Mama's Empanadas Jackson Heights: A Colombian Culinary Hub

Mama's Empanadas Introduce

Mama's Empanadas is a celebrated Colombian restaurant that stands as a true culinary institution in the heart of Jackson Heights, Queens. This vibrant and casual eatery has earned a reputation for its extensive and creative menu centered around one of Latin America's most beloved comfort foods: the empanada. For New Yorkers looking for a quick, flavorful, and affordable meal, Mama's Empanadas is a must-visit destination. Its appeal lies not only in the sheer variety of its offerings but also in its ability to cater to a diverse clientele, from college students and local groups to tourists and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The atmosphere is consistently described as casual and trendy, making it a comfortable spot for a solo meal or a group gathering.

The core of Mama's Empanadas' identity is its incredible range of empanadas, available in both corn and wheat flour varieties, and stuffed with a mind-boggling array of fillings. From traditional Colombian flavors like Shredded Beef with Potatoes and Cheese to more modern and inventive creations like Macaroni and Cheese, Cheeseburger, and Hawaiian, there is an empanada for every palate. The menu also features dessert empanadas with unique fillings such as Guava and Cheese, Nutella Chocolate and Peanut Butter, and Figs, Caramel, and Cheese, offering a sweet ending to your meal. The restaurant also provides daily soup specials, classic Colombian meals like Grilled Steak and Breaded Chicken Breast, and a selection of sides, including Chorizo con Arepa and Tamales Colombianos.

Mama's Empanadas is celebrated for being a go-to spot for late-night food, a highlight that makes it a convenient choice for those with a craving at any hour. The establishment is also known for being good for kids and is recognized as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender-safe space, fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes everyone. This commitment to being a safe and welcoming spot for all members of the community adds to its reputation as a beloved local establishment. The combination of a vast menu, a friendly atmosphere, and a dedication to serving a diverse crowd makes Mama's Empanadas a truly special place in the bustling New York food scene.

While some customer experiences have varied, particularly concerning service on busy days or with specific items, the overwhelming sentiment is positive. One customer review praised the food, stating, "The food is absolutely amazing but be on time. thank you so much I appreciate you ❤️ 💗." This highlights the quality of the food that keeps people coming back, even if there might occasionally be a wait, which is a common occurrence at a popular spot like this. The fact that the restaurant is consistently busy is a testament to its popularity and the high demand for its delicious comfort food.

Mama's Empanadas is more than just a place to eat; it's a piece of the vibrant cultural mosaic of Jackson Heights. It offers a taste of Colombian cuisine that is both authentic and accessible, serving as a hub where people can enjoy a quick bite, a full meal, or a late-night snack in a casual and friendly setting. Its impressive menu and welcoming atmosphere make it a staple for anyone in the New York area looking for delicious empanadas and other Colombian delights.

Location and Accessibility

Mama's Empanadas is situated at 85-05 Northern Blvd, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA. This location is easily accessible for residents and visitors alike, positioned on a major street in a lively and well-connected neighborhood. For those driving, both free and paid street parking options are available in the vicinity, though as with any popular New York City location, it's wise to plan ahead for potential parking challenges. The restaurant is a fixture in the community and is a convenient stop for a quick bite on the go or a relaxed dine-in experience.

Services Offered

Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery: Mama's Empanadas offers a full range of service options. You can enjoy your meal in their casual and trendy dining area, grab your food to go, or have it conveniently delivered to your doorstep.
Onsite Services: The restaurant provides onsite services, making it a great place for a quick and satisfying meal right at the counter.
Diverse Menu: The menu is a key service offering, with a vast selection of empanadas, daily soups, main courses, and sides. It also includes vegan options, catering to a wider range of dietary needs.
Late-Night Food: A major highlight is the availability of late-night food, perfect for those with post-work or post-outing cravings.
Payments: The restaurant accepts a variety of convenient payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features and Highlights

Famous Empanadas: The core feature is the incredible variety of empanadas, with both corn and wheat flour options and a multitude of savory and sweet fillings.
Daily Specials: The menu includes daily soup specials, offering a comforting and traditional Colombian meal option that changes throughout the week.
Vegan Options: The inclusion of vegan options on the menu, such as the Rice and Beans empanada, highlights the restaurant’s effort to be inclusive and cater to different diets.
Popular for All Meals: Mama's Empanadas is a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a great destination at any time of day.
Casual and Trendy Atmosphere: The vibe is both casual and trendy, providing a comfortable space that is great for all kinds of diners, from individuals to groups.
Good for Kids: The restaurant is family-friendly and a great spot for kids, making it a hassle-free choice for parents looking for a quick and enjoyable meal.

