Cheap eats, simple decor and delicious empanadas. Wish it was in a more convenient location for me because I'd eat there more often ;)

I wanted to try this place after all the hype from several co-workers. I was very disappointed!!! The empanadas were frozen and tasted like so. When you bit into the empanada it was like opening a bag of potato chips...it was half empty. The yellow rice was undercooked and hard. read more

used to absolutely love this place with dependable and delicious empanadas. I don't know what happened...last few times I've been there the empanadas are old, cold, and dry. Yesterday at 130, there were only five very sad looking empanadas available. I bought three and all three were awful. They had obviously been made a long time ago read more

Beef empanada had absolutely no flavor yet tasted horrible all at the same time. The meat inside seemed like it was seasoned with just water, it was so watery. No color or flavor whatsoever. I blame the cooks not the owner. I'm really hoping his cooking is better, because that was nasty. read more

Not good for me. Got dried old food. Tried and never went back. Read a great review and wanted to have a treat.

Empanda Guy was my first experience with Empanadas. I enjoy the beef ones the most. I like to buy extra to reheat in the toaster the next day. I tried the chicken once before, but I prefer beef. The apple pie empanada is pretty good too. I've also tried the Yucca balls which I enjoyed as well. I'm definitely a fan of this place. Not the healthiest of foods, but the empanadas are cheap and an easy snack especially if you're on the go! read more

I LOVE the Empanada Guy! I've had empanadas before but these take the cake. They aren't greasy and its great to see that they have a beef Empanada with no cheese! All of the employees at the restaurant and on their food trucks are very friendly and prompt. I highly recommended the pulled pork Empanada, so good. read more

Owner was very nice! Two employees unfortunately were not, very rude. Might have been upset I was there for 11 am when they opened, in any case did not make me feel comfortable being there. On top of that the rice in the rice and beans side was hard and almost inedible. And the beef and chicken empanadas were nothing like the ones I'm used to (I'm Dominican), didn't like them very at all. A shame! read more

Food is great - when they remember to give it you. The first time I ordered, a side order was forgotten. I let it go because the food was so good and we are all human. The second order, 2 sides were forgotten! I called and told the girl the issue and her response was "not to be rude but I remember putting them in." Well, she didn't. So there was that. And here I am, writing this review on location where two people are serving a long line of angry customers and look disheveled. Shame on the management for putting their staff in this situation. I placed my online order in at 5:15 PM and here I am at 5:45 pm being given an apology because it was not started. Funny since their confirmation email told me to pick it up at 5:35. If the food wasn't great, I would have given it one star. read more

This place is the best. We went at 7:30 not knowing they closed at 8. A friend and I sat gabbing while we ate until 8:30. The guy was so sweet he came in the dining room and commented on the tv program. We suddenly realized we were the only ones there and asked if they closed. He said no problem no rush. We quickly got up as to not hold them up and he offered us a few extra empanadas. Great service and awesome food read more

Stood in line for 30 minutes at the food truck festival in Atlantic City ! The line was ridiculously long so I figured that meant amazing food! I got the pulled pork empanada and my boyfriend tried the crab empanada. My empanada was overfilled with dry meat which had a strong smell to it. My boyfriend hated his too, he said it tasted like it came out straight out of the can. We spent over $10 for two bites then in to the trash it went! Wish they would of had that great sazón! Failed to deliver today! read more

Always a fan..thank god they are down at Sandy Hook......They really make the customers happy and the prices are reasonable ..Not like the others down there! I have the beef empanadas all the time.....always deeeeelicisious read more

Guava and cheese empanadas are amazing. Great prices and they serve sweet plantains as well. Super friendly staff. Stoked to have found such a yummy empanada spot. My family and I ordered chicken, beef, ham and cheese, guava and cheese and an apple cinnamon empanada with a side of plantains. Safe to say we taste tested read more

Empanada Guy - Guava and cheese - Empanadas Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

the owner is only concerned with texting on his phone and not interested in the customers. the food is ok and the empanadas are greasy. i would try lalas puerto rican food truck in old bridge, it the best food i have ever had. the owners of lalas are the nicest people and make you feel like family. PS I received a defensive, sarcastic and unprofessional response to this review telling me to stop hating. read more

There are ample parking spaces available because they are located in a strip mall. There was only one person handling the ordering, cooking, serving and cashiering. She was friendly and cheerful. The place was laid out in a manner where we approach the counter, give our orders and pick them up when they are ready. I noticed that there is a small section of the restaurant that has a small sofa, a tv and a few tables at which it can be closed off for big groups. The problem I have are the products they are selling. I came for empanadas because hey, this is Empanada guy, who makes delicous empanadas. But alas, it was a disappointment. For starters, looking at their empanada as a whole: fried golden brown, crust seemed flakey, sizing looked ok, smell was good. But when you bite/cut into them....it goes ppffftttt!!!! like a flat tire and they leave a greasy mark on you. I can honestly say that Empanada Guy's empanadas are full of hot air....literally! You be the judge in the several photos I have taken. For the price of $3.00 each for Beef and cheese empanadas, $5.00 for crab while $6.00 each for lobster, it surely does not warrant the cost. It seemed that they only put a tablespoon of filling in each empanada. The photo of an empanada in their website is misleading to the public. Their actual product is complete opposite of the one featured in their website. I hope they do something and improve on them because I want to see them succeed in their venture. I have eaten better empanadas, I also have made them. Sorry, but I'm not giving my recommendation to others, and sadly this is my first and last visit with them. read more

