Empanada Mama UES

More of a takeout spot. They have some sits but it’s not a big place. Empanadas are really good. The flour cheese empanadas is my favorite cause it reminds me of tequenos in my hometown. The meat empanada in corn masa is also very good and they have a sauce that goes really well with it.

I’d always give Mama Empanadas a 5. First time I tried their empanadas, they didn’t let me down! There are so much flavors to choose and try. You won’t regret. I love how fresh their empanadas are and how crispy the dough! Can’t get enough! My favorites are Bourbon Chicken, viagra and Hawaiian and spinach and cheese. All Best with green sauce! Perfect combination!

So… the staff here super nice no problem thank god they’re sweethearts. I had a great regular cheesesteak empanada, was having the OG plantain chips and guac. Everything was going great… UNTIL the oxtail empanada should be put in jail, IMMEDIATELY! ._. I have neverrrrr thought I’d ever encounter the day I walked into a Spanish establishment and had actually bad oxtail. Like horrendously nasty. The over powering chipotle smokey flavor was nasty. Dude I can’t even explain it any further just don’t waste your money on it. NEXT… the tres leches… Y’ALL when have you ever had buttercream frosting on a tresleche?? Atleast the frosting didn’t taste bad, but the fact that when I opened the container the whole layer of frosting hiding the caramel layer underneath completely stuck to the lid. I was tight legitimately ._. Then to have a tresleche on top of that where the cake tasted dry while it was moist was crazy. It was not pleasant at all. I was super disappointed in this “upgraded” empanada mama from the old school traditional one…

Idk, Empanada Mama is great no matter the location. This is a cute little spot just to get in and out. Love this idea. And El Jefe was amazing…as usual!!! The cherry lemonade was so damn good couldn’t even be bothered to take a pic of it!

The shredded beef empanada is literally top notch! It’s packed with beef and the wheat crust is amazing. Also get the spicy red sauce it puts everything together perfectly.

I really wanted to love this place but I can't say that I do. I ordered a cheeseburger empanada and grilled chicken & avocado salad. The Pros: The staff was friendly, polite and attentive. The place was very clean and tidy. But I did not like my food. The Cons: The empanada was very greasy (I mean dripping greasy). I took a bite and just couldn't get passed the grease. The salad was heavy on the cilantro (I like cilantro but this was over powering) and since it was chopped so small I couldn't pick it off. I probably won't be back.

DELICIOUS- actually a little too good, these things are addicting! Empanada Mama is a welcome addition to First Ave on the UES. They serve too many different kinds of empanadas to list. I tried the chicken bourbon which I will DEFINITELY be back for a repeat. I also tried the spinach and cheese which was excellent as well. The place is so clean you could eat off the floor. No kidding. I tip my hat to the people who established this chain. The help is friendly and competent- the prices are amazing. GREAT JOB👏👏👏👏👏 CHECK THIS PLACE OUT-CLEARLY AWESOME Ps I took videos but the ‘add video’ option won’t let me access my videos. What’s up with that?

I had the jerk chicken, cheese stake, and mac & cheese. All very good but these come fully loaded, so I couldn't finish all them. Not a complaint lol next time I come back I'll buy 2.