Makus Empanadas

Got a pork empanadas with chimichurri. Nice flaky pastry and the filling was good. Kinda small

Too slow, wait for almos 20 mins for an empanada?

| Overview

+ Good variety of empanada fillings to choose from with gluten free options
+ Texture of empanadas is fine
- Size of empanada is ridiculously small
- Slow & unfriendly customer service
- Makus mostly serves empanadas (the rest of its menu are boring)
- Not comfortable ambiance

| Review

After 3 years, I decided to give Makus another chance. I went to Makus in New Hope Commons, Durham in a Tuesday afternoon, and when I entered its lackluster ambiance with cheap-looking uncomfortable high chairs, I was surprised that there's not a single employee in the front. I saw about 2 of them in the back, seemingly preparing the empanadas.

I was ready to order but no one was there to accept my order. I almost left Makus until I saw the bell on the concession with a notice saying, "NEED HELP? RING ME PLEASE!"

I rang the bell once, no one came; I rang twice, finally, an employee! I ordered 2 beef empanadas & 1 ham & cheese empanada for a total of almost $13.

There was only 1 customer before me, waiting for her order when I went. While I was waiting, the employee who was smoking earlier outside came in and just ignored me as he returned back to work in the back.

At around 15 min. mark of waiting, an employee went to the front, holding a plastic with a small takeout box inside. I stood up and asked if my order was ready, the woman just nodded without saying a word, just cold and expressionless.

Finally, after about 20 minutes of waiting just for 3 empanadas, the same woman handed me the plastic with my order. I thought they were busy preparing empanadas in the back. Why'd it take so long just to get 3 empanadas ready?

Out of all the empanadas my girl & I have tried: Filipino-style, Ilocos-style & El Salvadorian style in the Sabor restaurant nearby, the empanadas in Makus are the smallest. Each empanada cost about $4 (a dozen for $47 - seriously, who would buy a dozen of these?). I'd be fine with this size if the empanadas are gourmet quality with astonishing fillings and flavors, but the taste was alright - nothing special, and definitely not worth $4 in our book.

The good part was that the empanadas were not doughy, so the texture was fine. The sauce that came with it was alright, and the 1 small cup is just fine for 3 tiny empanadas.

When I came home to eat the 3 empanadas with my girl, she asked me why I returned to Makus after we were disappointed in our first visit a few years ago. I said that I wanted to give it another chance. Now, I deeply regret this decision.

| Overall Score: 1.2/5

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

I used Makus Empanadas for catering a work lunch recently. The food was DELICIOUS, the setup was a breeze, and it was an amazing value for the price. And everybody loved it -- even my pickiest guests. I will DEFINITELY be using them for my next catered work lunch.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Super yummy dinner. Some of the people eating in my group are gluten and dairy free. The gluten free empanadas were safe those with celiac to eat and were also delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The delivery was on time and correct. It went smoothly and the food was amazing. Will order again soon.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Honestly... thoroughly "meh". Flavors are weak, crust is kinda weak... just in general overpriced.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

Makus catered a work event for us and everything from accuracy of the orders to the timeliness of delivery were exactly what we needed. Follow-up was provided after service and the experience overall was friendly, accommodating, accurate, timely and delicious! Thank you, Santiago, for helping us keep our hungry crowd happy! :)

Food: 5

Service: 5

I am a stickler for on time delivery. Delivery was not just on time it was early!!! I will order again!!!! Food and service was excellent!!!

Food: 5

Service: 5

As always, Santiago made my work event a big HIT. The empanadas are amazing and delicious. All aspects of my event, from beginning to end went smoothly and efficiently. I highly recommend Makus at your next event!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was delicious. Everyone loved it. Can't wait to have them cater lunch again. The best Cole slaw I have ever had.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Coleslaw, Black Beans and Rice, Sauce, Dozen Empanadas, Black Beans, Sweet Corn Empanada

Very good and fresh!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nice quality empanadas for an affordable price. Great option for catering.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Spinach Empanada

Great customer service! I always feel welcome and the food is great!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Makus Meal

Very delicious empanadas and excellent service from Alba and Wilmer!!! Thank you so much ! We will be back soon!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5