See all

I was very disappointed. I really wanted to like this place. I work in Elizabeth NJ and have had some really really good empanadas. Well these were not good. I had beef, chicken, pulled pork and yuca fritter. The chicken one tasted like a chicken pot pie. It was mushy inside and had no Spanish flavor at all. The beef one was also mushy inside a little more flavorful but not much. And the pulled pork one was ok. The yuca fritter was strange and not good if it wasn't for the garlic oil they give you it was terrible. That was the first and last for me. Guess I'll have to get all my empanadas in Elizabeth read more

Empanadas are flavorless and lackluster at best. I don't think anyone really wants a soggy empanada and that seems to be exactly what they deliver. For $9 I was able to purchase 2 and a drink. Its a sad day when a fountain soda is better then the meal read more

I'm going through the reviews on here and I am SHOCKED. Some people said they didn't enjoy their food. There is this little authentic Puerto Rican restaurant close by and I've had their empanadas. They were dry and flavorless. I was disappointed. Not even a week later, I went to this Empanada Guy and OMG they were soooo good. The beef empanada has SOOOO much flavor and just the right amount of spiciness. He's great for when my Grandfather is away in Puerto Rico and he can't make me my empanadas. The empanada guy is great. I also had his steak platter. My boyfriend said that it tasted just like his Peruvian restaurant that he loves to go too. Empanada Guy is amazing. Don't listen to these negative reviews. read more

So I'm staying in NJ for the next 6 months and was craving Puerto Rican food. Thank you Yelp for making the suggestion to visit Empanada Guy. The price is right and the food is great. Family oriented ambiance. read more

I have had a few empanadas and I feel that they are skimping on portions. The lobster roll was awful, and it was double the price of the regular empanadas. I was also charged tax from one girl, but the owner charged me a straight $3.00. Why is that? The ham and cheese had one slice of ham and cheese read more

Very good food and reasonable prices make this a great value. Food: First off, the empanda shells are very good. I tried the cheese, chicken and chorizo. The chorizo being my favorite so far. I also tried the lobster and thought it was a bit fishy. But to be fair, I am not really a lobster guy. Price: Great value. Service: You order at the counter and you either take it back to the table yourself or they bring it to you, depending if the empanads have already been made. But don't worry even if they are ready to go, they are still hot. Atmosphere: Basically it's a glorified take-out place with about 10 tables. The staff is very friendly. Drinks: BYOB. I will return! ---- And so I did. This time I had the Cuban sandwich. I didn't like the cheese or the ham or the pork, the bread wasn't special, and it was too dry. But I will be back for those empanadas. read more

So I would like to say that the food here is good. The staff is friendly but unfortunately I have been to this location three separate times over the span of the year and not once have they gotten my order correct. Every time we have been there we have ordered the Apple cinnamon empanada and not once have we ever received it. We have however received a pork empanada which was good but not at all we ordered. It's very strange that the same mistake would be done three times over the span of about 13 months but that is why we unfortunately will not be returning. read more

I came here thinking this was a unique place. It was totally disappointing. The enpanadas were terrible, the rice and beans even worse with out any flavor. I do not recommend this place. Avoid this this place. read more

I wouldnt eat here again... For a restaurant that is labeled empanada guy, YOU HAVE 1 JOB!!!!! Chicken empanada was greasy dry and soggy, chorizo one was filled with some disgusting puree bean mixture... never again, i had such high hopes and was let down... read more

Found out about this place when I received local coupons in the email. Didn't realize this is in our neighborhood ! Hubs and I went here for lunch. We ordered a Yuca Fritter, Chorizo Empanada, Cheese Empanada and Shrimp with Cilantro on Garlic Rice. The Yuca Fritter was great but it was very small. The empanadas were good but the chorizo was my favorite. The star of the show was the shrimp entree. OMG! The rice was a bit oily but it was infused with garlic and the shrimp was cooked perfectly! Service is real friendly and the place is cute. The whole place is painted red. Heard that they have food trucks and the 3rd one will be in Hoboken. Will definitely try when I see them! Will definitely return! I told my daughter about this place and she said she wants to go! :) read more

Bought food there tonight, the empanadas were ok but the beef stew was nothing but rice and beans with one small piece of meat.... the chicken tacos were ok! Person forgot one of my sides. not worth the expensive price for fast food. Better restaurants in Freehold especially for Mexican food - but they had good reviews and seen one of the founders on food network and figured giving it a try... once was more than enough for me read more

