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Empanada CityBWorth Trying
48 Cypress Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
· Dominican restaurant, Coffee shop, Dessert restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (272 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Fast, affordable Caribbean-style empanadas with many fillings and quick counter service; labeling and occasional order accuracy issues are the main drawbacks.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Empanada City delivers reliable neighborhood comfort with solid food quality highlighted by standout fillings like ropa vieja and shrimp, paired with exceptional speed that gets orders ready in minutes. However, inconsistent execution—labeling errors, occasional dryness, and cold items—prevents higher performance, while the casual storefront setting lacks destination appeal. Best appreciated as a quick, affordable local favorite rather than a dining destination.
Restaurant Summary
Empanada City is the neighborhood spot where crisp, golden turnovers fly out fast and the room stays cozy and casual. Guests rave about the ropa vieja and shrimp fillings, with one noting, "the fry was perfect and the fillings were generous." Expect quick counter service and a steady local crowd; the main gripe is sorting mixed orders when labels are hard to read. Cooking leans traditional and comforting, more bodega-adjacent than chefly theatrics. Think Cuban and pastelon, guava-cheese for dessert, and tart passion fruit limeade. It is a place for satisfying, budget-friendly bites rather than long, plated meals—great when you want flavor and speed without fuss. Families will find it kid friendly thanks to pizza, cheese, chicken, and sweet plantain options, plus flan and tres leches. Just note: group orders can be tricky to identify without visible stamps, so ask for clearer separation to avoid kids grabbing the wrong filling.
At a Glance
- Fast, friendly counter service with orders ready in minutes
- Standout fillings like ropa vieja and shrimp win repeat visits
- Strong value at $3-$4 per empanada
- Labeling and bagging make group orders confusing
- Occasional dryness/grease and rare cold items
What Sets It Apart
- wide_empanada_variety
- branded_dough_initials
- fast_counter_service
What People Love
- Crispy, non-greasy fry when on point
- Hearty ropa vieja flavor
- Refreshing passion fruit limeade
- Lots of vegetarian-friendly choices
Points of Concern
- Labeling confusion on multi-item orders; stamps can be hard to read
- Occasional order accuracy issues or missing items via delivery
- Some reports of dryness or greasiness; one illness claim tied to chicken
- Phone not answered late; limited help arranging refunds
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$13-$22 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Build a sampler: 2 signature ($8) + 2 traditional ($6) + limeade ($4.50) ≈ $18.50
- Vegetarian trio: Spinach & Ricotta, Broccoli & Mozzarella, Pizza ($9 total)
- Dessert finish: Flan ($5-$6.50) or Guava & Cheese ($3)
Perfect For
- Quick weekday lunch near Bushwick
- Casual takeout for movie night
- Affordable snacks before bar-hopping
- Sweet-tooth stop for guava-cheese or flan
Location Insights
Area: Creative-industrial Bushwick block with locals, artists, and casual foot traffic; informal vibe.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban awareness advised at night.
Nearby: Near warehouses, cafes, bars, and street art; convenient for quick bites and casual meetups.
BushwickBushwick is known for its thriving arts scene, industrial-chic vibe, and a growing number of trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes. The dining environment is eclectic, ranging from authentic Latin American eateries to innovative fusion spots, attracting a mix of locals and visitors seeking a hip yet authentic Brooklyn experience.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–20:00
Tuesday11:00–20:00
Wednesday11:00–20:00
Thursday11:00–20:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday11:00–21:00
Sunday11:00–19:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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