Juan & Maria's Empanada Stop

We had the Combo Plate which was an overall good value. The food was hot and fresh but did not meet the expectations for all the hype. Service was friendly but lacked the awareness for little things like keeping the sauces full. The selection of sauces was excellent. If I attend another event at the Market I would consider patronizing them again because it was a fair value.

I am extremely picky when it comes to eating out. I also don't want to spend too much eating what I like. A friendly atmosphere with friendly staff is a must for me. This place has it all!! The staff is super friendly and helpful. I wasn't sure what exactly to eat when I arrived. I heard so many good things about this place. The staff helped guide me and helped me choose precisely what I wanted. They have various specials. When you buy various Empanadas they do better deals. This is exactly what i wanted. More bang for your buck. Staff was outstanding and they helped me choose all the different Empanadas flavors. They have the best selection in town. They have about 10 various options. They are also Vegan friendly with some items. I also decided to try what they call a combination platter. I had the rice. Beans and chicken but they also have pork, I believe. That combination platter included one free Empanada. AMAZING! It was so delicious. They also had many different options in terms if drinks. They have a delicious coffee hot or cold as well as many Spanish drinks. I've heard so many good things about this place I had to try it for myself. And I'm glad I did...this was outstanding. I would recommend this place to anyone. I will be going back to try their wide selection of Empanadas soon 😋 if you've never been here but wanted to try it. Make sure to do so and bring some friends. We had a great time dancing to their Spanish music. They had a very long line but went by very quickly. The staff was super fast. I only waited in line for about 3 minutes.

My family and I stop here almost every Saturday when we go to the public market and the breakfast empanadas are our first priority. They are consistent and flavorful and the sauces are really good. They have a variety of drinks and you can get through the constant line quickly because they are efficient. Check out this local gem!

Even though the price of $6 plus up charge for breakfast one is outrageous, We love the food here hence the 4 stars. not being able to tell which kind is which and being told to look at the chart for the “holes” is frustrating when you have many people getting different kinds and take to go. Would love a better system. Maybe little toothpick flags or something.

My family and I LOVE Juan and Maria's restaurant. The atmosphere is family friendly and the workers are wonderful. My family love the beef and cheese, beef and onion and breakfast empanadas, The rice and beans and the sauces are amazing, as well. Everything tastes so fresh. Loving the strawberry cheesecake empanada and looking forward to trying the tropical cheesecake next.

Pretty tasty empanadas! Tried this place on our regular trip to the market & it was good. Rice, bean, and cheese was the better of the two we tried. It was hot, flavorful, and well filled - though perhaps a bit salty. I would get this one again. Veggie breakfast was just okay. It was notably less full than the other one, and wasn't quite heated through all the way. Compared to the first empanada, this one didn't have a lot of strong flavors. Maybe we just got a bad batch here - so I'm willing to give this one another shot next time. Service was quick & the people working were helpful & friendly. I'll be curious to come back again & try some of the other options here

Great experience, fast and efficient! Recommend the 6 pack special!

I do not like leaving bad reviews, but I feel like I must. The staff was friendly. I went in there to enjoy the Food Truck Expo at public market. We decided to get an empanada before working the lines at the trucks. We decided on beef and cheese. I had the beef. We were three people, but she told us that we would save a few bucks if we got 4 instead. So, that's why we added a cheese. The 4 empanadas ended up being $20! At first bite, all I could taste was the pastry part. The dough was way too crispy. I love crispy...don't get me wrong. I even enjoy when some come out a bit burnt, as long as there is flavor, it is fresh, and not black. Anyways, the dough tasted really stale and flavorless. When I finally got to the meat, it seemed to have decent flavor at first, but it had am almost soap like aftertaste. The people I came with didn't taste the same thing, so it was probably just me. However, they agreed that the consistency of filling...plus the flavor...was off. We are Puerto Ricans 🇵🇷 so empanadas is common in our homes, which is why I didnt want to critique it too much. Everyone has their own way or making things and have preferences and whatnot. But I can say that it was overpriced and something I would never eat again...not even for free. The guy who ate the cheese said the insides tasted better than beef, but the dough was way too stale and overworked. I was excited about this place, and hoped it was better since they offer stuff for those who didn't eat meat. I will post menu and let you decide. Maybe those who did not have empanadas growing up may enjoy one from here...but it is a firm NO from me. I am disappointed and felt $5 is excessive and to think that she claimed it was a "deal". I didn't even finish it. I ended up throwing it out before leaving the building. I did go to food truck at the market soon after and tried their empanadas. Their empanadas were the same price, which may come with the territory (food truck event) but I am happy with the pizza one I got from there.

