Empanada Mama Hell’s Kitchen

"There aren’t many places in NYC where tourists and hungover New Yorkers come face to face. But that’s exactly what happens at this 24-hour Latin spot in Hell’s Kitchen. (Their locations in Times Square and LES are also open late.) Unsurprisingly, this place specializes in empanadas with flavors like cheesesteak, pernil, and Buffalo chicken. If you can’t decide what to get, go for the simple corn empanada filled with ground beef. We like the Colombian breakfast plate too with an arepa. Make sure to add some Colombian sausage." - willa moore, will hartman, neha talreja, bryan kim, sonal shah

"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

"If you walk into Empanada Mama’s original 9th Ave. location at 11am, 6pm, or 4am, chances are you’ll see a similar scene. Neighborhood locals and tourists alike come to this spot for one of two things: either to start the day, or to keep the night going. The rainbow-painted spot is open 24 hours, and has a massive menu of over 40 wheat and corn-wrapped empanadas, alongside some Colombian soups and staples. Yes, there are some non-traditional menu items, like pizza and cheeseburger empanadas. Everyone should probably try the “Viagra,” filled with prawn and crab seafood stew, once. But if you stick with the classics, like beef and cheese, or spicy chicken fried in a corn shell, you’ll be more than satisfied—especially if you dunk each bite in their green sauce. photo credit: Will Hartman" - Will Hartman

"There aren’t many places in NYC where tourists and hungover New Yorkers come face to face. But that’s exactly what happens in this 24-hour empanada spot. Empanada Mama is essentially a neighborhood diner that caters to the masses. Like most diners, you won’t find any food here that will make you want to Airdrop photos of soup to strangers on the train. But every neighborhood needs a solid option that never closes. If you can’t decide what to order, go for the simple corn empanada filled with beef." - bryan kim, willa moore, neha talreja, hannah albertine, will hartman

"Hours: 24/7 If New York City has one restaurant that never sleeps, it’s Empanada Mama. After scaling back its hours during the pandemic, this crowded Hell’s Kitchen restaurant is once again serving its nourishing Colombian fare 24 hours a day. Highlights include a classic South American breakfast of beans and rice with eggs, spicy arepas, chicken soup with cilantro and rice, frozen margaritas, and stellar corn empanadas." - Luke Fortney, Robert Sietsema