O'LaLa Empanadas

- 600 Communipaw Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304

For New Jersey residents seeking a culinary experience that is both authentic and creatively fused with global flavors, O'LaLa Empanadas stands out as a must-visit destination in Jersey City. This isn't just another eatery; it's a dedicated Puerto Rican restaurant established to share cherished family recipes, paying tribute to the rich culinary history that the family brought from Puerto Rico to Jersey City. The name itself, "O'LaLa," is a playful nod to the common interjection of delight from customers and a tribute to the family matriarch, LaLa, ensuring every dish is true to its homemade, authentic roots.

Located on Communipaw Avenue, O'LaLa Empanadas has cultivated a reputation for its incredibly diverse menu, which extends far beyond the traditional concept of an empanada. While the savory, perfectly folded pastries are the star, the menu showcases a genuine cultural infusion, offering everything from classic Puerto Rican comfort food like Pastelon and Roast Pork Entrees, to unique culinary blends such as the popular Arroz Chaufa, a Chinese/Peruvian stir-fried rice fusion. This commitment to variety and quality ensures that every visit offers a delightful exploration of Latin American and international cuisine.

O'LaLa Empanadas in Jersey City, NJ, is a vibrant local establishment that specializes in delivering the rich, authentic tastes of Puerto Rican cuisine with a creative, international twist. The core of their offering is, naturally, the empanada, which they offer in an impressive range of fillings. From the simple, satisfying Traditional Empanadas like Beef, Chicken, and 3 Cheese, to their adventurous Signature, Deluxe, and Premium varieties, there is an empanada for every palate. Signature options like the "Rhythm and Blues Deluxe Empanada" (baked mac and cheese) and the "Little Tokyo Premium Empanada" (Teriyaki chicken and broccoli) exemplify their innovative approach to a classic snack.

Beyond the signature pastries, O'LaLa serves full, satisfying meals, including classic Delicious Dishes like Grilled Chicken, Fried Fish, and Tender Steak Entrees. These generous meals, along with hearty hot sandwiches such as the El Cubano and El Taino, are served with a commitment to providing an affordable, high-quality dining experience. The restaurant is deeply rooted in the Jersey City community, reflecting the diversity and cultural fusion that defines the area. This welcoming, family-focused approach, where every meal is "cooked-to-order and made with love," is what turns first-time visitors into loyal, repeat customers.

Conveniently situated in a bustling section of Jersey City, O'LaLa Empanadas is an easily accessible culinary hub for the local New Jersey community. Its address places it squarely in a central area, ensuring easy access for dining, takeout, and delivery:

• Address: 600 Communipaw Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304, USA

The location on Communipaw Avenue is well-served by local transit options, making it simple for people across Jersey City to drop by for a quick lunch or dinner. The restaurant offers flexible ways to pay, accepting both Debit cards and modern NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and effortless. Furthermore, for those looking to enjoy a meal in the warm New Jersey weather, the restaurant provides outdoor seating where dogs are allowed, creating a relaxed, pet-friendly dining environment.

O'LaLa Empanadas provides a full range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers, from individual dining to large group events:

• Dine-in: Customers can enjoy the casual, homey atmosphere for lunch or dinner.
• Takeout: Perfect for a quick, on-the-go meal of their famous empanadas and sandwiches.
• Delivery: Offering the convenience of having their authentic Puerto Rican and international fare delivered right to your door in the Jersey City area.
• Catering: They are highly recommended for catering events, offering rich, authentic flavors and professional, top-notch communication for parties, corporate events, and gatherings.
• Beverage Options: The menu includes a selection of beer and other alcoholic beverages, in addition to tropical and classic non-alcoholic options like Chilltown Iced Tea, Coco Loco, and Tropical Juices.
• Reservations Accepted: Guests have the option to accept reservations for planning group meals or special occasions.
• Outdoor Dining: Enjoying a meal on-site is made more pleasant with available outdoor seating.

O'LaLa Empanadas is celebrated across New Jersey for its unique concept and commitment to culinary excellence, showcased by these key features:

• The Empanada Spectrum: They offer over fifteen different empanada fillings, ranging from traditional Beef and Chicken to the globally-inspired "Little Tokyo," "Mardi Gras," and "Bay of Naples" options.
• Cultural Fusion Cuisine: A highlight of the menu is the popular Arroz Chaufa, a Chinese/Peruvian-style stirred fried rice that reflects the historical and modern fusion of world cultures, a core value of the restaurant.
• Signature Sides and Sauces: The entrees are complemented by classic Latin sides like Rice, Beans, Sweet Plantains, and Tostones, and customers can enhance their meal with "Abuelito's Favorite Sauces" such as Chipotle Aioli, Garlic Aioli, and Chimi Chimi Sauce for a small extra charge.
• Sweet Endings: The dessert menu features creative dessert empanadas like the Cheesecake Heaven Empanada and The Love Potion Empanada (guava and cream cheese), alongside classic Tres Leches Cake.
• Family-Oriented Values: The restaurant is built on sharing mom's delicious recipes (LaLa's recipes) and maintains an affordable dining experience, consistently providing high-quality food that is cooked-to-order.
• Value Meals: A selection of value meal combos, such as the O'LaLa Traditional Trio and Value Meals like La Grande Original, offers excellent portions and variety for individuals and families at a great price point.
• Reputation for Excellent Catering: Customers consistently praise their catering services for the rich, authentic flavors, wide variety, and exceptional communication and professionalism of the staff.

To plan a visit, place a delivery order, or inquire about their highly-rated catering services, customers in New Jersey can use the following details:

• Address: 600 Communipaw Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304, USA
• Phone: (201) 360-3546

For Jersey City residents and New Jersey food enthusiasts, O'LaLa Empanadas is a choice that offers exceptional value, flavor, and cultural authenticity. It is a genuine, family-run establishment committed to sharing high-quality, homemade recipes. What makes it particularly worth choosing is the sheer variety and creativity of its menu—you can try a new empanada on every visit without running out of options. The ability to find traditional Puerto Rican favorites alongside globally-inspired fusion dishes like the Little Tokyo Empanada or Arroz Chaufa makes O'LaLa a truly unique culinary destination.

While one customer mentioned the interior might not be the "nicest restaurant," the unanimous five-star rating for the food and the rave reviews about the "amazing" steak and cheese empanadas and "excellent" rice confirm that the quality of the cooking is the top priority. The consistency and authenticity of the flavors—often described as tasting like "grama made all the food"—speak directly to the restaurant's commitment to its family heritage. When you choose O'LaLa Empanadas, you're not just getting a meal; you are experiencing a piece of Jersey City's vibrant, culturally fused food scene, perfect for lunch, catering an event, or simply grabbing a flavorful, satisfying quick bite.

O'LaLa Empanadas

600 Communipaw Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304, USA