Empanada City

- 363 Lincoln Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers craving a delicious, satisfying, and quick bite, Empanada City in Brooklyn is a must-visit culinary destination. Nestled at 363 Lincoln Rd, this popular spot has cemented its status as a local gem, specializing in an impressive variety of freshly made empanadas. Empanada City isn't just a fast-food counter; it's a vibrant, Latino-owned restaurant and coffee shop that has successfully blended the comfort of traditional Latin American and Dominican flavors with a trendy, modern atmosphere.

The core of Empanada City’s appeal is its extensive menu of over 20 distinct empanada fillings, catering to every palate, from dedicated meat-lovers to those seeking vegetarian and even vegan-friendly options. Each empanada is crafted with care, featuring a perfectly cooked, flaky, and well-marked dough that makes identifying your favorite flavor easy—a small detail that speaks volumes about the business's commitment to the customer experience. This dedication to quality and variety has earned the restaurant a loyal following, with customers frequently praising the perfection in seasoning and the generous, juicy fillings. Whether you're stopping by for lunch, a satisfying dinner, or grabbing a quick snack on the go, Empanada City promises an authentic and flavorful culinary journey right here in New York City.

Beyond the savory handheld pockets, the menu extends to delightful Latin-inspired desserts, specialty homemade sauces, and a selection of refreshing beverages and hot drinks. The overall dining experience is casual, cozy, and family-friendly, welcoming college students, groups, tourists, and solo diners alike. It’s a place that manages to feel both authentic and innovative, serving up comfort food that consistently exceeds expectations, often being described by patrons as "absolutely delicious" and "seasoned to perfection."

The restaurant identifies as a fast-food restaurant, a takeout restaurant, a coffee shop, and a dessert shop, while its culinary roots clearly position it as a Latin American and Dominican restaurant. This multifaceted approach ensures they can serve the diverse needs of the busy New York crowd at almost any time of day, making it a reliable and essential local spot for authentic flavor.

Location and Accessibility

Empanada City is conveniently located in the heart of Brooklyn, at 363 Lincoln Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA. This address places it in a bustling part of the borough, easily reachable for local residents and those commuting through the area. Its accessible location helps solidify its role as a neighborhood staple and a destination for Latin cuisine enthusiasts across NYC.

For those planning a visit, accessibility and comfort are priorities at Empanada City. The venue features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and offers wheelchair-accessible seating, ensuring that all New Yorkers can enjoy the dining experience comfortably. While it is a popular spot, for drivers, free street parking is available, though availability can sometimes be somewhat difficult to find, as is often the case in bustling Brooklyn neighborhoods. Patrons are encouraged to consider public transit or nearby paid options during peak hours. The atmosphere is described as casual and trendy, with both indoor seating for dining-in and outdoor seating options available when the weather is nice, where dogs are even allowed to join their owners outside. Whether you're rushing to grab a takeaway order or looking to sit down and enjoy a meal, the location is designed for maximum convenience.

Services Offered

Empanada City provides a comprehensive range of services to accommodate the fast-paced life of New York City and its residents. These offerings ensure that customers can enjoy their flavorful food however they prefer. The available services include:

• Dine-in: Enjoy the cozy, modern, and casual atmosphere with seating, counter service, and table service options.
• Takeout: Perfect for a quick meal on the go, with freshly prepared food ready for pickup.
• Delivery & No-contact Delivery: Convenient options for enjoying the full menu from the comfort of your home or office throughout the delivery area.
• Outdoor Seating: A great option for enjoying your meal outside, with the added benefit of being pet-friendly (dogs allowed outside).
• Catering: Special event catering services are available to bring the wide variety of empanadas and Latin dishes to parties, meetings, and large gatherings.
• Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert Service: Offering a menu that covers all main mealtimes, including specialized dessert options and coffee.
• Online Ordering: Customers can place orders ahead of time for pick-up or delivery, streamlining the process, which is especially useful during peak times.

