Makus Empanadas

1768

2123

15877

2 years ago

As far as Empanadas go, these were just OK. These were not bursting with flavor and they were kind of small. The dough was good, but not great. I like a flakier "shell" so maybe that's why I wasn't a huge fan. OK is just 3 stars. I live in Florida where there are many different kinds of empanadas, and out of all of the ones I've had, these Makus ones were the smallest. The chimichurri sauce was good though. read more

Helpful 45

Thanks 5

Love this 22

Oh no 3

Emma G.

2

42

59

7 months ago

The empanadas and rice&beans were good and the chimichurri was great. I like that they are baked and that they label which empanadas is which. The bacon and cheese empanada didn't have a lot of filling and was pretty hollow. We had to wait 20-30 minutes for our food. The food did come out very hot. We went around lunchtime and it looked like an employee had left for lunch and the other was just on her phone. At Morgan St Food Hall so you just find indoor or outdoor seating. read more

Makus Empanadas - Empanadas and rice and beans - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Adriana P.

8

64

330

2 years ago

This place is a safe place to eat for those in our family with allergies that we trust to eat and we have never had any issues eating here. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about their menu. The food is always yummy and made fresh. There are various empanada flavor options so you are bound to find something that you like. We will definitely be eating here again! read more

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Lilia V.

22

143

590

3 years ago

This is our second time here. Today we ordered a kids meal which consists of an empanada, cookie and a drink. I ordered a pork and chimichurri empanada. The empanadas are small and it can have more flavor. The sauce was very oily. Service is fast but being Colombian my expectations are high. Not sure I will be back.. read more

Makus Empanadas - Kid meal Chicken empanada - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Makus Empanadas - Pork empanada - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Will R.

217

296

2291

3 years ago

I used to like Makus. I want to say this place has been there since Morgan Food Hall first opened. The flavor for the most part remains good but just nothing amazing, especially not for the size and price of each empanada. I feel like the filling is much smaller as well. The sauces aren't free with each empanada (0.75/ small sauce). Didn't quite help that the girl taking my order absolutely didn't feel like serving me or anyone else really. read more

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Garnette J.

2

29

101

2 years ago

I waited in front for about 5 minutes while a worker (alone) stocked and cleaned. I don't know whether she thought I was looking at the menu or what. A gentleman walked up and before he could get his self around the corner to the register I asked for 1 empanada. He rang me up with only saying "we will call you when it is done". I know it is a small place but can I get a thank you or something. At this point another young lady came. I waited in the middle seat for him and about 5 minutes later I received my empanada. It was hot but dry. Was this helpful? Did you love? Or is this a oh no? read more

Makus Empanadas - Building - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Jace S.

283

22

3

2 years ago

If you are a company in the RTP area you should absolutely put Makus on your rotation!!! We have had several catered lunches and they are always top notch. The variation is incredible and the service is unmatched! I HIGHLY recommend the pepperoni or onion and cheese! Light and crispy. Nothing too heavy that you need to take a nap after lunch and of course....Incredibly delicious. Local is best!!!! read more

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Elexis D.

49

318

1765

3 years ago

So, I'm not sure how I felt about this place. They had a "lunch meal" that I ordered. You picked two empanadas which, I am a huge fan of, these breads and a drink. The empanadas were very small, the cheese was good but I ordered a chicken one and I'm not sure if that is what I was given. It was mushy and did not smell like chicken. I eat chicken empanadas all the time and I don't think that what I was given. The little bread bites were tasty but the meal was small. read more

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Lexie M.

0

1

0

10 months ago

The food is always great here and the owners took care of me right away the one time I had an issue with service.

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Amber N.

94

568

3421

3 years ago

The empanada was much smaller than expected. It was nice & crispy on the outside, but unfortunately the beef inside was not good. read more

Makus Empanadas - Beef Empanada, inside - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Cindy C.

370

375

934

5 years ago

I have been here twice now and have enjoyed the food both times. Even though we ordered a pickup order most recently and then drove ~20 minutes home, the empanadas were still hot and fresh. They also have a ton of different options to pick from in terms of the filling, so you are bound to find something that suits your taste. Most recently, we ordered 6 empanadas: beef, chicken, pork chimichurri, ham & cheese, sweet corn, and spinach. All of the empanadas are nicely labeled so you know exactly which one you're eating before biting into it. I really loved the chicken, pork chimichurri, and sweet corn empanadas. On the flip side, I felt that the ham & cheese and spinach empanadas could have used a bit more flavor, and there was also barely any filling in the ham & cheese one. read more

Helpful 3

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Stephanie V.

