This place is always a hit every time I have been here! Whenever I'm eating I'm always questioning why I don't eat here everyday. It's a good thing I'm not close to here or I would be really heavy. The flavors are just right. You must try, everything I have tasted is amazing. This place has the best shrimp and grits I've had! The grits are the perfect consistency and packed with flavor in every bite! The same goes for the shrimp that are marinated. The waffles are heaven. It's like a gingerbread waffle. We can't wait to come back. The service is great and the staff are friendly. They have tvs and music so you can watch the game and hear some tunes. read more

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Last week I had lunch and there was a 18% "Love" tax added to my bill. I still tipped 20% because the server was very good but will avoid this venue due to the lack of upfront transparency. The consumer will dictate what they want to pay for a product/service, if there is "value" they will pay, if not they will go someplace else. By the way, the maduros were over cooked and the arroz con was undercooked. The empanadas were good. read more

Let me start with, I've been a fan of this place since they were on North Ave., but this new spot is a whole vibe. The aesthetic is so inviting with beautiful scalloped back bar stools, velvet sofa and chairs and tables and coffee tables with games and magazines. Tell me this doesn't say grab a Nada and stay a while. Well, that's exactly what my group of friends and I did. Deven the bartender was EXCELLENT! He really made you feel like he's known you for a minute. He was pressing out fresh lime juice when I arrived. He informed me all juices and simple syrups are made on site. You will get no Country Time lemonade here! In fact, they have several flavors for lemonade. How does hibiscus, lemon and vanilla sound? Sounds like deliciousness to me because I had 1 to go. While we waited for our food my friend made use of the deck of cards on the bar with a card trick. We all ordered the lunch platter which consisted of 1 empanada, 1 side, a drink, and cupcake for $21.99. The price point was good for the amount and quality of food you receive. I chose the shrimp empanada which was $3 extra, but I didn't care because it was so delectable. Big Juicy shrimp with the best seasoning imaginable. The street corn was good, but let's talk about the cupcake. The cupcake was actually caramel bread pudding in a cupcake holder. Oh chile, this right here is chef's kiss. Make sure you get you some when you visit. Girl Scout promise, it won't disappoint. I washed all of this down with the Nada Lady's Cocktail. This mock tail was made with lime, pear, and ginger beer. Be warned, it's sweet deliciousness. We came for lunch, but played Connect 4 and just enjoying each other's company. 4 hours later we were finally ready to go. I plan to go back for 1 of their 1st Fridays where it an all day happy hour and the music is jumping! They have special events throughout the month. Be sure to check their IG for a list. Did you know they have cooking classes on Tuesday from 6-8pm? I definitely want to check this out. Also, I love the owner Elise. She's so approachable and even came over to take a pic us. SN: on the street parking is difficult to come by. We went on a week day around 11:30am. Deven said it's better after business hours. There is a parking lot about a block away but it's expensive. I paid $25 for 4+ hours. If you want to avoid this you can take the subway and get off at Charles St. and have less than a 5 minute walk. read more

The Empanada Lady - Apple Caramel Bread Pudding Cupcake flipping delicious! - Empanadas Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Came here with a friend for their brunch. First Sunday's, brunch is LGBTQIA but all are welcomed. Had a nice time! Our waitress, Victoria was super sweet! She took great care of us! Thank you! Music was bumping, vibes were good and the food was great! U ordered the chicken and waffles with a side of arroz con gondules and the bottomless white sangria. My friend had the empanadas and the bottomless guava mimosa. Would definitely return! Found free street parking which is a huge win! The restaurant is beautiful! Bathrooms are in the main hallway. The back bathrooms in the restaurant are for staff only. They have tons of cards and games to play while you relax. Very quaint and aesthetically pleasing spot. read more

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The best empanadas hands down!!!! Food was great and fresh. The owner was nice and staff were friendly and welcoming and also very accommodating. I had the shrimp, chicken and pernil empanadas. They give you big portions and your empanadas are stuffed!! Tostones and sauce were good and so was rice. Desserts were delicious too. Ambiance was relaxing and comfortable. read more

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Okay so Empanada Lady's empanadas are a solid 10/10. I think we all know that by now from her former location. My slight issue was with a Sunday brunch I had with three girlfriends. Two of them arrived on time, I was the third person a bit late. Hostess made a fuss about letting go of our reservation since we weren't all present. Mind you there's several of tables available, not like it was packed. Anyway, we're finally seated. We all get the bottomless mimosas. They pre mix a mimosa with champagne and orange juice and if you ask for a specialty flavor like pineapple they pour the pre mix over the flavored juice. I had 10+ mimosas and didn't feel a thing. Also no plantains during brunch. Wth. Oh, a champagne cork went flying from the bar and hit my friend in the back of her head. I understand accidents happen but at no point should someone open a champagne bottle while they're facing others. One of my friends ordered lump crab omelette. No crab meat was in the omelet. Like at all. They redid the omelette and it was a complete 180. The DJ was good but the music is terribly loud. You have to leave the restaurant and go to the lobby to use the restroom, where there's only one stall. Parking is okay. There is street parking if you're able to secure it. Also garage parking. Will return to pick up an empanada but not to dine here. read more

