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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Elizabeth

Empanada spots

A warm, flaky empanada is the quick, savory bite that hits the spot every time.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Tudo Bom image 1
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Restaurant

Empanadas shine with buffalo chicken filling, offering bold taste. Shrimp rissol adds a strong flavor to shared platters. Casual vibe and easy transit access make dining here simple and enjoyable.

Empanadas feature a buffalo chicken filling that stands out. They offer a wonderful flavor and a satisfying taste.

People are saying

"I found the empanadas here seriously wonderful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy weekend evenings.

2

Public transportation stops nearby, making access easy.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for small purchases.

02
Alkazar Bakery image 1

Bakery serves fresh Argentine pastries and well-seasoned empanadas with chicken or beef and onions. Mornings are lively with a crowd enjoying well-priced treats and coffee in a calm, air-conditioned space. Limited parking doesn't stop visitors from far away.

Empanadas come with well seasoned fillings of chicken or beef. Onions inside add a good flavor making them savory and delicious.

People are saying

"The coffee here has a good flavor and just the right amount of sweetness."

"I thought the pastries here were delicious and to die for."

"I found the empanadas to be savory and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited at the bakery, so plan accordingly.

2

The bakery offers a variety of Uruguayan and Argentine pastries.

3

Prices are very good for the quality of food offered.

03
The Corner Haus image 1
Restaurant

Modern, stylish space with upscale dรฉcor creates a warm vibe. Empanadas feature crisp, light dough and the 3 cheese spinach is very cheesy. Music sets a vibey yet calm mood perfect for relaxed chats.

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.

04
La Calenita Restaurant & Bakery image 1

Cozy spot serves crispy empanadas filled with rich flavors and paired with ajicito. Colombian dishes are tasty and prices stay affordable. Convenient parking behind the restaurant makes visits easy.

Empanadas come with a crispy outside and a filling packed with goodies. They pair well with ajicito and bring a satisfying taste.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious Colombian food."

"The empanadas are delicious and filled with goodies."

"I thought the food was affordable."

Good to know

1

The prices at La Calenita Restaurant & Bakery are affordable.

2

Parking is available in the rear of the restaurant.

3

Parking across the street in the banks' parking lot can lead to being towed.

05
Colombian Coffee Shop image 1

Small, cozy spot buzzes with Colombian music and rich aromas. Crispy empanadas burst with authentic flavor, perfectly paired with traditional tamales and lechona. Lively bar seating creates a warm, family-friendly vibe.

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.

06
Las Delicias de Mi Region image 1

Cozy bakery offers rich meat empanadas and fresh pan de bono that capture Colombian flavors. Homey vibe invites family and friends to enjoy traditional snacks in a welcoming space.

Meat empanadas stand out with their rich and delicious filling. They pair well with pandebonos and bunuelos for a satisfying snack.

People are saying

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

"I found the food to be spectacular and affordable."

"I found the empanadas here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Ask for the menu to see prices in writing and avoid inflated charges.

2

The specials include cheap lunches with various combinations.

3

Prices are affordable compared to other Colombian restaurants in the area.

07
La Tipica Restaurant image 1
Colombian restaurant

Cozy Colombian spot shines with crispy empanadas filled with chicken, beef, and cheese. Affordable prices make it easy to enjoy a wide variety of flavorful dishes. Pleasant atmosphere invites you to savor both sweet and savory treats.

Crispy empanadas come filled with chicken, beef, and Venezuelan cheese. Sweet empanadas pair well with coffee, while savory ones include a version with chili.

People are saying

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

"I loved the crispy empanadas with chili."

"I loved their empanadas for breakfast; they were the best."

Good to know

1

The prices at La Tipica Restaurant are affordable for everyone.

2

The restaurant offers a wide variety of flavorful dishes.

3

La Tipica Restaurant is a great option for breakfast.

08
Monchy's FastFood (Elizabeth) image 1
Colombian restaurant

Colombian restaurant offers a family-oriented atmosphere with live music that brings Latin vibes. Empanadas feature homemade dough and fresh fillings, especially the meat and beef options. Service is excellent, making it a cozy spot to relax and enjoy.

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 desserts here are incredible and on another level."

"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.

09
Pollo Campero image 1
Chicken restaurant

Cozy spot with a family-friendly atmosphere and ample parking. Known for crispy chicken empanadas that are fresh and affordable. Offers delicious fried chicken in a clean, quiet space perfect for gatherings.

Crispy, well filled, and seasoned chicken empanadas stand out here. They come fresh, tasty, and cost 2 for $2, making them a solid choice.

People are saying

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

"I thought the fried chicken here was the best I ever had."

"These empanadas are amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Location has a big parking lot, making parking easy.

2

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

3

You can eat there or take the food away.

