Sarah's Empanadas — Restaurant in Durham

Have you ever been "off the beaten path", hungry, and looking for a place to eat? If you're a bit like me, you'd really like to find that gem of a place - NOT the cookie-cutter, National restaurant chain kind of place, but a place that when you're finished eating, you say to yourself, "I have to remember this place next time I'm in the area". Well, Sarah's Empanadas IS that place. Having stopped there about 1.5 years ago while on business, I found myself in the Durham area on business once again. I knew where the restaurant was but honestly, didn't remember the name. Nevertheless, I drove to this little "strip mall" at the corner of 55 and Sedwick in south Durham hoping it was still there. To my delight, it was. I've had empanadas before but NEVER like the ones Sarah serves. Obviously, these are hand-crafted (you can tell by the fork marks used to seal them), crispy, light burn marks on the pastry outer shell and full of hot chicken, pork, potatoes, cheese and other good stuff. Please see the pic of the menu. The interior decor is so unique and comfortable. It's as if I've been invited into a cook's personal kitchen and dining room. It's the first time I've ever had Chipotle dressing on a salad. If you're in the area, you've...

A tale of two empanadas, pt. 2: Sarah’s Empanadas

Sarah’s empanadas is a fantastic establishment and I could not be more supportive of their business. I am a tremendous fan of the ambiance of its strip mall surroundings and of the calm, welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant interior. The menu offers a fine selection of empanadas with a wide variety of fillings, my favorites being the spicy jerk chicken and beef. The staff are friendly, the service is fast, and the menu offers incredible value. A woman, presumably the owner, caringly ensures your satisfaction with the meal.

And the meal itself is excellent. The empanadas are hand sized and two of them, offered as a combo with one side, will serve as a hearty lunch. For those of weaker constitution, a one empanada lunch combo is offered. The fillings are outstanding and the flour shells are baked perfectly golden, neither too crispy nor too floppy. Spicy red salsa and spicy tomatillo salsa are offered. Horchata makes a fine drink pairing for this entree. I have left Sarah’s with a smile on my face each time I have visited. Maybe things are looking up in the world these...

I’ve been on the hunt for good empanadas lately - haven’t had a lot of luck… until ordering from here! These empanadas were so so so juicy, hot, and fresh. The shells are cooked to perfection. I mean perfect crisp- perfect amount of flake. I got the beef and cheese and the broccoli and cheese. Both of them were spot on. The beef and cheese was incredible and my personal favorite. The pulled beef was so juicy and seasoned just right. My wife got the Colombian beef and potato and the corn and cheese and she raved about the corn and cheese. We also ordered fried plantains. I will agree with other reviews on the rice being sort of bland, however it was still good and I scarfed it down. The empanadas are probably the best I’ve ever had in my life. And to touch on what I think is the best part of all of this… the pricing?! This was incredibly affordable high quality food. To get two empanadas, and a side for $10 is unheard of in just about every restaurant currently. We plan to order from here again, and again… and again. Highly recommend to anyone looking at these reviews wondering if they...