The Empanada Lady - Empanadas Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Not as good as the original location. I don't often repeat places because most don't live up to the first experience. Sadly, I can tell things have changed a bit since the original location, food wise. I miss that the food use to be cooked to order. I am definitely the person that will wait however long it takes if I can get it fresh. I'm not a fan at all of heat lamp, reheated or warmed up food. I'm a food snob like that Shrimp Empanada Not the golden brown outside that I am use to, a bit darker than the last time. Good crust. The peppers inside were mushy. Good seasoning. They still had a great amount of cheese inside which was the best part about it. The shrimp amount was exactly 5 as the menu states. Street Corn Presentation was very nice. Corn was tough and cold. Like no warmth at all. Mango Bread Pudding A very large slice for the price point. The garnish on it was passed its prime. The bread pudding was mushy and flavorless. The cream sauce was nice. Mango bits were placed on top, none cooked in it. It was okay. If I hadn't been to the original location seeing the owner throw down in the kitchen, having the mouth watering food experience that I had then I probably wouldn't be as disappointed about the food this visit. Location It's a nice vibe in the spot, comfy seats, and good music. Staff are extremely friendly and welcoming. Gratuity is added to the check, which I don't remember seeing that on the menu. read more

The Empanada Lady - Street Corn - Empanadas Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Oh friends! This cute little restaurant is tucked away in the heart of downtown Baltimore. It's completely unassuming, and when you walk in, you are taken into the grips of a beautiful, vibrant, tropical dining space that is rich with Puerto Rican culture. The decor brightens your mood instantly... the robust colors make dreary days feel joyful. The staff is amazing...wonderful customer service, and I even met thee Empanada Lady! She is great. The food is delicious. I had the pork empanada. It was rich and hearty and healthy portions of succulent meat... the empanada was fried perfectly. This is definitely a new Baltimore favorite. Be sure to treat yourself! read more

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It's burning me up that I cannot remember the hostess names! There were two that greeted me, took my order, gave me information about the history of the owner and gave personal information about the relationship that the owner had with there grandmother. Pictured at the front entrance of the restaurant. This spot, aesthetic alone is giving girls day! Hot pinks, golden yellows and bright ocean blues, this place is gorgeous! And seriously - who doesn't love NY? Bodega anyone? AND. THE FOOD. I only had the one empanada (chicken), and omg. It was so filling, so full, and simply delicious. If I can form an image of how big these are... if I ordered two, I wouldn't be mad if someone asked me for a bite lol. One, I'm not sharing lol. Loveddd this place, and I honestly have seen this location specifically become highlighted more on TikTok, so I hope the growth continues to come! They deserve to be checked out. read more

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These empanadas are so good. So many options to select from, beef, chicken, Turkey, pork, veggie and apple. I tired the beef and it was so good, I loved the sauce it comes with it has a nice little kick. read more

The Empanada Lady - Beef Empanada - Empanadas Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

We heard great things about the empanadas before they had this permanent location and we finally made it to the area to indulge. The restaurant is vibrant and friendly. Street parking and parking garages are nearby. Our bartender was pleasant to interact with. We ordered the chicken, beef, salmon, pork, and crab empanadas. They came out hot. The beef was the best one to me. It was seasoned and hearty. The pork was good. I didn't like the cheese not being fully melted but warm and oily. The chicken was simple. The salmon was underwhelming and the crab tasted like fish. I expected to see some pieces of crab but something overpowered the taste and look. The price you pay for a crab empanada isn't worth it. read more

The Empanada Lady - Lemon Drop - Empanadas Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Such a cute vibe in here! I have always known about TEL but never knew she had a storefront until a week or so ago. I was actually there to pick up cashcrabs ( another amazing spot) and decide to have a cocktail while I waited. The vibe is really giving in here! It is not a very large space but the decor and music make up for that. The staff was extremely welcoming and assisted with helping us ordered. I met the owner who was really sweet and one could tell genuinely happy about her business. I was looking left and right as everyone's food looked so good! She has a vast menu and options for all types of food lovers. The price points seemed very reasonable as well. I can't wait to come here for cocktails with friends or for just a bite to eat! There is great street parking available in front of her store front as well. read more

