Sarah's Empanadas is my favorite lunch place in the RTP. Their delicious food, cheap prices and friendly services make it a place to mark on your map. Empanadas are half-moon pies that are filled with an assortment of meats or vegetables. The menu is pretty simple because there are combos where you can get empanadas and sides or just empanadas. There are many kinds of empanadas such as chicken, beef, cheese and broccoli and mushroom. I definitely preferred the vegetable-based empanadas more than the meat because the vegetable ones taste fresher and not as dry unlike the beef. They also serve specials that may not be empanadas, but still worth trying. Everything isn't expensive at all. The service is also speedy and they try to get your food out super fast. If you've never been to Sarah's you're definitely missing out. Try to make time in the middle of your day to come here because they're only open for lunch. You will definitely love this place! read more

So wanted to love this place. Beautifully unique decor and friendly service. However wasn't really impressed with the food. Tried both the beef and chicken empanadas. Chicken was more flavorful than the beef but both just felt lacking. Filling consistency was just weird. Rice and beans as a side added nothing to the meal. Also tried the pupusa...where was the curtido my friends? Best thing we ate was the plantain arepa but again not much to say sadly. read more

I think there really must be something wrong with me. Working in RTP for about 6 years, I have heard tales from just about everybody in the world about the great and wonderful Sarah's Empanadas. The problem, though, arose when I actually tried the place. I thought the food was terribly bland, especially the salsa. I had one chicken and one beef empanada, both of which just seemed to lack the spicy-sweet flavor I'd heard so much about - or any flavor, for that matter. Even though i was still hungry, I didn't even finish the beef empanada. The side of rice and beans was also less than spectacular, though it's hard to mess those up too badly. The positives...the prices were okay by sit-down standards. My empanadas, side, and soda came to about $10 with tip. If I had liked the food, I wouldn't have minded that amount at all. Given the experience I had, though, I felt I had all but wasted my money. The service was fairly responsive despite the server's thick accent. Our party of about 12 people took just over an hour to finish, which is definitely not bad given how busy Sarah's always is. Sarah's is certainly one alternative if you're looking for a relatively inexpensive, quick lunch in RTP. In fact, it's a very popular alternative. The way I see it, though, there are much better options available. read more

Sarah's Empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This popular RTP lunch spot is quick, cheap, and tasty. Choose from among nine or so different fillings for your empanada - chicken, spicy cheese, beef, mushroom, and more. Empanadas come with rice and beans (or salad, I think) but you can also order items like gazpacho or fried yuca (my favorite!) to make your meal complete. It's only open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, and it's pretty packed for most of that time, but plenty of patrons seem to think Sarah's is worth enduring the crowds. read more

Sarah's Empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This mom and pop place has been a mainstay for me over 20years. Love their baked empanadas, their unique salsa and their fried Yucca. They also do homemade soups that alternate between meat versions and veggie versions Come early as once the lunch crowd hits they can be super busy. Though the food is served so fast the table turnover is quite rapid. read more

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I checked out Sarah's Empanadas for the first time for lunch and overall I give it a thumbs up. This place is kinda small inside with some really neat and funky decor that I guess represents the owners home country (this is a family owned business). All the waitresses were wearing tee shirts declaring SE been doing it since 1988, so I guess that means Sarah's Empanadas has been around for that long (who knew?). I have had empanadas before, but I think these may be more authentic than the other ones I have tried. I actually saw some ingredients such as olives and raisins that didn't appeal to me with some of the flavors so I played it safe and when with chicken and cheese and beef and cheese plus a side of half beans and rice. I liked all of it and the empanadas weren't super small like I thought they would be. I probably could have gotten just one and would have been completely satisfied. Sarah's is located in a pretty generic shopping center off of Hwy 55, which happens to have a lot of good ethnic restaurants. I like to support local business as much as [ossible and would be happy to visit Sarah's Empanadas again in the future. read more

Freshly made empanadas. Best I have found in Raleigh-Durham area. Open up until 8pm. Highly recommend.

One of my favorite lunch spots. They are only open for lunch Monday-Friday, and they usually get packed around noon. The Bolivian baked empanadas are awesome. I usually get the SPINACH WITH CHEESE and the CHICKEN WITH CHEESE with HALF RICE and HALF BEANS; but you can't go wrong with any of the selections here. The sauce that comes with the meal is also made in house and is scrumptious. read more

Sarah's Empanadas - CHICKEN WITH CHEESE, SPINACH WITH CHEESE, and half rice and beans - Empanadas Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

All of the empanadas I've had and the plantains are amazing! I would highly recommend this place! I've only done take out due to COVID.

