Empanada Loca Beer Garden

- 9 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Welcome to the vibrant culinary scene of Downtown Brooklyn, where a unique dining experience awaits you at the establishment known as Empanada Loca Beer Garden. Nestled on DeKalb Avenue, this location is much more than just a quick stop; it’s a Latin fusion destination designed to satisfy a wide range of cravings, from a fast, flavorful lunch to a relaxed evening enjoying wine and small plates. By combining the concept of a fast-food joint with the ambiance of a cozy restaurant and the offerings of a wine bar, Empanada Loca has carved out a special niche in New York's competitive food landscape.

The core identity of this establishment centers on its celebrated Latin American cuisine, with the empanada, a savory pocket of deliciousness, as its namesake and star. However, it thoughtfully incorporates elements that appeal to a broad, modern New York audience, including a selection of wine and beer, an emphasis on speed and convenience for those on the go, and a trendy, inviting atmosphere for those who wish to linger. Whether you’re a local resident, a student, or simply passing through the bustling Downtown Brooklyn area, Empanada Loca offers a refreshing and exciting stop.

The dual identity of this venue—part quick-service spot, part casual dining experience—makes it incredibly versatile. You can swing by for a grab-and-go breakfast or a speedy, satisfying lunch, or settle in for dinner to explore their broader menu and beverage selections. The atmosphere is generally described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it an excellent backdrop for a solo meal, a casual date, or a quick gathering with friends. The commitment to offering a full dining experience is evident in its diverse menu that stretches far beyond just empanadas.

Empanada Loca has become a local favorite for those seeking bold, Latin-inspired flavors without compromising on speed or quality. They embrace the spirit of Latin American street food and elevate it with quality ingredients and a modern touch, ensuring every visit is a flavorful experience.

The Downtown Brooklyn branch of Empanada Loca Beer Garden is conveniently situated at a highly accessible location, making it easy for New Yorkers to reach by various means of transportation.

The full address is: 9 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA.

Being in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, the restaurant benefits from excellent access to public transit. The most prominent nearby station is the DeKalb Avenue station, a major interchange on the NYC Subway's BMT Brighton Line and BMT Fourth Avenue Line. This station is served by the Q and R trains at all times, the B train on weekdays, and the D and N trains during late nights, with limited W train service during rush hours. This makes the location highly convenient for commuters coming from various parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Additionally, numerous NYCT Bus lines, including the B25, B26, B38, B52, and B54, serve the surrounding area.

For those who drive, the venue is noted to have free street parking options, a considerable convenience in this busy part of Brooklyn. The establishment is also designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom, ensuring it can comfortably accommodate all guests. This central, transit-friendly location cements Empanada Loca as a practical and appealing dining choice in the area.

Empanada Loca Beer Garden provides a variety of services tailored to meet the fast-paced life of a New Yorker while also accommodating a relaxing dining experience.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy the cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere inside the restaurant for lunch, dinner, or dessert.
• Takeout & Delivery: Convenient options for taking your meal to go, including regular and no-contact delivery, as well as easy takeout pickup.
• Fast Service: A highlight noted by customers, ensuring a quick and efficient meal, perfect for a fast-food style quick bite.
• Full Meal Service: Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, making it a reliable stop throughout the entire day.
• Beverage Selection: Offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including beer, wine (both red and white are offered), coffee, tea, and a selection of milkshakes and Latin sodas.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts major payment methods including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments for a seamless transaction.

The distinct offerings and atmosphere of Empanada Loca Beer Garden set it apart as a standout dining spot in Downtown Brooklyn.

• Signature Empanadas: The centerpiece of the menu, featuring an extensive variety of savory and sweet options. Fillings range from classics like Beef and Chicken to unique creations such as Cheeseburger, Philly Steak, and the Guava Heaven dessert empanada. They offer both corn and wheat flour options.
• Latin Fusion Cuisine: The menu extends beyond empanadas to include other Latin American-inspired comfort foods and dishes, such as Arepas (Pabellon, Sifrina, Caracas), Burritos (Chicken, Steak), Quesadillas, and Combo Plates like Ropa Vieja Combo and Grilled Chicken Combo.
• Wine and Beer Selection: Despite the 'Beer Garden' in the name, the venue also operates as a Wine Bar, offering both Red Wine and White Wine by the glass, in addition to a varied selection of beer options like Brooklyn Lager, Corona, and local IPAs (e.g., Five Boroughs Tiny Juicy IPA). This makes it an ideal spot for small plates and drinks.
• Trendy & Cozy Ambiance: The venue is described as having a comfortable, trendy, and casual atmosphere, which is great for various dining occasions, from a solo break to a casual get-together with friends.
• Versatile Dining Options: Caters to those seeking a quick bite or a satisfying, multi-course meal, featuring small plates and desserts alongside main courses and combo platters. The menu includes kid-friendly options and is popular for both lunch and dinner.
• Authentic Latin Flavors: The commitment to Latin cuisine is seen in items like Maduros (sweet plantains) and traditional Latin beverages such as Pony Malta and Colombiana Kola, offering a taste of home or an exciting new experience for New Yorkers.

For patrons in New York looking to visit, order, or inquire about Empanada Loca Beer Garden at the 9 DeKalb Ave location, here is the essential contact information.

Address: 9 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone: (929) 590-5282

When visiting Empanada Loca Beer Garden in Downtown Brooklyn, the diverse menu presents many tempting choices. However, a few items truly stand out and make this Latin fusion spot a must-visit for New York food lovers.

First and foremost, the Empanadas themselves are the undisputed star. With nearly twenty different varieties between the corn and wheat flour options, it’s worth creating your own mini-sampler. The classic Cheese Empanada is a popular, reliable choice, as noted in customer feedback. For a hearty, savory option, the Beef Empanada (braised short rib, brisket) or the Pernil Empanada (roasted pulled pork) offer deep, rich Latin flavors. The truly adventurous should try the unique fusion options, such as the Cheeseburger Empanada or the Philly Empanada, which cleverly package familiar comfort foods into a crispy shell. Don't forget to try one of their various house-made sauces and dips to accompany your order, like the Salsa Roja or Chipotle Mayo, to complete the experience.

For those seeking a full, satisfying meal, the Combo Plates are an excellent value proposition. The Ropa Vieja Combo, featuring pulled short rib, yellow rice, beans, and maduros, offers a complete and traditional Latin American experience. Similarly, the Grilled Chicken Combo is a reliable, flavorful option for a quick lunch or dinner.

Beyond the savory fare, the dual function as a Wine Bar and Latin restaurant means you can pair your meal perfectly. The availability of Red Wine and White Wine by the glass at reasonable prices makes this a great spot for an after-work glass of wine with small plates. If you prefer beer, the selection of local and imported brews, including Brooklyn Lager and various IPAs, caters to all tastes. The venue's ability to offer alcohol, coffee, and comfort food all in one trendy, cozy setting is what makes it a practical and appealing choice for the demanding New York market.

For a sweet finish, the Guava Heaven Empanada, with its creamy cheese and guava filling, is a perfect dessert empanada. Alternatively, the classic Churros are always a delightful choice, perhaps paired with a Guava Milkshake for a truly tropical, indulgent treat. Empanada Loca Beer Garden is a true culinary gem in Downtown Brooklyn, offering the delicious speed of a fast-food spot with the quality and selection of a relaxed neighborhood restaurant.

Empanada Loca Beer Garden

9 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA