If you really want to eat Venezuelan, do not go to this place. This might be a fusion but definitely is not Venezuelan. And the Venezuelan food I got was so bad it was almost an insult... Not a single Venezuelan working there which I don't have any problem with but I'm sure if there was at least one this wouldn't be happening. Terrible, not tasty at all and presentation sucked. I was supposed to get cachapas, this is anything but cachapas. read more

Empanada Express Grill - Cachapas - Empanadas Near Me - Denver, Colorado

My wife and I ordered a Domino arepa each. It took about 20 minutes for the food to arrive. They came with two meager slices of avocado and were barely warmer than room temperature. Disappointed, to say the least. The sauces were good, and the service was decent, aside from the wait. read more

We love the food at this restaurant, However the customer service provided there is non existent! Looks like they have hours where they don't feel like working! The owner is a rude rude lady ! The other day I went for my birthday and the server was very nice I am a vegetarian and she offer some changes in the plates in order for me to be able to eat Not the same story with the owner older lady I took my son for his birthday and The server (the Owner and as rude like We don't don any changes in the plates She as like no we don't I said I am vegetarian she was mad I sad I do eat eggs can you replace the meat for eggs First she said yes then she came back like 10 minutes later saying sorry we don't have any eggs We ended up leaving without eating Rude lady bad service if you are vegetarian please don't go to this restaurant Bad bad service read more

I first experienced Empanada Express after they catered an event I worked at. We all stuffed ourselves with Empanadas and dipped them in the delicious green and orange sauces. It all was so good I literally dreamt of empanadas that week. Today, two months later, my craving was back and we had to try again. I called and ordered in and chose some vegetarian options for my fillings - cheese, rajas (onions, peppers, cheese and oil), domino (avocado, black beans and cheese), and Chile relleno (egg battered stuffed cheese chili). For what you get, I thought it was a little on the pricey side. 23$ before tip for these four fried Venezuelan cheese pockets. But they taste so damn good this price won't deter me. I love these empanadas. LOVE THEM. They where out of chimichurri and the green salsa sauce I mentioned above! To me, those things make the meal but I'll be back for that sauce on a different day. Next time I will also try a sweet empanada with plantains! Go and give this spot a try! Great Tennyson location, too! read more

Empanada Express Grill - You can see the avocado peeking out of the slit in the empanada, they insert it after frying - Empanadas Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I wish I didn't live so far away from this place. We enjoy coming down but they close early if you want dinner. Girlfriend is gluten free so it's a win for everyone read more

I wanted to eat some delicious Venezuelan empanadas, but I didn't like it at all. I ordered some tequeños, and that really wasn't tequeño. Bad service read more

Empanada Express Grill - Empanadas / Cheese fingers - Empanadas Near Me - Denver, Colorado

If you're not eating here...you're crazy! This tiny gem (and I mean tiny) is easy to overlook but their food packs a VERY memorable punch. On our recent trip to Denver we decided to embark on tasting as much as we could in this buzzing culinary metropolis! By the end of our vacation I wanted something familiar, quick and easy. Being a Hispanic girl from NJ & Miami I'm always eager to sit down in a mom and pop and get some seriously awesome grub. I was not disappointed! Small place, small menu and HUGE FLAVORS! If you're in town this is a MUST! Here comes the fine print... I strongly suggest you bring someone who speaks Spanish with you. Not that the staff doesn't speak English, but it would certainly make the communication easier. Why are you still reading this... GO EAT ALREADY! read more

Empanada Express Grill - Carnitas Arepa w/ Tequeños - Empanadas Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Is good but not the best option you can find good good service a lil bit slow and ambiance

Delicious! Fast easy service. Tried their "plates" so much tasty food for a great value. Will be coming often!

Well this is not the well known empanada place in Denver but it should be. Located near the Oriental Theater near 44th & Tennyson. It just had a outside makeover but inside the still hole in the wall ambiance. But you know what they say about hole in the walls. They have the best food. I had fried plantains....so good. Two different empanadas, one chicken salad with avacado and one with beef. The best. Two great dipping sauces. They also carry some Venezuela products. This is Tennyson district. Parking is scarce...grab anything you see. read more

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Not that I would know what authentic is but I sure love the food! I love the small mom and pop vibe. Really great service and food! Always a must have when I'm in the area! read more