The Empanada Lady - two cocktails on the bar - Empanadas Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I feel like I haven't written a Yelp review in forever but I couldn't wait to rave about my experience at The Empanada Lady! I felt welcomed from the moment I entered. My friend and I opted to sit at the bar, and the bartender didn't disappoint at all. He was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The name of the drink I ordered escapes me, but the main ingredient was Guava. To be honest, I wasn't crazy about the drink however it was very potent. Now to the food, I ordered the meal which included three Nada's, two sides and a cupcake. I tried the Turkey, Chicken and Beef Nadas, Broccoli and a Bacon Caramel Cupcake (they were out of Oreo cupcakes) and when I tell you everything was so fresh and flavorful! They weren't stingy with portions either. I plan on eating my leftovers after completing this review by the way... The Empanada Lady didn't disappoint and I'm looking forward to experiencing them again! read more

The Empanada Lady - Guava cocktail - Empanadas Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Ran into a bit of a catering issue and needed to have food plated and served that night--vegetarian style. Luckily, I heard of a woman-owned business ran by an awesome single Mommy called "The Empanada Lady" via a Yelp event. I made a hopeful phone call with fingers crossed. Not only did Elisa make me a plate full of veggie empanadas, but she also included sides, condiments and some fruit to accompany the plated empanadas. Talk about aesthetically pleasing! The empanadas were filled with colorful veggies and had the perfect balance of garlic, spice and CHEESE. Please note that she is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Also, Elisa hosts various events from New Year's Party, Karaoke Nights, Wine Tastings and Sip'N'Paint Nights! read more

Really flavorful empanadas, and really large and filling. We ordered for delivery, so didn't experience in restaurant but the order was quick and easy. read more

When I walked into the TEL to meet a friend for lunch during the workweek, I expected, based on its location, to cater, at least somewhat, to the workaday lunch crowd. (I was actually scouting locations for my next jury duty.) How wrong I was. The music, at lunchtime, IS LOUD. In fact, we asked the bartender if there was a quiet place to sit, and we were told to just walk around and test things out. We settled on a place, which may or may not have been any quieter, and just raised our voices to speak with each other. Things go a bit downhill from there, when neither of our phones can quite pick up the QR code with our data and there's no wifi, and our waiter tells us, no, there is no printed menu. (Lo and behold, we see the bartender handing one to a customer as we were leaving.) Luckily, my friend had remembered the menu, and we spit the three empanadas, two sides, and a cupcake meal. I ordered the beef and while a tad overcooked, it was really, really delicious. Friend gets the veggie, cooked perfectly, which she enjoyed. We both adored the nada sauce, and would happily slather that on everything. We spit the apple empanada, and were both disappointed in how lackluster it was, and how easily it could be improved. (Using far less vanilla, and the addition of, for example, raisins, nuts, cinnamon, lemon juice, etc.) The sides weren't exciting, but they weren't bad. The cupcake was lovely. Right after we ordered, our waiter asked for a credit card, in order to open a "food tab." A food tab? We were both aghast. And, we were both drinking water. We exclaimed, yes, we've heard of a "bar tab" (who hasn't?) but a tab for food?! We did as we were told, and continued to look puzzled. When we did ask for our check, we noticed the suggested tip section on the bottom of the printout. When we looked at the check more closely, we noticed a section called "love," which added an additional 20%. We called the waiter over, so "love," is the 20% tip? Yes, he tells us. No one was ever transparent about the automatic tip, and since we never saw a menu, we couldn't see any of the fine print that would alert us to that. (We both eaten at places with an automatic 20% tip, and we've always been informed of it BEFORE WE'VE ORDERED.) At this point, we sort of couldn't wait to leave. And, although the food is good, we definitely won't be returning. read more

I've been following The Empanada Lady on IG for close to 2 years now, and I was (am) excited for this brick & mortar to open! The shrimp empanadas were the best. They were filled with a great sauce in the inside that was delicious. My partner and I thought the crab and pork empanadas needed the same level of sauce in the inside as the shrimp. The bartender, Kelechi was awesome too. Her service was great. However, our over all experience quickly dampened by the lack of transparency in the menu pricing. When we received our bill (please see attached picture), we did not expect to walk out having paid nearly $200.00 for empanadas and 2 drinks for a lunch meal. We ordered essentially the 6-pack of "The O.G. Platters" empanadas (4 crab, 1 shrimp, and 1 pork). The bartender shared that the total price was due to the crab and shrimp empanadas having an up-charge because they are "specialty" empanadas. But the menu does not show that there is an up-charge for any of "The O.G. Platters" empanadas. So, we paid nearly $40.00 in up-charges for the specialty empanadas. All there needed to be is an asterisk beside this platter indicating for the customer to be aware that the price of the platter will change if they order any specialty empanadas. I am huge supporter of small business and particularly small businesses owned by historically underrepresented individuals. I want to see us win. I am also big on price transparency. I am disappointed that we were SO excited about visiting for the first time, and we left away feeling a little powerless about the amount that we were not expecting to pay. read more

The Empanada Lady - Receipt - Empanadas Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Great weekend treat. The empanadas are amazing. The owner greeted us personally. Perfect spot after a Baltimore festival day.

