**The Empanada Spot – A Hidden Gem That Just Became My Obsession ★★★★★**
I’ve driven past The Empanada Spot a hundred times and always told myself “one day.” Well, that “one day” finally happened last week when a late-night craving hit. Let me tell you: I walked in curious and left absolutely mind-blown.
These are not your average empanadas. I ordered the classic beef, and when they handed me the bag I could already hear the faint sizzle through the paper. One bite and I legitimately stopped in the middle of the parking lot — the dough is perfection. Golden, flaky on the outside, soft and slightly chewy within, with that ideal crisp edge that shatters just right. The filling? Juicy, perfectly seasoned ground beef with a depth of flavor that makes you wonder how something so simple can taste this good. It was still piping hot, the kind of hot that forces you to do the little “blow-on-it” dance, and I’m not even mad about it.
What elevated the whole experience was the vibe inside. Even late at night, the staff greeted me like I was a regular they’d been waiting for all day. Smiles everywhere, genuine enthusiasm when I asked what their favorite was, and zero rush even though they were clearly winding down. It felt like walking into a friend’s kitchen who just happens to make world-class empanadas.
I’m already plotting my return — the chicken, the cheese pull on the queso ones, maybe the spicy pork if I’m feeling bold. The Empanada Spot didn’t just satisfy a late-night craving; it created a new addiction.
If you’ve been sleeping on this place like I was, do yourself a favor and go. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll probably end up writing a review just as obnoxiously enthusiastic as this one. 11/10, no notes. See you in line.
Delicious empanadas fried fresh to order. They are so crunchy and packed with flavor. They are clearly made with love and the girls at the front have great service, they greeted me with a big smile when I came in for the first time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tamika M.
I was immediately welcomed as I entered the door. It was my first time so I was not familiar with the menu. The woman at the register was so sweet as to walk me through the options. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. Standing room only. So you order and go. The food was delicious! I will be back not.only because of the food but the warm customer service (which is lacking many other places) Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Babu Patel Patel
Awesome food 🥘
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vik Harmon
Great quick meal (10 minutes, cooked fresh). Tried 3 different flavors and they were all great!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bernice
Food is delicious. Empanadas are amazing. Love the cheeseburger ones but they’re all delicious. Great customer service. Only problem they have no seating. I know it’s because of the rowdy kids who come out of school so I’m not mad at that.
If you're not Hispanic, the service is not so nice. They look at you like you don't belong and rush you to order. Empanadas are flavorful & delicious though
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Kim Phillips
LET SOMEONE USE MY CARD NUMBERS!!!!!! After looking at my debit statement online, I can confirm Empanada Spot in Oakland Gardens let someone use my debit card number for $20. I've never let anyone have my debit card numbers, and have never been to NY.
Christine Capandonis
Great empanadas, they have mini ones, if you want to bring something to someone's house great idea. You can mix them up. The owner and the help are amazing. Check it out!
Amazing empanadas. A bit small. Service is very slow.
Thomas McHale
It's a takeout empanada spot and boy do they have many choices, I've noticed a lot of customers ordering cheeseburger empanadas I tried it dude it was banging.
Laggy Y
There is a lot of varieties to choose from, and we personally liked the corn empanadas more than the wheat ones, though it seems like there are more flavors available for wheat empanadas. We would suggest cheese-based fillings or a filling with more moisture. There are a few let-downs: yucca fries had a thick breading and very little yucca inside (they are not thick-cuts of cassava: just mashed yucca) . The breading soaked up a lot of oil that made them less tasty even with the presence of the well-raved green sauce. We ended our meals with the fries, and they significantly dragged down the overall review. As for the biagra: we would love to have real crab meat instead of imitation crab, even with a price premium.
