Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St) — Restaurant in New York

I stopped by Empanada Mama after a long day, seeing a Broadway show, tired and just looking forward to some good food. I placed my order with the gentleman at the counter: one El Toro, one shredded beef, two El Jefe. I paid, sat down, and not long after, he called me over and handed me a bag of food, looking directly at me saying my food was ready.

I was a bit surprised because it was ready really quickly, but I took the bag, thinking it was the two El Jefe. When I checked the bag and bit into the food, I realized it was seafood, not what I ordered. That could’ve been dangerous if I had a seafood allergy (fortunately, I don’t, but I have family members who are allergic).

I wait to get his attention to pointed out the mix-up. Then the cook handed the gentleman my actual order. Looking confused he yelled, “That’s not your food,” and tried to take the bag back but I told him I’d already bitten into it. Instead of apologizing for handing me the wrong order, he accused me of knowingly taking someone else’s food — actually saying, “You knew it wasn’t your food, right?”

That was insulting and completely unnecessary. Why would I sit there trying to “steal” two empanadas when I ordered four and paid for them? Make it make sense.

The food itself is good, but the service, at least from this employee, was terrible. I was tired, hungry, and just wanted my order, not to be insulted and accused of stealing because of their mistake. I won’t be returning, because customer service should never feel like this.

Absolutely...

This location is completely incompetent. The hours on Google said they close at 1am. I got off work at midnight and placed a $27 order for pickup on their website. When I got to the restaurant there was one employee inside who motioned that they were closed. When I showed her my order confirmation she said it won't go through bcuz the order wasn't received by them. I got on the subway and left Manhattan. (I live 45 minutes away by train) Now I just received a call at 848am to say my order is ready for pickup. I told him the situation and he was totally confused. He told me to "call the app". I said "what app?". He just kept repeating "call the app" and then hung up. I managed to Google a customer service number for some delivery service called "ChowNow" that handles their online ordering. Their agent told me they would have to reach out to the restaurant and would get back to me within 72 hours if the restaurant approves the refund. I called the restaurant again and they don't answer the phone. I will never order from their website again. Everyone I've spoken to (both the restaurant and ChowNow) treated this issue like it was not their problem. Nobody seemed to possess critical thinking skills. Avoid ordering online from this restaurant. The food is great but this...

This might just be the biggest (and tastiest) surprise of my trip! A colleague of mine—originally from the Dominican Republic—recommended this place, and I’m so glad she did.

These are traditional Caribbean or Central American snacks that look like beautifully wrapped dumplings, with different fillings inside. We ordered four: two beef with corn dough and two seafood (crab and shrimp- but it is called Viagra on the menu lol!😂)with flour dough.

They turned out to be an absolute delight—and the seafood one totally blew me away! Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned.

They’re also ideal for takeout—we had them as snacks on the train. Neatly wrapped, easy to eat, and surprisingly filling. I only had one and a taco, and I was almost full!

If you’re looking to try something new and a little exotic, I highly recommend giving these a go. Everything is self serve....