The salmon empanada was very tasty. Friendly service and nice atmosphere. Will be returning to try more empanadas

The food was amazing and the place is beautiful!!!! The server was so sweet and had great recommendations! Kelly is amazing and makes great drinks!! I will definitely be back! read more

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Service, food, ambiance...EXCEPTIONAL!!! Kelechi serviced our table and she was such a pleasure, making the perfect recommendations!! Please open more locations, Baltimore is so lucky to have an establishment this heavenly!! read more

I'm very excited for this restaurant and cant wait to see how they grow in this new space. A group of us went in for lunch to check out the spot and to support them. I am confident this is going to be a go-to for lunch. As with any new restaurant- you want to be patient. They are still working out a lot of the wrinkles that come with a new restaurant. We had a salad, an empanada and a bowl. The empanada was delicious- if maybe overcooked- as if maybe they are made ahead of time and fried again before cooking. I don't blame them for this- it has to be easier to manage the rushes they get this way. It was a really delicious empanada- I cant wait to try all of them. The empanada was $ 9.00 and was made into a "meal" for $10.00 more. We misunderstood what this meant and in hindsight wont take advantage of this again, it was definitely not worth it. The empanada was $9.00 on its own and the drink offered with it was a soda (menu price $1.50) and the side (menu price $5.00) was never delivered, so for an additional $10.00 on the bill we received a... $1.50 soda. Even if we got the side it was a $6.50 value being sold to us for $10.00... Nada a particularly good deal for the consumer. I am looking forward to trying more of the empanadas- they were great!! The salad was $22.00 and was interesting. An empty avocado half was used to hold a scoop of diced onion, mango and fish. The menus described this a bit differently - with a pan seared cod on top, this was small pieces of chopped fish in the onion & mango mix. The salad did not contain tomatoes or avocado. It sat on about a half cup of chopped greens. It was similar to a scoop of ceviche without the tomatoes. It came with 4 large pieces of fried chips to use to eat it. It was tasty and refreshing but left us hungry. I didnt feel like there was $22.00 worth of value to it- despite being tasty, it was similar in size to an appetizer- not a $22.00 entrée salad. That said- it was a tasty app but I'd probably skip this next time. The bowl was also good- and a good price. It was a bowl of rice, steamed broccoli and a LOT of cheese, along with the protein of your choice and their sauce. It was filling and flavorful and we will try this one again for sure, maybe leaving some of the cheese off. The staff is lovely and was definitely feeling the struggles of keeping up with a lunch time rush- that will work itself out over time and would not prevent us from coming back. Anytime a new place opens- they need time to work things through, I am so excited to see how this restaurant grows and refines their menu. While they do, give yourself a lot of extra time (this isn't a fast lunch spot- expect to spend more than an hour here for lunch) and be patient- they are doing something awesome here. read more

Ran into an issue with my original birthday brunch plans and quickly pivoted to The Empanada Lady as a last min decision but it was the best decision! The staff was so amazing everyone was so sweet and attentive. They made my group feel super welcomed and taken care of. Our server, and I believe the owners daughter, took great care of us. The daughter made my day, she was super sweet to me especially. The food was so so so good it tasted fresh and home made. The vibe was vibing, the decor is beautiful! I'm so glad God changed our plans and pushed us into this beautiful establishment! Congratulations on this wonderful place of business. I will definitely be back for more celebrations! read more

Amazing cocktails, friendly welcoming staff, fun artsy space and, oh yes, the delicious empanadas! Highly recommend!

I went for the first time this past Sunday and it was an amazing experience (and I'm a tough critic). The ambiance was beautiful. I couldn't stop taking pictures and walking around to view the artwork throughout the restaurant. I ordered the shrimp empanada, 10 out of 10! I also ordered many French 718s from the bar, perfecto! The bartenders were very friendly and attentive. On my way out, I got crabs to go from Xash Crab. The crabs, empanadas, and vibe were phenomenal. Best empanadas, crabs and French 718s in Baltimore. This place is definitely for the culture and I can't wait to go back this Sunday!!!!! read more