Do you like freshly fried hot empanadas? Have you been looking for good Venezuelan chow? Do you like fresh squeezed tropical juices and milkshakes? The food here is heartfelt home cooking. This is inexpensive food, and made to order, that ensures you Arepas, and empanadas, they are made hot and crispy, never soggy. They also have burritos for those looking for a more westernized dish. Did I mention they have gluten free options, not that I am into it, as well as vegetarian choices. Get the mango milkshake, wow! Burrito was also excellent, and it is smothered in green chile, that is actually green- Denver will you learn, green chile should never be pink or orange. If you have never had an empanada, they are like a cornish pastry. These are both handheld sandwiches, that are also deep fried, and filled with wondrous vittles. The handheld glory, is served with a couple dipping sauces. If you are near Tennyson St, you should walk towards the Oriental theater, and you will find this close by. We have had food from here a couple times, and I love what they do. All meat choices, and the fried plantains are delicious. Arepas are also good, but a little softer and chewier than empanadas, these are corn cakes fried , split and stuffed with goodies. I don't think I have raved so much since I first ate at Guava Tree, Albuquerque, which is Cuban, not Venezuelan, but also a small family restaurant dishing up tropical glory. The 4-6$ sandwich is so worth trying, they also have vegetarian options, though I have never tried them. read more

I had a $25 restaurant.com coupon and just needed to spend another 10 to use it...well I spent another $31, just to try a variety of things. Here goes: Empenada appetizer - a good way to try cheese, chicken, shredded beef & shredded pork, these were delicious. Hallacas - mmm this is similar to pastelle de Carnegie Puerto rican style, but w/a slight twist...Deliciously ono! Tequenos - cheese sticks, but the dough is like a donut and I really liked the airy fluffiness and taste texture Lunch combo w/ a beef potato empenada that came w/a chicken vegi like soup...very hearty Guava and a Pineapple juice - nice and fresh though the guava was a little sweeter than guava in Hawaii, but I loved it! Carnitas Are pas - oh man love the pancake like bread, it was crunchy and chewy at the same time and surprisingly my Favorite! Quesillo - Venezuelan flan- heavier, sweeter & a little more pudding like than Mexican flan, but it was Delicioso! Will I for back, Yes for sure! It is a dive, but very casual relaxing and hell you have privacy if you go around 1:30pm during the week.-lol read more

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Their food is delicious and the quality is consistent every time we order. A little goes a long way too. We usually get the empanada sampler platter and the sopapillas...and we fight over both plates Love this family run spot, definitely give them a try! read more

After leaving "Chef 'N Brew" hungry (since they way, way, oversold tickets for such a small venue), we stopped to grab a bite at Empanada Express. The heater was running full blast on a night that was not that chilly. It was easily 90 degrees inside. The service was pretty indifferent. We split the Empanaditas Appetizers (12 mini versions of our signature empanadad -- chicken, beef, rajas and carnitas). The chicken one had decent flavor, but the carnitas and beef ones were almost identical in muted flavor. The rajas (vegetarian) one was rather slimy and tasted primarily of scorched cooking oil, It was quite bad and nobody had more than one bite of those three empanadas. The most interesting thing about the empanadas here is the cornmeal crust. It puffs out a bit, and has almost too much texture. It was very unique, without having much flavor. The food was okay, but I doubt I will be back. read more

I was a customer at their golden location and although I'm sad that they relocated. I'm happy that they didn't close their business altogether. If you're a fan of empanadas, you can't go wrong here. The breading of their empanadas is perfect, one of the best that I've had in Denver. It's perfectly fried with just the right amount of breading. I had the beef and potatoes empanada. The filling isn't anything spectacular, but the breading and the sauces that they serve with it really makes this dish delicious. Although, I love their empanadas, I'm a bigger fan of their arepas. My absolute favorite is the Reina papiada, which is just chicken salad and avocado, yum! It's tastes really light and I just love the mixture with the light arepas texture. Service is great and quick. We waited about 10-15 minutes for our food. The portions are big, we each order one empanada and one arepas and walked out stuffed. This is definitely my go to place when I'm in the mood for empanadas. read more

