Empanada Spanish Grill

Friendly staff, very cute interior, fresh good food. Great place for a quick bite. Empanadas were very fresh, and the chicken was very good, crispy and flavorful outside with soft and moist inside. Would visit again for a quick bite.

This Puerto Rican spot is worth the stop! The set up is interesting, one owner, two separate eateries… on one side they have sandwiches and the other side you can buy full meals … you can bring food from one storefront to the next … so we took advantage of having Cuban sandwiches, empanadas and rice in beans … a little bit of everything to try!! Yummy 😋 The service is amazing and so authentic… love it Come and enjoy !!

Should one choose to embark on an empanada expedition? Look no further than a visit to this establishment, as the star attraction is their daily assortment of baked empanadas, such as beef stew empanadas, Cuban sandwich empanadas, etc. Tucked in a corner off of Market Street in Clifton, Empanada Spanish Grill is a family-owned business much like a visit to the island of Puerto Rico, with its artwork lining the walls preparing one for exactly how delicious the food will be. I paid them a visit as a first-timer for lunch today, with heavy foot traffic for takeout orders and dining in.The menu isn’t extensive, but the variety of choices features authentic Puerto Rican cuisine such as freshly cooked pernil, barbecue pollo, oxtail, and much more. As an appetizer, I decided on their Cuban sandwich empanada. It was soft and chewy—not crispy-fried but a tad salty. For the main meal, I opted for their special: a plate of beef stew (carne guisado) with white rice and black beans. The food was incredible, as everything was made fresh, authentic, and reasonably priced. The owner and staff were very welcoming and friendly. I can recommend this place.

I just enjoyed the tripleta. Quote possibly the best sandwich I’ve ever had in my life. So good that it compelled me to write this review.

I was looking for lunch and came across this restaurant. When I arrived I parked on the street nearby. I walked in and went to the counter. They had food made on display and I went with the chicken stew and 2 chicken empanadas. One of them had mole sauce! I paid and left. The first thing I ate was the chicken and mole sauce empanada, and that was ok. The plain chicken one was much better! The chicken stew dish was pretty good and very filling. I enjoyed my overall experience.

Very good. Hard to find good Puerto Rican food in northern NJ. I had white rice, pink beans and pernil. Rice was perfect. Beans had great texture were a bit light on salt but, still good. Pernil had good flavor. Had an alcapurria (see pic). It was more dough than substance. I will pass on this. Also had a cheeseburger empanada (see pic). I was surprised that they are baked because Puerto Ricans fry them. I will not hold it against them because it was excellent. I enjoyed it very much. Prices are fair. I will definitely come back.

The empanadas here are amazing. They are baked instead of fried, which gives you a healthier option, and they are packed, not like other places where the empanadillas are like an empty bag of chips. Over 100 different variations of flavors and types. Definitely recommend.

The empanadas are the best… baked not fried! Cheeseburger empanada for the win. This is a hidden gem in Clifton and family owner. I will continue to support local mom and pop spots!

They remain a staple on Market Street. Family run -- been around a while. They also have a coffee place next door. Their decor is Caribbean fun. They are popular for their empanadas and the platters are priced reasonably. The owner makes his own hot sauce -- which are always great. I try to come here as often as I can

Everytime I walk in here, I feel like I'm family. The guys are so nice and help you with deciding which empanada to eat today. I get so full on 2 empanadas because they are stuffed with meat, cheese & veggies. Did I mention they are figure friendly? BAKED EMPANADAS

A family neighbor restaurant that cooks, serves and welcomes you with authentic food and love. Please stop by and share your love, but remember to feed your palate.

Overall a good spot to grab lunch. I don't love a baked empanada. Prices are good. Workers are nice.

Should one choose to embark on an empanada expedition? Look no further than a visit to this establishment, as the star attraction is their daily assortment of baked empanadas, such as beef stew empanadas, Cuban sandwich empanadas, etc. Tucked in a corner off of Market Street in Clifton, Empanada Spanish Grill is a family-owned business much like a visit to the island of Puerto Rico, with its artwork lining the walls preparing one for exactly how delicious the food will be. I paid them a visit as a first-timer for lunch today, with heavy foot traffic for takeout orders and dining in.The menu isn't extensive, but the variety of choices features authentic Puerto Rican cuisine such as freshly cooked pernil, barbecue pollo, oxtail, and much more. As an appetizer, I decided on their Cuban sandwich empanada. It was soft and chewy--not crispy-fried but a tad salty. For the main meal, I opted for their special: a plate of beef stew (carne guisado) with white rice and black beans. The food was incredible, as everything was made fresh, authentic, and reasonably priced. The owner and staff were very welcoming and friendly. I can recommend this place.

