Latin American restaurant

Empanada Mama Hell’s Kitchen

Hell's KitchenManhattan

4.4· 5,622 reviewsOpen now
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Empanada Mama Hell’s Kitchen — latin american restaurant — in Hell's Kitchen — Manhattan — NYC
Empanada Mama Hell’s Kitchen interior — Hell's Kitchen

Hell's Kitchen

Manhattan

The brief

About Empanada Mama Hell’s Kitchen

Stuffed empanadas & arepas top a menu of Latin goodies like plantain chips & guacamole served 24/7.

Community Rating

4.4

★★★★★

out of 5

5,622 community reviews

Rating aggregated from community reviews across platforms. Read full reviews on Google or Yelp for detailed diner experiences.

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Reviews

What diners say about Empanada Mama Hell’s Kitchen

15 verified Google reviews · 13 with owner responses

4.3

15 reviews

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Joseph RaczynskiLocal guide
a week ago

It's a solid empanada, when you need it. The chicken was not so good, but the beef was much more flavorful and rich. The wait after ordering took a good 20 mins.

Response from the owner

Hi Joseph,<br><br>We are sorry to learn that your experience at Empanada Mama Hell’s Kitchen did not fully meet your expectations. While it's encouraging to hear that you found the beef empanada flavorful, we regret that the chicken did not satisfy your taste. Additionally, we understand that a 20-minute wait after ordering can be frustrating. Please accept our apologies for not delivering the experience you anticipated. We aim to offer exceptional service, and we regret that we did not achieve that this time. We would appreciate the chance to rectify the situation and provide you with a more satisfactory experience. Your feedback is important, and we hope you’ll give us another chance. For any further assistance, feel free to reach out to us at info@empanadamama.com.<br><br>Sincerely,<br>The Empanada Mama

Shannon Pope PohlLocal guide
2 weeks ago

This is such a fun little place! Colorful and friendly with the most delicious empanadas. We started with fried plantains and guac, and margaritas...then had the crazy cheap two empanada lunch special. Server was super friendly and helped us make our selections. He deserves six stars :)

Response from the owner

Hi Shannon,<br><br>What a joy it is to hear about your experience! The vibrant atmosphere, combined with delicious empanadas and friendly service, truly makes for a memorable visit. It's wonderful that you enjoyed the fried plantains, guac, and margaritas, along with our lunch special. Your kind words about our server deserving six stars really brightened our day!<br><br>Thanks,<br>The Empanada Mama

Caleb Michael Vallar Sanders
a month ago

I am a frequent customer and really enjoy their empanadas. However, I was very displeased today after ordering takeout. I ordered 6 different empanadas for my dinner and not only was my order incorrect, I didn’t even get all 6! Unfortunately, I didn’t realize until I got home, so I would definitely advise checking your order before leaving the restaurant. Additionally, the Romeo & Juliet bag had a different flavor in it, so I only ended up getting 1/6 that I ordered!

RiCK SLocal guide
2 months ago

Drawn by their empanadas, we ordered four different types to try. Cuban, Bourbon, Jerk & Cheese, as well as El Pastor. They all tasted great. With two coffees and 22% tips, it only cost us about $36.00. Our server was very friendly!

Response from the owner

Hello RiCK,<br><br>The team is thrilled to know that you enjoyed our empanadas! Sampling the Cuban, Bourbon, Jerk, & Cheese, and El Pastor sounds like a fantastic experience. It’s great to hear you found our prices reasonable and appreciated the friendliness of our team. Your support means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another round!<br><br>Thanks,<br>The Empanada Mama

Jensen HoskieLocal guide
Edited 3 months ago

We had an excellent experience and excellent service...the food was OUTSTANDING and definitely filled us all up. Our waitress "M" was fun, had excellent recommendations, and took care of us from the minute we walked into the minute we left. We will DEFINITELY be returning to our friends at Empañada Mama in Hell's Kitchen up our return trip to New York! We love you guys!

