0 Followers
Empanada Mama
Master Critic Review
Empanada Mama
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A grab-and-go empanada shop built for decisive ordering: lots of fillings, fast handoffs, and a reliable late-day energy. The move is to mix one classic meat option with one spicy or cheesy wildcard so the meal doesn’t blur into sameness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy chicken empanada, Beef empanada, Mac & cheese empanada
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Big-flavor empanadas with fast, no-drama ordering.
Who should go: Night owls who want something handheld and filling
When to visit: Late evening when you need food fast
What to order: Spicy chicken, beef, mac & cheese empanada
Insider tip: Order a mix of baked + fried styles for better texture contrast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; street parking is very difficult in Times Square, especially after 6pm. Nearby garages are available but expensive.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, sneakers, post-work or post-show attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak late hours—fine for solo eating or quick chats, not ideal for long conversations.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak late-night rush; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of noon peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several cheese- and veggie-based empanadas available.
Vegan options: Limited—one to two plant-based options depending on the day.
Gluten-free options: No—empanadas are wheat-based with no gluten-free substitutes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it ultra-casual. It’s fast, functional, and fun—but better for a quick bite than a lingering, conversation-heavy date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Seating is limited and first-come, first-served. Most people treat it as grab-and-go rather than a sit-down meal.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—handheld empanadas are easy to manage, but there’s limited space and no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Late-night speed, variety, and value—especially when you want something handheld that’s more filling than a slice.
Skip if: You want to sit comfortably, talk at length, or need gluten-free options—this is built for efficiency, not lingering.