Empanadas Monumental

- 450 Elizabeth Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07206

For residents and visitors in the New Jersey area craving authentic, flavorful Dominican cuisine, Empanadas Monumental offers a vibrant culinary destination right in Elizabeth. True to its name, this establishment is a must-visit for its expansive and imaginative selection of empanadas—far beyond the typical offerings. More than just a casual eatery, Empanadas Monumental provides a genuine taste of the Dominican Republic, focusing on satisfying comfort food, quick bites, and hearty specialty dishes. The atmosphere is designed to be friendly and casual, making it an excellent spot for college students, families, and anyone looking for a delicious, authentic meal across all dining times—from a quick breakfast to a late dinner.

The menu is an exciting journey through Dominican and Latin American favorites, ensuring that whether you are a connoisseur of Caribbean cuisine or just exploring new flavors, you will find something delightful. Beyond the namesake empanadas, customers flock here for signature dishes like the layered Yaroa, the flavorful Mofongo, and the classic Dominican Sandwich, known as the Chimi. Empanadas Monumental prides itself on providing generous portions, robust flavors, and an accessible, enjoyable dining experience that captures the essence of Dominican culinary tradition right here in New Jersey.

Empanadas Monumental is conveniently situated at a well-known location in Elizabeth, making it accessible for a large portion of the New Jersey community. The address places it on a prominent local thoroughfare, which is an advantage for both local foot traffic and those driving from nearby towns. The specific location is:

• Address: 450 Elizabeth Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07206, USA

Positioned in the heart of Elizabeth, the restaurant is easily reachable and serves as a great stop for commuters, residents, and visitors exploring the area. The establishment’s commitment to being family-friendly is reflected in its welcoming environment. While specific details on parking and public transit access should always be checked locally, its location on a main avenue suggests a degree of straightforward accessibility, which is essential for a high-volume restaurant catering to daily meals. The casual setting further encourages quick, easy visits for takeout or a relaxed dine-in experience.

Empanadas Monumental is structured to meet a variety of modern dining needs for the busy New Jersey community. The services provided ensure that customers can enjoy their authentic Dominican cuisine wherever they prefer. These services include:

• Dine-in Service: Offering a casual and comfortable environment with available seating for guests who wish to enjoy their meal on-site.
• Takeout (Pickup): Customers can call ahead or place an order in person to quickly pick up their food for consumption at home or on the go.
• Delivery: Providing the convenience of having the full menu delivered directly to local homes and businesses. Note: As with any delivery service, check availability and delivery range with third-party apps or the restaurant directly.
• All-Day Dining: The menu covers options suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, allowing patrons to satisfy their cravings at any time of day.
• Catering: Available for events, parties, and gatherings, offering large orders of Picaderas (platters of mixed meats and sides) and other popular items to feed a crowd.
• Mobile and Digital Payments: Accepting modern payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a seamless transaction process.

The culinary identity of Empanadas Monumental is built upon several unique features and menu highlights that draw patrons from across New Jersey. The focus on both traditional Dominican fare and unique fusion items makes it stand out:

• Extensive Empanada Selection: The restaurant offers a monumental range of empanadas ($3.50 each), including classic options like Ground Beef (Res Molida) and Chicken (Pollo), alongside unexpected flavors like Philly Cheese Steak, Lasagna, Mixed Seafood (Mariscos Mixtos), and Guava with Cheese (Guayaba Con Queso). There are also specialty Empanadas de Yuca (Cassava Empanadas) for a unique texture and flavor.
• Dominican Signature Dishes: They prominently feature cornerstone Dominican street food and comfort items. Key dishes include:
  • Yaroa: A Dominican favorite described as a hearty delight with layers of fries or ripe plantains, meat (chicken, beef, or mixta), and cheese, often topped with savory sauces. This is a must-try for new customers.
  • Mofongo: A traditional dish made from mashed green plantains with garlic and pork cracklings, served plain or with toppings like Shrimp (Camarones) or Mixto.
  • Dominican Sandwich / Chimi: A beloved local-style hamburger or sandwich, featuring seasoned meat and toppings on a soft bun, often served with fries.
• Wide Variety of Small Plates and Snacks: The menu includes numerous options perfect for quick bites or appetizers, such as Quipes (stuffed bulgur wheat balls), Caprichos (potato dough balls), and Bola De Yuca (cassava balls), all available for just $3.50.
• Freshly Made Beverages: A full list of refreshing Shakes (Batidos) in tropical flavors like Papaya (Lechoza), Pineapple (Piña), and Sapote (Zapote), as well as a variety of natural Juices (Jugo De Naranja, Jugo De Chinola, etc.) are available.
• Picaderas (Shared Platters): Customizable platters with multiple meat and side choices, perfect for sharing among families or small groups. Options range from 2 Meats/1 Side ($17.00) up to 9 Meats/4 Sides ($135.00).
• Casual, Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The setting is described as casual and is known to be good for kids and popular with college students, creating a relaxed, accessible dining environment.

To connect with Empanadas Monumental for orders, inquiries, or to find their location, use the following contact details:

• Address: 450 Elizabeth Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07206, USA
• Phone: (908) 282-4439
• Mobile Phone (Direct Dial): +1 908-282-4439

Choosing Empanadas Monumental is about embracing a rich, flavorful, and convenient dining experience focused on authentic Dominican comfort food. The single most compelling reason to visit is the sheer variety and affordability of the menu’s most famous item. With over a dozen types of empanadas offered at a very competitive price point of $3.50 each, it's the perfect place to explore new fillings, whether you prefer traditional beef, a surprisingly delightful Pizza or Lasagna twist, or a unique dessert empanada like Guava and Cheese. This vast selection ensures every visit can offer a new discovery, cementing its reputation as an empanada haven.

Beyond the appetizers, the restaurant is a prime choice for experiencing genuine Dominican specialties that are sometimes difficult to find outside of major metropolitan areas. For instance, the Yaroa is a must-try for its reputation as a comforting, layered casserole that offers a unique and satisfying combination of crispy fries or sweet plantains, seasoned meat, and melted cheese—an ideal, hearty meal for lunch or dinner. Similarly, the availability of Mofongo and the classic Chimi sandwich solidifies its standing as an authentic and reliable Dominican eatery in New Jersey. The restaurant caters to all dining occasions, from quick workday lunches to family gatherings, with flexible service options including comfortable dine-in, fast takeout, and convenient local delivery, all supported by an all-day menu and a welcoming, casual atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home.

Empanadas Monumental

450 Elizabeth Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07206, USA