I am so glad I found Sarahs'. I came from a town that had two restaurants that served amazing Empanadas. I went to try MAKUS empanadas, and was surprised to see how small they are for $2.50. It would take 4 to fill me up. I chose the chicken and cheese and the Spinach. The cheese they use is more of a provolone. Nice and light and not heavy or greasy. Flavors are crisp and music on my tongue. Jorge is the manager and gave me a quick lesson on how empanadas differ on how they are made, from country to country. The inside is especially appealing. Very bright and colorful artwork from Latin America. It is clean inside and the staff accommodating I would give this a constellation if I could. Enjoy!! read more

Sarah's Empanadas is a Durham Institution. The Original Empanadas Restaurant in the Triangle. The new owners are doing a great job, keeping up with Sarah's recipes and very high quality standards. Today I tried the new Pulled Pork Empanada. Delicious, baked to order. Only negative is, this restaurant is only open Mon-Fri. 11:00am to 2:00pm No nights, No weekends! Bankers Hours. Still, the Best Empanadas, in the Triangle! read more

I stopped mid-meal to leave this review because every bite I took was better than the last. The empanadas are delicious, a crisp crust stuffed with fun combinations of fillings. The shrimp and grits empanada - WOW! We always get sides of rice, brand, and yucca fries. I love having this place close by. The owners are always so kind and the prices are very affordable. read more

Great place for a quick lunch! You will get your meal so fast - I have yet to be disappointed with how fast I have gotten my food. Also, the menu is very straight forward which makes it easier to decide what to order pretty quickly. The menu is basically choosing from different types of empanadas (chicken, chicken w/cheese, beef, beef w/cheese, different veggies w/cheese, spicy cheese) and a few sides (1/2 rice 1/2 beans, rice, side salad, beans, soup). There are a few other sides to order as well desserts but that basically sums up the basic menu. This place is a must if you are looking for some good food served real quick around RTP. read more

Sarah's Empanadas - Chicken special of the day, rice, and side salad - Empanadas Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Near RTP on a weekday afternoon and checked Yelp for lunch options. I was excited to find this place close by because I LOVE empanadas! We arrived a few minutes before they opened and by the time the doors were unlocked there were five people waiting to go in! This place gets really busy for lunch! Ordered takeout, empanadas only. They have very basic flavor options including chicken/beef/spinach with the option of adding cheese. Ordered a Spinach and Cheese, a Beef and Cheese, and a Chicken and Cheese. Service was fast and friendly and our food came almost immediately. I'm accustomed to empanadas that have some crunch on the outside but these are soft and puffy. They are basic but good. The salsa is yummy and I ate it on every bite. I think I'm spoiled by the crunchy edges and the flavor variations at Calavera in Raleigh but this place isn't bad for the basics. read more

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Had to try Sarah's empanadas after the shout out on Vivian Howard's new show Somewhere South! Tried today...and so glad we did! Ordered online and the food was delivered curbside when we got there! We tried several different empanadas...all were delicious! Chicken and cheese, shrimp and grits, spicy chorizo...my favorites were the spinach, chicken and mushrooms and the mush room and cheese! The plantains were a great addition...but what will get us back...probably tomorrow were the Apple empanada and churros! Wow! Great find!!! read more

i loved sarah's empanadas that i bought some to take home after our meal. the cheese was definitely a winner even though i'm usually a meat kind of guy. it seems kind of expensive and maybe not enough to fill but it's worth it and i think i can eat 3-4. i love their salsa and made it super yummy so when you take it to go don't forget the salsa!!! but i recommend to eat there so that you can eat it while it's fresh and hot! read more

I went over to Sarah's today for some empanadas. Well, I think that's actually all they serve. I thought it was a sweet little joint. Nothing special lookin' on the outside or inside, but it's quaint. Their menu is tiny and fits nicely on one page. There are like 6 -8 kinds of empanadas to choose from. Then you can choose between 3 combos: 1 empanada and 1 side, 1 empanada and 2 sides, or 2 empanadas with 1 side. I got the beef'n cheese empanada with half rice and half beans. What is an empanada? It's a half-moon pastry Bolivian style, according to Sarah. So she took our orders and literally less than 5 minutes later our food was brought out. I really mean, less than 5 minutes. The rice and beans were pretty simple as was the empanada. It was simple, but good though. They keep some salsa on the table for you to add onto your empanada too. A little sauce def spruced it up. I can't tell how this is owned and run. It seemed to be a mixture of people. Our server was an adorable little Asian lady and then there was a blonde girl walking around too. I'd like to know more about Sarah's story, but I didn't get a chance to ask today and they don't have a website. Cheap, quick, and satisfying. Pretty much what I'm looking for a lunch break. Oh, and they're only open til 2pm -- Mon - Fri, so you can only go there on your lunch break! read more

