Empanada Mama East Village (14th St)

Empanada Mama has become my unofficial late-night pit stop, the kind of place you stumble into on autopilot after a long evening. This time, I went for the plantain nachos—an inventive twist I couldn’t resist. The plantains leaned a little soggy, but the sweetness paired with the pulled pork actually worked in their favor, adding a depth you don’t get from ordinary nacho chips. The pork itself was tender, the queso melted into everything beautifully, and together it made for a plate worth lingering over.

The restaurant itself is wonderfully laid-back, the kind of chill sit-down space where you can catch your breath before heading home. Nothing fancy, nothing forced—just comfort food with a little personality. Late-night cravings don’t stand a chance here.

For a quick bite this place is it 😋 stuffed empanadas to go I usually go for El Toro or Reggeaton there is a specialty made empanada just for you even pizza empanada. Enjoy!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

The guy cooking up the food was very rude. I don’t normally write reviews, unless I need to, but I came for dinner in with an old water bottle from the Mets games earlier that day, and he said I need to pay for the water bottle, which I responded “it’s from the game” and he said “ok yeah sure” sarcastically. That did not sit well with me. If you’re reading this, maybe pay attention to your clients before you accuse them of stealing.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

My favorite spot, but the service needs work. “Empanadas Mamás” has been my go-to place for a while now — I genuinely love their empanadas. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed a recurring issue: some locations close around 9:30 PM, even though their posted hours are later. During my last visit to the 14th St and 1st Ave branch, I arrived at 9:45 PM and the door was shut. The staff wasn’t welcoming, and I was told I could only order through the app — no cash accepted — even though they were still open.

What’s most frustrating is that some employees seem unwilling to do their job, making it nearly impossible to enjoy a place I really care about. I sincerely hope this message reaches the owner, because the food is excellent and I don’t want to stop coming. Great service would make all the difference.

Good empanadas and food is so good

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 5

Service: 5

LOVE ITTTTT

this is an empanada mama TO GO which we did not realize until we arrived, but luckily there were a handful of counter seats (about 8 total). we ordered and received the food quickly, the avocado salad and the empanadas were wonderful. the empanadas come with both sauce options automatically to go and were extremely fresh. we love empanada mama and always recommend!! they had about 5 vegetarian empanada options and I believe only 1 or 2 vegan. the greek spinach pie was FABULOUS will absolutely order again and again!

Vegetarian options: about 4 options besides a cheese empanada

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

I was here before it was nice will never come back. I put the money in the female hand to pay for my order I'm holding my hand out for her to put my change in my hand she refused and set it on the counter. And walked away. I felt very uncomfortable with that so food great. But this would be my last time coming here.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 1

Food is typically good & service is nice. BUT what tables? The place is too small and gets crowded with 5 customers. Little to no table space. I mean , I could have purchased more but I couldn’t. No space here at all for anything . Will make sure not to visit this location again.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 4

Really take out but there is a little seating. The staff was nice. Great for grabbing and go and you can wait for many crosstown and uptown buses on this corner

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

10 minutes for 1 cheese empanada, don't bother.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

Great comfort food. I used to order all the time but why remove side of rice and increase prices on dishes that are mostly eaten over lunch. If the store doesn’t offer delivery it really makes no sense to pay $17 for a very small lentil soup on Ubereats. Sad

Empanadas are very tasty - plenty of flavors to choose from and they’re all packed well for a hearty bite and perfectly crispy/flakey exterior. Open late as well so great for a late night meal - I recommend the shredded chicken and El Jefe (whole wheat empanadas), and the cheese (corn empanadas)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very franchised empanadas. They are good, though. A bit pricy, $5 each. I liked the birrira one more. They came with delicious sauces, a nice spice kick. The green one in particular was great.

Clean place. Kiosk to order. High tables for sitting.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Bombay Wheat Empanada

The wheat flour crust is amazing! Hoping it's baked. At about $4.80 each before tax is expensive. I got El Toro & El Jefe. The second was mostly meat and dry, the other missing important ingredient--plátano! The deserts are outrageously overpriced for a take out place at like 9-12$. Waited 10 mins. Drunk loud people will make the tiny store unbearable if you are sober. I would return so long as my orders contained all ingredients listed on the menu. Nice they take cash card and tap

Food: 4

Service: 3