We continue to be regulars at the Empanada Times, even factoring the 40 minute drive to go get our lunch. I would pick up for my two boys and drop off to their homes on my way home. Our 15 month old grandson LOVES empanadas! Nice little storefront eatery in downtown Lincoln Park, so you can eat in or take out. Check out their unusual specials. read more

We were looking for authentic Puerto Rican catering close to home for our father's celebration of life. With about 150 people expected, this was a big event and we wanted the food to feel just right. Unfortunately, our go-to caterer was out of town, so we reached out to Empanada Times--and we are so glad we did. Madeline, whose mom was actually our neighbor growing up, welcomed us with a full catering menu. Even though her restaurant is all the way in New Jersey and we're in New York, we knew it would be worth it. We ordered pernil, arroz con gandules (party rice), chicharrón de pollo, and Madeline's famous potato salad. Let me tell you--we were not disappointed. We had to sneak a taste before serving, and from the first bite, we were transported right back to Puerto Rico. The chicharrón de pollo was everything we hoped for--crispy, boneless, seasoned perfectly, and even better with a squeeze of lime and a cold Medalla beer. The rice was rich, flavorful, and reminded us of Doña María's classic Puerto Rican cooking. The pernil? Juicy, tender, perfectly seasoned. And the potato salad--flavorful, creamy, and just delicious. We had leftovers for days and didn't mind one bit! My sister, who's a teacher, even brought containers to share with her coworkers, and I brought plenty home for my husband. He's very picky about food and who cooks it--but this time? He dove right in without hesitation, and didn't have one negative thing to say (and trust me, he would have!). We're already looking forward to visiting Madeline's restaurant in NJ--or maybe catching a food truck somewhere soon. Thank you, Empanada Times, for helping us honor our father with the flavors of home. read more

Was working at one of my companies offices in the area and I've been eyeing Empanada Times for a while. Decided to give it a try today for lunch. The first thing I noticed was the beautiful decor and drawings on the wall, cozy ambience. A staff member came out and took my order upon arrival. I ordered the Cuban sandwich and fried yuca fries. I was told it would be a 10 minute wait. I sat outside to eat for outdoor dining and the food was amazing! I grew up eating Cuban sandwiches and this one was amazing and I absolutely love yuca fries! They serve with a side of pink sauce so delish! I'd definitely come back again. Thanks read more

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Very tasty! Ordered 5 different empanadas and they were all delicious! We also got a pork platter and that was also very tasty! We will definitely be putting this place into the rotation. Pricing I feel like is perfect for the portion sizes. Give them a go! read more

Finally had a chance to dine in at The Empanada Times on a wednesday evening and so far so good. The place is nicely decorated, looked comfy and inviting. The menu selection was not extensive so it wasnt too difficult to decide what to get. From the name of the store, i guessed their specialities are their empanadas and so we gave that a try. Phillycheese steak was first on my list but they were sold out that day so we opted instead to try 4 other flavors. The chipotle chicken had a nice balance of cheese and chicken which was flavored to a savory cheesy goodness. The beef and potato was also good and had that "as expected" taste, and i dont mean that in a bad way. The potatoes made it quite filling. We also tried the cheese one which reminded me of a grilled cheese sandwich. And the dessert empanada, cheese and guava, also reminded me of peach mango pie lol. overall they were good empanadas with a nicely made dough. Soft but with a little bit of crunch. Not shocked with some grease as that is typically how empanadas are made so not sure why other guests are quite surprised about it. As long as its not sweating with grease im fine with that. I also had the pleasure of talking to the owner that day (didnt get her name) and enjoyed listening to a brief story of how they started as a food truck in Jersey city and how they finally are starting another chapter of their business here in Lincoln Park. Would love to come by again some time and hopefully get a better "receive" from the desk. Hoping that next time, whoever is working at the counter will at least acknowledge the presence of their customers and if they need to go back in the kitchen or finish up with something else to at least excuse themselves and tell the customers "i'll be with you shortly" or something in that sense rather than just disappearing and letting us wait unsure whether we can still be accommodated or not. I guess this was also one issue of the review from another customer. Communication and customer-service is key afterall. As it was our first time there that day, first impressions make a big impact. Fortunately that will not deter us from giving the store another shot and visiting anytime soon. Empanadas were definitely tasty and worth a revisit. read more

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The Empanadas were very good. They have a light crispy crust and they were all packed with interesting fillings. These are definitely not Empty-nadas! I would have liked maybe a sauce with some of the specialty empanadas to elevate the experience but everything was still tasty. IMO I still think you should offer the basics no frills traditional trio. Beef, chicken, real cheese. read more

One of my favorite places and the delicious food never disappoints. The owner is friendly and always introduces me to new and yummy menu items. I am hooked ! The empanadas were my first love but there are so many tasty meal options, don't miss out. read more