I finally experienced this mythical place for myself! Today, on day two of two consecutive vacation days designated for errands running (blah), I did one fun thing and stopped by Sarah's Empanadas exactly at eleven---I saw the guy flip the switch for their 'Open' sign---and was greeted by not one but two friendly fellows who processed my to go order in record time! I was in and out in about six minutes! I had a mushroom and spinach empanada and an apple one for dessert and they were both oh, so delicious. And cheap, and FAST. That said, I don't really have a basis for comparison, seeing as I've never had an empanada, but I was impressed nonetheless. I also bought a bottle of their special Bolivian salsa ($6). It is so very good. I'd love to visit again, but that will be a challenge, considering their limited hours: 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. M-F. It's definitely a place geared toward the RTP lunch crowd. Almost makes me wish I worked on that side of town. read more

Sarah's is a great quick and cheap stop for lunch when in RTP, but don't expect flavor fireworks. You would think a restaurant with primarily empanadas on the menu would do a spectacular job on their mainstay, but that's not the impression I left with. You are given pretty simple empanada filling options and I have tried several of the combos including the chicken and cheese and some of the veggie versions. I had to pile on salsa given on the table to add flavor to these bad-boys. Bland, bland, bland. Sure it's cheap, but so is Micky D's. The one bright spot was a special I ordered last time I visited that consisted of couscous, pepper mix, and avocado. This was paired with one empanada and ended up being really good, but I don't want to pin a good eating experience on the daily special. Service wise, they are quick and get you in and out in record time (even when busy). read more

Sarah's Empanadas - Special of the day. - Empanadas Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I know I'm in the minority with this review however while I thought the Chicken and Cheese Empanadas I had were good, I didn't think they were different from any other place. I don't like Refried beans so I opted for just the (yellow) rice (with peas and carrots), there was no flavor, no taste. I'm not sure what the point of the rice was but I felt like something was off. Whether I would ever go back is up in the air. As I finished my food I didn't get that feeling that said I must go back soon. If anything I had the I doubt I'll be back feeling. read more

My visit today was actually my second time here. The last time I ventured into Sarah's was back in October 2007. This time much like the last, the experience was good. This is (at it's heart) a mom and pop joint. It's very bare bones and the service, menu and food is simple and home cooked. Everyone here is cheery and jokes/kids around with you - so they obviously enjoy the clientele and running this resto alot. You'll definitely get service with a smile. In the interim between my 2 excursions out here, much has changed in the decor and the operations. Everything seems really clean and well-maintained. They even market their own salsa for you to buy and take home with you now! Besides, the salsa, I noticed that they sell some other homemade options at the front counter like cookies - but these were sold out by the time we made it out here - darn! The menu is pretty basic - empanadas and some sides. You can order combination plates with 1 or 2 empanadas along with 1 or 2 sides to supplement it. The cheapest plate (1 empanada and 1 side) will run $5.50 pre tax. You have something like 8ish choices in empanada fillings from meat (e.g., beef, chicken) to vegetarian (e.g., spinach and cheese, mushroom and cheese). They also have a daily special - look for it advertised on the front window. They also serve some dessert (e.g., flan, apple empanadas). The sides choices include (among others I can't recall now) rice, beans, a half rice/half beans option and a salad. We ordered the 1/1 combo. I got the spinach/cheese empanada with a side salad and she got a mushroom/cheese empanada with the half rice and half beans option. Service was fast and the food arrived within a few minutes of our ordering. Our server was a new employee and accidentally gave us an extra order of half beans and half rice, but comp'ed it. That was nice. The salsa itself is a bit sweet and not too spicy - a very slight tinge of heat at the end. Pleasant but not spectacular. So, good enough for slopping it on the rice, if you like it that way. I liked our meals (we share as a couple), but like others have said...I've had better empanadas in Houston and elsewhere. I found Sarah's variety to be of the "healthy" version - not too greasy since they're baked - prolly better for my waistline than the dangerously bad fried varietals, tho. IMHO, I felt that my spinach/cheese was better than her mushroom cheese one - the filling in the mushroom was a bit watery. Mind you, both were tasty and I thought perfectly seasoned. As for the sides, i found the rice a bit on the salty side...and suspect (but haven't confirmed) that it might be made with chicken stock. So be warned if you're a strict vegetarian to at least ask them beforehand. The consistency of the rice was good tho. And what can you say about a salad? Well, it was a good salad too - deftly chopped to bits. Overall, I'd come back here again. It was a pleasant experience with great service, cheap prices and mediocre, but healthy food options. The server mentioned that it was crazy crowded just before we arrived (almost 1:15 pm)....so if you do decide to come out here, try to avoid the rush lunch hour and come out either earlier or later. As mentioned, the short window of opportunity is 10am-2pm. So, drive fast! read more

