Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St)

I stopped by Empanada Mama after a long day, seeing a Broadway show, tired and just looking forward to some good food. I placed my order with the gentleman at the counter: one El Toro, one shredded beef, two El Jefe. I paid, sat down, and not long after, he called me over and handed me a bag of food, looking directly at me saying my food was ready.

I was a bit surprised because it was ready really quickly, but I took the bag, thinking it was the two El Jefe. When I checked the bag and bit into the food, I realized it was seafood, not what I ordered. That could’ve been dangerous if I had a seafood allergy (fortunately, I don’t, but I have family members who are allergic).

I wait to get his attention to pointed out the mix-up. Then the cook handed the gentleman my actual order. Looking confused he yelled, “That’s not your food,” and tried to take the bag back but I told him I’d already bitten into it. Instead of apologizing for handing me the wrong order, he accused me of knowingly taking someone else’s food — actually saying, “You knew it wasn’t your food, right?”

That was insulting and completely unnecessary. Why would I sit there trying to “steal” two empanadas when I ordered four and paid for them? Make it make sense.

The food itself is good, but the service, at least from this employee, was terrible. I was tired, hungry, and just wanted my order, not to be insulted and accused of stealing because of their mistake. I won’t be returning, because customer service should never feel like this.

Absolutely disappointing.

I was pleased with my time at this place. The culinary experience here is outstanding. Employees offer warm service and suggest meals that satisfy. The dishes here exceed all expectations. This place has me coming back for more, great experience.

Fav place for empanadas

They gave my Uber Eats order away to a random person and then tried to talk to me as if I was some sort of scammer.

This might just be the biggest (and tastiest) surprise of my trip! A colleague of mine—originally from the Dominican Republic—recommended this place, and I’m so glad she did.

These are traditional Caribbean or Central American snacks that look like beautifully wrapped dumplings, with different fillings inside. We ordered four: two beef with corn dough and two seafood (crab and shrimp- but it is called Viagra on the menu lol!😂)with flour dough.

They turned out to be an absolute delight—and the seafood one totally blew me away! Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned.

They’re also ideal for takeout—we had them as snacks on the train. Neatly wrapped, easy to eat, and surprisingly filling. I only had one and a taco, and I was almost full!

If you’re looking to try something new and a little exotic, I highly recommend giving these a go. Everything is self serve. Mostly for to go.

The neighborhood's reputation improves with additions like this. This place has a welcoming vibe. The dishes are delicious, prices are sensible and service is great. I judge places by their service, and this restaurant tops the charts. The employees were attentive, the dishes were excellent.

Stopped by to grab some empanadas. Got two wheat flour ones, El Jefe and Jerk & Cheese. It took some time for the order to be ready but both were stuffed with meat and cheese. Enjoyed both the green and red sauce that came with it as well. Recommend if you’re craving empanadas!

Fresh Everytime and an EASY 9.5 out of 10!!!!
Cheeseburger one was smaaaaking

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The place says they are open till 12 AM but on every occasion that I’ve been there they close early but absolutely no reason but the parent fact that they are lazy and don’t want to work. Even though that they have a line of customers out the door.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Cheap & filling, perfect for taking on the go.

Basically counter serve only. Don’t come here expecting the experience you get at Lower East Side location

Atmosphere: 1

Top🤤🤤😋😋

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I loved Empanada Mama, I find the concept of “revisited” emapanadas very nice, in fact they are delicious. The homemade juices and churros are also very good. I will go back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food is so good but the services

The service is very bad, the customer service is pathetic, they should change the staff

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 1

If you are in NY and you don't want to spend money don't go there.
These fried Colombian empanadas are the best I have tasted. In addition there are several unusual toppings to taste and I find that for a city like NY it is not expensive.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5