Issa’s Empanadas

You a set time but you not here i waste my gas to come back up here an you still not here

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 1

I love the food here everything super flavorful taste the same every time so delicious 10 out of 10

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazingggg fooodddd

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

GREATNESS WILL EAT HERE AGAIN

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had the Oxtail Empanada and the way that thang melted in my mouth almost made me smack my mama (sorry ma)! I couldn’t believe, and so much flavor! I paired it with the mac n cheese and asparagus! the time before that i had salmon rice and peas, and asparagus (pic below) with the sneaky juice! amazing atmosphere, definitely will be back! thank you

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Used to Be a Hidden Gem – Disappointed with Recent Visit

I’ve eaten at Issa’s Empanadas several times in the past and used to recommend it to everyone. Back then, the food was incredible — the Beef & Cheese empanada was made with slow-cooked pulled beef and real cheese, the Oxtail was seasoned and tender, and the dough tasted freshly made. Even the sides were flavorful and clearly made with care.

Fast forward to tonight after about a two-month break, and it felt like a completely different restaurant. The Beef & Cheese was now ground beef with no noticeable cheese, and the Oxtail lacked the seasoning and texture it once had. The dough seemed store-bought, and the potatoes were watery. We spent over $40 and didn’t even receive the free empanada that used to be included with orders at that price.

I’m not sure if there’s been a change in ownership or just a drop in quality, but it was disappointing compared to previous visits. I truly hope this was just an off night for them, but as of now, I’m unsure if I’ll return.

Food: 2

I cant believe the day came where an empanada is $6. I dont know what it is about Virginia and how every SPANISH restaurant is trying to take advantage of people’s pockets. But no way in hell should a EMPANADA (an appetizer) be $6 at most it should be $3.50. Do better.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2

The food is good BUT the inconsistency of being opened is annoying! We drive all the way from Smithfield and the days and hours that are listed are never honored. Me and my husband love this place but it got old too quick with the unprofessionalism! I went today after work. I have a long drive back to Smithfield (45 mins). I called to verify if she was going to be opened and they said yes. I get there and I was greeted by ppl on the phone (other eatery there) and (Issa employees not at the counter). I even tried to order a smoothie while I wait for them to come take my order and the lady for the smoothie place was on a personal call and just didn’t even bother to take my order. Never again am I coming back.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

I had to give service a 4 star only because they can be mad busy, and I waited a whole hour for my food after being preorder online. But that didn’t stop me from coming back lol. The food is AMAZING 🤩 there was NOTHING on the menu that I did not like. If yall want some good eats then this is the place to be .

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

The food is good but it take FOREVER. I was given an estimated time of an hour but it took 2 hours for 5 empanadas.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 2

Food was amazing, especially the macaroni and cheese.! The service not so good. I literally waited 35 minutes just for anyone to come greet me or let me know what was going on with my food. They really need someone at the register or in the front.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 1

I recommend ordering for pick up. I ordered pick up and some other customers were there with nobody at the front. My only problem was that there should have been someone at the front letting the guests know what was going on, ringing people up for their orders, and carrying out orders if they're ready. The portioning of food was great for its price. The food was very filling and flavorful but also creative because idk anyone else who makes oxtail or jerk chicken and salmon empanadas.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3

I only had the food one time and it was very good, they are just unprofessional when it comes to communicating, never know if they are open or closed until you drive there and that’s a waste of gas just put updates online or something.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 2

We just ordered from here tonight through Uber Eats and it’s so delicious! The regular chicken empanada took me back to my childhood 😋 My hubby and I agree that this is where we found the best Mac n cheese in the area! The sweet potato mash was delicious too. So darn good!

I would come back here for the Mac and cheese alone...and I low key did. I'll endeavor to try their whole menu cause it all looks amazing. But I'll keep leaving with a side of Mac and cheese! It's baked! Cheesy with sauce and sharp cheddar.
I tried the beef/cheese and the oxtail empanada, both had amazing cheese pull, and stuffed with meat.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5