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Maria Empanada - South BroadwayBWorth Trying
1298 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210
· Argentinian restaurant, Family restaurant, Latin American restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (2672 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Excellent baked empanadas in a stylish South Broadway cafe with many vegetarian choices; value is fair-to-good at about $20–30 per person, but service warmth can vary and some long-time regulars report recipe changes since 2023.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Maria Empanada delivers solid execution across food quality and service warmth, with a stylish interior that makes it a comfortable neighborhood spot. However, texture and recipe variability since 2023 prevents higher performance, and the casual cafe format lacks the polish or destination appeal of grade A establishments. Worth visiting for fresh, thoughtfully seasoned empanadas and a welcoming South Broadway setting.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels like an Argentinian cafe set down on South Broadway—warm and inviting with stamped empanadas, good light, and a hum of conversation. A guest put it simply: "fresh, crisp, and thoughtfully seasoned." Service is usually friendly, though a few found it polite but clinical at the counter. The cooking leans traditional and produce-forward—baked not fried empanadas with fillings like steak, sweet corn, caprese, and braised chicken, plus chimichurri and sweets. It is an easy fit for quick lunches, coffee meetups, and casual dates rather than fine dining; fans praise balanced flavors, while some long-time regulars note a recipe shift since 2023. For families, this is quite approachable. Kids tend to like ham and cheese, egg and potato, or dessert items, and prices are predictable at about five dollars per piece. There is no kids menu, but the simple fillings make ordering easy; picky eaters should focus on the milder options.
At a Glance
- Fresh, flavorful baked empanadas with many vegetarian options
- Stylish cafe space suited to working or relaxed meetups
- Service warmth varies; counter model can feel clinical
- Long-time regulars cite recipe/texture changes since 2023
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- stamped-empanada labeling
- empanada-making events
- baked Argentinian style
What People Love
- Balanced, not-greasy fillings
- Crisp baked crust
- Sauce tastings for first-timers
- Stamped labels that make sharing easy
- Comfortable, attractive space
Points of Concern
- Service can feel transactional during busy times; friendliness varies by staffer
- Some repeat customers report dough and flavor changes since 2023
- Pricing feels a bit high to some for portion size (about $5 per empanada)
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$22-32 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Build a trio: one classic (Argentina), one chicken (Diego or Sierra), one veg (Corn or Caprese)
- Add chimichurri and a coffee; consider alfajores if you prefer firmer sweets
Perfect For
- Casual lunch on South Broadway
- Coffee and a light bite with a friend
- Quick solo meal while working
- Takeout for small gatherings
Location Insights
Area: Trendy South Broadway stretch with cafes, boutiques, and nightlife; attracts locals and visitors alike.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; standard urban awareness recommended, especially late.
Nearby: Shops, bars, and coffeehouses nearby; mountains visible from some vantages; parking can be tricky at peak times.
South BroadwaySouth Broadway is characterized by its laid-back, bohemian feel with a strong emphasis on independent businesses and local culture. The dining scene is casual and diverse, featuring a range of ethnic cuisines, comfort food, and trendy spots popular for social gatherings and nightlife.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:30–20:30
Tuesday07:30–20:30
Wednesday07:30–20:30
Thursday07:30–20:30
Friday07:30–20:30
Saturday07:30–20:30
Sunday09:00–20:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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