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Empanada spots in Jackson Heights

Made for those who treat the empanada as a serious craft and will only eat versions that honor their authentic origins.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
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Empanadas Mix ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ช image 1
Empanadas Mix ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ช image 2
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Small space with fresh decor and a family atmosphere creates a cozy, welcoming vibe. Venezuelan music fills the air, adding lively energy that makes the place feel like home. Regulars come for authentic empanadas that stand out in flavor and quality.

Empanadas feature authentic Venezuelan seasoning and taste just like traditional recipes from Venezuela. The food captures the real flavors of Venezuelan cuisine with genuine empanadas.

Empanadas stand out for their flavor and quality. They are widely regarded as some of the best in New York and even the United States.

People are saying

"I thought the empanadas here were absolutely delicious."

"It's a small, cozy place with a really nice atmosphere."

"These authentic empanadas taste just like Venezuela."

Good to know

1

There are no bathrooms available for customers.

2

Expect to wait 20 minutes for your order due to slow service.

3

You must order at least two empanadas to receive sauce.

02
EL COCINERITO COLOMBIANO image 1
Colombian restaurant

Colombian restaurant with beautiful murals and spectacular decor creates a quiet, artistic atmosphere. Music plays at a pleasant volume, enhancing the welcoming vibe. Signature drinks like mojitos and sangria complement authentic dishes such as Paisa tray and ajiaco soup.

Food delivers authentic Colombian flavor with freshly made dishes. Creole influences blend with traditional tastes for a delicious experience.

Super crispy empanadas stand out with good meat fillings. Options include chicken, meat, and ajiaco varieties.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The food here is so delicious and truly authentic Colombian."

"These empanadas are super crispy and filled with delicious meat."

Good to know

1

Food is served within 10 minutes.

2

The tip charged is almost $16, in addition to the bill and taxes.

3

Prices are affordable, with a skirt steak costing $50.

03
Arepas Burger image 1
Venezuelan restaurant

Small space with only four tiny tables creates an intimate setting. Cozy and inviting atmosphere features local music that adds to the Venezuelan flavor. The place feels like a hole in the wall with original decor and a pleasant vibe for casual dining.

Cachapas and South American snacks taste fresh and authentic here. The menu delivers a Venezuelan culinary experience with excellent service and affordable prices.

Fresh empanadas come out very delicious and filling. They stand out alongside arepas and cachapas as super good and satisfying.

People are saying

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

"I found the burgers here to be unique, massive, and delicious."

"I found the empanadas to be super good and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is no restroom available for customers.

2

The restaurant charges an 18% tip automatically on the bill.

3

The menu lacks information about sauces that may cause allergies.

04
Bar Restaurant La Ruana Paisa image 1
Colombian restaurant

Space features vibrant Colombian decor and live Vallenato music that fills the room with energy. Atmosphere feels warm and festive, though music volume can be very loud, making conversation difficult. Evenings bring live singers with strong voices, creating an immersive cultural experience.

Large, flavorful portions showcase authentic Colombian cuisine with perfectly balanced flavors. The atmosphere feels warm and eccentric, reflecting the richness of Colombian gastronomy and culture.

Empanadas come in beef and chicken varieties and are served in sets of three. They pair well with the provided sauce and work great as an appetizer.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The service here is authentic, with staff who are kind and welcoming."

"The empanadas here are perfectly prepared and spot on with the sauce."

Good to know

1

Happy hour for margaritas is available daily from 4-6pm.

2

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

3

The restaurant automatically adds a 20% service charge for groups of two or more.

05
Chamolandiany ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ช image 1

Venezuelan restaurant offers authentic street food with bold flavors like pepitos and empanadas. Atmosphere feels like dining in Caracas, creating a vibrant and welcoming space. Popular for specialty hot dogs and burgers, it draws a crowd seeking genuine Venezuelan taste.

Food delivers truly authentic Venezuelan flavor with consistent high quality. It stands out for genuine taste rather than popular opinion.

Empanadas come super big with good filling and a very tasty flavor. They stand out as one of the most delicious options available.

People are saying

"I found the Venezuelan food here to be the best in all of NYC."

"These empanadas are delicious and super big."

"I wanted to eat some real authentic Venezuelan food."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay higher prices for authentic Venezuelan dishes.

2

The restaurant offers generous portion sizes that are great for sharing.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

06
Barriles Restaurant and Sports Bar image 1

Sports bar offers big screens for watching games and features live music including mariachis on Fridays. Atmosphere feels homely and family friendly with elegant seasonal decorations and a spacious layout. Music tends to be loud and lighting is quite dark, creating a lively but intimate vibe.

Latin atmosphere feels genuine with authentic food and presentation. The environment stays true to Colombian roots, offering a clean and real experience.

Empanadas come in beef and chicken varieties and serve as flavorful appetizers. They pair well with other dishes like the Mini Bandeja Paisa and stand out for their rich taste.

People are saying

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

"I found the Colombian food here to be really great and authentic."

"The empanadas here are amazing and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for groups larger than 8 people.

2

Mariachi performances occur every Friday, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Expect a minimum consumption of $30 per person due to entry fees.

07
El Budare Cafรฉ ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ช image 1

Small space with tables joined closely creates an intimate setting. Loud music plays, contributing to a lively and energetic atmosphere. Venezuelan theme and genuine food add cultural authenticity to the experience.

Food delivers authentic Venezuelan flavor with fresh, well-seasoned sandwiches and typical tastes. Dishes come out delicious and true to tradition.

Empanadas come with plenty of meat and are perfectly seasoned. Each one takes about 10 minutes to make and tastes consistently delicious.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and very original."

"These empanadas are super affordable, quick, and delicious."

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

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of over an hour for food orders.

2

A 15% tip is automatically added to your bill.

3

They charge a 4% fee for card payments.

08
La Pequeรฑa Colombia image 1
Colombian restaurant

Colombian restaurant offers a spacious interior with decor that reflects traditional Caleรฑo style and a family-friendly atmosphere. Live afternoon music adds to the authentic cultural vibe, making it feel like an escape from the city.

Authentic Colombian food shines here with delicious flavors and traditional dishes. The restaurant stands out as one of the oldest authentic Colombian spots in the area.

Beef empanadas have a well-done crunchy exterior and a tasty filling. Both meat and chicken empanadas offer delicious flavor and seasoning that stand out.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes just like Colombia."

"I thought the bean soup and Mondongo were fantastic."

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

Good to know

1

Bring cash as credit cards may not be accepted.

2

Parking is available in front of the restaurant.

3

The menu has limited options, focusing on Colombian cuisine.

09
El gran coffee shop image 1
Ecuadorian restaurant

Ecuadorian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with lively music and serves coffee in earthenware cups. The space feels family-friendly and harmonious, with a mix of quiet and active moments. Traditional dishes feature strong Ecuadorian flavors and some standout cocktails.

Food features authentic Ecuadorian flavors with traditional preparation. Dishes maintain a genuine taste true to Ecuadorian cuisine.

Empanadas come with strong seasoning in varieties like wind and dry goat. The green empanadas are overcooked and blackened from frying, served warmed but sometimes frozen, costing 13 dollars each.

People are saying

"I found the food delicious and authentic."

"I found the food to have an authentic Ecuadorian flavor."

"I loved the green plantain and wind empanadas."

Good to know

1

Prices range from $20 to $25 for most menu items.

2

A tip is automatically added to the bill, as required by New York State law.

3

No notice about the gratuity charge is visible on the menu.

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Jackson Heights, New York

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