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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of New York

Empanadas and Fried Chicken

You want the convenience of a quick, fried-chicken fix alongside the reliable, portable structure of an empanada. You value food that is built to be eaten on the move without sacrificing substance.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
Pjs on the Bay image 1
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Restaurant

Restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere with a focus on Caribbean-inspired dishes like rasta pasta and sautรฉed spinach that sell out quickly. Menu includes crispy fried chicken and salmon, attracting diners who appreciate flavorful, home-style cooking. Prices remain reasonable, and the setting feels like a hidden gem with a loyal following.

Oxtail empanadas come crispy and packed with goodness, though some batches feel dry and bland. Dipping sauce is not included but could enhance the flavor.

Crispy and juicy fried chicken stands out among ready-made offerings like BBQ and jerk dishes. It pairs well with sides such as mac and cheese and rice and peas.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the oxtail, is tender and delicious."

"The Rasta pasta was cooked to perfection."

"The oxtail empanadas are tender, crispy, and packed with goodness."

Good to know

1

You need to purchase the spinach early in the day to avoid missing out.

2

The portions are generous and prices are reasonable.

3

Grubhub service may be limited; check availability before ordering.

02
The Spot Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Small, cozy Dominican cafรฉ combines authentic cuisine with a barbershop and hair salon in one space. Warm, inviting atmosphere filled with cultural decor creates a community feel. Outdoor seating places guests amid neighborhood activity, enhancing the relaxed vibe.

Delicious empanadas stand out here, often paired with coffee or lattes. The picadera combo includes these empanadas, making for a tasty snack option.

Papiโ€™s Fried Chicken Sandwich and Papiโ€™s Picadera stand out as go-to favorites. The fried chicken pairs well with rice and beans and drinks like Luโ€™s Horchata Latte or the El Duro.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was amazing."

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

"The fried chicken here is so good, you'll want more."

Good to know

1

The cafe serves authentic Dominican cuisine with a variety of options.

2

Expect a casual atmosphere perfect for hanging out with friends.

3

The barbershop offers high-quality haircuts alongside coffee service.

03
Pollo Campero image 1
Chicken restaurant

Small, cozy chicken restaurant with comfortable seating and a clean, hygienic environment. Atmosphere stays quiet and pleasant, ideal for sharing meals with friends or family. Known for free-range chicken that tastes fresher and more flavorful than typical fast-food options.

Empanadas feature a hint of sweetness and refined flavors with very good quality. They consistently taste delicious and rate around 8 out of 10.

Fried chicken comes out fresh and hot, with a perfectly crispy outside and juicy inside. The flavor is strong and satisfying every time.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, hot, and full of flavor."

"I found the empanadas to be delicious and of very good quality."

"The fried chicken is perfectly crispy and juicy."

Good to know

1

There was plenty of parking available.

2

The place was very clean and hygienic.

3

There was no wait time during my visit.

04
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Soul food restaurant

Rustic homestyle plating defines the space, which is clean but offers limited seating amid a busy atmosphere. 90s R&B music sets a lively vibe while regulars engage easily with staff. The menu features Caribbean flavors with standout dishes like crispy wings and cheesy macaroni.

Oxtail empanadas stand out with their mouth watering flavor and come with sweet chili sauce. Jerk chicken and salmon empanadas also offer delicious options with distinct tastes.

Fried chicken comes with classic soul food sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cabbage. It pairs well with dishes such as oxtails, rice and peas, and candied yams.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the fried chicken, is crispy and juicy."

"The fried chicken here is crispy, juicy, and cooked fresh."

"I loved the oxtail empanadas; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is primarily takeout, with limited seating available inside.

2

Expect food to be ready in about 20 minutes, as it's made fresh.

3

The wait may be longer for meat items due to freshness.

05
Bolivian Llama Party image 1
South American restaurant

Outdoor seating with colorful decor sets a casual, lively vibe perfect for enjoying Bolivian Saltena empanadas with juicy, soupy fillings or crispy fried chicken sandwiches like Pollo Broaster. The spot feels like a neighborhood staple for flavorful, casual bites.