316

506

19559

4 years ago

We tasted four empanadas with chimichurri sauce. The empanadas have the type pressed into the seam of the empanada pocket. For example, you can see a 'C' imprinted onto the chicken empanada. Tasty and a nice flaky pastry crust. The dipping sauce was a nice touch. It had some kick and spice to go along with the herbs and fresh oil. We had just a small sampling to share and enjoyed what we tasted. read more

Makus Empanadas - Bacon & Cheese Empanada, Pork Chimichurri Empanada, Chicken Empanada, Beef Empanada, Chimichurri Sauce - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Helpful 4

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Na'Shota L.

141

743

5910

2 years ago

Service was very slow and cashier was very confused on what the kitchen was doing. Thank goodness the empanadas were labeled. She was forgetting orders, drinks, silverware, etc. I did not feel well hours after eating here and had not eaten before hand. If I am in the area, I do not think I will return. read more

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Anna L.

6

240

79

2 years ago

I ordered just one empanada. I just wanted to taste them before I bought more. I ordered a ham and cheese. Yes, the server did mention they are small. I'm okay with that, it had more cheese than ham. The flavor could be better. I'll give them another try read more

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Chip R.

680

809

4243

4 years ago

Bottom line: Makus Empanadas are tasty and flavorful, and made for a delicious lunch stop. I would go with the Makus Meal package if you want a bit larger meal instead of the lunch special described but all are tasty regardless of choice. The Deets: I had got to enjoy Makus Empanadas a couple of times over at the food court area of Duke University Medical Center, so when I saw them at Morgan Street Food Hall recently I gave them a visit here for lunch. I am usually drawn to their Makus Meal package with 3 empanadas, 1 side, 1 drink, and 1 sauce. This time, I saw a lunch special that caught my eye...1 order of chipa bread (Latin American small rounded cheese breads), 2 empanadas, 1 sauce, and 1 drink. For my empanadas, I chose the chicken and the sweet corn varieties. When I received the lunch special, it had 5 small balls of the cheese bread, my choice of empanadas, my choice of chimichurri sauce, and my Diet Coke in a plastic bottle (see my pic taken for reference). I liked the cheesy bread balls, but there are only 5 so it's not for larger appetites. The empanadas themselves are very tasty, and actually I loved the sweet corn even better than my stand-by chicken I usually get for empanadas. Both had great taste and very flavorful without being spicy (again, not into spicy foods myself). These type of empanadas made at Makus are more of a baked dough casing instead of deep fried, and I like both types/styles honestly. I think though even though the lunch special was a good deal, I would rather go back to selecting the Makus Meal package in the future. I'd also like to try out the Empadog I saw on the menu, a hot dog wrapped in empanada dough. I enjoy the empanadas from Makus Empanadas, and suggest if you want a bit more for your meal then go for the Makus Meal package instead of the lunch special...but both are tasty choices in my book. read more

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Helpful 5

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Jamie M.

148

278

1274

6 years ago

Our apartment complex took orders yesterday for Makus and had them delivered to us for pickup. The food is so yummy! I like that they have so many different choices of empanadas and various sides to choose from. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available. You can't beat three empanadas, a side, and a drink for $10.99 for any meal, either. Thank you for a great meal! read more

Makus Empanadas - Makus Meal with Beef Empanada, Chicken Empanada, and Pork Chimichurri Empanada, along with Beans and Rice and a drink. - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Mary Z.

226

541

829

6 years ago

The Makus Meal has gone up a dollar since I visited their Durham restaurant a couple of years ago. It's still a good deal, though, with three empanadas, a side, a sauce and a drink for $10. 95. I chose a spinach, a chicken and a ham empanada, with a side of black beans. I was there on a Saturday afternoon about a month ago. There was no line, and my food came out quickly. The empanadas were hot, crisp and packed with filling. I like that they stamp a letter on the edge so you know which is which. The chimichurri sauce was a good accompaniment, and the black beans were so filling my meal was almost too much for lunch. read more

Helpful 3

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Jillian S.

139

1386

3986

6 years ago

Good place for an affordable, quick lunch! Pros: -affordable -orders are made quickly and accurately -sides (particularly the coleslaw) are large -buzzer to alert you when your food is ready -meal deals available -delicious pastry -the empanadas are labeled so you can easily identify them -easy to eat -convenient location in Morgan St food hall -ample parking available downtown (parking lots, parking garages, and street parking) -tried the chimichurri sauce. The empanadas did not need much sauce, but the sauce did have a good flavor Cons: -not a big fan of the fillings. The veggie empanada was filled with more like a puréed mushy veggie mix. The chicken was more veggie than chicken. The empanadas are still delicious due to the flavor and pastry. We would eat here again. read more

Makus Empanadas - 3 empanadas and an empadog - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Makus Empanadas - Meal deal (also includes a drink) - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Makus Empanadas - Veggie Empanada - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Brittany P.

