Empanada Express Grill

Absolutely wonderful staff and food that will make your entire day better. Venezuelan dinner was great to split.

Perfect place to grab a bite before a show at the Oriental Theater. Amazing food, amazing prices and a truly incomparable sauce to top it all off. Try the latte iced!

I've rated it before and I'll do it again cause I'll go there any chance I get. I always get the Taste of Venezuela sampler. My Empanada with Chicken and my Arape with Beef. It's enough for two, but I power it down like my life depended on it with all the different sauces. Amazing.

Great service and great food. I ordered the Beef Arepa's and there was so much flavor I had to order one to go for later. It was the owner's son's birthday and they had cake for him and sang Happy Birthday and then she brought me a piece of cake. It felt like I was part of the family

The food was amazing! Staff was super friendly. I would totally recommend their mango juice.

We recently visited Empanada Express Grill and had an exceptional dining experience. We ordered the Taste of Venezuela and the Traditional Venezuelan Dinner so we could try one of everything, and both dishes were phenomenal. The flavors were authentic, and the presentation was delightful. Our server was fantastic, attentive, and friendly, which added to the overall great experience. We ended our meal with a delicious flan, which was the perfect sweet conclusion to our meal. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking to enjoy Venezuelan cuisine!

I stopped by for lunch and ordered one empanada. Just one was satisfying and enough for me. I got the chicken salad with avocado empanada. It came with two sauces and both were good. Small place. Had outside seating too and easy street parking.

I love this spot! Went on a girls date with Peanut (a dog I hang out with lol) here and we had such a wholesome time. Service is amazing. Food is incredible. I like to get the Mini Empanaditas sampler appetizer. $20 for 12 empanaditas. These fill you up and are super nutritious! This lasts me a few days if I don’t share. The patio area is really nice to take the sun and people-watch while you eat.

I'm not a huge fan of Denver food in general -- overpriced and rarely that great. And I don't write reviews often. But, these are the best empanadas I've ever had! They're not doughy or lacking filling like you usually see. They're crispy and the perfect proportions with fantastic fillings. Places like these need support to flourish and set a higher standard. Check them out!

Every year for Christmas Eve we've ordered empanadas for the whole family. This has been our ongoing tradition for 11 years. Every year, the mini empanadas are a good size. They have good amount of meat inside of them and the kids love them. This year they got super cheap. The mini empanadas were half the size of normal and some of them had just a small pinch of meat. They've gotten cheap, but their prices went up four dollars. You would think that they would try to take care of a customer who's been going there 11 years and is ordering a $150 - $200 order. But whatever. I just know that next year I'm hiring a Venezuelan to make me empanadas in my house. I will not spend my money here.

As a person who passionately write reviews on Yelp, finding a restaurant many call a hidden gem is a prideful moment. Last Sunday (on the day many were getting ready for their Super Bowl gatherings), I was busy running some errands in Sunnyside neighborhood. All of a sudden, the thought of eating to entertain my 70% empty stomach hit me, I searched for the word "empanada" as I wanted some finger food and this restaurant came up in my search. Upon finding out that it was about 5-10 minutes away from where I was, it was a no brainer to me. This is a Venezuelan restaurant with almost 5-star review. Not knowing much about Venezuelan cuisine, my first thought was that they might have similar dishes as the surrounding South American countries like Columbia do. But most of all, I was so eager to try their empanadas. I've had Argentinian, El Salvadorian, Columbian and Nicaraguan versions of empanadas in the past. I wondered how different Venezuelan ones would be... I was warmly greeted by a young lady upfront upon arrival. This is a small/family style restaurant. The number of tables is very limited but you can sit outside as long as the weather permits. There was a large table of 7-9 people having a birthday party. I think I hit the place during the peak lunch time. Their empanadas are priced at $8 range. This was a bit pricey to me at the first glance but since I didn't know what kind of portion size they'd be made in, I thought I'd give them a try. I got me Reina Pediada, Sweet Domino and Fish. The total came to $27 with some change. Yup, you usually don't pay this much for a few to several empanadas but hey, like I said, I decided not to judge at that point. The young lady who took my order impressed me with some careful attention to detail. I placed my sunglasses at the ordering counter where the space was very limited. She had to move them just a little when she placed the credit card receipt for me to sign it. "I worked in the optics before." is what she said when she gently placed my sunglasses a little to the side in a very careful way. What a kind/considerate gesture that was! This kind of minor and yet incredible care didn't escape my notice. Thank you!!! When my food was ready, the same young lady handed me my bag. It was quite heavy. As soon as I got to my car, I opened it and there they were; my beautiful empanadas were large and dense/heavy!! They appeared to be all deep-fried so I wonder if Venezuelan style empanadas are all that way? Not sure. Anyway, I was on my way to a job duty so I had to eat quickly. I started to take a bite out of each one and ohhh yes, they were dense with a lot of fillings inside. Although I must frankly say that I like the flaky baked kind of empanadas more, these Venezuelan ones were equally impressive. Yes, this was a surprise find. I will definitely stop by here when I'm in the neighborhood for sure.

