The Empanada Truck

- 526 E 18th St, Paterson, NJ 07514

When New Jersey locals are searching for quick, authentic, and delicious Latin American street food, one name consistently pops up: The Empanada Truck. While its name suggests a mobile operation, this establishment has a fixed location in Paterson, becoming a local landmark for those craving savory, handheld comfort food and tropical flavors. It stands as a vibrant hub for Latin American cuisine, specializing in a vast array of empanadas but offering a full menu that stretches across Caribbean delights, sandwiches, and fresh, blended smoothies.

For residents across North Jersey and beyond, The Empanada Truck offers a taste of the Caribbean and Latin America that’s both accessible and satisfying. The menu is crafted around classic, bold flavors, making it a perfect spot for both a quick lunch run and a family takeout dinner. Whether you're an empanada enthusiast or looking to try an authentic Caribbean dish like Yaroa, this Paterson location has become a must-visit for regional food lovers.

The focus on 'comfort food' and 'small plates' ensures that patrons can enjoy a variety of offerings in one visit, from savory beef picadillo empanadas to sweet apple cinnamon fillings. The commitment to providing a 'quick bite' makes it an essential part of the local dining landscape, catering to busy New Jersey schedules without compromising on flavor or authenticity.

Location and Accessibility

The main stationary point for one of The Empanada Truck's operations is conveniently located in Paterson, New Jersey.

Address: 526 E 18th St, Paterson, NJ 07514, USA

This location places it within easy reach for many residents and workers in the greater Paterson area. As a dedicated source for takeout and delivery, its accessibility is further enhanced by its seamless integration with popular modern food services. Customers can swing by for a quick pickup or rely on their preferred delivery app to bring the Latin flavors right to their door. While the atmosphere is described as casual and trendy, its core focus is on serving quality food efficiently, perfect for a fast-paced New Jersey lifestyle. The establishment is also known to be good for kids, making it a viable option for families seeking a flavorful meal. Accepted payments include credit cards, adding to the convenience for local patrons.

Services Offered

The Empanada Truck prides itself on flexibility and customer convenience, offering a range of services tailored to the busy lifestyle of New Jersey residents.

• Delivery: For maximum convenience, the full menu is available for delivery, ensuring that hot, fresh Latin American cuisine can be enjoyed at home or work.
• Takeout: Customers can place an order and pick it up quickly, making it an excellent choice for a quick lunch break or dinner on the go.
• Comfort Food Selection: The menu is built on satisfying, hearty 'comfort food' options, providing filling and flavorful meals.
• Quick Bites and Small Plates: An ideal spot for those needing a fast meal or wishing to sample several items without committing to a large entrée, fitting perfectly into the 'quick bite' and 'small plates' categories.
• Large-Format Picadera: Catering to family gatherings or parties, the menu offers a 'Jumbo Picadera' sampler, perfect for sharing the Latin American experience with a group.

Features / Highlights

What makes The Empanada Truck a standout choice for Latin American food in New Jersey is its diverse menu and dedication to core Latin and Caribbean specialties. The following features highlight the unique value this establishment offers to the local community:

• Vast Empanada Variety: With at least ten types of traditional empanadas, from the savory Beef Picadillo and Cuban Pork Pernil to the sweet Apple Cinnamon and Oreos & Chocolate, there is an empanada for every taste. The base price of $2.00 per empanada makes them highly affordable for sampling.
• Authentic Caribbean Specialties: The menu features unique items like Yaroa (a Dominican street food casserole with layers of fries or plantains, meat, and cheese), and Caribbean Patties, including Jerk Chicken and Spicy Mango Chicken, appealing to those seeking genuine regional flavors.
• Specialty Corn and Yuca Empanadas: Beyond the classic wheat flour pastry, the truck offers Corn Empanadas and Cativias (Empanadas made with yuca), providing a gluten-friendly option and a unique texture experience.
• Fresh, Tropical Smoothies: A wide array of tropical smoothies—such as Mamey, Guanabana, Papaya, and the Morir Soñando Juice—offers a refreshing complement to the rich and savory food items, a true taste of the tropics.
• Diverse Menu for Full Meals: From the El Cubanito Sandwich and hearty Burgers to full Platters like Crispy Pork Chicharron and Crispy Chicharron De Pollo served with Arroz Amarillo (saffron yellow rice), the menu supports a satisfying, complete meal, not just snacks.
• Affordable Pricing: With most empanadas priced at $2.00, and sandwiches and quesadillas averaging under $7.50, the offerings are exceptionally budget-friendly for high-quality, freshly prepared Latin cuisine.

Contact Information

For New Jersey residents looking to place an order, make an inquiry, or visit the location, here is the essential contact information for The Empanada Truck:

Address: 526 E 18th St, Paterson, NJ 07514, USA

Phone: (609) 592-8074

Mobile Phone: +1 609-592-8074

Note: While the listed address is the physical location for this truck's operation, The Empanada Truck is known to have a fleet that attends various events across New Jersey. It is always recommended to check the specific operating hours for the Paterson location, as business hours for food operations can change.

What Is Worth Choosing

The Empanada Truck is more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it's a culinary destination in North Jersey for lovers of Latin American and Caribbean comfort food. What truly makes it a worthwhile choice is the sheer variety and authenticity packed into a concise menu.

The empanadas themselves are the star, offering a spectrum of flavors. You can experience the savory depth of the Beef & Cheese or the rich, slow-cooked flavor of the Cuban Pork Pernil. Then, shift gears completely with a sweet finish, such as the unique Apple Cinnamon or the indulgent Oreos & Chocolate empanada. This diversity ensures that whether you're craving a traditional Latin snack or a creative dessert, The Empanada Truck delivers.

Furthermore, a notable must-try is the Yaroa, a quintessential Dominican street food that is a rare find outside of specialized establishments. This layered dish—featuring a base of fries or plantains topped with savory meat and melted cheese—is the ultimate comfort meal and a reason alone to visit this Paterson spot.

The quality extends to their beverage selection as well. Instead of standard soda, customers can pair their meal with a genuinely refreshing and vibrant Tropical Smoothie. The Banana, Mango, and Passion Fruit smoothies are perfectly blended to provide a tropical counterpoint to the rich, fried flavors of the food. For those seeking health-focused options, the Detox juices like the Super Green Juice and Super Red Juice demonstrate an effort to provide variety.

While all businesses face challenges with service speed, as noted in a customer review, the high quality and authentic flavors of the food consistently draw people in. One reviewer highlighted the freshness and heat of their order, specifically praising the pork maduro and the unexpectedly delicious apple cinnamon empanada. The Empanada Truck has successfully cultivated a menu that appeals to those seeking a true taste of Latin America without a long sit-down restaurant experience. Its commitment to offering a full range of comfort food, from Rellenos (stuffed root vegetable balls) and Caribbean Patties to full platters and sandwiches, makes it a reliable and exciting local food choice for the New Jersey community. For a quick, flavorful, and authentic Latin American experience, The Empanada Truck remains a popular and highly recommended destination in Paterson.

The Empanada Truck

526 E 18th St, Paterson, NJ 07514, USA