Bolivian empanadas, called Saltena, offer a juicy, soupy filling inside a loaded giant pastry. They taste like a portable, flavorful potpie with beef as a standout option.

Crispy and juicy fried chicken sandwiches stand out here, offering rich flavor without being heavy. The Pollo Broaster and Diablada sandwiches deliver satisfying and consistently delicious bites.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"I thought the fried chicken sandwich was crispy and flavorful."

"These empanadas are a portable, flavorful potpie experience."

Good to know

1

Only takeout is available; there is no indoor seating.

2

You have to ring the bell to order.

3

The wait time is about 50 minutes for 2 salteรฑas.

06
Comfortland image 1

Small space with a vintage feel and colorful, artsy decor creates a funky style atmosphere. Live DJ spins atmospheric music that sets a lively mood. Outdoor seating includes a beautifully themed terrace for a varied dining experience.

Chopped cheese empanadas stand out as a portable take on a New York classic and receive consistent high praise. Coppa cheese empanadas also feature as a recommended choice alongside other unique items.

Fried chicken sandwiches come big, crispy, and hot with a thorough dip in Nashville hot sauce that packs flavor. The bun stays crispy while cheese and lettuce add a familiar touch, making these sandwiches a standout with a great variety including po'boys and burgers.

People are saying

"You have to try the vegan chicken sandwich; it's out of this world."

"The Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich is flavorful and a must-try."

"You have to try the chopped cheese empanadas, they're a portable New York classic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required on Sundays for brunch.

2

Expect long lines every weekend for brunch.

3

The restaurant only accepts orders online, not over the phone.

07
The Barnyard image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Cozy space with colorful artwork and comfortable lounge chairs creates a warm, inviting vibe. Live DJ and Caribbean music fill the air, adding vibrant energy. Open kitchen design lets aromas mingle with the lively atmosphere.

Oxtail empanadas stand out with perfect seasoning and well-cooked filling. They pair well with jerk chicken and other appetizers like Akra fritters and BBQ wings.

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, the fried chicken pairs well with mac and cheese and oxtail. It stays fresh and cooked to perfection every time.

People are saying

"The food, especially the mac and cheese, was excellent."

"The oxtail empanadas were so well cooked and seasoned."

"The fried chicken is so crispy and juicy."

Good to know

1

Make reservations as seating space is limited.

2

Brunch on Sunday features a live DJ.

3

Expect long wait times for drinks and orders, especially on busy nights.

08
Havana Central Times Square image 1

Spacious interior with colorful, festive decor evokes 1930s-1950s Havana glamour. Lively atmosphere features live Cuban music and a large bar often packed with guests. Music volume can be high, making conversation challenging near the band.

Shrimp, beef picadillo, and ropa vieja empanadas come juicy and well flavored. The sampler includes moist chicken empanadas served with chimichurri, highlighting a variety of tastes.

Cuban Fried Chicken stands out with its flavorful seasoning and crispy texture. The Havana tower combines fried chicken with vaca frita and ropa vieja, offering a rich mix of tastes.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and amazing."

"You have to try the delicious chicken and shrimp empanadas."

"The servers here are excellent and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. except on Saturday and Sunday.

2

Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

3

The restaurant adds a 20% tip to the bill automatically.

09
Coppelia image 1
Cuban restaurant

Large Cuban diner blends mid-century New York style with Latin music and 24/7 operation. Tight seating and loud music create a vibrant, energetic atmosphere often filled with a lively crowd. Full bar offers distinctive cocktails alongside comfortable booths and illuminated decor.

Oxtail empanadas feature a sweet plantain dough crust filled with braised oxtail, offering a soft and flavorful bite. Corn cheese empanadas also appear alongside other Cuban-inspired options.

Crispy texture stands out in the fried chicken sandwich. Portions include a whole half chicken that tastes fresh and well-prepared. The fried chicken often earns top marks for quality and flavor.

People are saying

"It's the best 24-hour restaurant for late night eats."

"The oxtail empanadas here are next level delicious."

"I found the fried chicken sandwich crispy and amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open 24/7, making it a great choice for late-night dining.

2

They serve food late night after the clubs are closing at 3-4am.

3

You can get Lomo Saltado at 4am.

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