was ready in only a few minutes despite the long line! Try it out. read more

DC Empanadas - Beef, pork, and 3 cheese empanadas with mango lemonade! - Empanadas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have to say I'm impressed with DC Empanadas. No line and a short wait (always a great test for a food truck) and the empanadas were perfectly fried pockets of goodness. I had: Roponada: a special for the day, tasted like a spicy beef stew and was very satisfying. Divine Swine: it was okay, I apparently prefer my pulled pork in pie form (shout out DD Pie Truck) but not bad. Fruity Bottom: Brie and pears. Desert in empanada form is yummy! A little pricey at $3.50 a pop or 3 for $9, and while satisfying, it does seem weird to make a meal out of the empanadas. But quick service and tasty food means I'll return next time the truck is in my area. As a heads up, the oil from the empanadas will come through the packaging a bit, so don't set them down on any important documents if you are taking your lunch in the office... read more

Tried chicken, beef and pork and the pork was our favorite. Super tasty. But all of them were great and I highly recommend. read more

DC Empanadas - All 3 look the same, chicken, beef and pork. - Empanadas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We tried the Thai Pork and the traditional empanada. I didnt much care for the thai pork... i love thai food, but the flavors didnt work for me. The traditional was pretty good. Im interested in trying more of their offerings so perhaps Ill give this food truck another whirl... read more

DC Empanadas - Traditional Empanada - Empanadas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I braved the cold today intending to find some delicious food cart eats at Franklin Square. Luckily, DC Empanadas were on the scene with some delicious eats to warm me up. Today's selections were The Traditional (beef), Divine Swine (pulled pork & BBQ), and Veggie Nirvana. By the time I was up to the window, Divine Swine was all gone. I had planned on trying all three, so two would have to suffice. I was quite hungry so I hoped these would prove to be filling. I tried the Veggie Nirvana first (by chance as I grabbed the first one out of the bag and it didn't matter to me much which one). The Indian curry flavor was fantastic and the crust was fried just right, crispy but not too overdone and not greasy. The Traditional was a less delicious empanada in my opinion. My dining companion enjoyed hers, but the spice wasn't what I expected. It seems as though they make small batches and hope to sell out everything they have (yay for freshness), but it would have been nice if I could have had all three. I arrived at about 12:30 and they had been there since around 12, so I guess the other customers before me really wanted pulled pork. Also, I'm not sure if the Mexican hot chocolate was available today. read more

I'm not sure if they make anything other than empanadas, but if they do....it doesn't matter, because the empanadas are what you want. They're crispy on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside. They're not greasy at all either. They have a variety of flavors and this delicious chimichuri dipping sauce so get a few and share them with your friends, but I'll be honest with you....the original cheese is the best! You can see photos of the empanadas we got and of the rest of the Union Market at this foodie website: http://eatsporkjew.com/travel-2/washington-dc-union-market/ read more

Tried the empanadas here at the Curbside Cookoff (when they were still in a random sketchy van). It took them awhile to get set up, so while everyone was waiting in line, they gave us free delicious cookies! (My favorite kind) I got: Veggie Nirvana - Potato, Onions, Garlic, Peas, Tomato, Cilantro, and Indian Spices The Taj Mahal - Chicken Tikka - Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and then served in a tomato cream sauce Executive Order - Bacon Cheeseburger with Grilled Vidalia Onions All of them were well executed. If any of those combinations sound good to you, you would like it. I really love all the interesting filling that are offered. read more

THIS IS JUST A REVIEW FOR THE CATERING: Well, really, a lack thereof. I have been trying to get in contact with DC Empanadas regarding a catering order I needed to place for my office. I started emailing at the beginning of March for an event on 03/29. I sent a few emails, have called, left voicemails...and nothing. I spoke to one of the owners briefly who acknowledged that my emails had been received, and assured me that she would contact me when she got back to the office. That was last week. I would have really liked to try DC Empanadas, but it doesn't seem that they want me to! At this point, I've had to go with another empanada place for my catering. Don't think I'll be trying DC Empanadas any time soon. :( read more

Best empanadas in DC! Highly recommend the Speedy Gonzales for all the cheese lovers! read more