Very friendly staff and amazing empanadas, i would recommend. Flavor was amazing and Juan was very welcoming, He Explained all the items they had to me.

best empanadas ever!!! bring friends and family back. Went with our school and it was a blast!

We love these empanadas!!!! They are amazing. And the staff is helpful in recommending different selections if your party is unable to decide

Flavorful & fresh empanadas! Great deal for 4 pieces as well. Definitely a must try when in the Public Market area!

Good customer service and great food people are kind and giving, people love to eat from here so do I!

Always a market favorite - we were sad to see Juan and Maria retire but their son is carrying on the tradition of tasty food! We love the breakfast empanada and the cheese empanada and be sure to try the rice and beans... Greengold sauce is the way to go!

While exploring the Public Market, I came across this empanada spot. It was early and we wanted a quick bite for breakfast, so these were hot and ready. We grabbed 3 empanadas, but the worker told us to get 4 for a better deal, so we did. When I was paying, I was shocked at how pricey it was for 4 empanadas totaling $21.51. Even with this deal, it was still over $5 for each empanada and they were pretty small too. I had the Pork and Breakfast one, which were ok. The crust was crispy and not usually how I've had my empanadas before. Overall, just not worth it. I wish I noticed the price tag on these before I ordered them.

Great food. Great service. Perfect ambiance . best food in town come try it. We ordered 2 empanadas. One chicken & onions and then a breakfast one. They were hot and they have different sauces to add onto

Super cute place if you're looking to get some empanadas. We came here early in the morning and grabbed a bite before exploring the Public Market. I ordered the beef and onion empanada and it was pretty good. Service was also very quick.

Our friend took us to the farmers market when my husband and I came to visit and said we had to try these empanadas. We got three different kinds and loved them all. The breakfast ones were my favorite. Don't forget to get some sauce to dip them in!

The empanadas here are fantastic. I love the crispy shell and ample fillings. My favorite is the pork and onion. I got the rice, chicken, and beans lunch today (also comes with an empanada) and it was great. I loved the rice but could see where some may say it was a bit too salty. The chicken was good but I expected a little more seasoning. That being said, it was a solid and filling lunch plate.

ordered two breakfast empanadas one Malta and a Pepsi. both empanadas were cold and when establishment was told he took the half eaten items and put them in the microwave and they were still cold! very disappointed

I've had two experiences here and have really enjoyed both. My first was sharing a chicken empanada with a friend. It was extremely flavorful and a delicious experience, her kids loved it too! The second experience I ordered the breakfast empanada which with later thought it like a breakfast hot pocket. A very wet scrambled egg, cheese and bacon however this time I discovered they have sauces! I tried both the Red Gold and Green Gold, by far the Green Gold was my favorite (enough to buy a bag of it) I found the Green sauce brighter and more garlicky. Another friend of mine commenter they would prefer to have the dough be crisper and the more that I thought about it, I would have to agree. However I think the first time it was pretty crispy so it could be the day or a filling thing. I took a cinnamon sugar churro home, it was ok. I can't say the churro was anything more amazing that anything I've had in the past. However Juan and Maria have to have a lot of street cred based upon the crowd and I am one of them. Each time I come I plan to try the different fillings.

This was my first time here and I asked about the pork and the kid there said to me; " what does it say on the menu?", instead of explaining to me what the items were. I knew right then I should have left! Sweet Plantains were burnt!!!! The beans were salty and tasted like salted chili, pork tastes just like it looks ... disgusting, and rice was just plain bland! I ordered a beef and cheese empanada and it was like watery soup. The chicken and onion empanada was so heavy on the onion I didn't even see chicken! I was so mad I threw everything out! A waste of $22!! Food is over priced and service was horrible! Never again.

