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All Reader Reviews of...

Empanada Mama

763 Ninth Ave., New York, NY, 10019
nr. 51st St.
212-698-9008

Avg. Rating

7
Food: 8
Service: 7
Décor: 7
"Recommended"

Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10.

67% would go back.

 Write your own review

Best Emapanadas

By astoria42 on 5/7/2010

  • Overall Rating: 8
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 6
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

Everything that I have eaten here - I have been about 8 times - has been fantastic. The entrees are very good, but I usually go for the empanadas. Two will suffice if you're not too hungry, four (or more?) if you have a hearty appetite. Try different flavors, they're all excellent. Make sure to get the guacamole with plantain chips for an appetizer, and try all the different sauces on the table. The service is pretty good, but not great. The dining room is usually staffed by the same quasi-exotic model-wannabes that work in most Hell's Kitchen restaurants and bars, so that means that they are not always the most attentive. However, the food comes out quickly so it's not much of an issue. Just make sure to ask for more water, since your waitress probably won't notice your empty glass. This is a great place to check out if you are in the area. However, if you are just looking for the empanadas and you find yourself in Queens you should go to Mama's Empanadas. The same exact empanadas, but in a much more casual (read: no-frills) atmosphere. Also, dinner will cost you half as much. (Take some home to-go and warm them up for a late-night snack!)

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45 out of 86 people found this review helpful.

Mixed feelings

By Mioz on 9/24/2009

  • Overall Rating: 7
  • Food: 6
  • Service: 8
  • Décor: 5
  • No, I would not go back!

The food was absolutely OK. I didn't have the empanadas, I went with main courses, which was fine -especially the salsas, but the overall experience was affected by the noisy environment and a margarita that didn't really taste like one. Friendly staff though!

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81 out of 150 people found this review helpful.

great empanadas

By latinfoodie on 9/23/2009

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 8
  • Décor: 5
  • Yes, I would go back!

When craving empanadas you will be pleased to have this tiny place nearby. The empanadas are stuffed to capacity so you get your money's worth. I had the spinach and cheese...yum. I also had the pernil empanada and it was stuffed with pork which needed a little seasoning. When i poured one of the two salsas provided it was a delicious quick lunch. I will definitely go back.

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72 out of 144 people found this review helpful.

Rotten food, rude service

By angdis on 9/16/2009

  • Overall Rating: 2
  • Food: 1
  • Service: 1
  • Décor: 8
  • No, I would not go back!

Before today I would have been one of the many raving about how great this place is. We ordered arroz con pollos which we have always ordered. The plate had a sour old taste, strong smell to it that wasn't normal along with a cold piece of chicken which confirmed our suspicions, OLD FOOD! Giving the restaurant the benefit of the doubt my fiance discreetly told our waitress that the food had a foul taste. She became upset and RUDE, let him know that she could do nothing for us and we still had to pay and there would be no refunds or exchanges. Later she came to my table, told me she spoke to the kitchen and they told her the food was made in the morning and the rice was the only thing changed. Clearly shows the guilt of knowing that the food was OLD and they knew what they served us was old.

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76 out of 155 people found this review helpful.

Consistently Great

By ajhk on 2/15/2009

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 9
  • Décor: 8
  • Yes, I would go back!

Inexpensive but tasty food -- whether for take-out or eat-in. The place is small and crowded, but the experience is always positive. Highly recommended.

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73 out of 152 people found this review helpful.

Awesome Eat-in or Delivery

By bailesb on 6/29/2008

  • Overall Rating: 8
  • Food: 8
  • Service: 7
  • Décor: 7
  • Yes, I would go back!

I take my out-of-town friends here when they visit for the delicious empanadas and bounteous sangria; its also my favorite place to order-in from. Try the hawaiian (pineapple/ham/cheese), the viagra (seafood), the regular (meat) for the main course and the fig, caramel, and cheese one for dessert!

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77 out of 151 people found this review helpful.

Gots to love them empanadas!

By west_villager on 12/4/2007

  • Overall Rating: 8
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 8
  • Décor: 7
  • Yes, I would go back!

I just moved to HK last week and have already ordered twice from Empanada Mama! My first go-round, I ordered some takeout just so I could checkout the place (my second order was delivery...Im lazy). If I wasnt dressed like a complete bum, I would have stuck around and ate in, but alas. Regardless, the food was grrreat. Im a big fan of Rubens near Stone Street Downtown and, although smaller, EM empanadas stand up well in comparison. Both times, Ive ordered a few different items along with the empanadas (I recommend the baked shredded chicken): the maduros are good (and plentiful), the chicken soon is average, the veal/rice balls were interesting (but you should add some sauce(s)), the spicy chicken arepas are fairly authentic (and good), and guac and plantain chips were a nice change of pace, too. Obviously, I plan to return, but will probably get cleaned-up and sit down to try their service in the (very tight) dining area.

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124 out of 238 people found this review helpful.

Great Inexpensive Empanadas

By lchahal on 3/29/2007

  • Overall Rating: 8
  • Food: 8
  • Service: 8
  • Décor: 8
  • Yes, I would go back!

It is obvious that it is very popular as there is sometimes a line going out the door. It is great that I can get a delicious lunch for under $3. For my tastes, the fried empanadas were very rich and filling. I tried the brasil and cuban. The following time I went with the baked beef empanada and it hit the spot.

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132 out of 301 people found this review helpful.

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