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The hubs and I came here after someone I know visited Venezuela and was telling me about some of the food they ate. I love that Denver has so many international food options and wasn't surprised to find the Empanada Express Grill. We started out with the fried plantains and cheese. The cheese, which there was a lot of, came out sprinkled over the plantains and wasn't melted. I really enjoy plantains and this was no exception. Crispy with a little cheese dipped in a spicy pink sauce and a milder green sauce. Wanting to try both an arepa and an empanada, I ordered a black bean and plantain arepa and a pork and plantain empanada. The hubs got a pork and plantain arepa and a meat and potato empanada. I don't know how he does it almost every time we go out, and it annoys me, but I liked his two dishes better! The arepa is a corn cake stuffed with whatever you want. It isn't exploding with flavor so plain black beans wasn't too exciting for me. Pork though - whole different yummy story. The plain corn is a nice foil to the pork. The empanadas were crispy on the outside and perfectly doughy on the inside. The meat and potatoes reminded me of a yummy stew stuffed into dough and fried. Next time I will go meat all the way. And on a side note we ordered the passion fruit juice which tasted a little watered down for my preference and the pineapple juice which was perfectly sweet. You can guess who ordered which of course! read more

Super tasty arepa machaca and a lalo milkshake. My arepa was perfect. Beef, peppers, egg mixture in corn. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arepa for more about arepas. Service was friendly. They obviously care about the food. Atmosphere is minimal. They just opened at the beginning of 2011 and clearly did not spend excessively on decor. Minus a star for: 1. Lack of Polar beer (actually lack of any beer) 2. Lack of Wi-Fi. read more

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I usually am a very hard critic when I go to Venezuelan restaurants because I am Venezuelan and I want authentic taste. This restaurant did not disappoint, I got the pabellon and it was SO good! The arepa was good, rice was good, beans were good and the shredded beef was so good, everything was great! I also got mango juice and that was great as well! The service could've been a little better but I will be back, can't beat their authentic Venezuelan food! read more

Empanada Express Grill - Empanadas Near Me - Denver, Colorado

The pork and avocado arepa was amazing! I had a wonderful waitress who helped me today and was really friendly and helpful. I only wish they had an option to get a few arepas in one meal because they were so good. Also I like spice and it wasn't very spicy. Very clean! I would like to come again to try all the Venezuelan drink options. read more

The rice is so light and fluffy. Phenomenal! I had the rajas and cheese empanada. I was very impressed. This place is a hidden gem. Really delicious!!! read more

I am Venezuelan and unfortunately this is far from authentic Venezuelan cuisine. The restaurant should probably hire a chef and back of house staff who are from Venezuela. I have never seen so much cheese wasted where it should not be. The arepas were literally soggy and tequenos small an irregular. If you are looking for an authentic Venezuelan restaurant, look somewhere else. read more

Purely delicious and filling empanadas. They are huge, so though they are pricey the portion size makes up for it. They have a few great vegetarian options - Our favorites were the raja and the domino. Will definitely need to order here again! read more

Wow! I've been eating empanadas from another restaurant till today. Today I convinced my spouse to try another spot and I am thankful we did. These empanadas are incredible! We usually have 4 from another place but these are large and made amazingly like my grandmother's own empanadas. 2 is enough but get more to save for later ! read more

This is probably my New favorite place in Denver. My boyfriend and I came here for the first time today and were so impressed with the service, quality and taste of the food and prices. I will be coming back very soon! I ordered the pavellon criollo empanada and was to die for! read more

Empanada Express Grill - Pavellon criollo empanada with fried yuca - Empanadas Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Easily my most favorite spot in the neighborhood. Not pretentious, fresh delicious food and SUPER gracious service. This type of locally run restaurant is a rare gem. Don't miss it! Not fancy but full Of soul!!!! read more

After having a great Venezuela meal in Vancouver, we had high expectation for this place. We ordered an empanada plate and a traditional Venezuela plate that include pulled beef, fried plantains rice and beans. The food tastes like leftover from either lunch of dinner from last night. It's not bad but not very fresh either. The flavor was kinda bland. And I had better beans at home. The service was just OK. We got there 30 minutes before it closed, and everything was slowing down, as well as the waiting staff. The only highlight of that experience was that the guanabana juice was refreshing. read more

Soooo good!!! They have a Vegetarian selection which is nice. I got the black bean & avocado Arepa and the egg& plantains Arepa and they were both amazing. My friend got an empanada that I tried and it was really good too... but the COFFEE! the coffee was really good. It comes already mixed with milk and sugar and it's PERFECT. Not too sweet, not too bland. Nothing super fancy, just a great cup of coffee. ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT THE SALSA!!!!! It's not hot, but has a ton of flavor!! I brought extra home!!! So good!! read more

Empanada Express Grill - Empanadas Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Yum! Food was delicious. I had the shredded beef empanada and my husband had the fish one. We'll be back!