Elite 24

13

38

103

4 years ago

Makus is my go to when I don't know what I want at Morgan Street Food Hall. Their empanada options are always great! I wish they had a few more sides and drinks to choose from. Their empanadas are very tasty! If you're looking for the perfect snack while downtown, this is it! Our favorite flavors are onion and cheese, pepperoni, and beef! read more

Makus Empanadas - Makus Meal - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Luis G.

97

252

91

7 years ago

3 Stars for the Empanadas. Definitely go with beef as it's far superior to the chicken & pork chimichuri options. A little on the small side compared to places I've visited before. 4 Stars for the Lunch Deal, Freshness & Overall Taste 5 Stars for the atmosphere. I will definitively visit Morgan Street Food Hall again soon. So many great food options and a great place to people watch. I also enjoyed their Chimichuri sauce which was odd because I usually don't like it but I almost used all of it while eating my empanada combo. *They currently have a Monday special. 15 Empanadas for the price of 12. read more

Makus Empanadas - Lunch Special: 3 Empanadas, Spinach Salad, Chimichuri Sauce & Drink just under $10 - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Stephanie J.

1014

2851

13924

6 years ago

These are not my favorite empanadas but they are good. We tried the Makus Meal which includes 3 empanadas, 1 side, 1 drink and 1 sauce. We chose a beef, sweet corn and veggie empanada, a side of rice & beans and chimichurri sauce. It was a good deal for the price. read more

Helpful 4

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Oh no 0

John H.

Elite 13

28

871

122

4 years ago

Keep in mind these empanadas are really small. I can fit 2 of them in the palm of my hand. I can easily eat 5 of these for lunch. What you should also know is once you bite in to one, the filling is tiny. See my picture. read more

Makus Empanadas - Size is misleading. Filling inside is tiny. Need to eat a lot of these to get full. - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Rob D.

Elite 25

88

1186

1245

6 years ago

Markus does a pretty good empanada. Every time I find a place to get empanadas I need to try them. I was pretty happy with the empanadas here at Makus. It was pretty quick from order to delivery. The empanadas were really good from a flavor perspective. I had the beef and the pork chimichurri. I like the pork ones the best. I would recommend read more

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Kong L.

464

1554

4398

7 years ago

You can't go wrong with Makus! I'm glad that there's a location in this part of town. I hope that the restaurant starts popping up throughout the triangle so I won't have to drive the distance to eat it. The food was fresh and was made to order. The lines can get long during lunch but it's worth the wait. It's great option if you want a light lunch or dinner. 1-2 can easily fill you up. The empanadas are the perfect size in my opinion with just the right amount of filling. Also, don't forget to grab the sauce! It will kick your experience up a notch. My favorite so far are the cheese filled ones. read more

Makus Empanadas - Delicious - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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George C.

107

417

826

7 years ago

Having never had an empanada, this was a real treat. I've tried about 1/2 of the different kinds they have, and haven't found a bad one. I especially love the bacon and cheese and pepperoni versions. The beef is not ground, but shredded beef, which was a pleasant surprise. I probably eat here at least once a week. I will take the 12 pack home one day. read more

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Tim C.

390

1005

677

8 years ago

There was a long line for Makus when we first arrived on a busy evening at Morgan Street Hall, but after things died down a little, I wanted to see what everyone was waiting in line for. I ordered a pork chimichurri and a ham and cheese empanada (I love that you can just order a few for a snack), and enjoyed both. The exterior was nice and firm, yet flaky and tasty, and the inside filling was delicious. I liked the flavor of the pork chimichurri, but the ham and cheese packed a great punch as well. I would love to try more, and plan to when I'm back here, or near the Durham location. The service was excellent - they did a great job explaining what I would be getting and what was in each of the different flavored empanadas. read more

Helpful 9

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Sofia M.

Elite 24

96

83

132

3 years ago

Love all the vegetarian options! The spinach & cheese, and cheese & onion were great. Recommend trying a few as they are on the smaller size but the price is great read more

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Steemi S.

0

8

5

3 years ago

Their empanadas taste incredible!! They are even labeled by what they are. Our favorites were probably the chicken and cheese and spinach (not so much the vegetable). The service is also great and the staff is friendly. Overall cute, clean, place that sells pretty bang empanadas! read more

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Sergio F.

5

183

246

6 years ago

Great deal two for 5 !!! The beef and pork one were the ones I chose..... only thing is I didn't like the red sauce . Felt like it was buffalo sauce read more

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Cristina L.

Elite 21

329

207

27

6 years ago

We ordered curbside pickup and the process was so easy! The empanadas are yum. A bit on the smaller side but still yum. My favorite is the pepperoni empanada -- that was like a treat. The curbside process was easy; you can order directly on the Makus website! I wish they put cheese in all of the empanadas -- in the chicken and beef ones especially. That said: they're still delish. read more

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Megan M.