Features / Highlights

Empanada City stands out in the competitive New York food scene due to several unique features and commitments to its customers and community:

• Extensive Empanada Variety: The restaurant offers a massive selection of flavors, including Signature options like the popular Pastelon (ground beef and sweet plantain), Ropa Vieja (flank steak), Bacalao (cod fish), Cuban, and the innovative SMac'n Chicken (spicy red hot chicken with mac and cheese).
• Vegan & Vegetarian Options: Catering to diverse dietary needs with offerings such as the Veggie Pastelon (baked veggie burger and plantain) and traditional options like Mixed Vegetables and Spinach & Ricotta.
• Freshly Made Sauces: House-made sauces like Avocado, Pink (ketchup/mayo/garlic blend), and Heat (habanero/cilantro) are available for a small fee, providing the perfect accompaniment to customize your empanada experience.
• Authentic Dominican & Latin Offerings: Beyond empanadas, they serve traditional Latin favorites like Rice & Beans and specialty Dominican desserts and beverages, including Coquito, Morir Sonando, and various Flans (Chocolate, Vanilla, Coconut).
• Specialty Smoothie & Drink Menu: A wide array of refreshing house-made beverages are available, such as the Nutella Strawberry Banana Smoothie, Avo-Mango Smoothie, and Passion Fruit Limeade.
• Community and Vibe: The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and inclusive, known to be Family-Friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a Transgender safe space, attracting a diverse crowd of college students and groups.
• Quality and Execution: Customers frequently rave about the perfectly cooked, light, and crispy dough, and the flavorful, generously filled empanadas. The SMac'n Chicken and Pastelon empanadas, in particular, have been singled out by reviewers as “surprisingly amazing” and “delicious.”

Contact Information

To place an order, make an inquiry, or simply learn more about Empanada City, New York locals can reach out using the following information:

• Address: 363 Lincoln Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA
• Phone: (718) 363-5252 (or +1 718-363-5252)

What is worth choosing

Choosing what to order at Empanada City can be an enjoyable challenge given the sheer volume of delicious options. For first-time visitors or those looking for the guaranteed crowd-pleasers, here is a guide to the must-try items, ranging from the most popular classics to unique signature creations.

Among the Most Popular items, the Pastelon and the SMac'n Chicken are top picks. The Pastelon ($3.75) is a fantastic savory-sweet combination, featuring ground beef, sweet plantain, and mozzarella cheese—a handheld version of a beloved Latin casserole. The SMac'n Chicken ($3.75), on the other hand, is pure comfort food innovation, combining spicy red hot chicken breast with creamy homemade mac and cheese inside a crispy shell. This creative blend is often highlighted in customer reviews for being "surprisingly amazing." Also highly recommended by the local crowd are the Ground Beef ($2.75) and the Shrimp ($3.75) empanadas, representing classic, well-executed flavors.

For those who prefer a more Traditional Empanada, the Plain Chicken ($2.75) or the simple yet satisfying Cheese ($2.75) are excellent choices. A delightful vegetarian alternative is the Sweet Plantain & Cheese ($2.75), which offers a subtly sweet and cheesy profile.

If you are feeling adventurous, explore the rest of the Signature Empanadas ($3.75 each), such as the savory Ropa Vieja (flank steak in a red sauce), the flavorful Cuban (pork, ham, and Swiss cheese), or the unique Americana (beef burger, onions, tomato, and cheddar cheese). The Bacalao (cod fish with potatoes and onions) is a wonderful nod to a traditional seafood preparation.

Don't forget to elevate your experience with a side of one of their fresh Sauces ($0.25 each), like the creamy Avocado Sauce or the zesty Heat Sauce, which contains habanero peppers for an extra kick. As one seasoned local advised, even if you are particular about your empanadas, "I would definitely recommend buying a few sauces to have in case u find the filling under seasoned and experiment."

Finally, make sure to save room for dessert and a drink. The homemade Vanilla Flan ($5.00) or a slice of their rich Chocolate Flan ($5.00) makes for a perfect finish. To wash it all down, try one of the exotic Specialty Drinks like the Dominican-inspired Orange and Milk blend Morir Sonando ($6.50), or a refreshing, icy Frozen Piña Colada ($6.50). Empanada City is praised for its commitment to flavor and freshness, guaranteeing that any choice from their diverse menu will be a hit.

Empanada City

363 Lincoln Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA