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Empanada Mama L.E.S.
Master Critic Review
Empanada Mama L.E.S.
8.3
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Girls Night Out Approved
Empanada Mama’s Lower East Side outpost is a 24/7 Latin comfort-food counter where dozens of baked and fried empanadas fuel nights out on Allen Street. It’s a go-to for groups spilling out of nearby bars who want something fast, filling, and handheld before heading home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Reggaeton Empanada (steak, peppers, onions, mozzarella), Viagra Empanada (seafood mix with tomato cream sauce), Sweet Plantain and Cheese Empanada
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A 24/7 empanada hub with an enormous menu and steady late-night crowds.
Who should go: Bar-hoppers and night-shift workers needing portable comfort food
When to visit: After midnight on weekends when Allen Street is busiest
What to order: Reggaeton, Viagra, and sweet plantain-cheese empanadas
Insider tip: Order a mix of fried and baked empanadas and grab extra sauces for dipping.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Allen Street is limited and highly competitive late at night; expect to circle or use nearby paid garages on Delancey or Ludlow.
Dress code: Come-as-you-are casual — bar outfits, hoodies, and post-night-out attire all fit right in.
Noise level: High — it’s a counter-service spot near busy bars, so expect lively crowds and limited quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on bar traffic; lines can spike after midnight.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with steady but quick-moving counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple baked and fried vegetarian empanadas, plus sides like yuca fries.
Vegan options: Limited — a few plant-based fillings, but most include cheese or meat.
Gluten-free options: Some fillings are gluten-free, but empanada dough is not; cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date — it’s loud, crowded, and counter-style — but great for a fun, spontaneous stop after drinks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations; seating is limited and mostly communal. Most guests grab and go, so turnover is fast even when it’s crowded.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-friendly during the daytime with mild crowds and easy handheld foods; late-night hours are more chaotic and better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Faster service, lower prices, and a broader variety of empanada flavors than most late-night LES spots.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, quieter atmosphere, or substantial gluten-free options.