Response from the owner

Hey Jensen,<br><br>It’s fantastic to hear about your excellent experience with us! The outstanding food and fun service from M truly make a difference. Knowing you felt well taken care of brings us joy. Your enthusiasm for returning on your next trip to New York is greatly appreciated! We love having guests like you!<br><br>Thanks,<br>The Empanada Mama

Samantha YLocal guide
3 months ago

Everything was so good! We tried the jerk cheese and the Cuban empanadas. The crust has a nice crunch and they’re packed with filling. Jerk cheese was my favorite bc it had a great cheese pull. The bandeja paisa was huge! It’s def a two person serving size. It comes with flavorful rice and beans, an egg, half an avocado, a chorizo sausage great grill taste, steak was so perfectly cooked and juicy and a ton of crispy chicharron. It was so much food plus sodas and we had a whole serving to take home and came out to ~$40pp it was def enough food for three tho

Response from the owner

Hey Samantha,<br><br>It’s wonderful to hear that everything was so good during your visit! The jerk cheese and Cuban empanadas are definitely crowd-pleasers, and it’s great that you enjoyed the crunch of the crust and the delicious filling. The bandeja paisa sounds like a feast with all those flavorful components! Having enough food for three people at such a great value is always a bonus. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to see you back for more delicious meals soon!<br><br>Thanks,<br>The Empanada Mama

Nicole M
4 months ago

Photo one is what I ordered, Photo two is what I got. Completely horrible, dry and hard as sticks. The manager on the phone argued with me for a solid 10 minutes going to the extent of telling me do I understand how a search engine works? who talks like that in customer service? Avoid this place, has gone down the gutter since it reopened.

Carl Volpe
4 months ago

the managers jen bryant and hiram are amazing!! they told me all about the menu and they are very welcoming! we sat at the bar with ian, drinks are really good and strong! arroz con pollo taste really good and i had to order more for to go!!! staff are really nice as well, always smiling!!

Response from the owner

Hey Carl,<br><br>The team truly appreciates your fantastic review! It’s wonderful to hear that Jen, Hiram, and Ian made your visit enjoyable. The welcoming atmosphere and delicious dishes, like the arroz con pollo, truly make a difference. Enjoying the strong drinks and friendly service adds to the overall experience. Thank you for your kind words; they motivate the staff to keep up the great work!<br><br>Thanks,<br>The Empanada Mama

Sarah DemminLocal guide
4 months ago

Let me tell ya. I went here back in 2023(?) as a quick grab and go before a Broadway show. I have not stopped thinking about it since. The second I planned another trip to the city, it was a must see. Their empanadas are hot and absolutely delicious! This time we sat at the bar and ate! The service was spectacular and the margaritas were delicious. Not too sweet at all. I highly recommend this place, as it’s one of my all time favorites!

Response from the owner

Hey Sarah,<br><br>It's wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed your experience! The fact that our empanadas left such a lasting impression that you returned speaks volumes about their deliciousness. A spectacular time at the bar and margaritas to your liking truly make for a great outing. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're excited to welcome you back for more memorable meals in the future!<br><br>Thanks,<br>The Empanada Mama

Pedro Melo RodriguezLocal guide
5 months ago

Im colombian, so was excited to have their food. The Sancocho soup was good but a bit too much flavor in the broath, a bit heavy. The empanadas with mozzarella was good but surprised it was 12 dollars when the soup was 18, a bit pricey in my opinion. I would come back to the empanadas.

Response from the owner

Hey Pedro,<br><br>We appreciate your feedback regarding the Sancocho soup and understand that the flavor may not have met your expectations. It’s important for us to know how our dishes resonate with our guests. Regarding the pricing, your thoughts are valuable, and we will take them into consideration. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the empanadas and hope to see you again soon!<br><br>Thanks,<br>The Empanada Mama

Kimberly De JesusLocal guide
6 months ago

I sat in the bar and it was a great experience!! Bartenders(jen and ian) are very attentive and friendly! We had bandeja paisa and sancocho de cola. Meat is cooked to perfection and steak is really juicy! Will be back again and this will be our spot from now on. Cocktails are also tasty!! And they make the best margaritas! 100 overall!!!!