Was awesome. I've been to a few empanada places and they were so small & greasy. Not here. Hot fresh made. Can't wait to order again. Thanks again.... I ordered thru Uber eats & was expecting greasy wet bags. Fooled me. I couldn't take photo of food. Didn't last long enough to take photo. read more

The Empanada Times - Food Trucks Near Me - Lincoln Park, New Jersey

Gave this place a second try and will never go again. The food is mediocre at best. I'm guessing most of the great reviews didn't grow up with Spanish cooking. Although it wasn't horrible, the level of service is the reason I will not go back. First the food takes long to prepare. I learned this the first time. So, I ordered on DoorDash. When I was given my order I was asked if I had paid. Well that's disturbing. I asked, would I be leaving with the food if I didn't pay? The lady's response was well, I don't know. So I had to wait until my AMEX app opened (they have bad cell range I may add) to prove to her that I paid. She asked me if I was a driver and then asked why would I even order with doordash! My response was because I want the food ready and paid for by the time I get there. She couldn't understand my response and said maybe next time I should order via phone to avoid DoorDash fees. Let me add, she came out with a towel wrapped around her head. Completely unprofessional . I wasn't sure if I had disturbed her shower. At the end, I was annoyed. I asked why do I have to show my receipt to prove I paid, why can't you look on YOUR order form! Not once did she even look at her form. Never again will I return. Treat customers right! read more

Stopped a few times over the past few months. Great empanadas and a large variety of them. Need and potato and pizza are my favorites. Great value and great taste!!! Highly recommend! read more

They had a food truck at the annual Pequannock Hoedown Saturday 10/15. I love empanadas and stood in line for 20 min. I should not have wasted my time. They did not have the classic empanadas i'm used to do i got chipotle chicken and beef and potato. Both were terrible. Maybe they're better at the restaurant who knows? read more

I ordered 3 cheese empanadas and they were the best I ever had I will definitely be going back soon! They also have a variety of options as well, so I recommend you guys stop by if you love empanadas/Spanish food! read more

Fantastic empanada spot with great decor. We got the beef and potato, bacon mac and cheese, guava and cheese, and shepherds pie empanadas, and I'd recommend all of them. Food came out quickly and the server was very nice. read more

Great little food place. Food was delicious and fresh. Several types of empanada fillings for everyone's liking. The dough was crispy and tasty. The Cuban Sandwich was spot on (Cuban here).. Prices were reasonable. Loved the decore . The place is small, seating is family style which is ok because once you sit and start eating you really dont pay attention to anyone else. Planning on making this place a habit. read more

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The older woman at the front counter (I forgot her name) extremely kind and helpful. There was a big lunch rush and she was apologizing for the long wait. She made all my food fresh and it was absolutely delicious. I had the beef and potato, chicken chipotle, and the apple crisp empanada and they were all fantastic. High recommend this place for any empanada lovers ! read more

Amazing empanadas. Literally could eat these everyday. Super light and not greasy. Inside is so cute and trendy. The staff is so nice! The bacon Mac and cheese empanada is a must. read more

First time customer. I work in Lincoln Park Nj. and I decided to try this place on main street. Empanada Times. It was a bad mistake. I love empanadas. Now you would think they would try to impress me by giving me a decent first order Well it was not only awful but expensive. They charged me $3.75 per empanada . There was hardly any filling in it and it was over cooked. Also ordered tostonese. They had the nerve to charge $4.00 for these. 4 pieces were not only crumbled and falling apart but were burnt in oil. Finally I ordered a dinner for my wife. It was red beans yellow rice and plantains. This was $6.75. Plus I added Purnell which is pork and that was $5.00. This was in a small container. This was a order to go. I didn't realize how bad it was until I went home. I was hungry so I ate everything. This order cost me $29.00 and I gave them a $4.00 tip. I will never go there again. read more

I ordered the bulid your own with yellow rice, tostones, pernil and red beans on the side.i paid almost $13 for this with no drink and I come to find the food isn't fresh it's heated up. Parts of my rice were ice cold while others were warm. Same when it comes to the pernil. Super disappointed. :( read more

The Empanada Times - I ordered the BYO with yellow rice, tostones, pernil and red beans on the side.i paid almost $13 for this with no drink. - Food Trucks Near Me - Lincoln Park, New Jersey

This is my new spot for empanadas! I tried the guava & cheese, bbq pulled pork and the beef & plantain. They were delicious! Besides the empanadas, rice, beans, maduros & sautéed shrimp was really good! read more

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I visited her for lunch yesterday and while cleqn and quaint, I was sadly dissatisfied. I ordered a Philly cheese steak empanda which was sadly unavailable. I ordered two pulled pork however the taste was just... yucky. Sweet and dry filling, poly dough. It's over priced and disappointing read more

I'm mad, why because I can only eat so much food. I wanted to order more but I couldn't fit it in. This place is awesome. The atmosphere is cool and the people working there seem nice. Friendly and efficient. I ordered the pizza empanada and a cheesesteak empanada. If I could've swam in the sauce and meat i would've. If you like empanada's then you need to go there. I've been to about 10!different empanada restaurants and this is by far the best one. They cook them perfectly. Outer crust is crispy. The inside is hot but not where you will burn your tongue off. It's a tiny place so don't blink or you will miss it, it's right next to the Dunkin' Donuts. read more

BOMB! Everything is fresh and so good! Ropa Veija is excellent!

