Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Island Empanada

    3.8 (142 reviews)
    ModerateEmpanadas
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order Island Empanada Takeout or Delivery

    Island Empanada Photos

    You might also consider

    More like Island Empanada

    Recommended Reviews - Island Empanada

    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

    Yony C.

    Me gustaría expresar mi insatisfacción con el servicio recibido en este establecimiento. La persona que nos atendió mostró una actitud muy pobre y soberbia al abordar nuestra inquietud sobre un pedazo de plástico encontrado en una empanada. A pesar de que era visible, no se tomó ninguna medida para abordar la situación hasta se burlaron. NO LES RECOMIENDO ESTE ESTABLECIMIENTO.

    Asian Chicken Empanada and plastic!

    Plastic in my empanada that wasn't even the correct empanada. Pillsbury Doughboy at the counter was rude and disrespectful once brought to his attention. Poor customer service. Do not recommend Rundown dining room with no heat, so don't think about dining in!

    Menu
    Sayeeda A.

    The staff was kind and friendly. The restaurant was clean and cozy. The reason for the low rating is because their empanadas are super salty. This was my second time picking up food from them. The first time I ordered the empanadas last year, they were very salty. I thought I would give them another try since we like supporting local small businesses. But the empanadas were super salty again. And the chicken empanadas had a weird smell to it :( the spinach and feta ones were the only ones that were decent and not salty. The rice and beans were good too. The side sauces are good too. A little less salt in the empanada fillings would make a big difference!

    Latin Shrimp empanada
    Gail B.

    There are 30 flavors of empanada here. Employees say that the most popular "dinner" empanadas are the beef, chicken and pork. I ordered the Latin Shrimp. Each empanada is served with green or red sauce. According to employees, the green sauce is comprised of cilantro, garlic and jalapeño; and the red sauce is made from habanero peppers and tomatoes. Each empanada costs $3.49. I was told that the most popular dessert is the Oreo empanada, so I ordered that. It cost me $$3.69, and it was delicious. The Oreos melted to a chocolate lava. There were foods other than empanadas to choose from, such as sweet plantains, chicken wings and stuffed mashed potatoes. I will try a few of them the next time I come back, which will likely be next month due to dietary constraints. The service is good, too. The only thing preventing me from giving Island Empanada five stars is the lack of advertised low-fat menu choices. Employees say that baked empanadas are available only upon request.

    Love these girls
    Ellisha H.

    Every time I am in the area,I stop in for a snack.The staff is super nice and fun.There are many different tasty filling options.My personal favorite is chorizo potato.Always very flavorful and fresh!Parking is easy and service is fast.

    Green cilantro based medium sauce and the spicier (perhaps habanero?) red sauce.
    Josh G.

    Update! Well, it's not the update I was entirely hoping for. Island Empanada has become a favorite of mine in the quicker food options of the Medford area and though I haven't swung by in a while, I had time to mull over my feelings about the place. And so, I was totally ready to come and slap a five star review on this spot...but then there were a few misdemeanors that kept it at a four this past visit. First off, the prices have gone up a tick. There's a little sign informing customers about increased labor costs so I'll give it to IE on this one, plus the empanadas are still worthy of the price, and then some. Secondly (though out of order), this was the first time that one of my empanadas was incorrect. My girlfriend wanted a chicken bacon ranch and instead got spicy cheese. That's one of her favorites anyway, but you can't overlook the error, especially due to price difference. Lastly, the employees there have always seemed friendly and helpful, though for whatever reason, the woman that ended up taking my order had an attitude as though I was doing her a disservice by being there. Somewhere between the impatient body language while I ordered, the way she threw the empty box to be filled on the counter, the inconsistent asking of sauces (she asked the customer before me, but not I) and the continuation of some attitude when I requested a few of said sauces rubbed me the wrong way. Here's hoping we don't cross paths again. But in the end, I do love this place. I love the colorful Puerto Rican mural on the wall. I love the variety of empanadas, making it possible to try something different almost every time (new favorite: chipotle beef and sweet plantains). I love each tiny crusty crescent, especially when dipped in some of those aforementioned sauces, the mild green cilantro-based one or the spicier red sauce. I heart Island Empanada! Overall, this trip wasn't the experience I had previously, fully enjoyed (and was hoping for), but IE still knows a thing or two about making some awesomely delicious empanadas. I'll be back again soon enough in hopes that that illusive final star can fill out my true feelings on the place. Until then, try it out for yourself, and hopefully you experience all the love (no hate) in this review.

    Chris Z.

    Nice change from the usual fare ....empanadas come either fried or baked, both are just as yummy! While the standard beef are delicious, be adventurous and try the corned beef and potato (limited time only) or the spicy cheese for a real treat. Worth the trip! Back again, had a bacon cheeseburger empanada...,surprised at how tasty it was...not salty at all as many things with "bacon" added can be. Tried the Cuban sandwich as well this time out and, having had many Cuban sandwiches through the years, this was one of the best, by far! Been here several times, and it's not close to me either, and have not been disappointed in any way!...wish I could give 4.5 stars...as just 4 is a little short of where it should be!

    See all

    4 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Roy P.

    Roy P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Danielle K.
    158
    142
    408

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Roy P.

    Roy P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Love the empanadas & quick service. Always consistent and even better the next day heated up.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gail B.
    262
    512
    2968

    6 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 18
    Thanks 0
    Love this 16
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Josh G.
    468
    990
    12311

    9 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Evan C.
    2339
    984
    9688

    7 years ago

    Helpful 51
    Thanks 0
    Love this 57
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 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

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    I have been here a few times and have nothing but good things to say. I live in Levittown and go out of my way for their food

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Island Empanada

    Is thi place mexican or Puerto Rican?

