Must-Try Lunch Specials on the Upper East Side: Why Empanada Mama is the Best Spot
Do you often find yourself searching for an affordable yet delicious option on the Upper East Side? Googling ‘lunch specials near me’ every time you're feeling hungry at work?
Now picture this: you are biting into a crispy, flaky, utterly delicious empanada, and sipping a refreshing drink, after a long wait for the lunch break. Heavenly, isn’t it? Sweet or savory - a perfectly golden-brown empanada is hard to resist.
NYC is not a place that's short of culinary options. But how many of them can check all your boxes? Flavorful, fast and budget-friendly. And of course, being healthy is always a bonus! Such a place may sound impossible to find, but here at Empanada Mama, you can have it all! We serve you mouthwatering empanadas and other authentic Latin dishes, without burning a hole in your pocket!
Whether you are taking a well-deserved lunch break or need a quick bite after a shopping trip, here are the reasons why you should choose Empanada Mama to fill your tummy.
What’s on Our Menu?
Our unbelievably delicious and budget-friendly options are here to make your midday meal feel better than ever. Our wide varieties of empanadas are famous throughout NYC. But have you checked out our scrumptious, flavorful meals? Or our fresh, rich and crispy salads? The enticing array of drinks and desserts? Have it all from Empanada Mama on the Upper East Side - just make sure you don’t fall asleep at work after a very filling meal!
Popular Empanadas
With a name like ‘Empanada Mama’, we are on a constant quest to live up to our brand. So, check out a few of our most popular empanadas and discover what the hype is all about!
Viagra: A delightful blend of seafood stew with fresh tiger shrimp and crab meat, this succulent filling is the dream of every seafood lover.
Shredded Chicken Wheat: Soft and tender chicken breast slow-cooked with tangy and sweet sofrito sauce - just the thought is drool-worthy!
Cheeseburger: A fan-favorite, this empanada is packed with ground beef cooked in traditional Latin spices, elevated by the cheesy goodness of cheddar.
Divine Meal Combos
For a hearty lunch, take a look at our nourishing meals:
Entraña a La Plancha: Skirt steak, grilled to perfection, served with white or yellow rice and black or red beans. Refreshing house salad, with the zing of chimichurri on the side, completes this perfect meal.
Carne Sudada: Braised skirt steak cooked with yucca, potato, tomato, red peppers & onions offers a warm and enchanting experience. Served with rice, house salad & pico de gallo, this is a beautiful symphony of flavors!
Pollo a La Plancha: Juicy grilled chicken breast served with white or yellow rice, black or red beans, house salad & chimichurri on the side - every bite leaves you wanting more!
Other curated lunch combos at Empanada Mama include 2 Empanadas + Rice and Beans, Avocado Salad + Grilled Chicken and Arroz Con Pollo with Salad - all under $14! What are you waiting for?
Salads and Soups
No, healthy salads do not always mean boring. And soups can be more than token side dishes. Take a peek at our delicious range of salads, soups and sides that would bring new appreciation to these underdogs of the culinary world:
Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado, crispy romaine & iceberg lettuce, fresh cucumber, tomatoes, cilantro & scallions with house cumin dressing - truly a vision and a treat for the palate.
Small-side Salad: Small green salad with romaine & iceberg lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, cilantro & scallions with house cumin dressing - can’t go wrong with this simple yet delicious classic salad.
Sancocho De Cola: Colombian oxtails soup with yucca, plantain, corn on the cob, cilantro, scallions - here’s the beauty of tradition personified. Served with white or yellow rice, this Latin specialty will not leave your thoughts anytime soon.
Combine these with our yucca frita & plantain chips, chimichurri, blue cheese sauce or guacamole and you have tasted heaven!
Why We Are Perfect for a Quick Lunch
We know, we know - corporate lunch breaks are never long enough. Especially on a hectic work day, when your stomach is growling and you are looking for something more exciting than Caesar salads and PB&J sandwiches. Fret not, for our fast service is here to save the day!
Whether you are shopping or on a tight lunch break- you can always have your food on the go. All you need is to choose your dream dish from the long list of our delectable options. Order take-out or online - It’s quick, efficient and convenient!
Now you can enjoy the best Latin food in NYC, and get right back to work, feeling better than ever. You can even take some of our specialties for your hangry boss! Great food is the perfect antidote for Monday blues, after all!
Empanadas For Everyone: Satisfy All Your Cravings
Made with the freshest of ingredients and delicious herbs and spices, our empanadas are one of the best in New York City. From classic to unconventional, we have an enormous variety of empanadas. At Empanada Mama, we have something for everyone!
Our classic empanadas can never go out of style. Beef, chicken, cheese - we have them all right here. The all-time favorites include shredded chicken and ground beef. Safe to say, they have a fanbase of their own.
