Introduction / Overview: Empanada Spanish Grill – Clifton’s Home for Authentic Latin Flavor
New Jersey is a hub for authentic, global cuisine, and locals appreciate a quick, quality meal that doesn't compromise on flavor. Empanada Spanish Grill, nestled in Clifton, perfectly captures this market, combining the speed and convenience of a **Fast food restaurant** with the rich, home-cooked taste of a **Latin American restaurant**. This establishment has become a standout destination for high-quality, authentic Spanish and Caribbean food, specializing in their namesake product: the empanada.
More than just a sandwich shop, Empanada Spanish Grill offers a robust menu of full meals and savory sides rooted in Latin American traditions, particularly Puerto Rican cuisine. It proudly identifies as a **Latino-owned** business, bringing authentic recipes and genuine hospitality to the heart of Clifton. The business focuses on delivering fresh, delicious food quickly, living up to its reputation for **Fast service** and being the ideal place for a "quick bite."
The core attraction is the sheer variety of offerings. While the **Empanadas** are the stars—with over ten flavors rotated daily, including favorites like **Beef**, **Chicken**, and even the unique **Cheeseburger** empanada—the restaurant also serves up authentic comfort food staples. Patrons can enjoy substantial plates featuring slow-roasted **Pernil** (pork), classic **Pastelon** (Puerto Rican plantain lasagna), and beloved sides like **Tostones** (fried plantains) and **Maduros** (sweet plantains). The atmosphere is noted as **Casual, Cozy, and Trendy**, offering a comfortable and cute interior that enhances the dining experience, making it perfect for solo dining, a family outing, or a meal with a group.
Empanada Spanish Grill is a true local specialty spot that brings a burst of fresh, homemade flavor to the often-monotonous world of fast food. It represents the best of New Jersey's diverse culinary landscape, providing authentic Latin meals with remarkable speed and quality.
Location and Accessibility in Clifton, NJ
Empanada Spanish Grill is conveniently located at 8 Market St, Clifton, NJ 07012, USA, making it easily accessible for residents across Passaic County and the surrounding neighborhoods. Its position on Market Street allows for straightforward navigation and quick entry and exit.
The restaurant has taken steps to ensure all members of the community can enjoy its delicious offerings, providing essential accessibility features, including a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**, and **Wheelchair accessible seating**. While the location is perfect for a quick stop, the available **Free street parking** helps eliminate common parking hassles, ensuring a visit is as stress-free as it is flavorful.
Contact Information (Address, Phone)
For takeout, delivery, or general inquiries about their daily specials and rotating empanada flavors, please use the following contact details:
Address: 8 Market St, Clifton, NJ 07012, USA
Phone: (973) 272-8202
Services Offered
Empanada Spanish Grill is set up to cater to the modern New Jersey lifestyle, offering multiple ways to enjoy their authentic Latin American cuisine with speed and convenience:
- **Flexible Dining Options:** Available for **Dine-in** service with ample **Seating**, **Takeout**, and comprehensive **Delivery** options.
- **Fast and Efficient Service:** Known for **Fast service**, making it an ideal choice for a **Quick bite** during lunch or dinner hours.
- **Full Meal Periods:** Serving delicious food for **Lunch**, **Dinner**, and **Dessert**.
- **Event Planning:** Offers **Catering** services, allowing customers to bring full trays of **Pernil**, **Arroz con Gandules** (Rice with pigeon peas), and their famous empanadas to parties and events.
- **Beverage Selection:** Features specialty drinks like the **Tropical Smoothie** alongside traditional **Soda** and **Café Con Leche**.
- **Payment Methods:** Accepts major **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.
- **Family Amenities:** The restaurant is **Family-friendly** and provides **High chairs** for younger diners.
Features / Highlights
What distinguishes Empanada Spanish Grill from typical fast-food establishments are its authentic flavors, high-quality preparation, and community-focused operation:
- **Signature Baked Empanadas:** The main attraction, offering **over 10 flavors rotated daily**, with options like **Beef, Chicken, Cheeseburger, and Cheese** available every day, all noted for being very fresh and flavorful.
- **Latino-Owned Authenticity:** Proudly identifies as a **Latino-owned** business, ensuring that the cuisine—which includes Puerto Rican staples like **Pastelon** and **Alcapurria**—is authentically prepared.
- **Diverse Meal Options:** Beyond the empanadas, the menu features full **Daily Special** meals, such as **Pernil** (slow-roasted pork) and **Beef Stew**, served with your choice of rice and beans.
- **Healthy & Dietary Choices:** Offers a balance of **Comfort food** alongside **Healthy options** and **Vegan options**, accommodating various dietary needs.
- **Unique Side Dishes:** Serves authentic Latin sides like **Maduros** (sweet plantains), **Toastones** (fried green plantains), and **Alcapurria** (fried yucca stuffed with ground beef).
- **Inviting Atmosphere:** The interior is described as **Casual, Cozy, and Trendy**, providing a pleasant and clean environment for dining in.
What is worth choosing: The Ultimate Empanada & Daily Special Combo
For any New Jersey local seeking a truly satisfying and quick Latin American meal, the focus should be on the restaurant’s twin specialties: the empanadas and the daily meal options. Here is what is worth choosing at Empanada Spanish Grill:
The centerpiece of the menu is, without a doubt, the **Empanadas**. Since they offer **over 10 flavors rotated daily**, repeat visits are highly encouraged to explore the variety. For a first visit, starting with a **3 Empanada Combo** is ideal. Be sure to try a classic **Beef Empanada** for the authentic seasoning, and a unique flavor like the **Cheeseburger Empanada** to experience their creative side. Customers rave that the chicken empanadas are "very good, crispy and flavorful outside with soft and moist inside."
For a substantial and authentic lunch or dinner, opting for one of the **Daily Special Meals** is highly recommended. The **Daily Special (Pernil)**, featuring slow-roasted pork marinated in Puerto Rican spices and served with rice and beans, is a customer favorite that offers incredible flavor and value. Similarly, the **Red Meat/Fish Meal** options, such as the **Daily Special (Beef Stew)**, guarantee a rich, home-cooked experience.
Don't forget the essential sides that complete the meal. Adding an order of **Maduros** (sweet plantains) for a touch of sweetness or the savory **Alcapurria** (fried yucca) will elevate the meal and provide a taste of authentic Caribbean comfort food. Whether you need a lightning-fast lunch or a flavorful family dinner via **Delivery**, Empanada Spanish Grill delivers high-quality, authentic Latin flavor in a quick-service format that perfectly suits the New Jersey palate.