Contact Information

Address: 85-05 Northern Blvd, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA

Phone: (718) 505-9937

What is Worth Choosing

Mama's Empanadas is worth choosing for its unparalleled dedication to a single, iconic dish and its ability to elevate it to new heights. The sheer variety and quality of the empanadas are the main draw, making it a unique and exciting place to try. Beyond the food, the restaurant’s commitment to being an inclusive space, welcoming diverse crowds and providing a safe environment, is a significant reason to visit. The convenience of their offerings, from late-night food to quick takeout options, makes it a perfect fit for the fast-paced New York lifestyle. While you may encounter a wait at peak times, it's a testament to the popularity and high demand for their food. In a city with countless dining options, Mama's Empanadas stands out as a genuine culinary hub that offers an authentic taste of Colombia in a fun and welcoming setting. For a delicious, comforting, and affordable meal that promises to satisfy, Mama's Empanadas is a destination that truly lives up to its reputation.

Mama's Empanadas Menu

Soup of the day/ Sopas del dia
Lentejas Con Carne/ Lentils With Beef / Mondays Only! $6.70
Mondays only!!! Lentils soup with beef served with white rice or corncake Lentejas con carne de res servida con arroz o arepa frita
Beef Stew With Plantains/ Sancocho De Carne Con Tostones/ Fridays Only! $6.70
Fridays only!!! A mouthwatering beef stew topped with homemade plantains chips served with white rice or fried corncake! Un autentico sancocho de carne con tostones acompanado de arroz o arepa frita
Chicken Noodle Soup/ Pollo Con Pasta/ Thursdays Only! $6.70
Thursdays Only!!! Chicken noodle soup served with white rice or fried corncake! Sopa de pollo con pasta servida con arroz o arepa frita!
Sancocho De Gallina/ Hen Stew $6.70
Saturdays and Sundays only!!! A mouthwatering hen (chicken) stew with potatoes, corn, yuca served with white rice and fried corncake! Autentico y delicioso sancocho de gallina servido con arroz o arepa frita!
Beef Stew/ Sancocho De Carne/ Wednesdays Only! $6.70
Wednesday only!!! A mouthwatering beef stew served with your choice of white rice or fried corncake! Un buen sancocho de carne servido con arroz o arepa frita!
Hen With Rice/ Sopa De Gallina Con Arroz / Tuesdays Only! $6.70
Tuesdays only!!! Hen (chicken) with rice soup! Deliciosa sopa de gallina con arroz servida con arroz o arepa frita!

Value Menu (corn only) / Combos de empanadas
#2: 4 Corn Empanada Combo + 1 Can Soda $11.45
Please select 4 empanadas from: Beef with potatoes, chicken with potato, rice and beans, broccoli and cheese, or vegetable only corn empanada and 1 can of soda.
#3: 6 Corn Empanada Combo + 1 Can Soda $16.30
please select 6 empanadas from: Beef with potatoes, chicken with potato, rice and beans, broccoli and cheese, or vegetable only corn empanada and 1 can of soda.
#5 : 12 Corn Empanada Combo + 2 Cans Soda $32.45
Select 12 empanadas from: Beef with potatoes, chicken with potato, rice and beans, broccoli and cheese, or vegetable only corn empanadas and 2 cans of soda.
#6: 24 Corn Empanada Combo + 1 (2L) Soda Choice Or Coke Or Sprite Only $62.70
Family size!! Please select 24 empanadas from Beef with potatoes, chicken with potato, rice and beans, broccoli and cheese, or vegetable only corn empanadas and one 2-liter soda.
#4: 8 Corn Empanada Combo + 2 Cans Soda $22.90
Please select 8 empanadas from: Beef with potatoes, chicken with potato, rice and beans, broccoli and cheese, or vegetable only corn empanadas and 2 cans of soda.
#1: 2 Corn Empanada Combo + 1 Can Soda $6.60
Please select 2 empanadas from: Beef with potatoes, chicken with potato, rice and beans, broccoli and cheese, or vegetable only corn empanada and 1 can of soda.