Elite 21

10

77

5

7 years ago

These empanadas were amazing: light, flaky crust and rich fillings. Plus, you can see that they bake letters into the empanadas so you know what you're about to eat. So cute! Good thing they came with rice and beans since 3 were not quite enough for a meal, but even the rice and beans were good (not too salty). read more

Makus Empanadas - Chicken, spinach, veggie empanadas! - Empanadas Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Julie K.

109

4

8

7 years ago

We had an amazing dinner at Makus! We sampled all the empanadas - and enjoyed the chimichurri and hot sauces. Our favorite discovery was chipas - cheesy, delectable bread - addictive! Great setting at Morgan Hall and outdoor dining space. We will be back soon! read more

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Srini R.

0

1

7 years ago

Total rip off! Canned beans and white rice Fake empanadas-- real small with empty filling read more

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Patricia P.

0

7

0

3 years ago

Edible? Yes. Enjoyable? Not at all. We ordered beef, ham and cheese and the sweet corn. All dry and no salt. Will not be recommending.

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Dominic R.

37

13

2

8 years ago

I visited their Raleigh location at the Morgan Street Food Hall. Let's start with the good: As Paul Hollywood would say, "good bake; nice color, decently flaky texture." They looked pleasing, were warm, and had a nice firm crunch when biting into them. Now for the bad: The filling was not tasty. I got three empanadas: chicken, pork chimmichuri, and veggie. They were all seasoned the same making them all taste roughly the same despite their ingredients. Moreover, the seasoning was not good. I can't put my finger on exactly what the dominant flavor was, but the closest I can approximate is a bland, stale, dried out oregano. Very unpleasant. It actually made the veggie one the worst. The fact that the chicken and pork were indistinguishable also does not bode well. There was no juiciness to the meat, nor did the flavor of the animal come through. The result was a characterless blend of warm matter. I would not go back. read more

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Terry C.

1

11

4

6 years ago

Tried this place for the first time today for lunch and I highly recommend it. My ex was from Argentina and made the best empanadas, but this place is very close. The chipa bread was great as well as the rice and beans. I tried 3 different empanadas and they were all excellent. I will be going here often. read more

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Mo' W.

6

59

6

6 years ago

I think that I'm addicted to this place! I order via Postmates and the food is fresh and hot every single time!!! I haven't a bad thing from here. Their cookies (both) are so delicious! read more

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Paul M.

0

4

1

7 years ago

Been at the Food Hall several times, tried Makus 2 months ago and it was great, so I came back with my office staff and it was a complete success, everybody loved the empanadas, one of the ladies in the group told me that she had them before when they catered to her husband's office and they order at least once a month, great service too, next time we will try catering to the office. read more

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Jami T.

113

20

6

5 years ago

If you're gluten free I would not recommend their gluten free options. They only sell by the dozen so you have to buy 12, which is around 33$. I got them home and I've tried eating them on a few occasions but they are not good. I followed the directions and sprayed my pans but they still stick, and they burnt on the outside quickly and the inside stays cold. I haven't enjoyed any of them and ended up tossing them out. I understand gluten free can be hard to make but I wish they wouldn't force you to buy 12. read more

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More info about Makus Empanadas

411 W Morgan St
Raleigh, NC 27603
Directions
(919) 307-4935
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.makusempanadas.com

Hours

What time does Makus Empanadas open?

Makus Empanadas opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Makus Empanadas close?

Makus Empanadas closes at 8:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Makus Empanadas take Bitcoin?

No, Makus Empanadas does not take Bitcoin.

Does Makus Empanadas take credit cards?

Yes, Makus Empanadas takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Makus Empanadas have catering options?

Yes, Makus Empanadas does have catering options.

Does Makus Empanadas have a happy hour?

Yes, Makus Empanadas has a happy hour.

Does Makus Empanadas serve alcohol?

Yes, Makus Empanadas serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Makus Empanadas allow dogs?

Yes, Makus Empanadas allows dogs.

Does Makus Empanadas have TVs?

Yes, Makus Empanadas has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Makus Empanadas have bike parking?

Yes, Makus Empanadas has bike parking.

Does Makus Empanadas have outdoor seating?

Yes, Makus Empanadas has outdoor seating options.

Does Makus Empanadas have parking?

Yes, Makus Empanadas has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Makus Empanadas wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Makus Empanadas is wheelchair accessible.

Does Makus Empanadas have free WiFi?

Yes, Makus Empanadas has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Makus Empanadas specializes in bringing freshly baked delicious Argentinian style empanadas to companies and individuals in the Triangle area of North Carolina.