Tried this place on a recent visit to the Rochester Public Market. It seems like it's been here forever! I have eaten here before, but it was a very long time ago. Juan & Maria's is located back near the new permanent building. It could use a facelift: maybe some fresh paint on the building and on the picnic tables. Stools at the high tops are a little wobbly. But that doesn't take away from the food! We recently sampled the breakfast empanadas. Very good! We added some of the Red Gold (?) sauce and it really spiced it up. I was actually pretty full for most of the day :) The only negative, and it isn't really a negative because we weren't in a hurry, is the wait. We ordered and probably waited 20 mins or more for the food. There weren't many people in line ahead of us. I'd go again for sure!

I used to live in Rochester and would come here almost every weekend and always order the breakfast empanada and put all the sauces on it. I hadn't been back to Rochester in 6 years, so this was on my list of places to go back. It was just as good as I remembered! The eggs are nicely scrambled with bacon and cheese interspersed. What makes it is the sauces. Just put them all on it and you'll be happy!!

One of my favorite breakfast and lunch stops in the public market. Food is fresh and hot. This stand is always packed and once you taste the food you will know why. They have breakfast, rice and beans, chicken and beef empanadas. Beef is also my go too. You must try the garlic sauce to dip your empanadas in....yummy. Rice and beans is tasty. A must stop when visiting the market. There is also a smaller stand inside too but no tables to sit at.

My boyfriend and I stopped here while visiting the Rochester Public Market. We ordered the breakfast empanada and chicken empanada as well as the plantains. We also got a pineapple juice and Tropi-Cola. They have their own sauces and also sell them. We tried the green sauce. It is a little spicy, but brings the right amount of heat to the dish. The chicken empanada really stood out with the great flavors, but both were great. Stop here and try some things on your way browsing through the market.

Delicious empanadas. Flour masa, not corn. Too many onions for our non-onion eaters. Couldn't really taste a difference between the pork, pollo, and carne. Next time, I will buy a container of the salsa verde because the side cups are small and we LOVE THE SALSE VERDE!

Sorry, but this place isn't as glorious as you may have heard. 1.) the wait time to receive your food is a bit dramatic. I was waiting for about 25-30 mins just to eat. There were only a few other people ahead of me. 2.) probably most worth noting is that their rice is shameful. I've eaten so many different types of rice made by Latinos that I was appalled when I ate Juan and Maria's. Another reviewer posted the same thing. I didn't believe it when I read it but after I had my own I realized I had been warned. The rice did indeed taste like it was from out of a box. It was NOT warm, fluffy, and addicting. On the contrary, I couldn't even bring myself to finish it. I was very disappointed. I got the combo plate with rice, chicken, beans, and an empanada. 3.) Their one saving grace are their empanadas. Those ARE tasty however they come at a price. Yea, a real price, that's a bit on the high side. It's about $4 for just one empanada. Yes I believe that's high, but so far it hasn't stopped me from getting their empanadas. They can get away with charging that much I suppose. I will continue to go, but will definitely ONLY go for the empanadas (I just have to be prepared to wait even though I never understood why the wait when there's an entire bin of empanadas right next to the cashier!?!) ugh!

Not really a fan. The prices are obscene for something this small and the insides taste mostly of onions as the filling is too heavy on the onions and not heavy enough on the meats/spices

Haven't reviewed a place in the longest time, but went to Juan & Maria's today and it was incredible! The empanadas themselves were great, that goes without saying. But we ordered a side of beans and rice, that were phenomenal, some of the best I've ever had. And they had two sauces, one was a tomato garlic, and the other, I'm not exactly sure what it was, but it was green like a salsa verde.... If I could buy these bottled I would eat them everyday, on everything! Main guy working there was a cutie pie too, that never hurts! Great reason to get my booty back to the public market more often!

I haven't had a lot of empanadas but these are something I look forward to every time I go to the Rochester Public Market. I've had a few different kinds and they are all delicious. I have to say that as good as they are they only get better when you add some of their sauces. My mouth is watering as I write this.

