Madeline's Empanaderia — Restaurant in New Haven

This is the toughest review to write. The empanadas are amazing, but the service was terrible. When we came in it was just us and another couple in the restaurant. They they started getting more phone orders towards the end of our meal. We were given the wrong dish, (didn't say anything because it took a while to come out, we were headed to a movie after and the dish was good - just not what was ordered). We also placed a takeaway order before our last dish came out and it took almost an hour to get it. A few people came in for pick up orders as well and were kept being told 5 mins when it ended up taking 15-20 minutes. We were being told just a minute over and over. Not sure how many people were working the kitchen (seemed like just 1 person), but when it gets busy you should know to manage customer expectations. Especially when the food is good - people are willing to wait, they'd just like the truth...

If I could give zero stars I would.

Walked into the place which looks nothing like the photos (wish I’d taken photos). It essentially looked like to cover rent they were displaying artists works, but in a very untidy manner. Someone was just lying down on the couches and there was very little place to sit and eat.

We thought we’d order anyways. They had a single menu. Ordered 6 empanadas and a side and were informed it’ll take 10-12 minutes. Waited 20 min and another person from the kitchen came out to say they lost our order and needed it again.

We left and went across the street to Rice on Fire. Highly recommended (see my review there).

P.S. the guy who came out to say they lost our order...

Been here a couple times and it's amazing. Every empanada style I have tried is excellent. Definitely recommend!

Edit 1 year later: Look, the empanadas are AMAZING! I have taken multiple people here and graced them with these heavenly empanadas. My grandma's empanadas would barely compete (and she makes really great empanadas, as grandmas do). But lately, the service has been sorta iffy. Maybe it's because I'm dining in instead of ordering ahead for takeout. Also, couple times I've been there recently, they are out of stock on several items. I love this place and I'll keep preaching the gospel of Madeline's, but I may just stick to takeout...