History

Established in 2018.

Hernan, Santiago, and Ricky were best friends growing up in Argentina. Inseparable since preschool, they did everything together: overturning their tricycles into a muddy ditch, battling each other in sports, exploring Buenos Aires' nightlife. Their list of memories is long, but two things remain constant throughout: the good company, and the empanadas. Whether going out with friends or gathering with family empanadas were always involved. The guys have long dreamed of sharing their all-time favorite food with absolutely everyone. More importantly, they want to share the strong sense of community that this little pocket of intense flavor seems to bring with it, wherever it goes. Their authentic recipes come from grandparents, passed down to the kids in their home kitchen. Makus Empanadas is built around the belief that good food doesn't have to be complicated and that the best memories can be built around something as simple as a pack of empanadas. Maybe also a good Malbec.

Makus Empanadas Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
1 Review

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Cali Colombian

4.1(45 reviews)

6.2 mi

I came here for my birthday last night and I absolutely loved it! I ordered the arroz con pollo and…read morethe serving size was HUGE! I also got an empanada on the side and it was fantastic too. For dessert I got tres leches and it was so moist and delicious. Overall I had an amazing time and all the food was so good. I will definitely be back soon!

This was my second time here. It is a bit far from where I live but today I was driving through and…read moregot a craving for it. Full disclosure, I am Colombian so absolutely enjoy the full menu options. There is plenty of parking but the inside is a bit small so I'd consider time when heading there. Sunday evening was great as I got to pick my table after I was greeted upon arrival. I went with the typical dish, my favorite, Bandeja tipica (paisa). This dish is LOADED, so had leftovers. It has rice, beans, avocado, sweet plantains, egg, arepa, chorizo, steak and chicharron aka fried pork belly. The server was friendly and got my order correctly. She got me lime wedges afterwards which must be used with the chicharron. Half a star lost because the empanadas are not my favorite. The outer shell and the inside. Not what a colombian empanada at least my favorite one is like. But you can try it. The ambiance is great. They play music and there's some nice art and two televisions. The other half star lost is because of their point system for rewards. I didn't get points for my last visit there. And the server was not very knowledgeable of it. But overall, I will go back. Check it out though! Ps. They have a bakery too, it was too late today for me but definitely try the "pan de bono" and thank me afterwards.

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The front signage / logo

Cuya

4.5(26 reviews)

0.5 mi

This place was absolutely amazing. All I can say is, we made a lot of happy noises while eating,…read moreand there were plenty of "oh my God" moments at the table. From the staff to the manager to the food, everything was on point. The food truly speaks for itself. They serve small plates, which we love because it gives you the chance to try different things and experience a variety of flavors. We started with the fried pork belly on tostones. It was perfectly seasoned, topped with avocado, and every bite just melted in your mouth. Next, we had the tamarind sticky ribs with a tamarind mango barbecue sauce. This was a perfect example of how simplicity can create complex flavors. The ribs were cooked just right -- not completely falling off the bone, but tender enough that when you bit into them, the meat pulled apart so easily. They were juicy, full of flavor, and had just the right touch of spice from the chili flakes. Then we moved on to the mini arepas, and oh my God. They had slow-cooked pork, guava barbecue sauce, and fried papas on top. The arepa itself was crispy on the outside, warm and fluffy on the inside. The savory pork paired with the sweetness of the guava barbecue sauce was incredible, and the crunch from the fried papas took it to another level. Now, I have a bit of a sweet tooth, but my wife does not. I wanted dessert, and we were leaning toward the tres leches, but our waitress highly recommended the bread pudding. I am not usually a fan of bread pudding at all, but her recommendations had been on point all night, so I decided to trust her. I am so glad we did. They take a Mexican bolillo, soak it overnight in tres leches, then pan-sear it to create this crispy caramelized outside while keeping the inside warm, soft, and sweet. It is topped with crema and toasted coconut, then they pour warm guava syrup over it and serve it with a scoop of coconut sorbet. The layers of flavor in that dessert were unreal. Honestly, it may have been the best dessert we have ever had. And remember, my wife is not big on sweets -- she usually only takes one bite of dessert, but this time she tried to eat over half of it. Lol. I highly recommend this place. The food, the service, the drinks, and the atmosphere were all amazing. And after dinner, you can even head upstairs to work off the food with salsa lessons and a dance club. This is definitely a spot worth checking out! Este lugar fue absolutamente increíble. Lo único que puedo decir es que hicimos muchos sonidos de felicidad mientras comíamos, y hubo muchos momentos de "¡Dios mío!" en la mesa. Desde el personal, hasta el gerente, hasta la comida, todo estuvo excelente. La comida realmente habla por sí sola. Sirven platos pequeños, algo que nos encanta porque te da la oportunidad de probar diferentes cosas y experimentar una variedad de sabores. Comenzamos con el pork belly frito sobre tostones. Estaba perfectamente sazonado, cubierto con aguacate, y cada bocado simplemente se derretía en la boca. Después probamos las costillitas pegajosas de tamarindo con una salsa barbecue de tamarindo y mango. Este plato fue un ejemplo perfecto de cómo la simplicidad puede crear sabores complejos. Las costillas estaban cocinadas en su punto: no se caían completamente del hueso, pero estaban tan tiernas que al morderlas, la carne se desprendía fácilmente. Estaban jugosas, llenas de sabor y con el toque perfecto de picante gracias a las hojuelas de chile. Luego pasamos a las mini arepas, y ¡Dios mío! Tenían cerdo cocinado lentamente, salsa barbecue de guayaba y papitas fritas encima. La arepa estaba crujiente por fuera, calientita y esponjosa por dentro. El sabor salado del cerdo combinado con la dulzura de la salsa barbecue de guayaba fue increíble, y el crujiente de las papitas fritas lo llevó a otro nivel. Ahora, a mí me gustan mucho los dulces, pero a mi esposa no tanto. Yo quería pedir postre, y estábamos pensando en el tres leches, pero nuestra mesera nos recomendó mucho el budín de pan. Normalmente no soy fanático del budín de pan, pero sus recomendaciones habían sido excelentes toda la noche, así que decidí confiar en ella. Me alegra muchísimo haberlo hecho. Toman un bolillo mexicano, lo remojan durante la noche en tres leches y luego lo sellan en sartén para crear una capa exterior crujiente y caramelizada, mientras que el interior se mantiene calientito, suave y dulce. Lo sirven con crema y coco tostado, luego le vierten encima un jarabe tibio de guayaba y lo acompañan con una bola de sorbete de coco. Las capas de sabor en ese postre fueron irreales. Honestamente, puede que haya sido el mejor postre que hemos probado en nuestra vida. Y recuerden, mi esposa no es muy amante de los dulces; normalmente solo prueba un bocado del postre, pero esta vez intentó comerse más de la mitad. Jajaja.