Delicious empanadas, friendly service, great sauces, and fab fresh juice. What's better, Juan and Maria themselves are just the sweetest, most fun people you could meet at the Public Market. The price is definitely worth the quality and size of the empanadas, as well as how filling they are and the deals they offer. Not a place for rushed service and dirt cheap (aka mediocre) food, just a chill place with good food and good people. Definitely the highlight of any trip to the market!

My favoriteeee food from the Market! I have gone here and fought the masses just to get an empanada. I haven't had one I don't like yet - although I do prefer the beef over the pork. And all of the sauces are delicious, and compliment the food wonderfully. Honestly some of the best empanadas I've ever had!

2.5 I keep trying this place but still have yet to say "yum!". Despite the other reviews and usual long lines, I don't understand the buzz about this place. Nice owners and Great location in the public market, so maybe that's why.. Empanadas my opinion are wayyy to hot and underwhelming in flavor. I've tried the breakfast empanada multiple times hoping it'll get better but it hasn't. Favorite so far is probably chicken and onions. If you want a good empanada in Rochester try The Empanada Shop on Monroe Ave. But if your just looking for a snack while roaming the market and don't mind paying $4.50 for one, Juan and Maria's is an option.

Juan & Maria's is the Juan & Only place I've been that tastes anything like this. According to statistics, Juan in ten Latin places are amazing, and this place belongs to that Elite 10%. Here, Juan can get Empanadas and many other delicacies that you will Juant to try. It's a Juanderfulplace. Oh wow, this is my 1666th review. Is that somehow devillish, or am I just on fire like the Great Fire Of London in Whitechapel, 1666. What to get: Rice, Beans & Pork Lunch, with Banana & Coconut and/or Tropical Mix homemade juice. What else is good: Chicken, Empanadas. The owner's favourite Celine Dion song is "My Heart Will Go Juan." It's a little stand at the Rochester Public Market, with cheap Latin food. But there is nothing little about the taste, nor the selection. This place is *incredible*, one of my favourite places in the 585. The prices, on the other hand, are very little. The owner's favourite concentration camp is "Juantanamo Bay." The food here is so delicious, so unique, so dreamy, and so, so, so unbelievably cheap. You can get sandwiches for under $5, lunch specials for 5 or 6 dollars that come with rice, beans and a meat, or for $10 you can get all three of those with an Empanada at dinner time. Empanadas by themselves are $4.50 which is a little steep. They're good, but they're not the star of the show. The pork is. The owner's favourite Chinese food is "Juan Ton." As are the homemade sauces. Yellow, green and red. Green is god's gift to sauces, but all three are delicious and worth trying. Different people will like different ones. You can get a small pot of each with any given order - I highly suggest you do so, and ask for extra green. The owner's favourite opening line of poetry is "I Juan-dered lonely as a cloud." As are the homemade juices, which delightfully will cost you under $2 per cup. Orange & Carrot-Milk, Banana & Coconut, and Tropical Mix. All three are delicious and very different from anything you've had before. But the Banana-Coconut is the one that really rocks my world, so if you only try that one, try it. It's heaven in a cup. Well no, that would be Xstina Aguilera in a cup, but this is close enough. The owner's third favourite movie is "Juan Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest." So you have good Empanadas, excellent rice and beans, good chicken, incredible sauteed juicy spiced pork, some of the tastiest and most innovative homemade sauces anywhere, and oh, let's not forget the homemade juices that are off-the-charts delicious. All this in one little stand in the Roach-infested Pubic Markup. The owner's second favourite movie is "A Fish Called Juan, Duh." Rochester has some really special ethnic food places, such as Abyssinia and Bombay Chaat, but none more special than Juan & Maria. I'd recommend trying all three, and plenty more, but if you decide to be Juan & Done (like the Bills on the rare occasion they make the Playoffs), then there aren't many better choices for your Juan than J&M. The owner's favourite movie is "Juan Night In Paris." Although in his own mind, it's simply called "Juan In Paris." He's really into Ms. Hilton. He'd probably maria (marry her) if he had the chance. That's hot. Let's selfie our selfie.