Sarah's Empanadas is an empanadas-only lunch place in a quiet shopping center near RTP with a lot of popular lunch spots. The menu is limited, but if you're in the mood for empanadas (and who doesn't love them?). I stopped by for lunch towards the end of the lunch hour. They were out of everything except for chicken and brocolli and cheese--which suited my fancy just fine because those are two of the ones I would have chosen. I opted for just two empanadas instead of one of the meals with sides. It was a good amount of food! For only $6! The empanadas were soft and doughy, and the flavors were really good! The chicken was a little dry, but the delicious salsa that comes as a side totally masked it. They were delicious. When I came in, no one greeted me (maybe because it was 1:40pm and they close at 2:00?), so I just sort of awkwardly sat down at a table and waited for about 10 minutes before someone noticed me (there were 2-3 other tables with people finishing up). I didn't want to hold the restaurant open, so I took my food to go. I wouldn't hesitate to come back here again--maybe a bit earlier in the lunch hour next time! read more

Been coming here for over 6 years but never had a chance to review. One of my favorite places to come for lunch. Best empanadas in the area. I love their spicy cheese and rice/beans. Must try once if you are in the area; they are open only for lunch. read more

Sarah's Empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I love empanadas and when i saw Rose L's check in, I knew i had to lunch here. The menu is small and have a few vegetarian options as well. The prices are v reasonable though i felt the portions are smallish. I wish I would have read more reviews on Yelp since a couple of people have mentioned the same. I was picking up lunch for me and a friend and ordered a spinach and cheese and chicken empanada with a side of beans and rice. My order came out in less than 5 mins which was unexpected since the place was busy and impressive. The empanadas were fine not as great as a place just making those should have. The two pluses for going to the place would be cheap and super quick eats. read more

Have not had many empanadas in the Triangle, but I have had better empanadas. Arrived at 11:55 midweek, plenty of seating available. Got one mushroom and one spicy cheese empanadas. They were good but not great, the sauce did not add much flavor. Price was under $10 for two empanadas and a coke. I came with high expectations, will have to give this place another try. Upside: I ordered and had food about 90 seconds later. read more

I stopped here on the way home from Virginia to pick up something for dinner. I'd had a distinct craving for empanadas for nearly a week at this point. When I dropped in I was greeted by Sarah herself and handed a menu. After looking over the short menu I picked a few things out. My first and second choices were out...no spinach, no plain cheese. So I left with two beef and cheese, two chicken and cheese and an apple empanada. My impression was that the service was awkward. I had some stilted conversation with Sarah during my wait, which, to be fair, was only a few minutes. I got home and reheated our meal in the oven. The salsa cups on the side were thimble sized. Empanadas were rather bland. Home made, to be sure, but not very exciting. Perhaps I just prefer Chilean pino filling, but these seemed to have nearly no flavor. The apple empanada didn't have much fruit in it, sadly. The crust wasn't notable, either, not the sort of flaky goodness I had expected. In short, the food was passable, but if a common accolade is that it's not spicy, then it's probably not for me. read more

I went here for lunch the other day with some work friends, and was pretty much BLOWN AWAY. These empanadas are great! Lots of fillings available (chicken, beef, cheese, corn and cheese, spinach and cheese, mushrooms and cheese and spicy cheese), and good options for side dishes that sound tasty and like they would compliment the empanadas well. The menu gives you the choice of 1 empanada and 1 side, 1 empanada and 2 sides, or 2 empanadas and 1 side. I went with the last option, got the spinach and corn empanadas and the 1/2 beans 1/2 rice as my side. The empanadas were cooked to perfection, the crust was awesomely flakey and the gooey cheese on the inside was enough to make you melt a little yourself. Really a great place, I can't wait to go back and try more empanada combinations. read more

Great little restaurant, busy busy during lunch hrs (only opens for lunch!) fast service! The empanadas are delish! You can buy them frozen to enjoy them later at home! They really only open weekdays during lunch! read more