This was my first time coming here since they rebranded and reopened. I already enjoyed the…read moreprevious concept and was anxious to see what was different. The essence of it still feels similar with a few differences in ambiance and menu. They still over an oyster option, but we didn't try it. The octopus was good - cooked nicely. I enjoyed the ceviche. It's not the best I ever had, but a solid choice and the portion was excellent. The cocktail was well balanced and tasted good. The skirt steak was nice, but I was full so didn't eat all of it. There are black beans under the skirt steak that were AMAZING. It was just a small option of the dish - not the size of a side portion but almost like a "sauce" under the steak. It was perfect. This place remains a solid choice. I would come here again on a date or with a girl friend.

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Seasonal cocktail

Buena Papa Fry Bar

3.8(51 reviews)

0.0 mi

I found Buena Papa Fry Bar on places to eat in Raleigh on TikTok and was not disappointed. The…read moreladies who work here are so friendly and were very helpful with giving me suggestions on what to choose. I opted to go for the boricua which had roasted pork and lots of other yummy toppings. Everything was delish! My only con is that the fries were fried a little too well done for my liking, but other than that everything was great!

I'll give it a 4 because fries are amazing and price isn't too bad. You get a good portion, the…read morelarge fed two with leftovers! The fries could've been more fresh, doesn't seem like they cook them to order so they got soggy and cold fast. Service wasn't all that. She said nothing entire transaction.

Colombiano fríes & blackberry drink

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El Colombiano

Lechón Latin BBQ & Bar

4.3(181 reviews)

7.2 mi

Friendly quick service. Explanation of choices was excellent. The food came out quickly and was…read moredelicious.

I've had this placed saved to try for a while and finally got the opportunity to try it out on a…read morerandom Wednesday. The space is large with plenty of seating and also bar seating. You order your food at the front (bar) and then grab a seat wherever you want. I got a mango margarita which they didn't skimp on the tequila in it! Was sweet enough where I didn't notice at first how much tequila was in it (a win in my book). For dinner, I got the pernil w/cuero which was full of flavor. Tostones were nice and crunchy without being greasy. The rice was just okay, I prefer a bit more sazon and sofrito. I think this restaurant would do well in a more inhabited area instead of connected to the mall but the guy working stated they do very well on the weekends, so I hope it brings them continued business!