The food was authentic,the service was outstanding , very attentive server, every dish was well prepared We were passing by Denver and found this wonderful food

Amazing food always great service the only place I go for great empanadas can't wait to go back

Always bomb af, I love the rajas empanada and the green salsa. My girlfriend LOVES the Taste of Venezuela plate, she always get the Reina Pepiada empanada and arepa. Always good and they have amazing service! Love the food one of my go to places!

Very tasty, very authentic Venezuelan food. Incredible sancocho. Just great food across the board, a must stop.

Okay, I can't wait to come back here again! The service is absolutely wonderful and friendly. I asked for recommendations on the best arepa and the best empanada for someone that has never visited and isn't afraid of spice. So, let me give you the low down! I tried the shredded beef empanada (the recommendation) and a chile relleno (because I love a yum chile relleno) andddd both were delicious! I definitely favored the shredded beef empanada based on juice and flavor. I loved the fresh crunch when biting into them! I would order them again... especially the shredded beef. It was a great suggestion. The arepa recommended was the pork and avocado! So, for this arepa alone, I would come back. It was my favorite item. I enjoyed the seasoning on the pork meat and how the avocado and cheese blended to give that ooey gooey deliciousness. The ground maize dough tasted great too, it just breaks apart fairly easy. So, be prepared to fork and knife it. I was happy to visit and the server gave me an extra hot sauce when I told her in the beginning how I love spicy food. She knew I wanted to turn it up and I thought that was really thoughtful.

I brought two new Venezuelan friends into this restaurant today (they recently arrived in Denver) and they said the food was 'muy rica!' So that's the most authentic review you can find! They both took business cards so they could recommend it to other Venezuelans. I had the lunch plate with the rajas (chile poblano, sour cream and cheese) empanada and it was really tasty! The service was excellent and the food came out faster than expected. I also want to thank the owner and her family who generously donated food and time to our immigrant population from Venezuela on Thanksgiving (& possibly other times as well). I highly recommend supporting this local business who gives back to the community.

My good buddy is really into the arepas. He loves them. So when a new friend told us about this place we had to try it. The Arepas were good, I would Defiantly eat here again. I got the chicken and also one beef. The 2 sauces were spiced but not too much. Perfect, sauces for the food. I love sauces so this helps. The place itself is very basic. A register, tables, and drink cooler is all you will see in the place. Pshhhh, places like that are usually the best. Defiantly recommend this place.

No alcohol served. I don't want you showing up and being disappointed. As someone who has never had a taste for it - I'm good. The food here, however, is really great. This is one of those hidden gems. It has very little atmosphere. It's a "strip mall" front with very few tables and often I'm grabbing to go. But that said, the empanadas and the arepas are killer! Also, do yourself a favor and try the Hallacas! A little different, if you've never tried them. I love something a little new and different and this place is really good.