I drive all the way to the public market just for their empanadas. Always fresh and juicy. I usually get their beef and onions, and they are so flavorful with a doughy but crisp outside. I've also tried the vegetarian, although drier is a completely different flavour. Make sure to load up on their home-made sauces, my favourite is the green chili, sour and refreshing.

We'll go with a 3.5 experience, rounded up. I was full... for hours. I went on a three hour hike that day and didn't have hunger pangs until dinner time. So if you need something quick and easy to take on your trek through the Public Market or elsewhere, Juan & Maria's is the ticket. I appreciate their consistency in committing to doing one thing, and doing it right. Their empanadas are hearty and filling. Personally, I prefer a flakier crust when I make my own empanadas, but the flavor in these is still good, albeit a little heartier in texture and consistency. As for the flavor combos, I like the breakfast empanada (eggs and meats like bacon & ham) and the beef/onions. I must eat each bite with their verde sauce, which is refreshing with the savory heart of the empanada and has just a hint of sweetness. They also have bigger options like rice & beans with eggs/chicken/or pork. On to the juice -- go for it! Fresh juices are the perfect complement to a hearty breakfast meal. Their combos are delicious and have a bit of a zing to 'em. Not pulpy either so that's a plus. Options include tropical, orange-carrot (seems strange, but cuts the sweetness!), and banana-coconut for under $2! Go for broke and get a few to share if you're out and about with friends. If you order 4-6 you'll get a few bucks off your order. That way you can share and sample more too. They're about $4 and big. But I'd prefer a slightly smaller empanada so I can get 2 or 3 and sample different flavor combos for about the same price. Won't stop me though. Also, they accept credit cards. On a beautiful day, this Public Market empanada hut brings me back to my vacation in Puerto Rico. It feels tropical and the vibe is fun and the open air setting as the breeze is blowing is magical as you snack on your empanadas in the sun.

Was happy to find this in the market. Hopping place, good, simple and tasty. Enjoyed sitting out front and watching everyone walk by with theor goods.

Let's be honest, Juan & Maria's empanadas are the reason why I go to the public market on Saturday mornings. I've had the cheese and breakfast empanadas previously and they've both been fantastic. The only issue for me is that the cheese empanada is so greasy that it gets messy to eat!

We stopped in on our trip to the public market on Saturday. I go the combo plate which came with rice and beans, a pork empanada and pork. It was delicious! I have never had their combo plate and I would definitely get it again! It was enough for two people to split as long as you get another empanada.

Empanadas = 2 stars. Milk banana coconut juice = 3.5 stars Empanadas were super below average. The crust was hard and tasted like it was just reheated, not really that flaky either. The filling we got was beef and onions, and there was not much beef flavor. It was all very meh. At $5 (well $4 and some change), I would have rather had a breakfast sandwich from Scotts. The juice was yummy and delicious but SUPER SMALL! It was in a small small coffee cup. I was expecting at least a medium coffee cup... come on! The juice is definitely made from fresh ingredients though, because they all settled to the bottom of my tiny cup toward the end and I kind of wished I had a spoon.

Delicious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got a veggie empanada (no cheese, hooray!) and it was wonderful. It came out hot, crispy and very flavorful. The green sauce found on the tables is a must; I squirted it in every bite. We almost didn't wait in line but I am glad we did. It was worth it and there is another line at the other end which they send people down to, so it actually goes faster than you think. When we were done, there was no line anymore.

My favorite memories of Rochester? One has to include walking to the Public Market on a Saturday morning for some breakfast burritos at Juan and Maria's Empanada Stop. I actually used to have a friend who worked here, and one day he brought my roomie and I some samples. They were pretty tasty! Months later, when Juan and Maria were offering a buy-one and get one for a penny deal, I knew that I had to visit again. Juan and Maria offer delicious and filling empanadas in a few varieties: beef and onion, chicken, seafood, a few breakfast options, et cetera. Their rice and beans are also very very good. One empanada and a plate of the rice and beans makes a delicious and filling meal. I also like that the empanadas aren't greasy. While I do enjoy the food here, I think that three dollars and change for ONE empanada is extremely expensive. They really need to work on lowering their prices. Juan and Maria are very cordial and nice people. They are often at the stand on Saturdays working with their staff and greeting the customers. Juan often hands out juice or other samples. If you say, "I've never tried...," I've seen him selflessly offer up a sample. So while I do find Juan and Maria's expensive, I consider it a Rochester comfort food that I can't do without. A necessary luxury that a trip to the Public Market would feel incomplete without! If you're at the Public Market, definitely give them a try (check the City Paper beforehand to see if there are any coupons)!

