Mama's Empanadas

- 32-41 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine, satisfying, and quick taste of Latin American cuisine, Mama's Empanadas on Steinway Street in Astoria, Queens, has established itself as an essential stop. Far more than a simple restaurant, this establishment is a dedicated Colombian restaurant that has mastered the art of the empanada, transforming a traditional snack into a vibrant, all-day dining experience. It caters to the fast-paced life of the city, offering high-quality comfort food that is flavorful, affordable, and incredibly diverse.

Mama's Empanadas boasts a menu that revolves around its signature product—the empanada—but its offering is expansive. Visitors can choose from dozens of unique flavors, spanning both traditional corn flour and modern wheat flour shells, stuffed with everything from classic shredded beef and potatoes to inventive fillings like Cheeseburger, Greek, and even Dessert Patties. This extensive variety ensures that whether you're a devoted foodie, a busy college student, or a family looking for a quick and satisfying meal, there is always an empanada to suit your craving.

The location’s atmosphere is casual and trendy, welcoming a diverse crowd that includes local residents, college students, groups, and tourists exploring the vibrant Astoria neighborhood. It is particularly popular for being a one-stop destination for multiple meals, serving delicious options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and importantly, providing late-night food for those post-midnight hunger pangs. With a focus on fast service and serving local specialties, Mama's Empanadas provides a necessary culinary anchor in the bustling Queens food scene.

Location and Accessibility

Mama's Empanadas is perfectly situated in one of Queens' most dynamic and accessible neighborhoods. The address is 32-41 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103, USA. Steinway Street is a major commercial corridor in Astoria, known for its eclectic mix of businesses, shops, and eateries, ensuring the restaurant is easy to find and woven into the fabric of the local community.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, the location offers excellent accessibility. It is a short walk from the subway, primarily served by the Steinway Street station on the IND Queens Boulevard Line, with the M and R trains providing service throughout the day and the E and F trains covering late nights. Furthermore, numerous MTA bus routes run along or nearby Steinway Street and Broadway (such as the Q101 and Q104), making it readily reachable from various parts of Astoria, Long Island City, and even Manhattan via the M60 SBS. This transit-friendly location makes it an ideal meeting spot for groups or a quick and easy destination for solo dining.

For physical access, the restaurant prioritizes comfort for all patrons, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating. While street parking in Astoria can often be a challenge, paid street parking is available in the vicinity. The establishment is also accommodating to pets, allowing dogs outside for those enjoying a quick bite with their furry companions.

Services Offered

Mama's Empanadas offers a comprehensive suite of services focused on convenience, speed, and versatility, catering to the needs of the fast-moving New York consumer:

• Delivery: Customers can enjoy the full menu brought directly to their home or office across the area.
• Takeout: Quick and efficient service for orders to be picked up and enjoyed on the go.
• Dine-in: Comfortable seating options are available for those who prefer to eat on-site in the casual, trendy atmosphere.
• Catering: A crucial service for local events and parties, leveraging their popular combo deals (like the #6. 24 Empanada Combo).
• All-Day Dining: Serves meals and snacks for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Late-Night Food: A major highlight, providing delicious food options well into the late hours.
• Full Beverage Menu: Offers everything from Coffee and Can of Soda to traditional Latin American drinks like Inca Kola and Fresh Smoothies.
• Accessibility Amenities: Provides high chairs for children and a clean Restroom for patrons.

Features / Highlights

The standout features of Mama's Empanadas are centered around its incredible menu depth and its reputation for quick, satisfying food. It’s the sheer variety that defines the experience:

• Dozens of Empanada Flavors: The menu is segregated into distinct categories: Corn Flour Empanadas (Maiz), Wheat Flour Empanadas (Trigo), Breakfast Patties, and Dessert Patties, offering nearly 50 different fillings in total.
• Catering to All Tastes: The flavor profile extends far beyond traditional Colombian fare, featuring global fusions like Cheeseburger, Meatball Parmigiana, Greek, Spicy Chicken, and the seafood-centric Biagra (Shrimp, crab).
• All-Day and Late-Night Availability: Its reputation for serving late-night food makes it a reliable fixture in Astoria, ensuring hungry New Yorkers have a quality option long after many other kitchens have closed.
• Vegetarian and Vegan Options: The menu includes specific plant-based options such as the Corn Flour Rice And Beans and Vegetable empanadas, ensuring inclusivity for various diets.
• Authentic Colombian Specialties: Beyond the empanadas, the restaurant offers authentic Colombian comfort food, including hearty Sopa del dia (like Sanchoco De Carne), Arepas Rellenas (stuffed corncakes like Mozzarepa), and sides like Tostones (Green Plantains) and Sweet Plantains (Maduros).
• Fast Service and Casual Ambiance: Customers frequently highlight the Fast service, which is complemented by a Casual and Trendy atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed solo dining experience.
• Colombian Beverages: The drink menu features authentic Colombian sodas like Inca Kola and Postobon Colombiana, adding an extra layer of cultural authenticity to the experience.

Contact Information

For orders, catering inquiries, or general questions regarding the menu and services, local patrons can reach the Astoria location of Mama's Empanadas using the following details:

Address: 32-41 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103, USA

Phone: (718) 626-1272

Mobile Phone: +1 718-626-1272

What is Worth Choosing

For New Yorkers—especially those in Queens or Manhattan looking for a diverse and authentic food experience—Mama's Empanadas is worth choosing because it excels in both variety and convenience. Its core strength lies in its ability to offer a massive selection of high-quality, hand-held, affordable food, making it the ultimate comfort food destination.

The sheer number of options under the Corn Flour (Maiz) and Wheat Flour (Trigo) categories is a testament to its value proposition. A first-time visitor should sample a flight that includes a traditional flavor like the Shredded Beef With Potatoes (Corn), a savory favorite like the Cheeseburger or Cheese Steak (Wheat), and definitely a Dessert Patty—the Guava And Cheese is a frequently recommended choice that perfectly balances sweet and salty. The Value Menu combos, which bundle empanadas with soda, are particularly worth choosing for groups or those planning a small gathering, providing significant savings and variety.

Beyond the appetizers, the restaurant’s commitment to providing full Colombian meals and sides like the hearty Sancocho De Carne (Beef Stew with Plantains) and the simple yet satisfying Chorizo Con Arepa elevates it beyond a snack bar. It's an ideal choice for the busy professional needing a quick, filling lunch, the college student craving a late-night bite, or the family looking to try an array of flavors. The fact that they successfully cater to all three main mealtimes—plus late-night—while offering seating, fast service, and robust delivery options makes Mama's Empanadas a truly exceptional and practical local dining establishment in the heart of Astoria, Queens.

Mama's Empanadas

32-41 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103, USA