Unfortunately didn't even get to try it. I walked in and asked for a menu for a man who lives in the building across the way and explained how he just moved in and is 91. I was told, "No, I'm sorry we don't but you can scan this card and read the menu." I calmly explained how he can't use that, and she said, "Oh I'm sorry, we dont have takeout menus." I hope if she makes it to old age that she has someone advocating for her when she encounters discrimination based on age aka ageism. Shame on you guys. Looked good, too, but i won't support an establishment that isn't inclusive.

I never had empanadas before but kept hearing good things about them. So, on the spur of the moment stopped in to try them. The carnitas empanada was great and we discovered another wonderful treat, the arepas! We'll definitely be making regular trips for these amazing new favorites!

For all looking for, or thinking you're having, authentic Venezuelan food--this isn't it! Today I drove an hour in the snow to fulfill my craving for my country's food and came back hangry, mistreated and broken hearted. During the visit to this cafe, my fiancee and I were served raw, old, insipid, and lackluster food. When we tried to make our observations known to the waitress she was combative and careless. We were ready to spend $100 on a treat meal out and we ended spending $40 for an inedible plate. To top it all, the server was incredibly ignorant and offensive towards myself. I asked to get the owner's contact info to relate my experience and she told me to go back wherever the hell I came from. I'm Venezuelan/American and I was so disappointed in witnessing the harm uneducated people make within their own communities. This has to STOP! Don't give your hard earned money away to businesses that don't care about their own.

For all looking for, or thinking you're having, authentic Venezuelan food--this isn't it! The good: the stars are for the staff for how nice they were and how hard they work. I hope the owner gives them a raise and more help ASAP. The bad: the ambiance is nonexistent. The place doesn't look very welcoming and could use a deep clean. Don't show up famished, food takes a long time to come out from the kitchen. The menu says it's authentic Venezuela but that's not accurate. The first item on the menu says Colombian empanadas and unless they are from a part of Venezuela I'm not familiar with, something is way off. The tequeños are not wrapped like any tequeños I've ever had. The food quality is also inconsistent. The first time I went the sancocho was delicious but this time it was awful. The authenticity is questionable at best and sazón just isn't there for me. Verdict: I'm so sad to say this about a small business but I'm so disappointed. I could overlook all of the above, even the misrepresentation of a cuisine, if the food was good but that's too many misses for me. I will not be returning.

Exactly what you would want in a small empanada shop Quick, tasty, lots of options no complaints!

Everything was so good the service and especially the food.I recommend trying the rajas empanada and also the tostones and let's not forget about their juice.The pineapple juice so good

The empanada and arepas were really good. Stick with that. The sides and appetizers are all bad. The answer to everything isn't throw more cheap cheese on it. The sopapilla was undercooked and not good. However, I doubt you'd be disappointed if you stuck with what they do best. I'd rank it a 4, but they messed up my order.

Wow has this neighborhood changed in my last review! What hasn't changed is how good this place is. The juices and empanadas are my go-to's here after so many years. It's always the same friendly face with the mostly broken English that makes this experience so endearing. I love it! Definitely a hidden gem especially now with all the 'trendy' places popping up.

BEST EMPANADAS IN DENVER !!!! The staff is so friendly, the empanadas are perfect every time, and the passionfruit juice is a must!

Probably one of the places I frequent the most. Amazing food, service, and the atmosphere is just great. Really a big fan of the Arepas and will keep coming here as long as I'm in Denver.

Great authentic Venezuelan dishes! It's a must try when you're in the area. I love the arepa lunch!

Outstanding arepas and amazing staff. They even accommodate my to-go requests when I ask for "no styrofoam" so the order is has less waste. Friendly and personable team that offer a delicious menu. Honestly, I've never had a better arepa than here. Love this business and would recommend!

My wife and I ordered a Domino arepa each. It took about 20 minutes for the food to arrive. They came with two meager slices of avocado and were barely warmer than room temperature. Disappointed, to say the least. The sauces were good, and the service was decent, aside from the wait.

Always enjoy the food. Basic Venezuelan staple. Nothing very fancy, but extremely fulfilling.