DC Empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This was my first DC food truck experience, and I'm glad I picked DC Empanadas as my first. I didn't try any on the regular menu; instead I went for the Today's special, Colombian beef empanada. The filling was delicious, and I was pleasantly surprised by the dough. I WAS expecting the flaky dough that's characteristic of empanadas. For their special, they used a cornmeal dough, so it was more of hard shell, like a taco shell. Because of this shell, the empanada was quite oily. Overall, I like the taste. I only bought one, but I could have easily eaten two. Since I wasn't sure when I'll see DC Empanadas again, I went for a dessert too. I got the chocolate cookie with dulce de leche filling. It was tasty without being rich; small in portion yet fillling. It was the perfect dessert pairing after my deep fried empanada. I'm now following them on twitter, in hopes they make a stop by my work again! read more

I always find empanadas relatively boring and monotone in flavor. But I really enjoy DC Empanadas and get excited when I see the truck by my office. I have never had empanadas like this. The buffalo chicken empanada with blue cheese sauce is great. I also liked the pulled pork with honey that I had there last time. Maybe some of the less than glowing reviews are by purists - but if you find traditional empanadas boring, give these a try. read more

My first taste of DC Empanada was at Truckeroo. I don't remember the other flavor I tried, but I am certainly hooked on the Bad Ass empanada. It is a buffalo chicken empanada: chicken, blue cheese, and wing sauce. The crunchy fried crust from DC Empanada is exceptional. Last Friday, pulled pork empanadas were available, but I bought three BA's just in case I didn't love the pork. read more

Got the beef and they were ok. Nothing like my mother-in-law's Empanadas which I was hoping they would be. Unfortunately she doesn't make them often enough. To bad, guess I'd rather just wait for those. Don't plan to return. read more

My fav of all the food trucks. I gave them 4 of 5 stars because they often run-out of a flavor (or two). My favorite is the "Speedy Gonzalez" (all cheese), the Badass (chicken buffalo) and the El Toro (beef). The woman who takes the orders is always so pleasant, and she recognizes her return customers! read more

Best food truck empanadas in DC! The Cubanito, Bad Ass, and Veggie Nirvana are amazing. The Mexican Rice Pudding - OMG! read more

I've tried DC Empanadas and I'm not a fan. I had the Jake and the Ropanada and both were very dry. They also reminded me of an egg roll and were overly greasy. I like the Empanadas at Julia's Empanadas so much better and you get more for what you pay for. I won't be visiting again. read more

I've had the empanadas a couple of times, both from the truck and at Union Market. I'm just not wowed by them, and they're pretty tiny. However, I will come to this truck for the beer-battered fish tacos, I hope they never get rid of that menu item. Truck staff is very friendly and you don't have to wait long for your order. read more

DC Empanadas - Beer-battered fish tacos. - Empanadas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I have mixed feelings about this place. Let me start off by saying their empanadas were decent... nothing special. they were tasty and plan on going back. I was a little disappointed to only see 4 empanadas on their menu yet their web site boasts about having tons of diff. kinds. up to 15-25 kinds. Also, they've only got a stand and are located in a food court. Would be nice if they had an actual facility with a seating area. but no bad, they were alright. read more

DC Empanadas - The Jerk Chicken Empanada. It was great. Nothing but chicken inside though..but tastey. (fried) - Empanadas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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These are pretty good empanadas. One of the better food trucks in the city. I'm not 23 so I can't chow down gut busting brisket sandwiches 3x's/ week. The traditional empanada is good, great flavor but doesn't linger, wish it did.. Emapanadas are fried thankfully; the specials are a hit/miss. read more

DC Empanadas are located in a "Roach Coach." If you are not familiar with the term, it means it is a Lunch truck that moves to different places in the city. They have about 30 different types of Empanadas and they offer about 6 different every day. I had the roasted pork and BBQ sauce Empanadas and it was pretty good. I will give that one 4-stars. I also tried the chicken with Buffalo sauce and it was OK. The third one I tried I cannot even remember what it was. All I can say it was OK. Their cookies are GREAT! If you are in a diet you shouldn't be eating Empanadas to start with, so go ahead and try a cookie also. The couple from Guatemala running the truck are great. Great service. Overall not a good place to grab a quick lunch if they happen to be near your office. I wish they were there more often. I have eaten there when they are parked near Union Station. read more

One of my favorite food trucks. Pretty good deal 3/$10 Divine Swine is ridiculously good, and probably the best on the menu. WMD, Badass Chicken, and well, all of them have been good. If you see this truck outside, make sure you check it out. read more

So good. I had the beef and buffalo chicken. So good. Flakey crust and nicely fried. I wish they shipped them.

