New York City, a melting pot of cultures, boasts a vibrant culinary scene. Within this diverse landscape, empanadas hold a special place, offering a delicious journey through Latin American flavors. This guide explores 14 of the best empanada spots in NYC, highlighting their unique offerings and what makes them stand out. Whether you crave savory beef, spicy chicken, or sweet guava and cheese, this list has something for every palate.
Savory Sensations: Beef, Chicken, and Beyond
Finding the perfect savory empanada is a quest many New Yorkers undertake. These spots consistently deliver exceptional flavor and quality.
1. Empanada Mama (Multiple Locations)
Empanada Mama is a New York City institution, known for its authentic Argentine empanadas. They offer a wide variety of fillings, from classic beef to more adventurous options like spinach and cheese. Their flaky crust and generous fillings consistently earn rave reviews.
- Signature Filling: Classic Argentinian beef
- What Makes it Stand Out: Wide variety, consistent quality, multiple locations for easy access.
2. La Nacional (Upper West Side)
La Nacional is more than just an empanada spot; it's a vibrant cultural hub. Their empanadas are a testament to their commitment to authentic Dominican cuisine. The pastry is perfectly crisp, and the fillings are bursting with flavor.
- Signature Filling: Chicken
- What Makes it Stand Out: Immersive cultural experience, excellent quality ingredients.
3. Calle Ocho (East Village)
Calle Ocho brings the flavors of Little Havana to the East Village. Their Cuban empanadas are a must-try, showcasing the island's unique blend of Spanish and Caribbean influences. The seasoned meat, often featuring pork, is complemented by a subtly sweet pastry.
- Signature Filling: Pork
- What Makes it Stand Out: Authentic Cuban flavors, lively atmosphere.
4. Naso's Empanadas (Multiple Locations)
Naso's has quickly become a popular choice for empanada lovers across the city. They balance affordability with quality, providing generously filled, delicious empanadas at a great price point.
- Signature Filling: Beef
- What Makes it Stand Out: Great value, delicious fillings, convenient locations.
Vegetarian and Unique Empanada Delights
Not everyone craves meat; NYC offers many vegetarian and uniquely filled empanada options.
5. Arepazo (Multiple Locations)
While known for their arepas, Arepazo also serves excellent empanadas. They offer a nice selection of vegetarian options, ensuring everyone can find something to enjoy. Their vegetable empanadas often feature a mix of corn, cheese, and spices.
- Signature Filling: Vegetarian mix
- What Makes it Stand Out: Great vegetarian options, part of a larger, exciting menu.
6. Don Pepe's (Multiple Locations)
Don Pepe's provides a reliable option for high-quality empanadas, frequently featuring unique and seasonal fillings. Keep an eye out for their specials – you might be surprised by the unexpected combinations.
- Signature Filling: Rotating seasonal specials
- What Makes it Stand Out: Innovation, seasonal offerings, quality ingredients.
Sweet Endings: The Empanada's Sweet Side
Empanadas aren't just for savory cravings; some places specialize in sweet treats.
7. My Little Escape (Multiple Locations)
My Little Escape offers a fun selection of empanadas that are both savory and sweet. They blend unexpected flavors for a pleasant twist on the traditional.
- Signature Filling: Sweet and savory combinations
- What Makes it Stand Out: Unique flavor profiles, playful approach to empanada fillings.
Beyond the Boroughs: Exploring Diverse Empanada Styles
NYC's diverse neighborhoods offer unique perspectives on empanadas.
8. Los Tacos No. 1 (Chelsea Market)
While primarily known for their tacos, Los Tacos No. 1 also offers some exceptional empanadas. This adds a great Mexican twist to the already wide array of New York's culinary offerings.
- Signature Filling: Mexican-style fillings
- What Makes it Stand Out: Unique Mexican-inspired empanada fillings
9. Paulie Gee's (Greenpoint, Brooklyn)
Paulie Gee's is a beloved pizza joint in Brooklyn that occasionally features creative empanada specials. Their unique take on the classic pastry is a must-try for adventurous eaters.
- Signature Filling: Creative, rotating specials
- What Makes it Stand Out: Unexpected empanada offerings from a popular pizza restaurant
Finding Your Perfect Empanada: A Guide
The best empanada for you will depend on your preferences. This table summarizes the options above:
| Empanada Spot | Location(s) | Specialty | Vegetarian Option? | Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empanada Mama | Multiple | Argentinian | Yes | $ |
| La Nacional | Upper West Side | Dominican | Yes | $ |
| Calle Ocho | East Village | Cuban | No | $ |
| Naso's Empanadas | Multiple | Classic | Yes | $ |
| Arepazo | Multiple | Arepas & Empanadas | Yes | $ |
| Don Pepe's | Multiple | Rotating Specials | Sometimes | $ |
| My Little Escape | Multiple | Sweet & Savory | Yes | $ |
| Los Tacos No. 1 | Chelsea Market | Mexican | Yes | $ |
| Paulie Gee's | Greenpoint, BK | Pizza & Empanadas | Sometimes | $$ |
($ = Budget-friendly, $ = Moderate, $$ = Expensive)
Conclusion: Your NYC Empanada Adventure Awaits
This list offers a starting point for your NYC empanada adventure. With so many delicious options, exploring different styles and flavors is a must. Each bite offers a chance to discover a new cultural treasure and satisfy your craving for a truly exceptional pastry. Remember to explore beyond this list – you might discover your new favorite empanada spot just around the corner!