Was visiting Denver with some Mexican friends and wanted to introduce them to our Venezuelan food. The empanaditas were great wish we could choose the flavors. Carne mechada empanadas were the favorites and the garlic sauce. Arepas were fine too but the cheese was tasteless, not the Grill's fault but could try different brand

the food was no too bad But the service and the people that works there was super unprofessional they don't let the kids play around or touch the menus the service it's really really bad my daughter friend was watching some video on her phone and they told me to put the volume down After we finished they basically make us pay to leave the place because the place it's kinda small I will never go to that place again that's the reason I leave one start and I think they deserve less then that.

Delicious! Fast easy service. Tried their "plates" so much tasty food for a great value. Will be coming often!

The food here was fairly good. I ordered some cachapas and I was sadden to see that all I received was arepas de choclo which is corn cakes with cheese on top. Normally cachapas have a Thick layer of cheese inside which these did not have.so I do not recommend getting the cachapas here.

The empanadas are unique! I've never had Venezuela's version. To me it was like pan de bono (Colombian) and Ecuadorian's flour empanadas (especially the size). The empanadas are huge! Wish I had ordered the smaller to try them all. Got 4 flavors- my favorite ones were of the chicken variety. Great flavors in the filling. The sauces that came with the empanadas were missing something and could do without. If it came with some aji or pico type of sauce it would be bomb. But, you don't need sauces to enjoy them. My only qualm was the service - the lady was rude, and I felt as if I had intruded on some personal time. If I hadn't already paid for my order I would have just walked away. I get it - you're busy andf you're hustling. But, as a first time customer or ANY customer - dont you want to make a good impression so you build loyalty and create more word of mouth referrals? The food was good, but might not return due to the customer service experience.

Simple, no frills eatery with decent arepas and empanadas. I thought it was a bit pricey for what you got. The flavors were pretty good and the juice was delicious. It's a good stop for a quick bite to eat before seeing a show at the oriental.

As a lover of all world foods, I've often felt like I lacked experience in Venezuelan food. I've had a lot of empanadas and plantains, but I've pretty much just had arepas at Avanti. We were going to a show next door at The Oriental Theatre (which should've been renamed The Asian Theatre after the year 1995 or so), and we were happy to find that EEG was right next door for some quick eats. First, I think it's important to point out that EEG is a sit down restaurant. It doesn't take a long time, but something about the name made me think that it was structured like a Chipotle inside. It's not. This is a roughly $10/person restaurant with a menu, appetizers, combos, etc. It's no-frills and small inside, but you'll grab and seat and will have a waiter/waitress. We were still easily in and out in 30 minutes, but I think it's important to clear that up if you're looking into this place for the first time. The menu is simple, but I'm pretty sure you can't go wrong. I did an arepas combo meal with cheese sticks and plantains, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love me some Avanti arepas, but this one felt a little more authentic while being even more delicious. The plantains were sweet and not gooey or mushy, and the cheese sticks were as good as you always want fried cheese sticks to be. At around $13, the simple meal felt a little overpriced to me, but it was also really good - great flavors, fast service, and confirmation that I do indeed like me some Venezuelan food. Worth a visit!

I almost forgot to take a photo of my food I ate it so quick. This place had the best food I've ever tasted. I had the empanada lunch (beef empanada with potato and cheese with a side I chose of tostones with chicken salad on top). My wife ate the reina pepiada. I ate some of her food too lol!

I wish I didn't live so far away from this place. We enjoy coming down but they close early if you want dinner. Girlfriend is gluten free so it's a win for everyone

The pork and avocado arepa was amazing! I had a wonderful waitress who helped me today and was really friendly and helpful. I only wish they had an option to get a few arepas in one meal because they were so good. Also I like spice and it wasn't very spicy. Very clean! I would like to come again to try all the Venezuelan drink options.

So glad I found this place and WOW brings back so many memories of living in Judibana, Venezuela as a kid. I had the Empanada lunch plate with Rajas and fried plantains along with the closest thing to a Frescolita a Jarritos fruit punch soda! The service and food were both authentic and tasty makes me want to frequent this place just so I can have Empanadas and frescolitas like we did heading to our bus stop every morning. But in Venezuela there were houses you go to to buy empanadas we could usually buy a dozen empanadas for $5 bolivars, that was one of our favorite food! So wonderful to find a place that makes authentic Venezuelan empanadas cannot wait to try them again, and bring my family here!

