Empanada Mama

Beloved for its creative variety and around-the-clock service, this lively spot has become a staple for locals and visitors alike. Not only is the restaurant an ideal spot for a late-night snack, but their empanadas are made to perfection: handmade, with a crispy exterior, and fillings that range from classic beef and chicken to inventive options like cheeseburger or pepperoni pizza. The menu also ranges far beyond empanadas, including everything from salads to soups to sandwiches, as well as arepas, nachos, and other favorite dishes. And if you’re craving something sweet, choose between flan, churritos, coconut tres leches, and a range of dessert empanadas. Empanada Mama also offers party packs, if you want to bring their food to an upcoming celebration.

Comfort food meets cultural flair at Empanada Mama, the 2025 Winner in the Empanadas category, where every golden pocket is filled with flavor and tradition. Beloved for its creative variety and around-the-clock service, this lively spot has become a staple for locals and visitors craving authentic Latin comfort food. Each empanada is handmade and perfectly crisp, with fillings that range from classic beef and chicken to inventive options like cheeseburger or Greek-inspired blends. The menu celebrates both heritage and innovation, offering something to satisfy every craving. With its vibrant atmosphere and irresistible flavors, this iconic eatery proves that great things really do come wrapped in pastry.

Empanada Mama brands themselves as the best empanada in town — and New Yorkers agree! It’s usually open 24/7, according to their website. Empanada Mama takes a multicultural approach with their empanadas, and has Greek, Cuban, Polish, Italian, American, and Hawaiian-style empanadas — and they’re still looking to expand from there. They have a variety of recipes for their empanadas too, including baked wheat empanadas, corn flour empanadas, and wheat flour empanadas, as well as dessert empanadas! Empanada Mama has several locations, including in Hell’s Kitchen, the Lower East Side, and Times Square — but stay tuned for another location. Of course, if you’re dying to try their empanadas but your company isn’t, they have other menu options including quesadillas, platters, salads, and sandwiches.