Tried delivery for this place, I was excited to try and was pretty disappointed by the food quality and authenticity of the empanadas. I tried almost every empanada on the menu they had and they all were just meh. I've had much better before. I do give them credit for at least trying to make it taste like real empanadas. read more

As a native Cuban, you can imagine in very critical of this kind of food and being raised in Miami, I go into a Spanish place like this with a bit of skepticism. I couldn't be more wrong in my presumptions and I'll thrilled to have this place in the town where I currently live. Food is awesome. Empanadas are top notch. The pernil, or lechón, as I grew up calling it, is some of the best I've had in a long time. I'm gonna have them catering my Christmas Eve dinner this year. read more

Absolutely delicious empanada with a flaky fried crust. Had the beef and potato, mac and cheese (incredible) and the chipotle chicken. Staff was polite and decor is fantastic. Highly recommend for a varied and delicious quick bite. read more

This restaurant is sooo cute! The decor is amazing & such attention to detail. Their empanadas are equally as amazing. My girls and I had the beef & plantain, seafood jambalaya, and philly cheesecake. They were fresh, hot, flaky & DELICIOUS!! We will most definitely be back. If you're in town, do yourself a favor and stop in. read more

Honestly, the best empanadas I've had. And no matter who is working, they are always sooooo nice. We absolutely love this place!

Best empanadas I've ever eaten. The crust is so flaky and all of the fillings are delicious. My favorites are the bacon Mac and cheese, pulled pork, and beef and plantain. They even have desert empanadas. Generally, fillings are bland or standard, their fillings play like symphonies in your mouth. Even though it is a small location, it has a very nice atmosphere. read more

Just brought home very authentic empanadas and tasty rice and beans. The sweet corn bread was a delight. We plan to eat in next time. It's BYOB, so we'll bring some cold beers to go along with the delicious food. The decor is eye catching and the personnel were very friendly. Absolutely an enjoyable local eatery. read more

Really good empanadas. Seem to be made to order, not withering away on a hot tray under a heat lamp, so not really grab and go. You need to have a few extra minutes to wait for good food. We will go back to try other things for sure. read more

Love the empanadas and staff have great customer service. I called and they were about to close but they waited fir my husband and we're so polite. read more

This is definitely going to be my new staple in town! We had an amazing dinner from there yesterday. The margherita and dahl empanadas and so delicious and a must try! Although to be honest, all their empanadas were very good. The price was very reasonable. Would advise take out as it was pretty busy and small inside. read more

My husband and I LOVE the empanadas from this restaurant. My favorites are the Chipotle Chicken and the Beef and Potato. Today, the empanadas we got via Uber Eats boosted my spirits, even though we're all stuck at home and it's been tough. Everything was perfect and so tasty. I'm planning on ordering again next weekend! read more

Stopped in for the first time today, very excited to have a new empanada place in our town. The food was great! The empanada crust is perfection, the taco salad is fresh and delicious, and the Cuban sandwich has good flavor. Portions were good and filling. We will definitely be back! read more

i was excited to try this new place! and i love empanadas! too bad was not able to take a pic of the ones i got. i got the pulled pork. chicken. and beef/potato empanadas! they were all delish! however its a little pricey for an empanada! i bought 3 empanadas for $12 n change! however, I will definitely comeback for my empanada fix! read more

Pricey for "cheap" food items. Overpriced for their plate meals with small portions. Tostones were not freshly made, dull and not crispy. Enjoyed the beef/potato and the guava/cheese empanada, fried. Nice small boutique like environment. Food was ready quickly for an ordered there - take out meal. No healthy option eg side salad. Won't frequent often but will definitely get an empanada when I do. Pleasant register service. read more

I wanted to try the place out before I placed an order for a brunch I was having and I was impressed by the empanadas and the different selections they had. I tried the chicken, beef and mashed potatoes, philly cheese steak and cheese. They were all very good. Their plantains were spot on and very ripe which is how a TRUE hispanic likes their plantains or as I say it Maduros. I also tried their white rice and red beans and both were very good. read more

Soo good! We knew of them before when they just had the food truck but the storefront is amazing as well, wider selection and even more variety! read more

Just ordered here for the first time, empanadas were larger than expected and tasted great. We will definitely order from here again

First time here got 6 empanadas to go. Waited a few minutes and they were ready. They were all good tasty will definitely come back to try the Cuban Sandwich. read more