So delicious. They really load up on the cheese. The ingredients are fresh. The yucca has melted cheese and avocado on it. I ordered the la mexi arepa and the machacha empanada. The portions were huge. I ate half the arepa and half the empanada and the yucca appetizer and feel like I'm gonna roll over and pass out.

Not that I would know what authentic is but I sure love the food! I love the small mom and pop vibe. Really great service and food! Always a must have when I'm in the area!

Best empanadas and arepas that we've had EVER. My husband lived in Miami for several years and swore by his Arepa with the shredded beef. The plantains were melt in your mouth and chicken salad topping mild and the perfect touch. Both the empanada and arepa were gluten free too. So hugggggeeee kudos to that. My husband has celiac so we appreciate any foods he can eat without keeling over. Loved this and highly recommend

If you really want to eat Venezuelan, do not go to this place. This might be a fusion but definitely is not Venezuelan. And the Venezuelan food I got was so bad it was almost an insult... Not a single Venezuelan working there which I don't have any problem with but I'm sure if there was at least one this wouldn't be happening. Terrible, not tasty at all and presentation sucked. I was supposed to get cachapas, this is anything but cachapas.

Delicious lunch specials!! I had the shredded beef empanada, rice, and black beans. The empanada was bigger than I expected and very flavorful.

This is by far my favorite Arepas place in Denver. They are so generous with their portions and everything on the menu is fantastic make sure you get Extra green and orange sauce!

Their food is delicious and the quality is consistent every time we order. A little goes a long way too. We usually get the empanada sampler platter and the sopapillas...and we fight over both plates Love this family run spot, definitely give them a try!

We love the food at this restaurant, However the customer service provided there is non existent! Looks like they have hours where they don't feel like working! The owner is a rude rude lady ! The other day I went for my birthday and the server was very nice I am a vegetarian and she offer some changes in the plates in order for me to be able to eat Not the same story with the owner older lady I took my son for his birthday and The server (the Owner and as rude like We don't don any changes in the plates She as like no we don't I said I am vegetarian she was mad I sad I do eat eggs can you replace the meat for eggs First she said yes then she came back like 10 minutes later saying sorry we don't have any eggs We ended up leaving without eating Rude lady bad service if you are vegetarian please don't go to this restaurant Bad bad service

I first experienced Empanada Express after they catered an event I worked at. We all stuffed ourselves with Empanadas and dipped them in the delicious green and orange sauces. It all was so good I literally dreamt of empanadas that week. Today, two months later, my craving was back and we had to try again. I called and ordered in and chose some vegetarian options for my fillings - cheese, rajas (onions, peppers, cheese and oil), domino (avocado, black beans and cheese), and Chile relleno (egg battered stuffed cheese chili). For what you get, I thought it was a little on the pricey side. 23$ before tip for these four fried Venezuelan cheese pockets. But they taste so damn good this price won't deter me. I love these empanadas. LOVE THEM. They where out of chimichurri and the green salsa sauce I mentioned above! To me, those things make the meal but I'll be back for that sauce on a different day. Next time I will also try a sweet empanada with plantains! Go and give this spot a try! Great Tennyson location, too!

Yum! Food was delicious. I had the shredded beef empanada and my husband had the fish one. We'll be back!

I wanted to eat some delicious Venezuelan empanadas, but I didn't like it at all. I ordered some tequeños, and that really wasn't tequeño. Bad service

I am Venezuelan and unfortunately this is far from authentic Venezuelan cuisine. The restaurant should probably hire a chef and back of house staff who are from Venezuela. I have never seen so much cheese wasted where it should not be. The arepas were literally soggy and tequenos small an irregular. If you are looking for an authentic Venezuelan restaurant, look somewhere else.

best empanadas I've ever had! cute quaint and authentic.