Cuban sandwich was amazing! Bread was perfect blend of crunchy crust and moist center with gooey cheese and perfectly flavored pork and mustard. Empanadas were the highlight (as the name implies). Soft towards the center and crisp outer crust. Want more! read more

F$%# this place. They have the most random hours...it's 5 pm I go on the website and order food and get charged the money. I drive there, and THEY ARE CLOSED. This is actually the 3rd time this has happened this year. Who closes on a friday at 4pm? It's expensive and the website stinks and is a lot of work to place an order. read more

I've eaten thousands of Empanadas in my lifetime and I will say, this guy has it. I love the beef and chicken. My wife loves the crab and lobster. Prices are fair and service has always been friendly. You may even get a freebie. My only gripe is I wish one of their food trucks was permanently parked outside my home. ;-) read more

Awesome $3 empanadas! Fast, crispy, and hot. Mixed up three different ones for lunch and it was delicious (chicken, beef, and chorizo). They also have 3 different sauces to try on the side (free of charge). read more

I'm usually so-so on empanada's but these were so savory and delicious. Went to the Alba Vineyard food truck fest with friends and we tried something from nearly every truck there. Best meal we had. The chicken had unbeatable flavor, the beef was great and the chorizo was good as well. We bought 4 different "meals" from the trucks and got to this one last... wayyyy last as we were so full and had to wait. And even cold these were moan-quality. read more

This is the moistest empanada I've ever had! I had the chicken, delicate shell, moist chicken, very flavorful. I'll be back to try the rest of the menu! read more

The empanadas are good. We've had the cheese, beef, lobster, Mexican chorizo and chicken. The shells are soft and crispy, never greasy. The best are cheese, beef and chicken. The others although tasty did not have much meat. The sweet plaintains are good; didn't like the yuca too much. I do suggest calling to make sure they're open. We went once after checking their hours in Facebook and it was closed when we got there. read more

Empanadas are just ok. They are moving to quantity over quality. And the "guy" in "empanada guy" is a full of himself. Walked right by the diners without so much as a hello. read more

Empanadas para todo la familia! As a last minute food run, we found our new little treasure chest of flavor in Freehold. When I asked the gentleman sitting at the table if they were still opened, I laughed when I realized it was the owner pictured on the wall who replies, "I can pull a few strings, I know a few people here!" Nonetheless, we enjoyed many bites of deliciousness...thanks for staying open for us! Our go to place now...fresh, tasty food. Crab empanadas are delish! We'll be back... read more

Empanadas were good, I went with the chorizo, chicken and beef. Sauces were also good. Look out for the food trucks!

This review is of the Freehold Raceway Mall location. Decided to try the food court location at 7:30PM on a Thursday evening. The food took a very long time to be "dumped" in a bag and the counter person mentioned that they threw a few extra empanadas in since it wads the end of the day - the mall closes at 9:30PM. One bite and I could tell they just served me day old empanadas, they were the consistency of cardboard with next to no filling inside & the filling was extremely dry and flavorless. If you're too lazy to make fresh food until closing time then don't stay open, for that matter don't have a location in the mall! read more

Learned about this business from receiving a coupon in the mail. Was excited because we are always looking to try new and flavorful food! We tried the chicken, beef, chorizo, and cheese empanadas. My favorite was the beef.. My husband enjoyed the chicken and we both agreed we wouldn't get the cheese again. The shell was very good but we felt they could be stuffed with more meat/filling. Good food for decent price. I returned again but they were closed! ( Mondays) ugh I returned again but they were closed for construction! Got frustrated and haven't been back. Worth trying just make sure they are open :) read more

Saw the empanada truck on 516 and went to try them at the restaurant in Freehold this weekend. It was a bit of a fire but well worth it! We drive past it at first, but it's inside the strip mall next to the Manhattan Bagel. We tried the chicken, beef, cheese, and apple cinnamon. All were delicious and some of the best I've ever had!! The crust was amazingly light and crispy, not grease and heavy like some other places I've had them. I was surprised by how flavorful up the cheese filled empanada was...my daughter loved eating just the cheese alone! We also had the fried yucca fritters. Again so delicious and none of the food felt too heavy. The ladies at the counter were incredibly friendly too. Great food, great service! I highly recommend! read more

My wife, eight-year-old daughter, and I tried the Empanada Guy after reading about the food trucks in the News Transcript and learning they had a Freehold location. I had the Beef and Chorizo empanadas. They were both really good. The shells were exceptional. My wife had the chicken and beef and liked both although she liked the beef more. My daughter really liked the cheese one. We liked the Yuca balls. I was expecting them to be spiced a little more, but they were still good. Because they were less spiced, my daughter really liked them. My wife and I split an Apple Cinnamon one and both said it was like apple pie in an empanada. Overall, we found the food very good and a good value. We will be eating here again. read more