Like a lot of food establishments on the UES, everyone is getting delivery and if you walk in and try to dine in, your food order takes longer than the stacks of pickups that are being churned out even if you're getting something super simple like a small container of rice and beans. The dine in folks are never prioritized. I have enjoyed shakes, rice and bean combos, veggie and meat empanadas here. Today's service felt off because the air-conditioning wasn't working inside and it was at least 10 degrees hotter inside than the hot sidewalk. The middle-aged cashier/attendant had a hearing issue or was slow on the pickup because they entered my order incorrectly on the cash register and made me repeat everything 1-2 times (what? what?) or speak louder than I typically would. The food itself was fine but the avocado shake I ordered was not tasty at all. I am not sure if it was added ingredients, the quality of the avocado itself, the lack of ice or cold water in the mix but it was undrinkable. I asked for a refund because it tasted SO horrible I did not want another sip and the cashier gave me a look like that wouldn't be possible so I asked for ice but there was no saving the terrible shake. I returned to ask for a refund and you would think that I asked for something never heard before. The cashier said that I can step away because this is going to take awhile. They texted and called a manager and after awhile returned to tell me they couldn't reach that person. I don't understand why they can't issue refunds at point of sale. You have my credit card and the transaction number. After a longer wait, I finally insisted on some method of resolution and they gave me cash back. I generally like their food and would like to support this place but today was an off putting experience. read more

For $12 and change for an empanada and fruit milkshake, I actually was fuller than I expected to be. The light meal wasn't as light as I thought and that's a good thing. The empanada is thin, crispy shell served piping hot and stuffed with meat and cheese while the shake was thick, refreshing and perfectly tart. Service was efficient and the place was clean and bright, perfect for looking out the window and people watching. read more

Empanada Mama - Jerk & cheese empanada, passion fruit shake (batido de maracuyá) - Empanadas Near Me - New York, New York

Great option for to-go. Prices are reasonable and so many great options to choose from. I don't know how they do so many different types this well but they make it happen. Definitely more of a to-go spot. read more

Empanada Mama - Viagra - Empanadas Near Me - New York, New York

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Tonight was my first time ever trying Empenada Mama. I was getting home late and this was on my way back. I took my food to go. I got home, plated my food, and was genuinely impressed. They gave me a red hot sauce and a green. I loved both but green was my favorite. The shredded chicken empenadas were soooooo good. read more

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Empanada mama is a classic. A classic! I had them from time to time growing up. There is a wide variety of empanadas you can get, from classic and authentic to more modern/fusion/experimental. It's hard for me to choose because I always want to pick like 7 different kinds. Their brazilian is one of my favorites, and whichever one has oxtail and another with olives - SO GOOD! if you're in the mood for a whole entree you won't go wrong with their pollo guisado - the chicken is SO freaking tender and those potatoes are so savory and soak up all that flavor. WOW. Like, lowkey a sleeper hit! They're also open late. A really really welcome to the Upper East Side, a dose of authentic culture and delicious food in an otherwise relative food-desert neighborhood. Thank you Empanada mama!! read more

Empanada Mama - Empanadas Near Me - New York, New York

Stopped here after a party in Bk travelling back to the Bx. These empanadas never fail. Ordered 2 bourbon chicken melt, 1 buffalo chicken & a ginger ale. Customer service was good. They definitely fill these empanadas to the maximum. I was only able to eat one & a quarter that night. Saved the other one for lunch a few days later. These are sooo good. read more

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At first taste, the empanadas are super tasty and warm. However, they are super deep fried and hurt my stomach shortly afterwards. I'd recommend this establishment if you're fine with the repercussions of deep fried food. I had the hamburger, guava and cheese, and the pizza empanadas. They were all explosions of flavor. This restaurant is more of a carry out location. There's a couple of high top indoor seating available. I received food efficiently. Service was fine. Restaurant is overall casual. Overall, I wouldn't return unless I wanted to eat some fast food after an evening of drinking to be quite honest. read more

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The cheese and spinach emp is virtually all cheese. It's a gooey mess that quickly breakdown the crust so that your fingers are covered in grease and all you just want to get rid of it and tell all your friends "DO NOT go in there". As well, It took them a good 15 minutes to produce it. read more

Took some time to get the food so I do recommend ordering ahead for pick up if in a rush. The place was busy and the food was amazing. We got only empanadas, the fried wheat dough. Our favorite was the el jefe which is more like Argentine (says Brazilian). read more

I stumbled upon this gem going home from work. Looked very clean and I use to go all the way in queens by the mall to get em. So this was convenient to say the least. I ordered 4 empanada reggaeton which is Pernil, rice and beans it was seasoned so well and full of meat. Top that green sauce and baby my taste buds were doing the Bachata lol. As you can see it didn't make it home. I also got the pernil, pepperoni, cheeseburger and the Viagra okay I got 5 lol. All seasoned well and full well worth the $4.80 . My two favorite Reggaeton and the Viagra which is crabmeat imitation but good and shrimp. I would definitely come back for those two definitely. If you're a cheeseburger fan I would recommend also but it's very cheesy so just a food for thought. "Pun intended " lol read more

