Empanada Mama

I went here with a friend for dinner and we never actually got to eat. The waitress was fast with our drinks, but after we ordered we just waited and waited. Two other tables came in after us, ordered and got their food. We still had not gotten ours. We asked the waitress if there was a problem. She said it would be 2 more minutes. Ten minutes later, we left, still without the 4 basic empananas we ordered. The waitress seemed unperturbed. I will never try this place again.

Delicious food, and really good prices. It does get a bit crowded sometimes, so service can be slow -- but generally, it's a great choice.

We just had a corporate lunch catered by Empanada Mama, and everyone raved about the food. It's not every day you get quality ethnic food served that's tasty, fresh and a pleasure to eat. This is a rare gem, and we would gladly order again. The guests were all very pleased. My favorites: Spanish Lasagna (the best!), and yellow chicken with rice (moist & perfectly seasoned). Can't say enough, coming from a latin home myself.

It's really slow, and the food isn't that great. It's pretty simple. I had pizza, cheese and broccoli and rice and bean empanadas. I wasn't all that impressed. It took them 20 minutes to make three empanadas.

Always a clutch lunch from EM. The selection is solid, with prices that can't be beat. Not to mention that their empanadas are a treat. The Guava and Cheese dessert one is a must try.

I made the mistake of walking right by this place hundreds of times, and wrongly dismissed it as just another meat pie take-out joint. Finally, I tried it one recent night and was so favorably impressed with the food, that I went back three times in the the next two weeks. My return visits were all very favorable. Tamales, arepas, baked, wheat and corn empanadas are consistently delicious and the flavorful fillings are made with care and quality ingredients. This is what distinguishes this place from the many garden-variety Latin food places in NYC. It's a tiny, crowded single storefront with just a few eat-in tables, and a brisk take-out business, so service is friendly, but a bit slow. If eating in, plan to arrive early for the best chance at a table. For me, the atmosphere suffers most from the loud music that inhibits conversation, and seems to appeal more to the 20-something heavy drinking crowd, which I guess is their target audience. It's also so darkly lit, you'll be glad to have a small flashlight to read the menu, if you've over that "certain age." In fact the only less-than-great thing I've had there was the white Sangria made with apricots and apples, that was not very tasty, and also a bit overpriced given the surroundings. I'd just stick with the beer. The friendly patrons actually added to the experience, offering tastes of their dishes. Take-out was also well executed.

I have lived 1/2 block away from this cool little spot for 8 months but only tried it out for the first time a month ago, and boy, was I missing out! I LOVE this place. I can't get enough! The sangria is some of the best in the city with a little zing and lots of fresh fruit. The empanadas are large, tasty, plentiful, and there is something for everyone. The plantanes are amazing, and the dessert empanadas are to die for. It's a reasonably priced spot with a great staff , fun environment, and fantastic tasty food!