This is a great place to stay warm in the winter months at the Public Market. It's usually really busy (sign of a good place) but it's small, so it's expected. The staff is friendly and efficient. They have deals for 4+ empanadas, so if you're with friends/family, order together. I've only had their empanadas. They are delicious, oh so delicious. There is a handful of yummy sauces to use, too. Highly recommended!

How can you not love empanadas! These crunchy meat filled delicious pockets of wonderful! The service is fast and friendly! This is not a sit down restaurant but more of a snack bar with limited choices. Totally worth the wait in line!

The nerve of these bastards , let me first start off by saying it's an over priced place when talking about your average Spanish restaurant. Ordered some lunch specials and the chicken tasted like it was expired and overly chewy definitely bottom of the barrel cuts of chicken , let's move on to the rice I've made better rice in the microwave.... tasted really grainy and cheap as if it came out a box and not properly cooked. But I do have to give credit where it's due the beans were probably the best I've ever had on any Spanish dish but I still would not recommend this place to anyone and who the hell sells empanadas for more than 2$? They're not Nosh or Cub room.

It is very difficult to find good VEGETARIAN empanadas. Other places i have tried only have one vegetarian option which is usually just cheese,and it quite literally is just cheese. Or they have a veggie option which is quite literally only veggies. The special thing about juan and marias cheese empanada is that is has some special blend of herbs and spice that makes their cheese empanada absolutely amazing. They also have the RBC (rice bean cheese) which is another amazing vegetarian option that isnt just plain veggies. Their red sauce is also amazing. While I cannot speak to the meat ones I continue to love their vegetarian empanadas and have not found anything remotely close to these empanadas.

These are some of the best empanadas I've had to date. I read a review regarding the wait time and that's factually inaccurate. If you go during a busy day and want your food thrown at you, don't go. Also, $4 for an empanada that size and your complaining? It's a small business with a dedicated and super friendly owner that takes pride in what he serves. They do catering, which when I do become more established in the area (I recently moved from NYC), I would love to do an empanada fest!

This was the best place ever. The food tasted great and was worth the hour and 20 drive. We were here about a year ago and they were super nice and stayed open for extra minutes when we were running late as they were closing. 5 Stars! If I could do 10 stars I would.

If only the increase in price was matched with an increase in quality. I remember when I was younger, Juan and Maria's set up shop at the Public Market and introduced me to the mystical empanada. Crispy dough on the outside, delicious hot filling inside, it was the perfect treat while navigating the aisles and aisles of fresh fruits and veggies. When they first started, $2.50 per empanada was quite the bargain. Fast forward about nine years and Juan and Maria's has blown up: massive lines, multiple catering options, a frozen empanada brand, they did it! Unfortunately though, their prices have almost doubled since their start and the product itself hasn't changed too much. Over holiday break, I took a trip down memory lane and indulged in a beef empanada. Unfortunately, it didn't meet the expectations I had from my memories. The flavors were fairly flat and the only sensation I was getting was "salty." The edges were overcooked and more hard than crispy. Also, the huge price increase (they're $4.50 each after tax) made it difficult to remember how much I used to enjoy these fried delights.

The food was good but they made us wait over 20 minutes for rice and beans. Most places like this have them ready to go so waiting that long was ridiculous. Absolutely pathetic service.

The empanadas are so delicious. There not greasy at all. I've been addicted ever since I've tried them for the first time! Very friendly staff highly recommend them!!