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30 mins left , called 2 times , sent me to answering machine. So I went to the store and the guy is like he's closing the store, 20 mins before closing. Fucking ridiculous. yesterday whoever was in charge should've been there tonight, cause whoever the guy was in charge tonight is a lazy bum.. did not have this issue yesterday... not coming back to this location. Unbelievable.. read more

Ordered from delivery at 7.58 pm. After waited for hours and a half since it still mess outside from snow storm. I decided to canceled wity Grubhub at 9.20 pm. And guessed what!! Delivery guy showed up at 9.45 pm. Take your food back Im no longer want it!! read more

Idk, Empanada Mama is great no matter the location. This is a cute little spot just to get in and out. Love this idea. And El Jefe was amazing...as usual!!! The cherry lemonade was so damn good couldn't even be bothered to take a pic of it! They were so nice here as well. Loved the the service I'll be back! read more

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My partner and I are obsessed with this place. They have so many different flavors to choose from and all of them are so good. Recently, I've started trying the corn empanadas, which are super crispy and delicious -- especially the shredded chicken corn flour one. I also really like the Bombay and the El Jefe. Truly though, you cannot go wrong with a flavor, they're all great. The service is quick and $4-5 for an empanada is very fair. There are a few seats against the wall inside so you can eat there if you'd like, but it's not the cleanest. read more

Empanada Mama - El Jefe and Shredded Chicken Corn Flour - Empanadas Near Me - New York, New York

This place hands down as one of the best empanada spots. I always get the shredded chicken, El jefe, and shredded beef.

Empanada Mama finally opened up on the Upper East Side! They have a wide variety of empanadas to choose from and my goal is to try them all. Each empanada is packed with flavorful filling and the outer shell is baked and crispy. Service was quick and prices were reasonable. There is also an ordering kiosk which helps speed up the ordering process. read more

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I have received multiple orders with missing items from this location. For this reason, I always order for pick up (never for delivery) and always have to check the bag before I leave the place as I anticipate they will mess up the orders or have items missing. The quality of the food varies, sometimes is fresh and excellent tasting other times it has very poor consistency and taste. It is always a hit or miss with this location. Employees seem distracted and don't appear to care much. Being a faithful customer of Empanada Mama for 10 years, I can say this location is extraordinarily subpar compared to quality of the main restaurant in Hell's Kitchen. Disappointing. read more

i thought how good could an empanada be but omg it was rly good thank you mama empanada

Not impressed. I don't like empanadas but my friend loves this place so I played along. I didn't feel comfortable eating the meat so I opted for vegetarian options. I ordered a cheese empanada and the yuca fries. $14 for yuca is a bit excessive even for nyc, this is a store front with literally 4 spots to sit. All of the food was very oily and the empanada oozed grease upon breaking it open. I didn't even eat half of it, it was hard to chew and just very dense. The yuca was ok but amplified with the sour cream and hot sauces. read more

Damn empanada mama, this might be one of the best empanadas i ever had and im so sad i didnt find out about this sooner. I tried 5 different types of empanadas and they were all filled with yummy goodness. The inside was filled with meat. The outside was crispy fresh. read more

The food showed skill while service demonstrated real care. Their service personnel were appropriately present. This place offers fresh, high-quality meals without breaking the bank. The establishment offers intimate seating in a clean environment. This place calls for your prompt attention! read more

i got four because i was feeling big backed so i got the romeo and juliet the bourbon chicken, cuban, and the el jefe. i felt like the romeo and juliet didn't taste the same as it tasted the last time i got it. it was like too much cheese and not enough guava. the others were fine like it was flavorful but not like mhmmmmmmm. oh well. honestly these were pretty expensive empanadas i'm ngl but they filled me up. 3.5 stars! read more

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This spot has won my full affection. Textbook excellence throughout. The menu includes choices for various tastes. Workers maintained speed while showing genuine warmth. My frequent stops here always satisfy my cravings. read more

Service was warm and friendly. Food was very good with interesting spices. Just be a little careful ordering because the traditional cheeses make up a lot of the menu. read more

Good: delivery was quick; food left a lot to be desired. Very bland. I ended up throwing a portion of it out bc it wasn't worth eating

I can't believe I'm new to Empanada Mama. I've now tried 4 different flavors and Viagra and spicy chicken seem to be my favorite. They are super filling, amazingly satisfying, I'll definitely be trying other flavors. read more

Two pieces of empanadas are a meal in itself. 10 pieces catering is a better value. My favorites are the pernil and ground beef. Get the salsa verde. read more

Delicious empanadas with a large variety. I've been going to the one on the west side for many years and i'm extremely excited that they opened one in the neighborhood. Service is really friendly and the best part is they are open late (not much else in the neighborhood is). Highly recommend. read more

The empanandas are filling and not small by any measure! I purchase the spinach and cheese and to my surprise I was pleasantly delighted! I also had the mac & cheese with bacon, but I did not really like that one - im not a bacon fan. All around the menu is extensive so if you want a full meal, this definitely is the place. The meal options are a bit pricey, but can you put a price tag on your tummy? I think not! Bon apetite! read more