This place is so good it should be illegal! Lol I got the carnitas empanada. It is filled with perfectly seasoned shredded pork and cheese. The crust is fried thoroughly, leaving it with a crunchy bite. So glad I work very close to it! read more

Empanada Express Grill - Carnita Empanada - Empanadas Near Me - Denver, Colorado

We would give 6 stars if we could! Loved everything we ate here tonight, plus the service was really quick. They were so nice, and we liked it so much we ordered more to take home with us. read more

One of my favorite places to eat in Denver!!! I get the empanaditas appetizer wayyy too often. I always take people visiting Denver to get their food. Everything on their menu is delicious! I highly recommend read more

We go here anytime we have a show at The Oriental. Love this place. The aripa is my fav. Along with the appetizer that is corn cake with cheese on it. I don't know what the naming the sauces are but I like both. This place has the best empanadas in town. Lots of meat in them too. read more

Been going here for a long time and really enjoy there food. My last two times that I have order food I have had horrible service. Either orders are wrong there rude thru the phone. Idk what needs to be done but the two new young girls that they have working there need to be train better or get someone who cares about good customer service. Won't be going here anymore. read more

A true gem! Thank goodness this place is still in this bougie neighborhood. The cheese and avocado empanada is my favorite. My husband swears by the chicken salad empanada. I tried the sweet plantains last time we were in and was pleasantly surprised. The green and red salsas are very tasty and not overly hot. Cheap, good quality, consistent food. I hope this place can make it in the neighborhood because it's the best little spot on Tennyson. Never a wait (thankfully) and under appreciated. read more

The empanadas are good (aside from not having your traditional Venezuelan sauces to go with it is strange), but please note this food is not authentic Venezuelan, it has the style but it is not the same flavor nor traditional plates. I would just take to go empanadas if i have the craving. read more

Don't let the oddly generic name full you, this place serves up some tasty (and what I can only assume is wildly unhealthy) dishes. The mango shake was unbelievable - order this first. The empanadas were puffy, and more of a crispy-fried finish than the doughier Argentinian style, but very delicious. Tostones were great as well, and the other side dishes were solid (but not quite as good.) Knocking down a star only because it took a few minutes before someone greeted us, and it seemed they tried making up for some of the less impressive sides by just sprinkling tons of cheese on it. Absolutely recommend though! read more

Delicious!! Exactly like what my Venezuelan grandma used to make, if I had a Venezuelan grandma. One bite and I am hooked. The empanada came out piping hot and so very fresh. They are so big we had to share... and then go back for another. Can't wait to come back. read more

Holy guacamole! The empanadas here are big. Big and delicious. So are the arepas. I order one of each and had the empanada for lunch one day and took the arepa home for lunch the next. Though I also had a side of plantains so as a stand alone item you may need more than one to constitute a meal. Empanadas are a fried turnover with fillings. My choice had black beans and white cheese only, but there are over a dozen choices for fillings. Arepas are small corn cakes stuffed with something on the inside. Mine had carnitas, white cheese, and avocado. There are aso about a dozen options for this filling choice. I'd take two more right now if I could have them. Oh wait, I can if I just get myself up to the Highlands. Guess I better stop writing now then... Oh, one last tip - you can eat in or get your food to go. If you eat in be prepared for very casual dining in a rather small space. And try one of the juices - so good! read more

Next to the Oriental Theater you'll find an all too overlooked eatery known as Empanada Express Grill. The word "express" is stuck in there to be ironic, but more on that later. Empanada Express Grill (EEG) sells Venezuelan food. Besides being rich in oil and democratically elected despots, Venezuela also apparently is home to some amazingly delicious food! I went for the Taste of Venezuela, a combination plate with an empanada, arepa (sort of a cheese and meat filled corn-based puffy thing), tequeno (really amazing cheese sticks, basically), chachapa (another variation on the corn pancake, but not stuffed), and a fried plaintain. Everything on this bountiful plate of wonder was magical, especially the plethora of fried things. Also, and this surprised me, there seemed to be a lot of eggs used in general from each item. How long does it take to prepare such a feast? About 45 minutes, because my server was also training the lone cook. It took a full 30 minutes for me to get a papaya juice, but that's okay, because it too was amazing. I waddled away feeling happy. read more