Mama Ana’s Empanadas — Restaurant in Totowa

This is based on food, service, and atmosphere. I got to the place, seems ok for the most part, not too decorative, not too plain. There was only one more couple in the store at lunch time on a Saturday already waiting for the order. I was waiting two minutes before the order was taken while the girl was texting this attention to the client wasn't the best. I was asked whether I wanted baked or fried, and she couldn't suggest me other than saying one has more fat than the other so I got one of each beef empanadas. Order took about 10 minutes, which is about right for empanadas when these are practically done inside. I was barely greeted, not a thank you or anything along those manners. Additionally I wasn't asked if I wanted these empanadas to eat in or take out, i was just given a paper bag to take out. As one can read, the atmosphere and service were given a 3 and management should definitely pay attention or inclusive have clientele handling training. I got home and I was quite excited at the beginning, very excited until I got the first bite. Yes these were beef empanadas, no doubt. But that's all I got.... I was waiting for real empanadas with sofrito or something else inside not just 80% beef 20% fat minced meat inside. Thus they have to work out some sort of beef with onion, green peppers, something else to flavor meat and not just MSGs. Which salt is not needed if you make a great empanada... But these were filling, packed with beef like they are supposed to be. So the food was given a 4 (if these weren't packed I'd give them a 3 for lack of flavor, but thickness compensated).

To the public, when you're asked either baked or fried ... Choose fried! The oil was quite hot and created a seal around so oil didn't get inside! Plus the taste is way better than the baked option....

In the fast-food universe, the empanada is an incredibly comforting and flavorful food in the shape of a half-moon made with flour dough or corn flour dough. One can stuff them with any number of things.

On this Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), while in the neighborhood of Totowa, my partner and I decided to pay a visit to this establishment for takeout as first-timers. Opened 6 years ago, Mama Ana’s Empanadas is a family-owned restaurant specializing in empanadas located off of Union Blvd.

Greeted by the staff upon arrival, the interior vibe was not only festive but cozy and casual with seating for 20 patrons.

From the menu, one can choose up to 18 different kinds of empanadas, from classic beef or chicken to cheesesteak and Cuban; either have them baked or fried. They also offer Latin” bowls, salads, and sandwiches.

We decided on the cheesesteak empanada and broccoli & cheese empanada, as well as the Chicharrones de Cerdo bowl, accompanied by rice and beans with a side of maduros (sweet plantain).

The cheesesteak was tasty. The broccoli came with mozzarella, which was salty. The cheddar would have been better. The empanada dough was hot, flaky, and huge. Chicharrones de cerdo bowl was served piping hot and hit the spot. The pork wasn't hard but had great flavor and chew.

The price was reasonable due to its size and portion. The service was slow, but we know the food was made fresh. The staff were friendly and helpful, especially Ada and Yame.

We can...

Empanadas are great. Can't complain of the food itself.

Recent price changes have made me pause my ordering. Prices have gone up 33% to 50% on most menu items. I understand there is an increase to everything these days, but the new prices are quite wild right now. I am sure they are being charged more for the ingredients and the rent for their building, but this increase in pricing is rough for many of us. I would gladly buy up their empanadas if my salary was increased by 30%. Since it has not, I will have to cut back my empanada adventures.

As a reference, last week I spent about $75 for an order, w the new prices, that bill will be $100 this week. Hard to pay that much more for the same product, no matter how good.

As long as they don't decrease the quality and size of the empanadas with the current price hike, they will continue to do well as they are excellent empanadas.

For those w the $$, enjoy them, as they are quite delicious.

EDIT: they must have heard the customers. Prices went back to reasonable levels and the quality and taste of food continues to be top notch. Have been ordering from then again with my $70 orders to feed myself and my staff. Keep up the good...