Meals of the day/ Platos del Dia
Grilled Chicken Breast $16.60
Juicy grilled chicken served with your choice of rice and beans (red or Black) rice and salad, or just french fries!
Breaded Chicken Breast $16.60
Crispy breaded chicken cutlet served with your choice of rice and beans (red or black), rice and salad, or just french fries!
Grilled Steak $17.00
Lucious grilled steak served with your choice of rice and beans (red or black) rice and salad, or just french fries!
Breaded Pork $16.60
Crispy breaded pork (no bone) served with your choice of rice and beans (red or black), rice and salad, or just french fries!

Sides and More...
Chorizo Con Arepa $5.10
Sausage with corn cake.
Envueltos De Maiz $5.00
Sweet corn roll.
Arroz Con Leche / Rice Pudding $3.99
Fresh home made rice pudding. Delicioso arroz con leche casero!
Pastel De Yuca Relleno De Carne Y Cerdo $3.95
Cassava roll filled with beef and pork.
Tamales Colombianos $10.99
Lucious tamales colombian stye, a combination of tender ground corn mixed with vegetables and your choice of pork or chicken. served with white rice or fried corncake! Unos deliciosos tamales colombianos hechos con maiz, vegetales y tu preferencia de cerdo o pollo! acompanados con arroz o arepa frita!
Yuca Frita $6.20
Casava fries.
Side Of White Rice : Small (8 Oz) $4.39
Papa Frita $5.30
French fries.
Salchipapas $9.75
French fries with hot dog.
Side Of Beans : Small (8 Oz) $4.65
Papa Rellena $3.85
Potato balls filled with beef and pork.

Arepas Rellenas / Stuffed corncakes!
Arepa Rellena Mixta $9.50
Crispy fried corncake, stuffed with the choice of your 3 favorite ingredients. Crocante arepa rellena de 3 ingredientes que tu escojas!
Mozzarepa $6.45
Sweet corn cake with mozzarella cheese. Arepa de choclo con queso mozzarella!
Arepas Rellenas $8.75
Deliciosas y crocantes arepas rellenas de tus ingredientes favoritos! Delicious, fried corncakes stuffed with your choice of ingredients!

Empanadas en harina de trigo/ Wheat flour Empanadas
Beef (Wheat) $3.35
Ground Beef Carne molida
Meatball Parmigiana $3.45
Meatballs, mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce
Macaroni And Cheese $3.35
fabulous macaroni and cheddar cheese! deliciosa mezcla de macarones con queso cheddar
Italian Sausage $3.45
Italian sausage, onions, and italian peppers. Chorizo Italiano salteado con pimientos italianos y cebolla!
Chicken Fajita With Cheese $3.45
Chicken, onions, red peppers, and mozzarella cheese.
Tuna Fish $3.35
A delicious tuna marinated with onions. Una deliciosa mezcla de tuna marinada en cebolla
Pork $3.35
Juicy shredded roast pork Jugoso pernil desmechado!
Cheese Steak $3.45
Steak, onions, red peppers, mozzarella cheese Carne en tiras salteada con pimientos y queso mozzarella!
Chicken Parmigian $3.45
Cubed breaded chicken with Mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. pollo empanado con una mezcla de pasta de tomate y queso mozzarella
Chicken (Wheat) $3.35
Shredded chicken Pollo desmechado
Hawaiian $3.35
A Juicy mixed of Ham, cheese, and pineapple. Una mezcla de sabor entre Jamon, queso y pina!
Piña Colada $3.35
A fun mix of Pineapple, shredded coconut and cheese. una aventurada mezcla entre pina, coco y queso!
Pepperoni Pizza $3.35
Mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and pepperoni.
Biagra $4.49
Shrimp and Crab in a luscious seafood sauce Una combinacion de camarones y cangrejo en una salsa marinera
Cuban $3.35
Ham, pork, and cheese. Jamon, queso y pernil
Baby Portobello $3.45
Marinated Portobello Mushrooms with onions and red peppers. Champinones de portobello marinado con pimientos y cebolla
Greek $3.35
A delicious combination of salty feta cheese, tender mozzarella, and spinach! combinacion entre espinaca, queso feta y mozzarella!
Spinach And Cheese $3.35
Spinach and mozza cheese Espinaca con queso mozzarella
Hot Dog And Cheese $3.35
Beef hot-dog with cheese! perro caliente en su mezcla de quesos!
Cheeseburger $3.45
Ground beef and cheddar cheese. Carne molida con queso cheddar
Ham And Cheese $3.35
Jamon y queso mozzarella.
Cheese (Wheat) $3.35
Mozzarella cheese
Pizza $3.35
Mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce.
Spicy Chicken $3.45
Juicy chicken mixed with tomatoes, cilantro, green peppers and jalapenos. (spicy)
Mamis $3.65
Ground beef, egg and rice and scallions! Carne molida combinada con huevo y arroz y cebollin!

