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Empanada spots

Empanadas with a crust that stays crisp, rather than turning into a soggy disappointment by the time you sit down.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Dekalb Market Hall image 1
Dekalb Market Hall image 2
Dekalb Market Hall image 3
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Market hall in a basement offers a maze-like layout with decentralized seating spread across cozy corners. Atmosphere is noisy and crowded, buzzing with life and loud music around 80 decibels. Variety of food stalls and vintage clothing add to the vibrant, eclectic vibe.

Offers a large selection of food vendors with diverse dishes that showcase heritage and innovation. Features a variety of food courts and a Sixpoint beer hall for a broad culinary experience.

Empanadas come from different vendors and offer varied flavors. They pair well with coffee and other snacks like arepas and crepes.

People are saying

"I found a great variety of food options here."

"It's lively and fun with a vibrant atmosphere."

"I found the market hall had a wonderful variety of food options."

Good to know

1

During the Soul Summit dance event, you can eat, drink, and dance until midnight.

2

The Friday night market hosts vendors and has a DJ.

3

Free salsa dancing lessons are offered during the Soul Summit event.

02
Rio Market Inc image 1
Supermarket

Supermarket combines Brazilian products with a small self-service restaurant offering a ready-to-eat buffet. The atmosphere feels warm and cozy, with Portuguese commonly spoken and a vibe that recalls Brazil. The store stays full but not crowded, creating a comfortable shopping experience.

Brazilian products fill the shelves, including cosmetic creams, cleaning products, and a variety of foods. The market combines a bakery, restaurant, and snack bar all in one spot.

Empanadas come frozen and fresh, with a delicious taste. The coxinhas are like pear-shaped empanadas filled with seasoned chicken, corn, and cream cheese.

People are saying

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

"This market has authentic Brazilian products and food I missed."

"The Brazilian buffet has awesome picanha and flavorful meats."

Good to know

1

The food buffet starts closing at 9 PM.

2

They have a $5 breakfast special.

3

The market offers treats and hard to find items from Brazil.

03
Park East Kosher image 1
Grocery store

Grocery store offers a tight space filled with a lively, family-oriented atmosphere. It features an amazing selection of kosher products, including premium cuts of meat and a great bakery on site. The place feels like a community hub with a strong focus on quality and tradition.

Offers a complete kosher market experience with everything needed in one spot. Stands out as one of the few kosher markets available on the Upper East Side.

People are saying

"I found the Kosher meat here to be incredibly fresh and delicious."

"This grocery store has top-quality meats and amazing prepared foods."

"I loved their chocolate babka; it was delicious."

Good to know

1

The store has a great selection of kosher groceries, meat, and prepared foods.

2

They charge $10 a piece for stuffed cabbage during Passover.

3

The store accepts EBT.

04
Smorgasburg Williamsburg image 1

Small food court by the water offers stunning Manhattan views and a vibrant, lively atmosphere with live music and occasional karaoke. Crowds gather around an adult cocktail area and various food stands, creating a packed, energetic vibe where finding seating can be challenging.

Markets happen every Saturday starting in April with a focus on hanging out rather than just eating. Food prices run about 30-50% higher than similar options outside the market.

People are saying

"It's a nice view of Manhattan right by the water."

"This place is really cool with a large selection of street food."

"I considered this the best food market."

Good to know

1

The outdoor food market takes place every Saturday from 11am to 6pm.

2

Expect long lines and limited seating, especially after 3pm.

3

Prices for food items typically range from $10 to $25 each.

05
Zabar's image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Gourmet grocery store with old-world charm and an edgy omni-deli ambiance filled with the aroma of specialty cheeses and coffee. Crowded with serious shoppers, the atmosphere can feel tense but remains a local institution known for its unique bakery and extensive gourmet cookwear upstairs.

An incredible selection of European food and unique products fills the market. The aroma is comforting, and the market includes a kitchen and cooking store alongside classic deli offerings.

Warmed-up empanadas taste better than fresh ones from the store but tend to be very dry with little filling. The selection includes spinach and chicken varieties alongside other prepared meals.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels here were the greatest ever."

"I found this market has a huge variety of food."

"The pulled pork empanadas here are crazy good."

Good to know

1

Parking is abysmal, so plan accordingly.

2

There is no restroom available for customers.

3

The #1 subway stop is right next to Zabar's for easy access.