How about the unconventional, experimental flavors? See them for yourself!
Specialty Flavors
For the more adventurous out there, we have some unique flavors to sway you too! Here are some of the novelty empanada flavors offered by us:
Bombay: An explosion of flavors, this empanada filled with curried chicken with chickpeas, cilantro and scallions are truly exquisite.
Hawaiian: Ham with sauteed pineapple & mozzarella cheese - this unique combination is sure to spike your curiosity and leave you wanting more.
Mac & Cheese Wheat Flour: Macaroni, cheddar cheese & bacon in a creamy cheese sauce - a classic American dish encased in the crispy shell of the empanada is a new twist on comfort food.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
We believe in inclusiveness - so if you follow a vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diet, we have the best options for you:
Veggie Corn Flour: Steamed potatoes, carrots and lima beans - this vibrantly colorful dish is nutritious and delicious, perfect for a vegan meal.
Oven-Baked Eggplant Parmesan: Tomato, oregano, basil, red wine, parmesan & mozzarella - this Italian-inspired dish is nothing short of a marvel. Who said you need meat for an irresistible meal?
Oven-Baked Greek Spinach Pie: Classic Greek style with spinach & feta cheese - light and hearty, this tempting pie can easily compete with your favorite dishes.
Empanadas for Dessert
Let’s not forget our dessert empanadas:
Romeo & Juliet: Guava with mozzarella - a timeless pair, as the name suggests!
U.S.A.: Apples & cinnamon baked - this is loved by all for a reason!
Belgian Banana: Melted Belgian chocolate and bananas - simple, sweet and incredibly satisfying!
Pair these with our long list of refreshing drinks - from homemade lemonades, juices, iced teas, sodas, hot drinks and fruit shakes - you are set for the day! And if you would like to take a break from empanadas, try out our arepas, tamales, rice balls and meatballs - the list goes on…
Check out our menu to get all the details!
What Sets Us Apart?
Wallet-Friendly Lunch Options
You can find the best quality Latin food in NYC, at unbeatable prices, right here on the Upper East Side. Our combo deals have great value for money, being the best in quality and quantity. We offer party packs and special deals as well -
‘Hot Drink + 4 pcs Churritos’, for just $8 is our All Day Special deal. If you want a party pack to share your love for empanadas, the ‘10 empanadas + Guacamole & Chips’ combo is a very economical option, at just $88.
Healthy and Filling Balanced Meals
For all the health-conscious peeps out there - we have got you covered! It's hard to look after your health when you barely have time to follow diets, let alone to eat regularly. At Empanada Mama, your lunch can now be nutritious and filling - you don’t have to compromise on taste. Sure, we have fried wheat and fried corn shell empanadas. But if you really want a guilt-free lunch, how about trying our baked wheat empanadas, perhaps with a side of avocado salad? Our meals offer you protein-filled juicy meats, fluffy rice for the much-needed carbs on a draining day and beans for fiber and more protein. With our vegan and vegetarian options, paired with healthy salads, there’s no need for a cheat day!
Quick Delivery and Takeout for Busy Professionals
Pick up your food on the way to work or get it delivered right to your office. Either way, you can stop stressing about lunch plans and spend more time enjoying your favorite food. Our location, at the heart of the Upper East Side, makes it so convenient for you to order on the go. You can also order online through our site or use delivery apps like Ubereats, Grubhub and Doordash.
Hear From Our Customers
Why do the locals go crazy for Empanada Mama? Find out from the people themselves: “Some of the best empanadas I’ve had in a long time”, says a customer. Another has claimed them to be ‘delicious’ and ‘additive’, and has promised to come back for more. Our El Toro (slow-braised oxtail with Jamaican pepper, chipotle, red wine, onion, carrot, thyme & maduros) and oxtail soup even got a special mention! We have also received compliments on our convenient location, friendly staff and great atmosphere.
Get Your Lunch Special Today at Empanada Mama!
Freshly cooked with a crispy outer shell and generously stuffed with mouth-watering fillings, our empanadas are a treat to the eyes as well. With tantalizing red and green sauces to boost their flavors, these Latin delights are a must-have dish, here in NYC. And much like the city, we love celebrating diversity through crafting unique empanadas that honor diverse culinary traditions, including Greek, Cuban, Hawaiian, Italian and of course, American.
We have outlets in 5 locations in the city - get to know all about them from our blogs. We are committed to deliver you high quality, affordable meals that reflect our love and passion for food. With over 15 years in the industry, we only have one mission - to give you the best empanada experience in NYC. So the next time you want an unforgettable lunch, try one of our bestsellers at Empanada Mama. Order online at Empanada Mama or visit us on the Upper East Side. See you soon!