10
L'AREPA ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ช image 1
Venezuelan restaurant

Small space creates a cozy atmosphere with quiet, clean surroundings. Empanadas arrive fresh and hot, featuring authentic flavors from Venezuela and Colombia. Vegan options add diverse choices for all diners.

Empanadas come fresh and hot, filled with options like arequipe caramel and shredded beef. Both Venezuelan and Colombian styles offer stuffed, tasty bites that remind of authentic flavors.

People are saying

"I loved the arepas; they had great flavor."

"I found the Venezuelan and Colombian empanadas to be the best."

"I ordered vegan empanadas and waited patiently for my food."

Good to know

1

L'AREPA offers vegan options on the menu.

2

You can order ahead for quicker service.

3

There is plenty of seating available.

11
Brisas Bakery & Restaurant image 1
Colombian restaurant

Small space bursts with colorful decor and lively music. Empanadas shine with crispy outside and soft inside, offering beef, chicken, and veggie options. Family-friendly vibe blends authentic Colombian food with a vibrant ambiance for a true cultural journey.

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.

12
Brisas Express image 1
Fast food restaurant

Traditional Colombian dรฉcor and a fun Halloween theme create a cozy space with a family-friendly atmosphere. Empanadas shine here, especially the Argentinian chicken style, perfect for casual meals. Limited seating and free Wi-Fi make it ideal for quick visits or takeout.

Offers a large selection of empanadas including Argentinian chicken style. Empanadas are consistently delicious and excellent for parties and casual meals.

People are saying

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

"I found the empanadas here to be really good."

"I loved the coffee here; it was the best."

Good to know

1

Parking is never available at Brisas Express; be cautious of parking tickets.

2

Brisas Express offers a large selection of empanadas and vegan options.

3

The place is usually quite crowded, so expect wait times.

13
La Fogata Restaurant image 1
Latin American restaurant

Enjoy crispy empanadas with rich fillings and authentic Colombian flavors in a lively spot with festive music. Grab quick treats from the attached bakery while sipping on well-crafted margaritas in a cozy, family-friendly setting.

Crispy empanadas with flavorful fillings stand out here. The meat and chicken varieties have excellent dough and stay affordable.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"I thought the empanadas here were the best I've ever tried."

"I had the best coffee I have ever had."

Good to know

1

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Fridays with a two-drink minimum.

2

Parking near the restaurant requires payment based on duration of stay.

3

Prices may differ from those listed on the menu.

14
Nicole's Arepas y Sabor image 1
Colombian restaurant

Small, cozy space offers a welcoming atmosphere that feels like Colombia. Fresh, oven-baked empanadas come in unique varieties like gray empanadas. Guests enjoy a pleasant vibe with friendly hosts inside or outside in a homey environment.

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.

15
Sabor y Arte 2 image 1
Colombian restaurant

Colombian spot shines with delicious meat empanadas and a family-friendly atmosphere. Loud music and karaoke nights create an energetic vibe. Vibrant cocktails add a fun touch to the lively experience.

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."

"The service here is truly unique; they're so attentive to your needs."

"I found the empanadas here to be delicious."

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.

16
La Tamaleria Colombiana NJ Elizabeth image 1

Spacious venue with Colombian decor and traditional games like bowling and rana offers a cozy, lively vibe. Empanadas shine with homemade touch and fresh ingredients, especially the lechona and suckling pig varieties.

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.

17
La Roca Restaurant image 1
Ecuadorian restaurant

Elegant interior with rock decoration and unique wall messages creates a cozy vibe. Green plantain empanadas offer a crispy texture and rich flavor. Live music adds a relaxing, friendly vibe that feels like home.

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."

"The atmosphere here is so welcoming and family-friendly."

"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.

18
Parador Rojo Restaurant image 1
Colombian restaurant

Spacious Colombian spot offers live music and a family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating. Empanadas burst with juicy chicken and rich meat, paired with a zesty green sauce. Specialty cocktails and hearty dishes like tripe and steaks complete the vibrant dining experience.

Empanadas come packed with juicy chicken and a generous amount of meat. A green sauce adds extra flavor to these stuffed treats.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious."

"The live music here is great and adds to the experience."

"These empanadas are stuffed with flavor and packed with juicy chicken."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of over an hour for regular food during peak hours.

2

Mandatory gratuity of 18% is added to all bills without prior notice.

3

Live music starts at 8pm on Fridays, creating a lively atmosphere.

19
Rancho Mateo Colombian Steakhouse image 1

Spacious Colombian spot shines with live music and huge TVs for games. Family-friendly vibe matches authentic gatherings. Mini empanadas with beans make a flavorful appetizer. Valet parking adds convenience.

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."

"I loved the live music, it really added to the evening."

"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.

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