After reading all the glowing reviews of this take-out stand at the Public Market (note to Yelp: this place is not a 'restaurant' in that it has no seats, it's just a take-out stand..), I decided to give it a try. Man, what AWFUL food they serve! Greasy, bland, and unless you add one of the hot sauces in bottles, not even spicy. Taco Bell does better Mexican food. Yeah, I guess this place is 'authentic' in that it's just as bad as most of the food stands you'll find in most Mexican border cities, but then, those are awful as well. And, while I'm at it, don't even consider trying the coffee! It tasted like it was: a) burnt b) over-brewed, and c) left over from yesterday. As if to add insult to injury, all they had was powdered generic 'creamer' to put into it (note-Mexican tradition:warmed milk goes into coffee, not powdered stuff..). So, if you are truly expecting a Mexican street-food experience, here it is-bad food served cheaply in a crowded place to people who don't know any better. If, on the other hand, you're looking for GOOD Mexican food, stay far, far away from this place.

I've had Juan & Maria's empanadas over the years when going to the weekend farmer's market or during food truck rodeos over the past 2 years and all in all it always seems to be totally random what you get every time. They used to have a wide variety of empanadas on their menu, but lately it's dropped to the standard chicken, veggie, and beef options with slight varieties in the filling (some with onion, some with cheese, etc.) because apparently "the demand is too high and the space is too small" over the summer. I could believe that's the case given their reputation, but it made for a mildly disappointing experience when I went there recently. I really had a knackering for their fruit and nut empanada but it was no longer on the menu! I'm happy to say this time though that my empanadas were definitely warm and fully cooked through! Some people have said they've had half frozen empanadas before but thankfully that just was not the case the other day. The filling was plentiful and seasoned really well which was appreciated, but the dough itself was incredibly tough and chewy. I was hoping for something a little more flaky, but unfortunately it tasted like cardboard to be totally honest. I'll probably still go from time to time because sometimes they get it really right, but it's always random - you never know what you're gonna get! Just pray that you get there at one of those lucky times on one of those lucky days in which there might be a blue moon.

I was pumped up for some empanada goodness at Juan and Maria's joint. I asked for a chicken empanada, Mrs. Pinky got a breakfast empanada, and fellow Yelper Jonathan S also asked for a breakfast empanada. I got a... not... chicken empanada, Mrs. Pinky ended up with a beef and onion empanada, and Jonathan S got what he asked for. There's really not much to say other than it was good but not great, and they somehow messed up our order even though all they had to do was reach 1 foot to the left and select the correct empanada to serve us in a piece of tin foil. It was my first time at the Public Market and it looks like I'll be trying something else the next time.

There's nothing like a fresh, hot empanada from Juan and Maria's. They're not terribly greasy, and they have good flavor and a nice crispy texture. Try them with the beans and rice. I love the beef and onion ones myself. The sauces are fantastic as well! Juan is very personable and is always there so make sure to say hi! Also try their fresh juices. 100% juice, no sugar added. Yum!

In my not-so-humble opinion, a visit to the Rochester Public Market is not complete without getting a delicious empanada from Juan & Maria's Empanada Stop! This place is an institution and while some folks mention it in their reviews of the public market, I think it deserves it's own listing. First off, the owners Juan & Maria (whose likenesses are featured on the sign and every bottle of hot sauce) are 99.9% guaranteed to be working behind the counter every time you go there. Juan is the most friendly and charismatic guy at the market and you can tell that he is just so passionate about his business. The food is delicious and reasonably priced. They serve a variety of latin american dishes but the empanadas take center stage. They offer several different flavors including your standard beef & chicken as well as veggie, breakfast & seafood. My favorite is the Don Francisco which consists of the unlikely combination of spiced ground beef, chopped hard boiled eggs and raisins. (It sounds bizarre but trust me, it's so good!) What I appreciate most about Juan & Maria's is that they make their own hot sauce to go along with the empanadas. They currently offer three varieties and each one is just as delicious as the next. I usually just park myself at the counter with my empanda and all three bottles of hot sauce, rotating between each one after each bite. YUM! The place is always mobbed but the service is fast & friendly. If you just can't get enough of their empanadas, you can also purchase them frozen and heat them up at home. They also offer their hot sauces for sale so you'll be ready for those midnight empanada cravings! Nothing beats Juan & Maria's!