Empanadas Dulces/ Dessert Empanadas
Guava And Cheese $3.35
Guayaba con queso
Elvis $3.35
Peanut butter and bananas Mantequilla de mani y banano!
Figs, Caramel, And Cheese $3.35
Aventurera mezcla de brevas, arequipe y queso!
Nutella Chocolate And Peanut Butter $3.45
A rich mix of Nutella chocolate and peanut butter in one pocket! Una rica mezcla de chocolate de nutella y mantequilla de mani!
Sweet Plantain And Cheese $3.35
La mejor combinacion del Maduro con queso.
USA $3.35
Warm mix of apples and cinnamon!
Caramel And Cheese $3.35
Arequipe con queso dulce de leche con queso!

Empanadas de Maiz/ Corn Flour Empanadas
Shredded Beef With Potatoes $2.75
Shredded beef with potatoes.
Extra Pink Sauce $0.75
Pink sauce (ketchup + mayo).
Extra Red Sauce $0.75
Red mild sauce.
Chicken (Corn) $2.75
Shredded Chicken with potatoes, peas, and carrots.
Vegetable $2.75
A juicy mixed of a verity of veggies including: potatoes, peas, carrots, and string beans
Cheese (Corn) $3.05
Mozzarella cheese in the corn shell
Blackbean And Cheese $3.05
Freshly made blackbeans mixed with feta and mozzarella cheese
Broccoli And Cheese $3.05
Mixed broccoli with mozzarella cheese
Chili And Beef $3.05
Chili with beef (spicy)
Extra Green Sauce $0.75
Green spicy sauce.
Ground Beef $3.05
Ground beef.
Sausage $3.05
Juicy ground sausage in the corn shell chorizo empanada
Rice And Beans $2.75
Mixed red beans and white rice Vegan option

Drinks
Colombian Coffee $2.15
Colombian coffee.
Green Hot Tea $2.30
Avena Alpina (Oatmeal Shake) $3.00
Coca-Cola® Bottle $2.55
20 onz bottle of Coca-Cola
Seltzer $2.30
Postobon Colombiana (2 Liters) $5.70
Sprite® 2L $5.25
2liter sprite
Vita Coco $3.55
Postobon Manzana (2 Liters) $5.70
Chamomile Hot Tea $2.30
Fresh Smoothie $5.10
Fresh fruit smoothie made with your favorite choice of fruit and base of milk or water!
Fruit Punch With Chopped Melon (Salpicon) $5.00
Postobon Colombiana $2.90
Lipton Tea $2.30
A sunny, refreshing taste with a delicious blend of tea and tasty citrus flavor.
Lemon Zinger Hot Tea $2.30
Postobon Apple $2.90
Water $2.30
Juice Hit $3.10
Gatorade - Fruit Punch $3.10
A crisp, satisfying taste to quench thirst and energize without caffeine
Iced Lemon Tea Can (Peace Out Tea) $2.30
Flavored tea beverages.
Coke (2 Liters) $5.25
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Inka Kola $2.90
Pony Malta $3.55
Can Of Soda $2.30
12 oz cans.
Gatorade - Orange $3.10
A crisp, satisfying taste to quench thirst and energize without caffeine
Snapple $3.05

Empanadas de desayuno/ Breakfast Empanadas
Egg, Tomatoes, And Scallion $3.65
Huevos Pericos!
Egg, Bacon, And Cheese $3.65
Explosive mix of your fav breakfast in one shell... Tu desayuno favorito en una empanda... Huevo, tocino y queso!
Egg, Spinach, And Cheese $3.65
Huevo, espinaca y queso feta.

