UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Just in time for the weekend, some long-awaited good news for Upper East Side foodies has finally been served.
The beloved downtown spot, Empanada Mama, has now officially opened its doors on 1st Avenue between E 74th and 75th Streets, with a soft opening slated for Friday morning.
This new addition marks the fifth Manhattan location for the Colombian-food mini-chain, which also boasts outlets on the Lower East Side, Hell’s Kitchen, the East Village and Times Square.
Empanada Mama, best known as a late-night Latin joint that serves traditional empanadas with a uniquely American flair, debuted in New York City more than 15 years ago.
Crafted to evoke nostalgia, the menu boasts an array of over 40 distinct empanadas, aiming to strike a chord with their guests’ memories.
With an assortment including arepas, tamales, veal and rice meatballs, and, of course, empanadas, Empanada Mama’s ethos of offering “something for everyone” renders it a uniquely American establishment in the realm of Latin empanadas.
Inspired by Colombian cuisine, Empanada Mama embraces New York’s international vibe with a diverse range of empanada options, from Greek (spinach pie) to Cuban (ham, pork, and cheese), Polish (kielbasa and sauerkraut), Hawaiian (ham, cheese, and pineapple), Italian (sausage, peppers, and onions), and American (cheeseburger).
The two locations in Hell’s Kitchen and Lower East Side have a full bar and are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.