I was looking for lunch and came across this restaurant. When I arrived I parked on the street nearby. I walked in and went to the counter. They had food made on display and I went with the chicken stew and 2 chicken empanadas. One of them had mole sauce! I paid and left. The first thing I ate was the chicken and mole sauce empanada, and that was ok. The plain chicken one was much better! The chicken stew dish was pretty good and very filling. I enjoyed my overall experience.

I only came here for a coffee which was okay... I was expecting it to be very hot but it was actually cold, it seems like the milk wasn't warmed up. It was strong and did the job but I will be back to try their empanadas & food. Love the ambiance and decor in the restaurant though, it definitely made me feel like I was in PR for 5 minutes!

This is a pretty good spot for Puerto Rican food located in Clifton. Been here a few times before but this is the first time I actually tried an empanada. The prices are very reasonable even in this crazy inflation. The food here is pretty good.....tonight they had yellow and white rice, pernil, BBQ pork, chicken stew, and baked chicken. There were about 8 choices left for the empanadas and I went for the predictable by looking at me cheeseburger...lol. I also had the pernil with yellow rice and red beans. The food was good.....I think it would be better if i went earlier but it was the end of the night. The empanada was 5 star worthy though, awesome flavor and I actually liked the baked version.....not greasy at all. Next time I visit here I'm gonna try it for lunch.....they also had homemade hot sauces which I will try next time too.

Great lunch today! Thank you to Abel for accommodating our large group for a fantastic lunch!

Have been here several times recently and I'm surprised I've not updated my review! Food is still excellent! Prices have gone up a bit, like everywhere else, the hot sauce selection is now limited, but the food is still great and a good value!Baked empanadas are the way to go! Had a Venezuelan empanada last time that was just amazing! Sadly, not available today. Can't wait to go back!

Was in the area and wanted authentic PR and found this place. This place sits in a difficult part of Clifton with no accesible area to park unless you do it illegally which is what I did. The counter person was very inviting and friendly and eager to help. I ordered the pre paired pernil, carne gisada with rice and red beans as well as one beef empanada. The protein portion was good the beans to rice was not. Then came to enjoy what I been waiting for an authentic PR place. Regrettably I was disappointed as a matter of fact the food overall had very little flavor I also expected to taste calabasa in the beans which did not happen and the beef empañada was not good at all meaning no flavor maybe bc it was baked. I didn't hate the place but it didn't meet my expectation of authentic boricua food. I think it was a healthier choice as little to no seasonings where used possible.

Totally recommend if your in the mood for great Puerto Rican food! The Empanadas are top notch!!

So I finally went to Empanada Spanish Grill. I waited til Thursday because they have oxtails on the menu. The place is small and mostly known I believe for their Baked Empanada's (which I didn't try) The oxtails were flavorful and tender, it comes with a choice of white or yellow rice and a choice of black beans or refried. I choose the white rice which was pretty seasoned (over seasoned in my opinion) but good. I wanted to try the papas rellenos but they didn't have any for a second time ...

Baked Empanadas were excellent! I bought them for a card game and folks are still talking about how delicious they were. I would definitely go back

Came here for a quick lunch before going home. It's a small spot with quick service, and nice people. The hot empanadas, are actually hot, which was a nice change. I wasn't thrilled with their chicken empanada. A little dry but toward the last bite, a squirt of liquid, came flying out....everywhere lol They take credit cards.

I don't what they are grilling but the food sure is good. The name could be deceptive since nothing they serve is actually grilled. The empanadas are baked (NOT gluten free) and looked very appetizing. My husband swears by them and tells everyone about this place. I had the lunch special of rice, beans and pernil. Be ready for a siesta after this lunch. The well season yellow rice and black beans could easily be eaten alone. The pernil was tender but could use a little more marinating. If you need an extra kick or burst of flavor, try the array of hot sauces they have at the counter. Overall good lunch for a very good price.

Empanadas were great which is the main reason I came here! We tried all the chicken varieties, which I love that they had so many chicken options since I was w/ someone who avoid red meat/pork. There was so much flavor in each chicken empanada version..and the sauces wow. I love spice and these sauces were perfect in that area! Also tried a plate of baked chicken w/ yellow rice and beans and oh yes.... chicken was dynamite...dark meat with the perfect flavor and fall off the bone! It was just perfect, and I can't wait to go back

How could anyone say no to an empanada!? They have a huge variety of flavors that they rotate weekly and if you have a favorite you can check the website to see when they will be having that certain empanada out. They also have great lunch specials which also rotate during the week. The staff is very pleasant and when you choose to eat there you're allowed to pay afterwards!