Beautiful interior

Fried tostones

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Cuban sandwich

Esmeralda Grill

4.3(182 reviews)

6.8 mi

Esmeralda Grill is a very authentic local Mexican spot that does a lot of things right, especially…read morewhen it comes to classic comfort dishes. I usually rotate between the tacos, enchiladas, and molcajetes, and while the tacos themselves are just okay, the overall experience is solid. The fresh chips are easily some of the best I've had at a Mexican restaurant (warm and crisp). Add queso to those chips and it really seals the deal. They more than make up for the tacos being a bit underwhelming and are honestly reason enough to come back. This is a great neighborhood spot if you're looking for authentic flavors, generous portions, and excellent chips and dips (biggest downside is no liquor aka no margaritas). Not every dish is a knockout, but the highlights keep it comfortably in 4-star territory.

Esmeralda Grill absolutely rocks, and it was almost a restaurant that I considered avoiding because…read moreI ordered the wrong thing. I was really one mayonnaise filled torta away from missing out on my favorite Mexican restaurant of Cary. The food is some of the freshest and most authentic in the area, and is consistently spot on. Forget heavy burritos or overly sauced enchiladas, this place is the real deal. When you come to Esmeralda Grill, you should really focus on the meat heavy dishes, whether it be via land or sea. There are so many different options to choose from, from both categories. When thinking seafood, expect the full fish. If you find yourself with the fresh grilled tilapia, you will receive a delicious whole fish that tastes as if it was caught that morning. It is such a fantastic option. I also appreciate the camarones a la diabla, or Diablo shrimp. The shrimp are plump and juicy, the spice of the dish is excites your taste buds and is a great dish. My favorite entrees are the land meat dishes though. El Trio Perfecto is my go-to order, it is grilled steak, chicken and pork all on one plate with rice, beans, salad, and tortillas. The Mexican spice rub on the meats is absolutely mouth watering, the flavors are so bold and tasty. The meats are all cooked to perfection and the portions are gigantic. You can make different tacos with the various meats, it is seriously one of my favorite Mexican dishes. I would highly recommend this! Additionally, Esmeralda Grill has so many other wonderful dishes for different flavor profiles. My grandparents are pretty particular about empanadas, but simply cannot get enough of Esmeralda's version. They also make some killer tacos, and some very affordable ones if you were to come on Tuesday! The moral of the story? Don't base your opinion of a restaurant after a single visit. You don't come across a fantastic hole in the wall every day, Esmeralda Grill is one that every Mexican food lover should know!

Molcajete

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Chicken Fajita

Mami's Latin Style Rotisserie Chicken

4.2(659 reviews)

2.6 mi

•$

I love Mami Nora's chicken! Sure, the place is not decorated like an upscale bistro, but it isn't…read moresupposed to be. It's Peruvian. It comes complete with Peruvian attitude and casualness towards time. If you're in a big hurry, this is not the place to go. If you're relaxed, visiting with friends and not worried about the clock, it's perfect. I love the chicken and the plantains. I really haven't tried anything else because I like what I always get.

After the Covid pandemic, Mami Nora's has never been the same. Every time I visit Raleigh, I I was…read morelooking forward to eat here, but it seems they've changed their recipe significantly. The chicken has undergone a complete transformation, resulting in a completely different taste. The Horchata used to be the best, but now it seems like they just took it out of a package from Food Lion. It's beyond terrible.

Pollo Saltado

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Horchata

Carmen's Cuban Cafe & Lounge

4.1(558 reviews)

11.2 mi

We came here on a Wednesday night for dinner. They start by providing complimentary bread. It was…read morereally good. It was nice and buttered and toasted perfectly. We started with the empanadas, which were excellent. We had one beef and one chicken. The beef was nicely seasoned and had potato's on the inside as well. For our main entrees we had the bistec de pollo with yellow rice and plantains. We also had the lechón asado with moros and plantains. The moros is the Cuban version of dirty rice and it was very delicious. The plantains were golden, soft and prepared so good. The chicken and pork were tender and good. The servers were really nice as well. Great experience.

I've been craving Cuban food for a while. It's been about 4 years since I've been. To Miami and…read moreenjoyed the cuisine. I specifically sought out this place after researching Cuban food in the triangle. It's right conveniently just off of the highway tucked away in a small shopping center. I was greeted upon entry and seated immediately. The space is open and a bit dark with minimal decor. The server that assisted me was friendly and attentive. He came over with water and took my order. The Ropa Vieja is my go-to Cuban dish. It feels like a warm hug. It's comfort food, but it's not too heavy. It's skirt steak slow cooked in a tomato sauce with peppers and onions. The entrees come with 3 sides. I ordered the Moros( rice and black beans) and maduros. The meat was tender and savory. It wasn't seasoned as well as I've had it before, but it was still enjoyable. The diet coke that I ordered wasn't as carbonated as I would have liked. Overall a great meal. Next time I go back, I might try something different and order a cocktail.