Response from the owner

Hello Kimberly,<br><br>It’s wonderful to hear that your experience at our bar was so enjoyable! The attentive service from Jen and Ian, along with the perfectly cooked bandeja paisa and sancocho de cola, truly exemplifies what we aim to provide. Your praise for our cocktails and margaritas is greatly appreciated! Looking forward to welcoming you back to your new favorite spot!<br><br>We appreciate your kind words!<br>The Empanada Mama

Kevin TenorioLocal guide
7 months ago

I have never seen an empanada place with this many options before. The classic shell that they use is light and crispy and is PACKED with filling. I really appreciate that. I'm a fiend for sweet and savory flavor combos and they have no shortage of that here—praise the Lawd for that. This is my new favorite empanada spot. I think they messed up on the filling on one of my orders, the el Toro, but that's alright because it was still delicious. The el jefe and jerk & cheese slapped hard. I would definitely come back to try more flavors and some of my favorites again!

Response from the owner

Hey Kevin,<br><br>The variety of empanadas and their delicious flavors bring joy to the team! It’s wonderful to know that the light and crispy shells, packed with filling, caught your attention. Sweet and savory combinations are a specialty here, and it’s fantastic that a new favorite spot has been discovered. While the El Jefe and jerk & cheese flavors delighted your taste buds, it’s regrettable that there was a mix-up with the El Toro filling. Apologies for that oversight, and it's great to hear it was still tasty! Looking forward to welcoming you back to explore even more flavors!<br><br>Thanks,<br>The Empanada Mama

Sean DLocal guide
7 months ago

Five days in the Big Apple means countless food options, but since we were seeing Hell's Kitchen on Broadway, I sought out local eats in the neighborhood—and Empanada Mama was the major discovery. I'm hitting this spot up fa' sho on my next NYC visit!<br>They offer flavors galore that will satisfy every tastebud. The moment I saw their Jerk Chicken and Viagra (seafood) empanadas, I was sold. Our appetizer of plantain chips and guac was hittin', and the entire meal was fantastic. To top it off, the service was fast, friendly, and top-notch. I will say the music was a little loud; maybe because we were sitting by the DJ booth, but we’re music lovers, so it didn’t take away from the vibe. Just be prepared because this 24-hour spot might be jammin’ when you visit!

Response from the owner

Hey Sean,<br><br>We’re thrilled to hear about your amazing experience at Empanada Mama! It sounds like you had a delightful time exploring our diverse flavors, especially with the Jerk Chicken and Viagra empanadas. The plantain chips and guac are indeed a great way to start your meal. We're glad the service met your expectations, and it's great to know you enjoyed the vibe, even with the music being a bit loud. Your enthusiasm for our 24-hour spot is truly appreciated, and we can't wait to welcome you back on your next NYC adventure!<br><br>Thanks,<br>The Empanada Mama

Don Manuel PresentsLocal guide
8 months ago

We love us empanada mamas, whenever im in nyc I have to stop at one normally on LES but today we stopped by the hells kitchen location. Food is always on point. Staff is kind and no wait to be seated. If you like flavorful food this is the spot to go to. Can't go wrong with a empanada or a full meal.

Response from the owner

Hi Don,<br><br>It's fantastic to hear about your love for Empanada Mama! Our team strives to create delicious experiences, and it's wonderful to know that our Hell’s Kitchen location met your expectations with flavorful food and friendly service. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we can't wait to welcome you back for more amazing meals!<br><br>Thanks,<br>The Empanada Mama

Sophia BerestetskaLocal guide
8 months ago

I was extremely hungry when I came there, but service was so fast. I just ordered food like in less than 10 minutes I already got my order with empanadas, entree, and appetizer. Empanadas are top tier. Never tried a such delicious thing. Entree that called Apollo with plantains is highly recommended. So many spices and so much flavor. The only thing is yuca fries. I truly love it, but there, it was over fried. I’ve tried much softer one; however, I and my mom finished it pretty quickly anyways. As you can see, definitely recommend

Response from the owner

Hey Sophia,<br><br>It's wonderful to hear about your quick service experience, and that our empanadas and the Apollo entree left such a positive impression! The flavors and spices in our dishes are designed to delight every palate. Feedback regarding the yuca fries is appreciated; quality is important to us, and we will take your comments into account. Knowing that you and your mom enjoyed your meal overall is fantastic, and your recommendation means a lot to us! Thank you for sharing your experience!<br><br>Thanks,<br>The Empanada Mama

Reviews sourced from Google. Displayed for informational purposes. Ratings reflect reviewer opinions at the time of posting.

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