Union - Portugal Empanadas — Restaurant in Lisbon

I like an empanada. Having lived in Barcelona for several years with a good circle of Argentinian friends I definitely have empanada history so it was with high hopes that I ventured to Union Empanadas.

First impression was, "ouch" as the turquoise paint job, more suited to a beach front and the bright lighting assaulted my eyes upon first sighting. Give me a subdued but stylish British racing green and a classic but low key, neighbourhood complimentary, look anytime. I have to admit though the inside paint job on the walls to compliment the classic ceiling demands a begrudging thumbs up even if it is still rather garish.

Although obviously well done the decor cries out look at me and Lisbon gentrification as most certainly did the offer of a cocktail as we walked in the door! A cocktail in an empanada joint!?!? Now I'm no expert on food pairing but what cocktail compliments an empanada? I would genuinely like to know. It also begs the question what sort of cocktail bar person works in an empanada joint? Not the best I would guess. It seemed rather like an effort to dramatically increase the income from wet sales rather than to offer a genuinely complimentary gastronomic offering. I can't wait to hear what my Argentinian friends say when I tell them.

So onto the empanadas. There were about five different types when we arrived one Saturday night so I thought I'd dip my toe in the water with a chicken empanada and a beer. Behind the glass case the empanadas didn't actually look cooked with the pastry showing no signs of browning. I just assumed they would pop them in the oven before serving but no it was popped straight into a napkin and handed to me. Naturally the pastry was undercooked with no bite or crunch and let down the moist, tasty chicken filling. I also have to gripe about the size of the empanada, for €3 they should definitely be bigger. If you had a hunger you would probably need 4 empanadas to fill you up which would set you back almost €15 with a beer. Throw in a cocktail and you would be spending €20+. Just imagine what you could eat for that in Lisbon?

The other gripe was the beer. I was offered the choice between the fire and the frying pan with either Sagres or Super Boc, both possible contenders for the worse lager in Europe. In her defence the American (I think) girl did offer to run somewhere and get me a craft beer but I was thirsty, on a budget and needed to wash down some under cooked pastry in a hurry. There was also a last ditch attempt to up-sell us with some sort of sweet dessert, it was a good try but, rather like the offer of a cocktail, came across as a little desperate - no thanks.

So there we have it. Friendly (sales!) staff but €5 for a small empanada and a 25cl bottle of not properly chilled, horrible tasting beer. You pay your money and you take your choice and I won't be back. If I need a late night bite I'll go to my favourite local bar and get a melt in your mouth bifana and a beer for €3.50 and walk away with a ful belly and change from a fiver.

The search for my Lisbon empanada home...

Tried their Pork Bifana as I saw they had good reviews. Bifana cost 5.50 euros, and it was pretty average to be honest.

My main problem is that they are using a dodgy card machine to take payment that adds an extra "surcharge" amount when it comes to paying. I'm paying with my Starling bank card which doesn't charge additional fees internationally, so I'm almost certain they are using a dodgy card machine to charge extra. I've travelled extensively through parts of Europe using the same Starling bank card including in Portugal and Spain and never been charged such a "surcharge" before.

Don't support this business due to dodgy business practice like this. It's not a huge amount but it's the principle of feeling like you just got scammed. AVOID. I'll be reporting this business.

EDIT TO REPLY TO THEIR RESPONSE: To immediately try to defend yourself and not take on board customer feedback to consider implementing changes or improvements is hallmark of a dodgy business, which reinforces my review. I was not offered or provided with any "pay stub" or receipt, so I cannot check the charges. Likely, as you don't want customers to expose you, so don't offer receipt (which is illegal). "Euronet" is well known amongst travellers to avoid using their ATM machines due to ridiculous fees they charge. You as a business have decided to partner or utilise their system/service, so don't try to blame other parties. The customer has no choice in this regard. With regard to my bank, Starling, they clearly advertise and honour: "Spend and withdraw cash with your Starling current account anywhere, with no fees from us", so there is nothing to check here. I have never been charged any additional fees at all of the other businesses/restaurants in my recent trip to Spain/Portugal using this card. ULTIMATELY, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY - YOU HAVE DECIDED AS A BUSINESS TO PARTNER/CHARGE USING EURONET, NOT THE CUSTOMER. I stand by my conclusion: Don't support this business due to dodgy business practice like...

Start your morning, or anytime for a quick bite at this incredible adorable pastry shop featuring among other things — you guessed it — empanadas. They have several different kinds, spinach, cheese, beef, along with other delectable cookies and bites. And she makes a killer cappuccino. This is one of the shops in this small neighborhood that make the area a joy to hang out, talk to new friends, and just soak up the zeitgeist of Lisbon. Definitely worth your stop.

I highly recommend this two block neighborhood. I started my morning coffee here, explored Lisbon, had lunch somewhere else, but returned here every night for drinks, dinner, and fado. This was the sweetest place to land in Lisbon. Check out my Google reviews of these neighborhood joints: Cantinho do Aziz, O Trigueirinho, Union Empanadas, Tasqinha Canto do Fado, O Velho Eurico, and Leitaria Moderna. There are other places including an Italian restaurant and a gelato shop. You cannot go wrong staying in this area. The people were friendly, inviting, with big smiles and bigger laughs. I...