Sarah's Empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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A humble establishment right off 55 that is only open for lunch. I've had all their sides now and the only one I truly enjoyed was the rice. Honestly, from now on I think I'll just spend my money on their empanadas! People have said that they aren't fresh but I don't really understand the big deal. I totally understand that these empanadas are made in advance and heated up in an oven prior to being served. The insides are piping out, the dough on the outside is crusty and solid...nothing is wrong with this. Especially given the fact that our dishes were ready 1 minute after ordering. Literally one minute, I am not exaggerating! My favorite is the beef and cheese empanadas...it is like a Bolivian calzone...delicious. read more

I have been here twice now and gotten the daily special both times. Both times the food was absolutely fantastic! The service, however, is lacking. I have gotten my food to go both times, so I can't speak for their wait staff, but the couple I have dealt with both times seem to be the owners. They are terribly unfriendly, to the point where I almost left without ordering today when the woman acted like I was insane for trying to place my order with her. The great food and good price will probably keep me coming back, but to the owners, please keep in mind you could make your customers feel even slightly welcome with a smile and warmer attitude. There are many other places in RTP I could go for lunch and not feel like I have pissed the owners off for no reason. read more

Empanadas are fun. They're like little pockets that you can eat. Or, if you prefer, they're like giant ravioli. The important thing to take away here, is that they're fun. At Sarah's Empanadas, they're only fun at lunch time because that's the only time they're open. So if you don't have a cushy job at a downsizing RTP office, you'll have to plan a long lunch to give them a shot here. Don't worry about the crowd, they'll get to you quickly enough. The cheese and spinach empanadas are worth a recommendation, as are the plantains. read more

A bustling, busy place to go eat but the food is definitely worth it. My office often gets take-out from here so only one person has to bear the lines that spawn at the register during the work-day lunch. Simple, but tasty and filling empanadas, which can be ordered with or without sides. For those curious, as I understand it, Sarah makes these empanadas throughout the week and then freezes them to be cooked quickly upon their order. They are also sold frozen so that you can take them home and warm them up for yourself and/or your family. Bottom-line: Tasty and satisfying food for lunch! read more

Food is good but was there this week and no one working there was wearing a mask. When asked if they were wearing a mask in the kitchen, I was told they were standing 6 feet apart:((( read more

I absolutely love this place. I have been here at least four or five times. Whether you are sitting down or taking out, their service is good and their food is awesome. They don't have a large menu and really know how to make their empanadas. I always have their refried beans and rice side dish.. Very highly recommended. read more

Tried and true for decades. The first (as far as I know) empanadas in the area and always a solid choice. I can't count how many times my wife and I walked out of other restaurants in the strip because service was too slow (c'mon, we're all coming from the office, speed is important) and went to Sarah's for fast service of consistent quality empanadas. read more

Two Spicy Cheese empanadas with a Coke = amazing! Rice and Beans are great so is the Yuca. Fast fast fast service since most things are pre cooked. They have a pretty lucrative business since they can turn over tables in a half hour. They're only open during the week for a small window of time. So if you're craving empanadas at night you'd better buy some frozen but it'll cost you some serious $. read more

I was recently introduced to Sarah's through my work buddies. it's not fancy by any stretch, but some days you just want comforting filling food, to be served, have your drink refilled, and not spend a ton of cash. Sarah's Empanadas does exactly this. I generally order the spicy cheese and a broccoli cheese. Oh how i wish they would make a spicy broccoli cheese! but i digress. I also get the beans, mix it some with the salsa to spice it up a little and eat that on the empanadas. delicious. and satisfies the want of any kind of fast, fried foods with out actually consuming FRIED FOOD! amazing. read more

I really love the crust of the empanadas. It's buttery and flaky. I'm not too crazy about the texture of the chicken/cheese filling (I think it's grounded up). I think it's a bit mushy. Overall the empanadas are good. read more

One of the best Vegetarian options in the area for lunch. The decor is fun to look at and the service is always incredibly friendly. The price can't be beat for an empanada with a side (get 1/2 beans 1/2 rice!). read more

Sarah's gets four stars because the food is good, cheap, and quick. The food probably deserves a three, with service and price giving it an edge. The food really is good--it just didn't blow me away. I went for the chicken and cheese and spinach and cheese empanadas, with a side of rice and beans. They really are good, and are vastly improved by the salsa set out on the tables. I generally want the empanadas to be spicier, though I think the flavors are good. I'm hoping to go back soon on a day when apple empanadas are available. Great lunch spot in RTP! read more