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Criollas @ Columbus Circle Underground MarketBWorth Trying

Name: Criollas @ Columbus Circle Underground Market
Address: 1000S 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, New York, United States
Rating: 4.8

1000S 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019 · Argentinian restaurant · 4.8/5 Google (530 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout

Excellent baked Argentinian empanadas in the Turnstyle subway market; fast, friendly, and flavorful, with some complaints about price, occasional sogginess, and a few isolated food safety reports.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Criollas @ Columbus Circle Underground Market delivers excellent food quality with flaky, well-stuffed empanadas and attentive, friendly service that makes it a solid neighborhood choice. However, occasional consistency issues—soggy or lukewarm items during busy periods—and isolated food safety reports prevent a higher grade. The convenient Turnstyle location and fast counter service suit grab-and-go diners well, though the market setting lacks the ambiance or destination appeal of full-service restaurants.

Restaurant Summary

Down in Turnstyle, the kiosk hums with subway energy and the smell of freshly baked pastry, a handy stop for grab-and-go comfort. Reviewers gush about thick, well-stuffed empanadas and friendly counter service, calling them picnic-perfect for Central Park. One diner noted they "devoured three in one sitting" and praised the flaky baked crust. The culinary approach leans classic Argentinian and produce-driven: elevated traditional fillings like Malbec-beef, ham and cheese, spinach-asiago, and smoked chicken, baked rather than fried. Portions are generous for the style, and boxes make it easy to sample. A few guests found prices a touch high and reported occasional sogginess when items sat. For families, this is an easy win: kids can latch onto ham and cheese or caprese, while adults explore beef or spinach. No dedicated kids menu, but the hand-held format suits strollers-on-the-go. Desserts like alfajores sweeten the deal, though seating depends on shared market space or taking food to the park.

At a Glance

Flaky baked empanadas with generous fillings and fast, friendly service
Convenient Turnstyle location ideal for quick meals and park picnics
Pricing feels a bit high to some for portion size and add-ons
Intermittent reports of sogginess or lukewarm items during busy periods
A few food safety complaints; likely isolated but worth noting

What Sets It Apart

baked_not_fried_empanadas
turnstyle_subway_location
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What People Love

Thick, well-stuffed empanadas
Baked not fried pastry
Friendly, speedy counter crew
Easy access inside Turnstyle

Points of Concern

Pricing can add up, especially with sauces or drinks
Occasional quality dips: soggy or reheated texture reported by a minority
A few food safety complaints over multiple years; not a dominant pattern but non-trivial
Review patterns include some marketing-style language; largely authentic overall

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$18-$25 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

For vegetarians: Spinach - Asiago or Caprese empanadas
For value: Box of 3 ($13.90-$18.45) or Lunch Special (2 empanadas + soup $13.90)
For dessert fans: Alfajor Coco (gluten-free) at $3.50

Perfect For

Quick pre-park lunch stop
Casual snack between meetings
Sampling Argentinian bites without a sit-down meal
Take-home boxes for group sharing

Location Insights

Area: Busy transit hub beneath Columbus Circle; commuter flow with tourist spillover from Central Park and Midtown.

Safety: Well-trafficked, generally safe indoor market; typical subway bustle and security presence.

Nearby: Directly in Turnstyle Underground Market; near Central Park, Time Warner Center, theaters, and offices.

Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen offers a diverse dining environment ranging from casual eateries and ethnic restaurants to upscale dining. The area is popular for its energetic nightlife, accessibility to Broadway theaters, and a community-oriented feel despite its urban setting.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–20:00 Tuesday11:00–20:00 Wednesday11:00–20:00 Thursday11:00–20:00 Friday11:00–20:00 Saturday11:00–20:00 Sunday11:00–20:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout

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