    Our empanadas in both Ronkonkoma and Medford locations are Puerto Rican style

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Island Empanada

    Ordered the Latin shrimp, chipotle beef, and chipotle chicken empanadas with yellow rice.

    Mentioned in 8 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Island Empanada - Shirley - Philly Cheese Steak Empanada

    Island Empanada - Shirley

    3.6(13 reviews)
    7.4 mi

    Honestly I just want to fill this review up with the most beautiful experience I experienced early…read moretoday. I wish I can give this beautiful establishment a 100/100 for their hospitality and food quality. Earlier Today with my experience at Island Empanada, I had to give their 10 empanadas for $37 a try. For the first 5 I choice chipotle beef and for the other 5 I chose the Philly cheesesteak. Both were extremely delectable. The sweet heat of the chipotle beef was amazing. Juicy beef with that oil dripping from it held all together by the thick empanadas dough layer. Locking in all of the flavors and juices. The Philly cheesesteak has to be my favorite. It's like you don't have to go to Philly to try their famous cheesesteak hahaha! Highly recommend trying the empanadas with their signature in house hot sauce! It has a little kick to it but it's nothing overpowering. But folks nothing beats the heat with GEWY CHEESE! You have try their cheese quesadilla! Gewy melt cheesy in a flour tortilla, ya can't beat that! Ever! I would like to give a major shout out to Lucas. A gentleman that was less fortunate than us came into the restaurant and did not have the money to buy something to eat and so without hesitation, Lucas went around the counter and gave their less unfortunate gentleman 3 empanadas and a drink. I found that experience very heroic. Lucas, you have won my heart and I would like you to know that you're doing an amazing job. Thank you for being a gentleman! And a beautiful soul. I will be back over and over !

    I went with my sister-in-law who LOVES this place and can't be in the area without stopping by. We…read morewere having some challenges in our family and came for lunch while between hospital visits with family members. The service was great and we got our food fast (for take out) after ordering. It was yummy and perfect. All of their empanadas are good. You really can't go wrong with any of them.

    Photos
    Island Empanada - Shirley - Dine-in

    Dine-in

    Island Empanada - Shirley - Philly Cheese Steak Empanada

    Philly Cheese Steak Empanada

    Island Empanada - Shirley - Lunch!

    See all

    Lunch!

    Catalina's Bake Shop - Catalina's recreation of it! So amazing!

    Catalina's Bake Shop

    4.8(39 reviews)
    19.0 mi

    I stopped in to Catalina's Bake Shop over the weekend to pick up a cake for my best friend's…read morebirthday. It was a cute space with many wonderful baked goods, drinks, and even empanadas. I wanted a funfetti cake and the one they had readily available had lovely sunflowers on it. The woman working was so sweet and put some writing on the cake for me. The 6" cake was about $50 dollars which seemed a bit high, but I think its pretty standard for a bakery. The cake itself was very moist and absolutely delicious and I would give it an A+. The cake I purchased for her birthday from another local bakery last year was really dry, so I was pleasantly surprised by this cake. The buttercream frosting was where I felt the cake fell a bit short. It tasted like pure unsalted butter and had almost no sweetness to it, so we ended up just eating the cake center and leaving the frosting. Unfortunate for an expensive cake but based on the other reviews I'm wondering if it was just a one time error. I don't think I would get another cake from there, but the rest of the baked goods and empanadas looked awesome so I will definitely be bake to try those!

    I tried the chicken empanada and beef empanada. The beef empanada reminds me of the exact flavor of…read morethis Chinese pork bun we have in my culture. Really loved the beef empanada paired with the green sauce!

    Photos
    Catalina's Bake Shop - Pastries - Fruit tart, Lemon Meringue and Chocolate

    Pastries - Fruit tart, Lemon Meringue and Chocolate

    Catalina's Bake Shop
    Catalina's Bake Shop - Alfajores

    See all

    Alfajores

    Taco Island Mexican Cantina - Island Shrimp Taco

    Taco Island Mexican Cantina

    4.4(113 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    Had a great late lunch while at Taco Island Mexican Cantina. Very cool looking restaurant with fun…read morepaintings and even a cool looking bathroom for your mirror selfies lol. I had the island tacos and the shrimp was very good and crispy. I also tried the birria tacos which had a little bit of a kick that I enjoyed. They give you complimentary chips and sauces-my favorites were the poblano and chipotle sauces. At the end, the worker gave us complimentary churros which were very great! All in all, it was an awesome lunch and I would definitely recommend it. I would post a picture but I ate first, not my phone lol.

    This was so delicious and I'm mad I didn't try it sooner! I ordered off UberEats, but I would…read moredefinitely dine-in next time. I ordered three different tacos. Island Shrimp, Avocado and crunch taco. Each was very yummy and the garnish paired very well that each taco had. Very fresh! It's hard to say which one I liked more as each was not only unique in flavor, but was also a generous portion. I was also given four different sauces. Sour cream, salsa verde, chipotle crema, and hot sauce. Each sauce was also delicious!! Definitely tasted homemade and not out of a jar. It paired well which the chips I was given. This really was a delicious meal! I am definitely in a food coma right now and I can't wait to dine-in and had more delicious food!

    Photos
    Taco Island Mexican Cantina - Gordo Fiesta Catering

    Gordo Fiesta Catering

    Taco Island Mexican Cantina - Churros Sundae 
Vanilla Ice Cream, Warm Churros, Chocolate Drizzle

    Churros Sundae Vanilla Ice Cream, Warm Churros, Chocolate Drizzle

    Taco Island Mexican Cantina - Fish Tacos

    See all

    Fish Tacos

    Island Empanada - empanadas - Updated May 2026

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