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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to the LES

Empanada spots

Empanadas that are made with real care instead of being treated like a quick, mass-produced snack.

Based on 518 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Felix Empanadas image 1
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Restaurant

Small spot serves authentic empanadas with flaky dough and fresh spices. Lively vibe shines through energetic staff and happy guests. Perfect for quick bites or casual meals with standout flavors like bacon egg and cheese and Jamaican beef.

Empanadas feature extremely flaky dough and fresh, perfectly spiced ingredients. Varieties like bacon egg and cheese with garlic sauce and Jamaican beef stand out for their authentic, non-greasy quality.

People are saying

"These empanadas are seriously great and homemade."

"They have live jazz on Saturday nights."

"The French food, especially the steak frites, was so good."

Good to know

1

Expect a casual atmosphere with quick service for takeout.

2

Credit cards are accepted, making payment convenient.

3

The place can get busy during lunch hours, so plan accordingly.

02
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Intimate jazz club offers a dimly lit back room for immersive listening and lively lounge spaces. Venezuelan empanadas deliver delicious flavor and pair well with platanos. Hip, diverse music and local jam sessions create a retro vibe that keeps energy authentic.

Venezuelan empanadas stand out with their delicious flavor. They pair well with platanos and offer a tasty, satisfying option.

People are saying

"It's an intimate jazz club with a great vibe."

"I found the cocktails here to be the best I ever had."

"The empanadas here are tasty bites."

Good to know

1

The venue features premium Jazz acts six nights a week at an affordable ticket price.

2

Happy hour runs from 5-7:30pm with great drink specials.

3

Reservations are recommended for weekend shows due to high demand.

03
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Latin American restaurant

Latin American spot shines with authentic Colombian and Venezuelan flavors and a cozy atmosphere. Beef empanadas boast a perfectly crunchy outside and soft inside. Enjoy notable cocktails at the bar while music sets a lively mood.

Empanadas have a perfectly crunchy outside and a soft, flavorful inside. The beef empanadas stand out as very good and delicious.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and warm."

"You have to try the empanadas; they're perfectly crunchy and bursting with flavor."

"I found the cocktails to be simply divine."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

The restaurant offers a mix of authentic Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine.

3

Prices are reasonable, making it a budget-friendly dining option.

04
Empanada Mama LES image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American spot serves 24-hour empanadas in flavors like oxtail and seafood. Self-service kiosks and a full-service bar offer quick bites and drinks. Atmosphere shifts from lively music to loud chaos late at night.

Empanadas come in varied flavors like oxtail, seafood, Viagra, and reggaeton, all known for being delicious and satisfying. Availability is 24 hours, making them easy to grab anytime.

People are saying

"These empanadas are fresh, flavorful, and perfectly crisp."

"It's a great late night spot for something satisfying after hours."

"The seafood empanadas are stuffed and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 Modelos, but get there early to avoid a wait.

2

Expect a wait of over 45 minutes for dine-in and delivery.

3

The restaurant is open 24/7, making it a late-night option.

05
Comfortland image 1
American restaurant

Space feels like a tricked-out basement with cozy, cool vibes and full of character. Chopped cheese empanadas offer a juicy filling that stands out. Walls display a sick toy collection, adding a nostalgic touch to the intimate setting.

Chopped cheese empanadas stand out with their juicy filling and delicious flavor. They represent the main notable option in the empanada selection.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal, seriously good and worth the price."

"Their creative sandwiches, like the Voodoo Tiger, are seriously good."

"The chopped cheese empanadas were so delicious and juicy."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during peak hours as Comfortland is a new spot.

2

Portion sizes are large, making it a good value for the price.

3

The menu features a variety of comfort food options.

06
Balvanera image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Cozy restaurant shines with stylish decor and warm lighting for a relaxed vibe. Outdoor seating offers a fun atmosphere with good music. Corn empanadas impress with sweet corn and beef fillings, plus a unique blood sausage option.

Corn empanadas stand out with their sweet corn and beef fillings. Blood sausage adds a unique twist to the selection.

People are saying

"I found the food and drinks amazing during brunch."

"It's a really cozy and inviting atmosphere."

"The sweet corn empanadas were warm and soft."

Good to know

1

The bottomless brunch deal is available for $25, offering 2 hours of unlimited mimosas or sangria.

2

Reservations are required on weekends due to high demand.

3

The restaurant closes at 10 PM, not 11 PM as indicated by the reservation system.

07
Miaโ€™s Cocina - Traditional Puerto Rican American Food - Latin Cuisine with Vegan Options Catering image 1

Cooking classes offer a warm, inviting atmosphere with hands-on learning of authentic dishes. Empanadas are very good and delicious, often served with pionones, though the empanada de carne can sometimes arrive cold. The space stays impeccably clean and organized, creating a family-like vibe.

Empanadas come in a full meal with other dishes like pionones. The empanada de carne sometimes arrives cold, which affects the experience. Overall, the empanadas are very good and delicious.

People are saying

"The Puerto Rican food here is authentic and delicious."

"The desserts, especially the flan, were heavenly and mouth watering."

"The empanadas here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations for classes are often sold out months in advance, so book early.

2

Classes provide hands-on experience in traditional Puerto Rican cooking techniques.

3

Participants receive recipes to take home after the class.

08
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Event venue

Underground event space offers intimate seating and eclectic decor for live comedy and improv. Empanadas at the bar pair well with beer and popcorn. Round tables create a cosy, lively atmosphere that encourages socializing.

Pairs well with beer and comes in the bar area alongside popcorn and a good variety of drinks. The empanadas taste solid and satisfy the craving.

People are saying

"I found it to be a fun and creative place with unconventional shows."

"It's a super cool underground space with a fun vibe."

"I loved the empanadas at this cool venue."

Good to know

1

The Parlor show is on Thursdays at 7.

2

You need to bring I.D. to attend events.

3

Mobile ordering is available for some shows.

09
Birria LES image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers beef empanadas with rich cheese and tasty shrimp options. Cozy space with authentic decor and loud music creates an energetic vibe. Outdoor standing tables add a casual touch to this affordable eatery.

Beef empanadas stand out with cheese filling adding richness. Shrimp empanadas offer a good seafood option alongside the classic beef. Prices stay affordable with combos including empanadas and tacos.

People are saying

"These birria tacos are the best I've ever had."

"The birria dumplings were juicy and flavorful."

"I thought the empanadas here were some of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

You should order ahead and find a park to eat this food due to limited seating.

2

Three tacos without cheese cost $14.70; a small cup of consommรฉ costs $4.90.

3

Parking and seating is limited since it's a hole in the wall spot.

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Lower East Side, New York

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