The Empanada Times

- 192 Main St, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035

For residents across New Jersey searching for a taste of authentic, soulful Spanish and Latin-inspired cuisine, look no further than The Empanada Times, a true hidden gem located right in Lincoln Park. This family-owned and operated establishment goes beyond the conventional "Spanish restaurant" title by specializing in one of the region's most beloved and versatile comfort foods: the empanada. However, their menu is a careful blend of traditional family recipes, often with Puerto Rican roots, and innovative American flavors, offering a culinary bridge that honors heritage while embracing creativity.

The atmosphere at The Empanada Times is described by local patrons as casual and cozy, creating a welcoming environment that feels instantly familiar. It is a place where you can quickly grab a bite or settle in for a comforting lunch or dinner. The commitment to authentic flavor is immediately apparent, with customers often praising the fresh ingredients and well-seasoned dishes that transport them back to the flavors of home-cooked meals. This dedication to quality and a warm, hospitable service has made it a highly popular spot for solo diners, as well as a great option for families, thanks to its kid-friendly nature and appealing offerings.

While the name clearly spotlights the star—the empanada—the menu offers a robust selection of main plates, sandwiches, and traditional sides that are often hard to find prepared with this level of authenticity in North Jersey. They are masters of small plates, comfort food, and quick bites, making it the ideal spot for a satisfying and flavorful meal without the formality of a high-end restaurant. The unique combination of classic Latin staples with creative new flavors ensures The Empanada Times is a place you will want to return to again and again.

The Empanada Times is conveniently located in the heart of Lincoln Park, New Jersey, providing easy access for local residents in Morris County and surrounding areas.

Address: 192 Main St, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035

Situated on Main Street, the restaurant is easy to find. For patrons arriving by car, parking is simplified as the location offers free street parking in the vicinity. This is a practical convenience appreciated by local customers who are often rushing during lunch or dinner hours. In terms of physical accessibility, the restaurant has taken care to ensure all guests can comfortably visit, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot. This commitment to accessibility makes it a welcoming spot for the entire community. For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, the location is well-equipped for efficient takeout and delivery service.

The Empanada Times provides a full suite of services focused on customer convenience and a flexible dining experience for the busy New Jersey lifestyle.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy a meal in their casual and cozy setting, perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Takeout Options: Orders can be quickly prepared for pickup, allowing customers to easily grab a quick bite.
• Delivery Service: Conveniently offering delivery, ensuring you can enjoy their signature empanadas and main plates from the comfort of your home or office.
• Flexible Meal Options: Popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, the menu is built around comfort food, quick bites, and small plates, ideal for any time of day.
• Payment Versatility: Accepts modern payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a quick checkout process.
• Family-Friendly: Recognized as being good for kids, making it a stress-free option for families.
• Outdoor Pet Policy: Dogs are permitted outside, offering an excellent option for pet owners who want to grab a quick bite.
• Catering / Large Orders: Based on the nature of their main product (empanadas), the restaurant is well-suited to handle large orders for parties, events, or office catering, though customers are advised to call ahead.

The Empanada Times has earned a glowing local reputation by focusing on a few distinct and exceptional features that truly set them apart in the New Jersey culinary landscape.

• The Empanada Selection: The core highlight is the incredible variety and quality of the empanadas. They offer an exciting mix of traditional Latin flavors (Beef & Potato, Beef & Plantain, Chipotle Chicken) and inventive fusion fillings (Bacon Mac & Cheese, Philly Cheese Steak, Margherita Pizza). Reviews consistently highlight the incredibly fresh ingredients, well-seasoned fillings, and, notably, "the best" flaky shell.
• Authentic Main Plates: The 'Build Your Own' main plate is a standout for customization and authenticity. Patrons can choose their base of White Rice or Yellow Rice, pair it with savory Red Beans or flavorful Black Beans (highly praised by customers for its richness), select a side like Tostones (Fried Plantains) or Sweet Plantains, and then add a protein like Chicken, Ropa Vieja (Braised Beef), or Pernil (Roast Pork). The Ropa Vieja, in particular, has received fervent praise for tasting just like a homemade, authentic preparation.
• The Cuban Sandwich: A must-try item is their Cuban Sandwich, which is served on a Cuban roll with shredded roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. This classic pressed sandwich is a popular and highly-rated menu item, offering a perfect, savory counterpoint to the empanadas.
• Unique Vegetarian and Dessert Empanadas: The menu is not just meat-centric; it caters to all palates. Unique offerings like the 'Dahl' (curried lentils) empanada are a delightful surprise for those seeking vegetarian or internationally inspired flavors. For dessert, sweet options like Guava & Cheese, Sweet Potato Pie, and Apple Crisp empanadas showcase their versatility and provide a perfect finish to the meal.
• Value-Packed Sides: The sides menu features essential Latin comfort food, including perfectly made Sweet Plantains and the Tostones with Ropa Vieja & Pico de Gallo—a small plate that is a meal in itself and a great way to sample two signature dishes.

For orders, inquiries, or to check on large-order availability at The Empanada Times in Lincoln Park, NJ, please use the following contact details:

Address: 192 Main St, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035

Phone: (973) 987-3303

Mobile Phone: +1 973-987-3303

The Empanada Times is absolutely worth choosing for any New Jersey resident looking for authentic Latin comfort food delivered with passion, quality, and creativity. This is a place where every item on the menu, especially the signature empanadas, is crafted with attention to detail. The fact that the restaurant has successfully expanded from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar location is a testament to the quality and popularity of their unique vision—combining traditional recipes, often from Puerto Rican roots, with innovative fusion fillings.

What truly sells The Empanada Times is the sheer flavor and homemade feel of their food. Customer reviews consistently highlight the incredible authenticity of dishes like the Ropa Vieja and the depth of flavor in the black beans, calling it a "trip back home through my belly." Choosing the 'Build Your Own' plate allows for a personalized, hearty, and authentic meal, while the array of empanadas provides a perfect, quick, and shareable small-plate experience. For a fun twist, the unique offerings like the Chipotle Chicken, Bacon Mac & Cheese, or Dahl empanadas make it an exciting spot for food enthusiasts.

In an area that can sometimes lack true, authentic, non-chain options, The Empanada Times fills a vital niche. It offers a cozy, friendly, and unpretentious environment, all while serving up some of the most flavorful and satisfying comfort food in the region. Whether you are grabbing a handful of empanadas for a quick lunch, ordering a Family Platter for a weekend gathering, or enjoying a slow dinner of Ropa Vieja and plantains, this Lincoln Park establishment offers exceptional value and a delicious, authentic experience that will quickly become your new favorite spot.

The Empanada Times

192 Main St, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035, USA