"Empanada Mama has five locations, and the original in Hell’s Kitchen is a raucous place. Open 24 hours, it's a go-to spot for after-drink snacks in the neighborhood. Their huge selection of over 40 wheat and corn empanadas includes some unexpected fillings inspired by various NYC cuisines: things like mac and cheese, pizza, and curried chicken. But even the basics are pretty solid, especially when it's late at night. Mix a couple of simpler options—like Brazilian pastel, or Colombian shredded beef in a fried corn shell—with more unique ones like the Viagra, which is filled with shrimp and crab stew." - will hartman, willa moore, molly fitzpatrick, monica prestia