Lechon Asado

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Café con leche

Arepa Culture NC

4.2(207 reviews)

6.3 mi

•$

Family-owned & operated

Vegetarian friendly

Husband has been a huge fan for a while since it's beer his work and he can swing by to grab lunch…read morequickly in between meetings. So recently he insisted we go so I could try it out. It did not disappoint. He knew what to order so that helped. If I went in by myself I would be so overwhelmed. The staff is quiet. They're not the most helpful but not rude either. Just there to fill your order when you figure things out. The helpings are more than enough. Two arepas are hard for me to finish in one setting. The only downside to saving for later is they get kinda soggy so you cannot eat them neatly with your fingers later after you warm them up. But they still taste so good! The ambiance is typical fast-food feel. I like being able to get refills on my drink on my own while I'm dining in instead of having to go to the counter and wait in line to ask for one. Tables seem to be wiped down and maintained in-between customers which is nice too.

Trying something new one evening while out running errands. The person at the front counter was…read morepleasant and welcoming. Arepa's are great balance of simple and comforting go to food. Gluten free options are always a lighter and a less heavy option, in my option. This is one of the perks. I tried the La Tica (chicken) and the La Surena (bbq). I enjoyed the chicken. Very flavorful. I wasn't a fan of the bbq - a bit on the dry side for me. The chicken was delicious but the cheese could've been melted and I would've preferred my food on the warmer side. Giving Grace with 4*, perhaps I tried this too late in the evening. Maybe these are intended to be served that way I received them. I do recommend Arepa Culture NC but I'd recommend go at opening or before lunch time for freshness. The rice and beans were good. The peach juice was okay.

BYO Bowls & Arepas

100% gluten-free arepas, always handcrafted fresh daily!

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El Cuscatleco

4.1(206 reviews)

6.7 mi

•$

I love this place so much! Their pupusas are always so good and the staff are always so friendly…read more I'm honestly shocked that whenever we go there is barely anyone there because this is one of my favorite places in Cary and deserves all the hype. I also HIGHLY recommend getting their atol de elote drink when it's cold outside. It is so comforting and taste like Christmas. I always get the #7 and it is the best of all worlds.

El Cuscatleco in Cary…read more Came with a friend and my meal was the plato típico. Came with a nice variation of different foods and flavors. Generally speaking the food was super yummy but not the best ever. The tamale was very bready with little filling, but was good. The yuca fries and sauce were the best ever that i've had. The portion to price ratio is retry good. My plate was roughly $15 but lots of things to nibble on. Atmosphere was nice, staff was friendly. Nothing memorable of this place though.

El Cuscatleco Restaurant

##7 Combination Platter

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El Campesino

Mi Peru Peruvian Cuisine

4.0(21 reviews)

3.9 mi

Nice little Peruvian spot in Garner. Food is similar to Alpaca but very good in its own right!…read moreService was great! I highly recommend visiting Mi Peruvian!

This is the short summary: Don't go, this place is infested with cockroaches see pics. Complete…read morereview: I came here with my whole family and my in laws on Saturday. I am Peruvian and I've eaten at the Mi Peru restaurant in Durham a few times and I always liked it, it was too far for me though. Once I found out another Mi Peru opened closer I had to try it. For starters the strip mall where it is located is not the nicest location. The restaurant itself feels a bit old and not very clean. I was about to leave but I decided to take a chance. We ordered a few dishes to share: ceviche, chicharron de pescado, arroz chaufa, aji de gallina and seco de res. And even desserts : Alfajor, tres leches and crema volteada. Food overall wasn't bad, I actually liked it, it wasn't amazing but not bad at all. The service on the other hand was terrible, there was a young guy and a young girl who had no idea how to wait tables, we were missing silverware, we had to ask for plates and glasses, .... That duo was a mess. They seemed too occupied flirting with each other than caring for the 2 tables that were occupied. Anyhow, when we got to bill I noticed that an 18% tip was mandatory !! 18 % for the terrible service I had received, that was really unfair. I paid over $180 for 5 adults and 2 kids and terrible service. Up until that point I was determined to leave and just give this place 3 stars . But then I decided to go to the bathroom and on my way to the bathroom there was a cockroach in the hallway, that was disgusting so I moved quickly into the bathroom. Inside the bathroom under the sink there was another cockroach !!! I almost threw up wondering how many cockroaches are probably running around in the kitchen!!! It is sad for me to post this as a Peruvian but I care more about the safety of the people and the reputation of the Peruvian food. My advice to the owners of Mi Peru.( the original ) which I respect. Don't destroy your brand, close the restaurant and fumigate it completely, then remodel it, clean it, hire better waiters and then reopen. Or pick a nicer location if possible. I am not coming back and will advise everyone I know not to go either.