Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Lower East Side

Empanada places

Made for those who prioritize handheld, portable meals that pack a punch of flavor.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Felix Empanadas image 1
Felix Empanadas image 2
Felix Empanadas image 3
View all
Restaurant

Small restaurant offers authentic empanadas with a unique twist on traditional recipes. Atmosphere feels lively and enjoyable, created by energetic staff and patrons. Suitable for both quick bites and casual dining.

Food arrives very quickly, making it easy to eat on the go or dine in. The menu offers great flavors that satisfy without delay.

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 food here is amazing and flaky."

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
Close Up image 1

Intimate jazz club with dimly lit back room and hip, diverse music creates a retro vibe that draws a crowd seeking quality live performances. Two distinct spaces separate lively lounge areas from immersive listening experiences. Local artists and jam sessions keep energy authentic and engaging.

Unique and delicious food pairs well with amazing drinks and cocktails. The menu offers a great mix that suits a night out perfectly.

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 food and drinks to be amazing."

"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
Casa Colven image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American restaurant offers authentic Colombian and Venezuelan flavors in a beautifully decorated and cozy atmosphere. Music complements the vibe, and unique features like a swing add a playful touch. The bar serves notable cocktails that enhance the overall experience.

Authentic Colombian food offers amazing flavor and a delicious taste throughout the menu.

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
Comfortland image 1
American restaurant

Space feels like a tricked-out basement with cozy, cool vibes and full of character. Seating is limited to a small table and bar rows, creating an intimate setting. Walls display a sick toy collection, adding a nostalgic touch while hot sauces line the menu options.

Food offers comforting, hearty flavors that feel authentic to NYC. Dishes balance nostalgia with a light touch, showing clear pride from the owner.

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.

05
Balvanera image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Cozy restaurant offers stylish decor and warm lighting that create an elite, slow-paced atmosphere ideal for dates or relaxing meals. Outdoor seating provides a pleasant alternative with a fun vibe and good music. Tables sit close together inside, but the space feels spacious for the neighborhood.

Food offers impeccable flavors with a focus on delicious Argentine dishes. Meals come with excellent quality and reasonable prices, paired with attentive service.

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."

"I thought the food was super tasty and delicious."

"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.

06
Miaโ€™s Cocina - Traditional Puerto Rican American Food - Latin Cuisine with Vegan Options Catering image 1

Cooking classes create a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a community kitchen where passion for Puerto Rican heritage shines. The space stays impeccably clean and organized, fostering a family-like vibe among participants. Authentic dishes and hands-on learning define the experience.

Food here is authentic Puerto Rican, made from scratch with recipes like adobo and garlic sauce that capture traditional flavors. Dishes like arroz con pollo, maduros, and vegan options are scrumptious and satisfying, showing clear care in preparation.

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.

07
Caveat image 1
Event venue

Underground event space combines intimate seating with eclectic decor and a popcorn seasoning bar. Atmosphere stays cosy and lively, supporting unique live comedy and improv shows. Round tables encourage socializing while maintaining good stage visibility from nearly every seat.

Mobile ordering lets you get food and drinks delivered to your seat during shows. The menu includes unique bar food and delightful drinks that complement the event space vibe.

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."

"I loved the empanadas at this cool venue."

"I thought the food here was good and okay for snacking."

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.

08
Empanada Mama LES image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American restaurant offers 24-hour empanadas with self-service kiosks and a full-service bar area. Atmosphere shifts from lively with great music to chaotic and loud late at night. Decor is modern and authentic, with a small dining area and a long bar table.

Offers a wide variety of empanada flavors and other Hispanic dishes with affordable prices starting from 5 pesos. Food and drinks, including shots of alcohol, are consistently delicious and satisfying.

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 food here is delicious and tasty."

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.

09
Birria LES image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with limited seating and authentic decor creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Loud music fills the space, making conversation challenging but adding to the energetic vibe. Outdoor standing tables offer an alternative spot to enjoy the food.

Food features amazing flavors and halal Mexican dishes with consistently great service.

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."

"I found the food here to be amazing 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.

Discover more

Lower East Side, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...