I feel like the food has gone down hill over the last couple of years. Whn I first came here years ago the food was on point...today I went and got yellow rice and bbq pork. Bbq pork was decent. The yellow rice was cold and hard...rice definitely wasn't cooked all the way. Very disappointing....

I went here with my family while our car tires are being replaced from a block away ETD. Food, ambiance, music, and crew were all good. Will definitely comeback. Simple menu, big flavors, really tasty meals we all enjoyed it. Btw all empanadas are baked! wow with the little bit of healthier options too. I had a lasagna looking dish but with plantains instead of the pasta delish!

Amazing place! Keep coming back for their juicy pernil ! Excellent service and very affordable prices, empanadas are delicious too. For the 1st time had the luck to try their sweet empanadas next door at their cafe, pumpkin, nutella with cheesecake among others and not to mention great coffee too. 5 stars always!!! Had a really good time. Thank you.

This place is an Authentic Puerto Rican Food you could ever find around the area. The food is always on point. I go there almost every day. The Chef/ Cook and his family is always friendly and nice.

Wow. Best spanish food I've ever had. Had the bbq pernil with yellow rice & black beans for $8. Also got a cheeseburger empanada to go. Yum. Wish I lived closer so that I could have it more often! Staff is also super friendly. Stop by the bakery next door too for dessert.

The staff and own are very welcoming and the food is on point . They even host a Domino's contest at the end of the month.

Been wanting to stop by here every time I pass by. Well, today I made it happen. Glad I did. My focus was only on the empanadas. They have a hot case right on the counter displaying their unique flavors. I like the variety of flavors they had. They told me that some of the flavors are rotating. The best part was that these "stuffed pastries" are baked, and not fried like they usually are. No greasy taste and no extra calories. These bad boys were a good size stuffed with the proper portion of meats. The pastry was perfectly crispy. I will be ordering a tray of these for my next gathering.

A friend if mine.re-introduced me to empanadas about 8 years sgo. I had had them before but since what I had tried wasn"t particularly good I had no desire to try again. So it was a real eye opener tasting an authentic empanada and then realizing that the many different Latin cultures do slightly different varieties of them. Empanadas are seasoned meat pies either baked or fried. I havent seen many options for my vegetarian friends except for sweet dessert empanadas usually containing cheese, fruit and or chocolate. There are other menu items for vegetarians just not empanadas. Their rice and beans were the only veggie option I can comment on and they were respectable. My review is for the savory baked meat pies. I would take savory over sweet any day. I have been to the this place 3 or 4 the times. If you are in the area you need to check out this place My son and husband prefer fried empanadas so that is why I am giving 4 stars not 5 stars. I actually like both fried and baked empanadas. They are different and this restaurant has some of the best baked empanadas I have had. Baked are a healthier option. These have a flour dough so the flavor comes from the fillings not the dough. My husband likes his seasoned but not spicy while I like we'll seasoned and spicy. To me these empanadas hit the sweet spot by offering varieties that appeal to both to me and my husband. These empanadas are made in a pizza oven. This small holenin the wall place sells massive quantities of them on a daily basis. They have their standard flavors plus a selection of rotating flavors. You know they are good when you can easily buy a batch of 50 or a 100 like you would a dozen bagels. Anyway my favorite variety is called the prosecutor. It is.chicken, cheese, and hot long peppers. When I ordered a few the 2 police officers who were enjoying a meal had to ask about it. The prosecutors are excellent. The regular chicken and beef I find a little bland for my taste but I husband enjoyed them. They have some homemade sauces and serve some hot dishes. On another occasion I tried their beef stew which was good but to me the star is their empanadas. The prices are reasonable and shown in one of my photos. Go try one of the empanadas you won't be disappointed.

4 stars for the empanadas. After a few years away, I decided to return after a trip to the nearby Home Depot to pick up some empanadas. What makes these empanadas unique is that they are BAKED not fried. Every empanada that I have ordered elsewhere has been fried, so this was a nice change. I had: - Beef with Maduro (ground beef with sweet plantain) -Chicken, Cheese, Salsa -Chicken All were flavorful and tasty. The crust also had a nice crisp without all the grease. I came by on a Saturday before noon, and the empanadas seemed freshly baked. An order of 4 cost under $10, which is fairly reasonable. Next time i'm craving empanadas, i'll be sure to come by.

Baked empanadas all varieties, never disappointed in the taste and flavor in there food. Entrees are excellent kids love the chicken and rice. Always a great treat for the kids.