Ted Hargrove
Let me tell you if you have a love for Empanadas this is the place 😘
**The Empanada Spot – A Hidden Gem That Just Became My Obsession ★★★★★**
I’ve driven past The Empanada Spot a hundred times and always told myself “one day.” Well, that “one day” finally happened last week when a late-night craving hit. Let me tell you: I walked in curious and left absolutely mind-blown.
These are not your average empanadas. I ordered the classic beef, and when they handed me the bag I could already hear the faint sizzle through the paper. One bite and I legitimately stopped in the middle of the parking lot — the dough is perfection. Golden, flaky on the outside, soft and slightly chewy within, with that ideal crisp edge that shatters just right. The filling? Juicy, perfectly seasoned ground beef with a depth of flavor that makes you wonder how something so simple can taste this good. It was still piping hot, the kind of hot that forces you to do the little “blow-on-it” dance, and I’m not even mad about it.
What elevated the whole experience was the vibe inside. Even late at night, the staff greeted me like I was a regular they’d been waiting for all day. Smiles everywhere, genuine enthusiasm when I asked what their favorite was, and zero rush even though they were clearly winding down. It felt like walking into a friend’s kitchen who just happens to make world-class empanadas.
I’m already plotting my return — the chicken, the cheese pull on the queso ones, maybe the spicy pork if I’m feeling bold. The Empanada Spot didn’t just satisfy a late-night craving; it created a new addiction.
If you’ve been sleeping on this place like I was, do yourself a favor and go. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll probably end up writing a review just as obnoxiously enthusiastic as this one. 11/10, no notes. See you in line.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Corn Empanadas, Sauce, Green Sauce, Pink Sauce, Beef Empanadas, Chicken Empanada
Delicious empanadas fried fresh to order. They are so crunchy and packed with flavor. They are clearly made with love and the girls at the front have great service, they greeted me with a big smile when I came in for the first time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was immediately welcomed as I entered the door. It was my first time so I was not familiar with the menu. The woman at the register was so sweet as to walk me through the options. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. Standing room only. So you order and go. The food was delicious! I will be back not.only because of the food but the warm customer service (which is lacking many other places) Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awesome food 🥘
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great quick meal (10 minutes, cooked fresh). Tried 3 different flavors and they were all great!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food is delicious. Empanadas are amazing. Love the cheeseburger ones but they’re all delicious. Great customer service. Only problem they have no seating. I know it’s because of the rowdy kids who come out of school so I’m not mad at that.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Corn Empanadas, Sauce, Green Sauce, Cheeseburger, Pink Sauce, Beef Empanadas, Chicken Empanada, Cheeseburger Empanada
If you're not Hispanic, the service is not so nice. They look at you like you don't belong and rush you to order. Empanadas are flavorful & delicious though
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
LET SOMEONE USE MY CARD NUMBERS!!!!!!
After looking at my debit statement online, I can confirm Empanada Spot in Oakland Gardens let someone use my debit card number for $20. I've never let anyone have my debit card numbers, and have never been to NY.
Great empanadas, they have mini ones, if you want to bring something to someone's house great idea. You can mix them up. The owner and the help are amazing. Check it out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food.,empanadas are fantastic 👏
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Always fresh
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing empanadas. A bit small. Service is very slow.
It's a takeout empanada spot and boy do they have many choices, I've noticed a lot of customers ordering cheeseburger empanadas I tried it dude it was banging.
There is a lot of varieties to choose from, and we personally liked the corn empanadas more than the wheat ones, though it seems like there are more flavors available for wheat empanadas. We would suggest cheese-based fillings or a filling with more moisture. There are a few let-downs: yucca fries had a thick breading and very little yucca inside (they are not thick-cuts of cassava: just mashed yucca) . The breading soaked up a lot of oil that made them less tasty even with the presence of the well-raved green sauce. We ended our meals with the fries, and they significantly dragged down the overall review. As for the biagra: we would love to have real crab meat instead of imitation crab, even with a price premium.
Let me tell you if you have a love for Empanadas this is the place 😘
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