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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Elizabeth's best

Cozy empanada spots

Made for those who believe that a warm, flaky empanada is best enjoyed in a setting that feels like a home away from home.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
The Corner Haus image 1
The Corner Haus image 2
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Restaurant

Modern, stylish space with upscale dรฉcor and thoughtful design creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Music sets a vibey yet calm mood, perfect for relaxed conversation. Offers a cozy, elegant vibe that suits brunch or casual dining.

An easy-to-find spot with a relaxed vibe creates a space that feels inviting and makes you want to stay longer. The atmosphere stays clean and welcoming throughout.

Empanadas come with a crisp, light dough and are perfectly fried without any oily residue. The 3 cheese spinach option is notably very cheesy.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"This tiramisu latte coffee is super creamy and tastes like dessert."

"The tiramisu latte was super creamy and tasted like dessert."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch due to high demand.

2

A DJ brunch happens on select weekends, providing a lively atmosphere.

3

The restaurant offers a holiday special with Santa for kids during December.

02
Colombian Coffee Shop image 1

Small, cozy space fills with Colombian music and aromas, creating a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Crowds gather around bar-style seating, making the place lively despite its size. Known for authentic Colombian tamales and lechona, it offers a genuine taste of Colombia.

Small size and bar-type seating for about 8-10 people create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere filled with Colombian flavor.

Crispy empanadas deliver authentic Colombian flavor and come packed with full flavor. They pair well with other traditional items like tamales and buรฑuelos.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales here were the best I'd ever tasted."

"It's a small, cozy place with good food."

"These empanadas have such authentic Colombian flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and can be challenging due to street congestion.

2

Credit card payments incur an additional $9 fee, so cash is recommended.

3

The shop is small, making takeout a better option for larger groups.

03
Monchy's FastFood (Elizabeth) image 1
Colombian restaurant

Colombian restaurant with live music creates a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. Space feels modern and cozy, inviting guests to relax and enjoy quality time. Latin vibes and excellent service define the experience.

Warm lighting and soft seating create a cozy atmosphere. The space feels inviting for both couples and friends with its great service and relaxed vibe.

Filled with fresh and flavorful ingredients, the empanadas have a homemade dough that stays hot and crispy when served. Meat and beef varieties stand out as particularly delicious.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"The atmosphere here is super cozy and perfect for friends."

"These empanadas are hot, crispy, and delicious."

Good to know

1

The menu lists items starting at $13, but prices may vary.

2

Live music performances happen on Saturdays, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Reservations are recommended for weekends due to high demand.

04
La Tamaleria Colombiana NJ Elizabeth image 1

Spacious venue with Colombian decor and traditional games like bowling and rana creates a cozy, homey atmosphere. Music adds to the lively yet comfortable vibe. The place offers a full Colombian experience that feels like a corner of the country.

Atmosphere feels very cozy and homey, with a vibe that recalls Colombian culture. It suits gatherings with friends or family well.

Empanadas feature a homemade touch and fresh ingredients. The lechona and suckling pig varieties stand out as delicious options.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be super delicious and plentiful."

"The food here has such an authentic Colombian flavor."

"I thought the empanadas were excellent, especially the lechona ones."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 7:15 pm, so arrive early for dinner.

2

Expect live Colombian folklore performances during special events.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups celebrating special occasions.

05
Nicole's Arepas y Sabor image 1
Colombian restaurant

Small, cozy space offers a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a little piece of Colombia. Guests enjoy sitting inside or outside in a comfortable, homey environment. The vibe is pleasant and intimate, created by friendly hosts.

Small size creates a cozy atmosphere throughout the space. The intimate setting feels warm and inviting despite limited room.

Fresh out of the oven, the empanadas have a delicious and amazing taste. They come in unique varieties like the gray empanadas and pair well with coffee.

People are saying

"I found the arepas here to be delicious and out of this world."

"The homemade food here feels like being at your aunt's house."

"I thought the empanadas were amazing and fresh out of the oven."

Good to know

1

There is parking in the back of the restaurant.

2

There is only street parking available.

3

There is a 15% dine-in gratuity.

06
Sabor y Arte 2 image 1
Colombian restaurant

Colombian restaurant offers a charming, beautifully decorated space with a family-friendly atmosphere. Music plays loudly, creating an energetic vibe that can make conversation difficult. Karaoke and vibrant cocktails add to the lively experience.