06
Vanderbilt Market - Bars & Eateries image 1

Food court offers spacious seating with both indoor and outdoor areas and features two bars with local craft beers. The atmosphere is loud and busy, especially during lunch, with poor acoustics that amplify noise. Open kitchen layout and varied food options create a lively, bustling environment.

Offers a variety of cuisines with 15 different restaurants including burgers, noodles, Italian, Greek, Japanese, and Indian food. Features a mix of bars and sweets in a cozy, clean setting suitable for casual meals or private events.

Spicy chorizo stands out among the empanadas, paired with guacamole and chips. Each empanada has a marked batter to identify fillings, so there is no guessing when mixing them up.

People are saying

"It's a great lunch spot with a huge variety of food options."

"You can get sushi alongside burgers and empanadas here."

"This market has so many different kinds of food options."

Good to know

1

Vanderbilt Market can host private events outside of normal business hours.

2

Most vendors at URBANSPACE VANDERBILT can only be paid for by credit card.

3

Seating is available inside the building or outside.

07
Cancun Deli Grocery image 1
Grocery store

Small, crowded grocery store with a basic sidewalk cafe and Caribbean music playing. Frequented by many tourist buses, creating long lines and a lively atmosphere. Known for best empanadas in the area and reasonable prices with a local Latino-run setup.

Empanadas stand out for their freshly made quality and delicious fillings like beef, cheese, chicken, and corn with leek. The cheese empanadas are especially noted for being spectacular and flavorful.

People are saying

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

"I enjoyed the delicious coffee with a touch of cinnamon."

"The bathroom here was really clean."

Good to know

1

Prices are very affordable, making it a great value.

2

Staff members are fluent in Spanish, enhancing communication.

3

The location has a store with a bathroom available for visitors.

08
Turnstyle Underground Market image 1

Underground market inside a subway station offers easy access and a variety of food options with small shops lining the space. The atmosphere ranges from loud and lively to quiet, with a clean and bright environment. Limited seating and warm temperatures shape the experience for those stopping by.

Located underground in a subway station, this market offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free food alongside options like Chinese dumplings, pizza, and Venezuelan arepas. Mini-shops provide quick bites, coffee, and trendy clothing in a clean, bright space with a vibe similar to Chelsea Market.

Empanadas stand out as a favorite here. They share space with dumplings and hot dogs, offering a variety of handheld options.

People are saying

"You can find a lot of delicious food options here."

"It's a cool little place with a great variety of food and shops."

"I found the underground market to be a surprising and joyful gem."

Good to know

1

The market is open daily from 8am to 6pm.

2

Parking is available on-site but can fill up quickly during peak hours.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted for all purchases.

09
Mercado Little Spain image 1
Spanish restaurant

Food court combines market stalls and restaurant seating with live flamenco music creating a lively, upscale yet approachable vibe. Decor features vibrant colors and decorative ceramics evoking Spanish warmth and vitality. Visitors find a unique atmosphere reminiscent of bustling Spanish mercados.

A vibrant market with several stalls offering different food options creates a fun vibe. The atmosphere stays good and not too noisy despite many people, combining a terrace, market, and skyscraper in one spot.

Empanadas come in varied fillings like pulpo, tuna, shrimp, and jamon with queso. Shrimp empanadas arrive with a sensational mayonnaise that adds extra flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Spanish food and the wide variety of options."

"This market feels like a lively spot with many small restaurants."

"The empanadas here are rich in flavor and a great occasional treat."

Good to know

1

Plan ahead to see the Flamenco dancing show, which runs from 6-8 PM on Thursdays.

2

Wednesdays offer half-priced bottles of wine during happy hour.

3

Happy hour features a great selection of options at the Food Hall.

10
Prestige Marketplace Deli image 1

Clean, well-organized deli with massive menu and fresh ingredients offers variety of food and specialty groceries. Atmosphere feels inviting and safe, attracting those seeking quick meals or grocery items. Prices remain reasonable despite wide selection and quality.

Offers a variety of great food items usually found only in larger markets. Stocks everything needed for typical shopping trips.

Offers amazing empanadas with a satisfying flavor. They pair well with fresh juices and brownies.

People are saying

"I thought this deli was great and always good."

"I found the sandwiches here to be amazing and fresh."

"I loved this deli; the staff was so friendly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, particularly on Fridays.

3

Happy hour specials run from 5-7pm with discounted drinks.

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