Best Empanadas in the East Village: Signature Flavors to Savor
If there’s one thing East Village is known for, it’s food. When you explore this neighborhood, you’ll realize it’s a foodie’s playground, packed with quirky cafes, hole-in-the-wall gems, and trendy spots serving everything from ramen to tacos.
But have you tried East Villages’s empanadas? These little pockets of deliciousness are a must-try. Warm, flaky, and filled with everything from savory classics to sweet surprises, empanadas are the kind of comfort food that feels like a hug you can eat. And here is everything you need to know about the best empanadas in East Village.
Savor the burst of flavors with our fresh, crispy empanadas!
What Makes Empanadas Truly Exceptional?
Empanadas are authentic Latin flavors in NYC that you cannot miss. These little parcels of joy hit all the right notes – comforting, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. There is harmony between their golden, flaky crust and the explosion of flavor waiting inside.
The crust is an art in itself! Perfectly crisp yet tender and sturdy enough to hold the fillings but delicate enough to melt in your mouth. And the fillings? That’s where the magic happens. From classic combinations like spiced beef or shredded chicken to creative twists like guava with mozzarella cheese, melted Belgian chocolate, and banana every bite is a treat.
The empanadas at Empanada Mama are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. They’re a reflection of cultural traditions and inventive cooking. One bite is enough to transport you to a Latin American kitchen.
Exploring the Empanada Mama Menu
Someone somewhere once said, “You don’t know anything until you explore.” You don’t truly know empanadas until you have explored the Empanada Mama at East Village. Our menu is as diverse as the neighborhood of East Village itself – we have more than forty different flavors that you can try. Whether you’re all about the classics, looking for plant-based options, or feeling adventurous, there’s an empanada with your name on it.
Classic Meat Fillings to Savor
If you are a meat lover, we have your back with delicious classics.
Our popular beef empanadas include Cheeseburgers, Shredded Beef, and Ground beef Corn Flour. They are all seasoned with bold spices to savory perfection.
Our chicken empanadas like Jerk and Cheese, Bombay, and Bourbon Chicken Melt are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Pork enthusiasts, don’t miss the Reggaeton, Desayuno Colombiano, and Cuban from our menu
Vegetarian Delights
If you are a plant-based foodie, don’t miss out on indulging in our spinach and cheese, Cheese Corn Flour, Eggplant Parmesan, and other delightful Empanadas made of fresh veggies. Our vegetarian delights are a balanced mix of earthy and sweet flavors.
Sweet Treats
Empanada Mama is not just limited to salt and savory. Our dessert empanadas have captured hearts around NYC. Made of guava, Nutella, chocolate, apple, and cinnamon, our dessert menu strikes a balance of gooey and rich.
Global Influences
While Empanada Mama is the spot to get authentic Latin flavors in NYC, we have empanadas that celebrate flavors from all over the world. There is “Greek Spinach,” a Mediterranean-inspired gem, “Bombay”, full of curried chicken, and many more that you can explore and treat your taste buds with.
Experience the art of empanadas—handcrafted to perfection.
So what are you waiting for? Explore our menu and indulge in the cultural diversitythat Empanada Mama offers in East Village, NYC.
Perfect Pairings for Empanadas
Empanadas are amazing on their own but, for the happiness of your heart, pair them with right sides and drinks to take the meal to the next level. We have a variety of sides and drinks that complement our signature empanadas.
Another trick to make your empanada meals perfect is the sauces used. A good dipping sauce can bring out the flavors in your empanada. Whether you’re a fan of spicy salsa, tangy chimichurri, or creamy garlic, sauces are a game-changer. Don’t be afraid to dip, drizzle, and experiment as it’s all about experimenting and having fun with your flavors!
The Experience of Dining at Empanada Mama
Located in NYC’s iconic neighborhood East Village, Empanada Mama is surrounded by a mix of cool bars, quirky shops, and vibrant street life. Our East Village location is lively, and casual, and has a cozy charm that makes it feel like the perfect place to relax, enjoy a few empanadas, and soak in the neighborhood's buzzing energy. You don’t have to google ‘empanadas near me” anymore because this is the best NYC empanada hotspot!
We are a go-to destination for late-night cravings in the East Village neighborhood. The casual setting is perfect for kicking back and enjoying a few empanadas (or a whole platter). But it’s also a great spot for celebrations. Whether it’s a birthday, a casual date night, or just a reason to gather with friends over some seriously tasty food, we can make every meal feel like an occasion.
Explore a variety of flavors crafted to delight every palate.
Planning Your Visit
Heading to Empanada Mama in the East Village?
Here’s how to make your visit as smooth and delicious as possible.
Best Times to Visit
Timing matters. Empanada Mama is beloved for satisfying everything from casual cravings to serious foodie adventures.
If you’re hoping to avoid a crowd, aim for off-peak hours.
If you’re looking to enjoy your empanadas in a more relaxed atmosphere, aim for a mid-afternoon visit or early evening on weekdays.
Weekends are livelier, so if you’re in the mood for people-watching, this is the time to drop by.
No matter when you go, our empanadas are always fresh and delicious, so you really can’t lose.
Takeout or Dine-In?
You don’t like standing in long queues? Or not in the mood to get out of your pj’s ? But do you still crave a flavorful empanada?
Empanada Mama’s charm is our flexibility.
If you’re craving empanadas on the go, we have take-out options for you.
If you are staying around, you can order online through, Doordash, and Ubereats.
Dining in is a whole experience. Choose to munch on empanadas the way you like it.
Pro tip: Bring a friend or two. You can try many flavors with the company. It’s always better when you can share (or fight over) the last empanada!
Your Empanada Adventure Awaits
So, there you have it – Empanada Mama is more than just a restaurant. It's a vibe! It’s a delicious adventure waiting for you in the heart of the East Village. New York City’s empanada hotspot, Empanada Mama has everything you need for a memorable foodie experience. Whether you’re a first-timer dipping your toes into the classics or a seasoned regular eager to explore new creations, we promise something for everyone.
Don’t just scroll through the menu. Come solo or grab a friend and indulge yourself in a cultural experience. Try our signature flavors, experiment with a variety of sauces, and treat yourself to a memorable experience.