Mama's Empanadas Details

Service options
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options

Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Usually a wait
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Mama's Empanadas Photos

Mama's Empanadas Location

Mama's Empanadas

New York Queens County Jackson Heights Northern Boulevard

85-05 Northern Blvd, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA

Mama's Empanadas Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 2174 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I stopped by Mama’s Empanadas and left super disappointed. I ordered a chicken empanada and it was basically just mashed potatoes barely any chicken at all. The “ají” they gave me was more like a watery fake guacamole, not even close to the real thing.Then came the worst part: my total was $5.33 and they refused to let me pay with my debit card, claiming they have a $10 minimum. I told them that’s illegal in New York, but they didn’t care at all. I had to pay in cash and reported them to the city.Definitely won’t be coming back. Bring cash and low expectations if you do.
July 29 · Michelle Londono
The food is absolutely amazing but be on time.thank you so much I appreciate you ❤️ 💗
August 27 · Amanda Simmonds
I've been coming here for years and years, and they're always reliable. The empanadas are great to feed a large group of people. They're great when you're coming home from the bar at 2 AM. Seriously, I'm thankful for this place.
August 01 · No Way
We just moved into the area and walked into this place for the first time ever on June 18th, 2025 and this is exactly what happened:I see the "Egg, Spinach and Feta" option right on the top left corner of their menu, posted large on the wall. I ordered two. 10 minutes later I got the order. As I bite into it, I see that I got eggs, meat and yellow cheese. No spinach. No feta. They clearly gave me wrong empanadas, but hey, things happen, not the end of the world. I was in a little rush and the food was tasty, I decided to just finish them and go, which I did.That evening, I told my wife about the place, how incredibly tasty their empanadas are, even though I got something different from what I wanted. We decided to go there for an afternoon snack the next day.On June 19 we walked in there about 2pm and the first thing I told them was: "Yesterday, I ordered Egg, Spinach and Feta", but instead I got Egg with meat and yellow cheese. I'm guessing they gave me something from your breakfast menu, which is absolutely fine, it was delicious anyway. So today I really want to get Egg, Spinach and Feta, do you have that?" The ladies (2 of them, one of whom took the order from me the day before) tell me: "Yes, we do. It's spinach and mozzarella. Is that what you want?" Both me and my wife assumed that they mean "yes, we have it, but it's with "mozzarella" instead of "feta" and I answered "yes, please, can I have 2". After that my wife chose another 2 and we ordered. We were planning to get some Starbucks later and eat the empanadas with coffee, so we took the order in about 5 minutes and left.Long story short, in about 45 minutes I take a big bite into one of my empanadas and it has ZERO eggs, only spinach and mozzarella. I threw it into the garage, took the other one and came back to the restaurant. I see the same lady who took my order, give her that one empanada and I ask: "Excuse me, I got the wrong thing again - do you have the actual Egg, Spinach and Feta option?" Her first response is: "Oh no, we don't have that", to which I responded: "But it's right there, on the top of your menu". The second lady steps in and goes: "Yes we DO have it, but did you ACTUALLY say EGG, SPINACH AND FETA or just "spinach and cheese"?", to which the first lady adds: "I specifically remember repeating the order to you and you said "yes" to "spinach and mozzarella"". At that point I was so flabbergasted, I just said: "No, for 2 days in a row I keep ordering"EGG SPINACH AND FETA", but keep getting the wrong thing over and over... Can you please fix this?" The lady ignores me again and goes "Well, I remember repeating the order back to you and you confirming to me, but ok, we'll fix it..."I wait for about 5 minutes and the lady gives me ONE empanada. As I take the bag, I ask: "Why just one, I don't understand?!", to which she replies "That's what you returned to me and that's what you get". Obviously I am upset and I go: "So for two days you keep taking my money, getting my orders wrong and you have the audacity to give me ONE supposedly correct type of empanada at the end?!" Her reply - "Well, you ATE the other one!" Me - "No, I took a bite, realized that it was a wrong one AGAIN and threw it in the garage, I wouldn't bring half eaten food into the restaurant, it's disgusting. I brought you the other one so you may see that it's the wrong type." Them - "Well, you should have brought it. That's what you get. If you have a problem, call the number on your receipt and complain there!!!" Then both of them literally, PHYSICALLY turn their back towards me so I will stop talking to them and leave...I left the "replaced" empanada on the counter in front of them and left the restaurant completely humiliated and bullied. They made it look like I was trying to hustle them for free food in front of all the people in the restaurant...By the time I got home I was shaking. My wife went back there to confront them and they admitted that they mishandled the situation, offered empanadas, but of course she refused. WE WON'T BE BACK. EVER.
June 19 · LILLY MAZE
IF I COULD GIVE ZERO STARS I WOULD! The cashier is extremely rude and has a nasty attitude that steers away customers ! I have been coming here for years and never had a problem until her. They took 30 minutes for 3 empanadas. She needs to learn customer service rather than telling a paying customer to not come back. Overall she’s a Bad look for the restaurant !
July 15 · D'Andra Rowe