I was excited to try these empanadas; however, I should have passed. The quality of the meats and cheeses in them are poor. The chicken is processed and the cheese is bag shredded cheese. I make empanadas and I definitely know quality and these are below average. A suggestion would be to change your recipe. read more

Great empanadas! Came across this place while browsing the union market. They're tasty, hot, fresh and simply delicious. I believe the price is fair for the quality of the empanada. I would definitely recommend anyone in the area to try them out read more

DC Empanada used to be my #1 favorite empanada truck. But, alas, TSR recently stole my empanada lovin' heart at the last Truckeroo. However, these are still mucho bueno in my book! The difference between the two? DC empanadas are fried and not usually filled with the yummy goodness inside (casualty of being fried? Or just lack of ingredients? Not sure). TSR empanadas are baked and jam-packed with ingredients. Anywho, if you're in the midst of food truck central and you see DCE - give it a try, at least once! I'd take advantage of the deal of the day. I believe it's 3 for $10 as opposed to $4/each. My favorite is the Speedy Gonzales- a 3 cheese blend of Queso Blanco, Asadero Cheese & Mozzarella Cheese! Noteworthy mentions: the service is courteous. The food also comes out pretty quickly and they've never given me the wrong order. read more

This is one of my favorite food trucks. I get excited when I see them, though I haven't seen them in a while. I have to try to get to Union Market to look for them. I had some major favorites like the eggplant parm and the Tio. I love their empanadas. I would definitely give them a try! read more

The deep-fried empanadas I tried today are reminiscent of those sold in Brazil, where I grew up. Alas, the overpriced menu was also reminiscent of Brazil in its current inflationary credit bubble. The empanadas themselves were fine, but they are absolutely overpriced. Had I actually seen one prior to ordering, I would have not dished the $3.50 they were charging per unit. $9 for 3 is still a bad deal. read more

Friendly but not always fast because they're so popular, you'll fill up fast if you get the special 3 for $9 deal at this DC food truck. I highly recommend the Mr. Miagi and the El Toro, and the El Greco. If you happen to like cheese, and I mean a lot of cheese, try the Speedy Gonzalez. Also, the Mexican Hot Chocolate is authentic and hits the spot on a cold DC winter day. read more

I got the lunch special buy 2 empanadas get the 3rd free. They are greasy but so delicious. I had 2 cheese one and the pork bbq. If in the union market area and in the mood for empanadas I recommend trying this place out! read more

Empanadas out of a truck just seem that much more authentic. Choose from a vast menu, from pork to beef to chicken to vegetarian! Their options are unique and interesting, and changes at times to fit seasons / availability. Suggestions? I've liked every one I've tried thus far, so don't think you can go too wrong with your choice, as long as it fits your fancy! Only thing I could change is their breading, which at times comes out a little stale. read more

These things are good for a quick bite...albeit, a little heavy on the oil. Yes, they're fried in front of you...but I think the frying is the problem? I like my empanadas flaky, crispy, buttery....the crust that sticks to your lips and has a slight likeness to a pot pie... these are oily, chewy, perhaps undercooked? but definitely wrapped in what tasted like a wonton wrapper. We had the beef/rice/tomato sauce empanada and the buffalo chicken which the man friend says wasn't that good because anyone can stick chicken and frank's red hot in a wrapper and call it "buffalo"...and yeah, he's right. Supposdly their most popular is a beef with raisans and olives..but they didn't have it. why would you advertise a flavor as "most popular" and then not serve it at a location? The empanadas came with a bbq sauce (meh) and a cilantro/pesto sauce (that was a bit salty but very very good!) I'd go back just for that read more

I've been wanting to try these as I have seen their food truck and always walk pass their station at the Union Market. I had the Cubanito (slow Roasted Cuban style pork, tossed with onions and a spicy guava sauce) empanada and it had a delicious filling and was very crispy on the outside, I would try the other fillings as well however, they are pretty pricey for each one. read more

Big ole wonton! That's basically what this is. The food truck stopped by my job and I was so excited I ordered 3 of them!!! Although it really did look like a deep fried wonton I just knew it was going to taste good. Alas when I tasted it I was disappointed. A big, deep fried nothing. If you want an extra crispy wonton, then go for it, but if you want empanadas then I would just rather go to 7-11 and get theirs. read more

An amazing option to switch up borning sandwiches for lunch catering. It was an amazing hit for our team and an awesome hot alternative for lunch. The delivery service was excellent and made the set up for lunch an absolute breeze. Will absolutely use again. read more

The creativity these folks have in delivering delicious Empanadas in a variety of great combinations and flavors keeps me coming back over and over again. One of my favorite food trucks! read more