The Best Empanadas for a Spring Picnic in NYC
Spring in NYC means sunshine, fresh blooms, and the perfect excuse for a picnic! But what’s the best picnic food? Enter empanadas—crispy, flavorful, and easy to eat on the go.
Whether you're planning a morning brunch in the park or a sunset picnic by the river, this guide will help you pick the best empanadas, perfect pairings, and top picnic spots in the city. Read on to plan the ultimate empanada-filled spring picnic!
Why Empanadas Are the Ultimate Picnic Snack
Empanadas aren't just tasty; they're handy, pre-wrapped in a dough that's simple to carry. The practical option is to take them along on a picnic day. The most appealing feature of empanadas is their nearly infinite variety. There are so many different flavors to choose from, and so many individuals have their own flavor choices. You can get an empanada for a complete meat pie meal, a cheesy vegetarian pastry, or a caramel-filled dessert.
On top of that, empanadas do not need a knife and fork. Serving meals is inconvenient, time-consuming, and potentially stressful; no one has time for that at a picnic. Just take hold and have a try, allowing the mix to sit in your mouth in peace.
Empanada Mama is considered to be one of the best Latin food places in NYC serving hot and crispy empanadas. Take a gander at our menu to discover all the available options. With over 40 varieties of fillings and flavors, the combination of empanadas for your picnic adventure is limitless.
Breakfast Empanadas for a Morning Picnic in the Park
It’s hard to resist the temptation to have a luxurious picnic breakfast on a sunny morning in early spring. Served either cold or hot, a selection of breakfast empanadas won’t leave you indifferent. The following options are on offer:
Desayuno Colombiano: An empanada filled with bacon, eggs, and cheese is an ideal protein-laden day option. The hearty meal will recharge your batteries as you appreciate the beauties of spring.
Cuban: Packed with eggs, ham, and cheese, a Cuban empanada is a traditional blend, flavored in a pastry shell. Take one with you, and you will instantly have a savory, tasty breakfast meal.
Hawaiian: containing ham and pineapple, a Hawaiian empanada offers a touch of the tropics, which is ideal for a spring mood.
With these breakfast empanadas in tow, your morning picnic is bound to be a hit!
Perfect Picnic Pairings for Your Empanadas
To make the experience even more memorable, prepare to serve your empanadas with your favorite refreshments, sides, and dips. Ensure everything in your picnic basket is in perfect harmony and the flavors complement each other just right.
Beverages to Serve Cold
Perfect drink pairings can elevate the whole experience of being on a picnic. Instead of water, consider taking the following with you:
Tropical Shakes
Fresh mango, passion fruit, or pineapple shakes are intense and go well with the greasy pastry. Not only do they taste delicious, but such drinks are also colorful and enhance your picnic spread’s appearance.
Cold Brew Coffee
If you are preparing for a picnic in the morning or tend to have a gathering at this time, your drink can be this type of chill brew. It’s refreshing and quenching and is well served with any dish, comforting or sweet.
Classic Sodas
You might never know who would prefer this classic soda to water or juice. Benefit each of these guests and bring out a variety.
Sides to Complement Your Picnic Empanadas
Even though they are in no way less than other dishes, empanadas would look more luxurious with any of these simple side dishes:
Plantain chips: Introduce a crispy layer and somehow turn out to be the best side dish to any hot or cold dish.
Avocado salad: Not only does it appear to complement the dish, but it is also rather beneficial, given all the health features of the fresh vegetable.
Salsas: A good salsa is never amiss. Moreover, either grandma’s homemade sauce or some suitable hot types of salsa from Empanada Mama will take your dish to another level.
Finally, do not forget to get some condiments to add to the taste. Empanada Mama’s signature dips and sauces will double the experience of tasting its dishes. Even if the meal is light or straightforward, the right condiments can transform everything, offering unique tastes to combine and try.
The Best Picnic Spots in NYC to Enjoy Your Empanadas
With your spring empanadas packed in the picnic bag, the next task is finding the ideal spot. The following are some of the prime spots in NYC that you can enjoy with your tasty, meat-filled snacks:
Central Park Great Lawn
This picnic area is a classic, offering large open spaces tailor-made for expansive group settings. Roll out your picnic blanket and enjoy a vibrant ambiance, particularly on sun-filled days when the park has various activities. The vivid greenery and picturesque settings are the perfect background for your epicurean activities.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
This is the place to set up if you want a scenic water view as you enjoy your empanadas. With the Manhattan skyline in sight, the area features a fair amount of picnic tables and grassed grounds for those who might opt not to use the tables. It is the perfect setting to eat as you breathe fresh air.
Prospect Park Picnic House Lawn
This tucked-away gem in Brooklyn’s sprawling Prospect Park offers a peaceful retreat for your picnic. It’s less crowded than the main lawn, making it perfect for an intimate gathering with friends or a quiet afternoon escape. The towering trees provide shade, while the wide-open grassy areas allow you to stretch out and fully relax.
Hudson River Park
For those who love waterfront views, Hudson River Park is a prime choice. Lay down your blanket along the riverfront and enjoy the sight of boats sailing by as you savor each bite of your empanadas. This spot is especially magical in the evening when the sunset casts golden hues over the water, creating a dreamy atmosphere. With plenty of benches, piers, and nearby attractions, you can make a full day out of your picnic.
Worried about finding the best spring empanadas in NYC for your picnic. Empanada Mama got you covered in all these locations. We have our outlets all across New York City, including Times Square, Lower East Side, Hell's Kitchen, East Village, and UES.
The Times Square and Hell's Kitchen empanada shops are ideal for Central Park and Hudson River Park, respectively, due to their proximity. The Lower East Side shop serves well for both Brooklyn Bridge Park and Prospect Park. If you are planning on a bigger group, you can always cater with us!
How to Pack the Perfect Spring Picnic with Empanadas
A little planning goes a long way when packing for a picnic, especially when empanadas are involved. To keep them fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy, follow these simple packing tips:
Keep Them Warm: If you're not eating right away, wrap your empanadas in aluminum foil or store them in an insulated food carrier to maintain their crispy exterior and deliciously warm filling.
Pack the Essentials: Bring a picnic blanket, napkins, and reusable utensils. If you plan on pairing your empanadas with drinks, a small cooler will keep your beverages perfectly chilled.
Store Smartly: Use airtight containers for side dishes like avocado salad or plantain chips to prevent spills and keep everything fresh. Stackable containers also help maximize space in your picnic basket.
For an extra touch of charm, arrange your picnic spread with colorful side dishes and unique textures—think vibrant salsas, golden-brown empanadas, and fresh greens. Not only does it make your meal more appealing, but it also creates an Instagram-worthy picnic setup that your friends and family will love.
Where to Get Your Empanadas in NYC?
When you think of spring empanadas in NYC, there is only one place to look for Empanada Mama! We are located at various locations in NYC. Also, it is not a long walk or ride from one of these locations to your selected picnic area. Moreover, we have takeout and delivery, so you can avoid cooking and enjoy the sunshine.
Visit Empanada Mama because they serve an incredible and tasty meal you will love. To sum up, there is no need to limit yourself, so make sure to have a piece of cake during your next picnic date!