Makus Empanadas — Restaurant in Durham

It took almost 30 minutes for them to make my order and they were not even busy. And other people that came in after us were getting their food before us. Finally after 20 minutes I had to ask what way taking so long. They informed me that they had to make more empanadas, which is all fine and good. I just should have been made aware of that when I placed my order. Then to add insult to injury no none offered to do anything to remedy the matter after I chose to spend my hard earned money at your establishment. No customer service whatsoever. Additonal information: So I received this after posting my review: Delois, Unfortunately what you say it's not true. Both Karina and Lucky told you that there would be a 15 minute wait because we were a at a slow time and we were missing one of your flavors. Not only that, after 15 minutes, the owner, Ricky approached you and informed you thet it would be an extra 2 minutes. When you received your empanadas, you dropped the ticket on the floor, and left. Other people got their empanadas first because they ordered flavors that were available and ready to go. When we make a mistake, we like to compensate our customers with some free empanadas or a gift certificate. That's one of the many reasons most everyone loves our empanadas and customer service. You, on the other hand, were just looking for free stuff. It's sad that you have nothing better to do than to attack a small business with people that work very hard to make customers happy. Fortunately, most people are smart and will know your review is hateful, resentful and biased. Regards Hernan Makus Empanadas

So now the owner resorts to calling me a liar on Yelp. Sir no one came into your establishment for anything free. Neither of your employees said anything until I approached them about how long it was taking.Then Ricky did not approach me. Matter of fact he walked right by me the 1st time. I stopped him the 2nd time he walked by. The only person who apologized was the young girl I asked about my order. You should be ashamed of yourself for your response to me. Had you had been more courteous or had better customer service then I never would have posted a review. When I spent my money at your establishment that gave me every right to critique your business. And if you work so hard to make people happy you would have made sure that I was a happy customer. As I can see from other reviews, I'n not the only person who has rubbed you the wrong way as you have a track record of lashing out at people who give you bad reviews. Grow up sir!!! And if people are as smart as you say they are they will stay away from Makus. Had you responded more professionally and attempted to make things right I would have revised my review. But you sir took the low road. We will see where you are...

| Overview

Good variety of empanada fillings to choose from with gluten free options Texture of empanadas is fine Size of empanada is ridiculously small Slow & unfriendly customer service Makus mostly serves empanadas (the rest of its menu are boring) Not comfortable ambiance

| Review

After 3 years, I decided to give Makus another chance. I went to Makus in New Hope Commons, Durham in a Tuesday afternoon, and when I entered its lackluster ambiance with cheap-looking uncomfortable high chairs, I was surprised that there's not a single employee in the front. I saw about 2 of them in the back, seemingly preparing the empanadas.

I was ready to order but no one was there to accept my order. I almost left Makus until I saw the bell on the concession with a notice saying, "NEED HELP? RING ME PLEASE!"

I rang the bell once, no one came; I rang twice, finally, an employee! I ordered 2 beef empanadas & 1 ham & cheese empanada for a total of almost $13.

There was only 1 customer before me, waiting for her order when I went. While I was waiting, the employee who was smoking earlier outside came in and just ignored me as he returned back to work in the back.

At around 15 min. mark of waiting, an employee went to the front, holding a plastic with a small takeout box inside. I stood up and asked if my order was ready, the woman just nodded without saying a word, just cold and expressionless.

Finally, after about 20 minutes of waiting just for 3 empanadas, the same woman handed me the plastic with my order. I thought they were busy preparing empanadas in the back. Why'd it take so long just to get 3 empanadas ready?

Out of all the empanadas my girl & I have tried: Filipino-style, Ilocos-style & El Salvadorian style in the Sabor restaurant nearby, the empanadas in Makus are the smallest. Each empanada cost about $4 (a dozen for $47 - seriously, who would buy a dozen of these?). I'd be fine with this size if the empanadas are gourmet quality with astonishing fillings and flavors, but the taste was alright - nothing special, and definitely not worth $4 in our book.

The good part was that the empanadas were not doughy, so the texture was fine. The sauce that came with it was alright, and the 1 small cup is just fine for 3 tiny empanadas.

When I came home to eat the 3 empanadas with my girl, she asked me why I returned to Makus after we were disappointed in our first visit a few years ago. I said that I wanted to give it another chance. Now, I deeply regret this decision.

| Overall...

I think having a more variety of sauces, especially a cream/white based sauce would be great. The Only option is spicy and the other stuff that is ok.

Rice and beans were ok, Chipa Bread was definitely not worth $3. Gets very hard afterwhile. Maybe a different cheese base could improve the flavor.

Them Empadas taste ok... I don't know whats missing, but something is definitely missing from this business that i believe if they take more time out, a few simple changes could make this place POP!

Everything is fresh, Staff was nice, very clean... But it's something missing and once they figure it out the place will be even better.

The taste is clean, but not flavorful. Despite other reviews saying that, I still decided to try it myself and was kinda disappointed but i dont feel ripped off because i left full, just nothing i would recommend to others at this time.

Its more than one person based off these reviews who feel like me. However the owners leave comments as if their taste buds are crazy when i tried it myself so i agree... Except for the hotpocket comment. They dont taste nothing like hotpockets.

I might try in a few months. I went solely off their marketing. I see advertisements all over so that part is working and I know they care about...