The atmosphere feels very cozy with a warm, inviting vibe. The space offers a comfortable setting that pairs well with the nice food served.

Delicious meat empanadas stand out here, often paired with coffee and frijoles. Some empanadas come hard and stale, but many are enjoyed with soups or on their own.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and flavorful."

"I found the empanadas here to be delicious."

"The atmosphere here is really cozy."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Thursday with a two-drink minimum.

2

Expect a birthday celebration with cake during karaoke nights.

3

Parking may be limited, so plan accordingly.

07
La Roca Restaurant image 1
Ecuadorian restaurant

Elegant interior with rock decoration and unique wall messages creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Live music adds a relaxing, friendly vibe that feels like home. The place is modern and clean, enhancing the overall comfortable experience.

Spacious layout creates a cozy atmosphere that feels open yet inviting. The overall vibe stays consistently warm and comfortable.

Green plantain empanadas stand out with their crispy texture and rich flavor. Other empanadas are less notable compared to these.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"I found the atmosphere to be very cozy and peaceful."

"You have to try the green plantain empanadas."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours.

3

Credit cards and cash are accepted for payment.

08
Brisas Bakery & Restaurant image 1
Colombian restaurant

Small space with colorful, bright decor reflects traditional Colombian architecture in a modern concept. Atmosphere feels like a family-friendly Colombian journey with loud live music and a vibrant ambiance. Frequented for authentic Colombian food and drinks, creating a lively, immersive experience.

Colorful and inviting spaces create a cozy atmosphere. The bakery and restaurant feel cute and inspiring, making the environment happy and welcoming.

Empanadas come with a crispy outside and soft inside. Beef, meat, chicken, and veggie options stand out. Mini empanadas often arrive as a complimentary appetizer with coffee.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and delicious."

"I loved the authentic Colombian food; it was so flavorful."

"I thought the empanadas here were the best."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited on Morris Ave, so arrive early.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

The restaurant has a vegan menu available upon request.

09
Brisas Elmora - Bakery & Restaurant image 1

Colorful exterior and authentic Colombian decor create a welcoming, cozy atmosphere that feels like stepping into Colombia. Live music every weekend adds lively entertainment, with musicians often serenading celebrations. Large enclosed patio invites sharing moments with family and friends.

Cozy atmosphere fills the space with a pleasant and inviting vibe. The adorable decor adds warmth and charm throughout.

Chicken empanadas cost $1.90 and have Colombian flavors. They pair well with lemonades and come highly recommended.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be authentic and delicious."

"The atmosphere here is so cozy and inviting."

"I found the empanadas here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the back of the restaurant.

2

Karaoke nights happen every Thursday evening.

3

Brisas Elmora is popular for birthday celebrations.

10
Rancho Mateo Colombian Steakhouse image 1

Spacious, well-decorated Colombian restaurant offers live music and huge TVs for game watching. Atmosphere feels welcoming and family-oriented, with energy that recalls authentic Colombian gatherings. Valet parking adds convenience to the experience.

Cozy atmosphere stands out with a comfortable space and a welcoming vibe. It feels like a great spot to share with family.

Offers Colombian empanadas that come with beans. Mini empanadas serve as tasty, flavorful appetizers.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and expertly prepared."

"It's a really cozy place with a welcoming atmosphere."

"These mini empanadas are tasty and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has moved to a new location at 248 Morris Ave in Elizabeth.

2

Happy Hour is available from 12 to 5pm daily.

3

Valet parking is offered, making it easier to find a spot.

11
Coffee House image 1
Coffee shop

Small space with cozy atmosphere and cute decor invites quiet sitting and hanging out. High school students form the main crowd, creating a youthful vibe. Prices run high, but warm welcoming energy makes it a nice stop for coffee and simple meals.

Small size creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The space feels warm and comfortable.

Empanadas come freshly made and pair well with hot chocolate. Some empanadas get stored for days, which can upset the stomach.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be affordable and flavorful."

"The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich was excellent."

"I found the coffee shop to be cozy and inviting."

Good to know

1

A simple sandwich costs over $7, and fries are $3.50.

2

Parking is free during the holidays at the coffee shop.

3

The restrooms are well-maintained and clean.

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