I had to do another review for Empanada Spanish Grill. Not only did the wife of the owner contact me but she also offered to pay for my meal. That meant a lot because most places never reach out to try to right a wrong. Even if I wasn't offered anything I still would have appreciated her just contacting me. When I got there, Seth who was working behind the counter assisted me. He was very niceand courteous. He even make sure I had freshly cooked maduros. I advised that I was going to get empañadas which I would pay for. He apologized again and said how the normally have the food fully stocked and fresh which it was. When he brought the food out. He told me everything was taken care of and I did not have to pay anything. The food was great and I am definitely going back again!

One word, delicious. I am so excited to find a good empanada place so close to home. The cheeseburger one was definitely the highlight. We also loved the one with the plantain inside. Sweet meets savory and it's perfectly done. Service was very friendly. We definitely will be back!

Have gone two times, first time a friendly gentleman who took my order, great empanadas, etc. The second time a young kid who won't even say hi or thank you. Gave me a mini portion of meat. Disappointed. I guess I'll only get empanadas from now on.

Great spot for a nice lunch if your looking for home cooked style food. I love the variety of empanadas they have and the empanadas are baked. If you get a chance pop in next door to the cafe and get a dessert empanada.

Came here on a Thursday after a pretty good day of studying with some friends. I ended up ordering the maduros with black beans. The place is very homey, warm, reminds me of a tropical place with bamboo and the chalkboards around. Prices are nice on your wallet, empanadas are 2.25 each and they are filling. They have tons of hot sauces, ooh and they have banana ketchup as well omg bless. The black beans in the empanada were amazing like put that over a warm bed of yellow rice and you'd be on cloud nine. They offer various flavors, some vegetarian and some with meat, ample selection, the people up front were really nice. Took a little bit to wait for the empanadas to bake but their crisp flavor was worth it. I'd come back again to get more and then try the black beans and maduros with rice.

Stopped in the place for some lunch and grabbed some empanadas. I tried the Beef, Chorizo, and bacon cheeseburger. All three of them were satisfying. These empanadas were a bit on the expensive side for $2.25 each, but I would defiantly come back here again. the flavors alone from each empanada hit the spot.

Very good spot for a quick meal. Got beef ribs with white rice. The rib meat was soft and flavorful. Definitely would come back again expecting single they were so warm, welcoming and most importantly clean! I did not try the empanadas but will next time I come

Been coming to Empanadas since it opened, my go to spot for lunch in the area when I feel like having Spanish food. Ample portions at a pretty low cost for the area make it a prime spot during the work week. Not a huge location, a couple of tables setup for those that wish to dine in. Street parking only, but typically spots are open and difficult to find (today I had to park the farthest I ever had and it was a quick 2 minute walk to Empanadas). Friendly and courteous staff, happy to help you out and explain any of the dishes they have. For food platters, you can check the website for what they have available to pick from that day. And you can pick multiple from what they have available. The worst complaint I ever with the selections is when they run out of what I was wanting). What I like the most here is their namesake, the empanadas they offer. Many choices to pick from and they are baked not fried!

Yummy. I've never had empanadas before but i thought I've give them a try because of the name of the restaurant. They were very good. I came back the next day and had the beef stew with yellow rice and one BBQ sparerib on top. Yummy. Than the next day i came back and had pernil and yellow rice. Yummy again. The customer service is very nice too. I high recommended their food.

Been going here for years and it is a mom and pop shop run by the family. Only reason why i took off 1 star is that they used to serve 2 peices of chicken now they only serve 1 and their yellow rice can be hit or miss sometimes. Otherwise still the best baked emapanadas and great food

Stopped in for lunch for the first time and got 2 emps and 2 plates combo (chicken, rice n beans and pork, rice n beans) all came out to $20 bucks and it was delicious. Their green hot sauce was so good. And their red one was nice too. They have a tiny to-go hot sauce container for to-go orders so you don't feel left out if you're a hot sauce freak like me!

Great casual place for picking up empanadas fast. I love the cheeseburger and bbq pork! Also, they're baked and not fried so makes me feel a tad bit better about indulging. They also have homemade hot sauces and the staff is very friendly. Will definitely be back more often after work!

We have tried this place a couple times and every time I hope it gets better but it does not. They are known for their baked empanadas but I have definitely had better and cheaper. Maybe I'm just partial to fried empanadas. The Latin dishes are just ok. The beans taste like they are missing something. Chicken is decent, cooked right and falling off the bone. Pernil was dry but had good flavor. Portion size is decent for the price. Cute inside decor. Employee who helped us last time we were there was very unhelpful when we had questions about some of the dishes. Maybe we will have to give it another try. 3 strikes and out right?

Cool little place that sells baked empanadas and other dishes. The empanadas are good, if they are fresh. If you get one that has been sitting for a little bit, then its not so great. The dish I had was decent as well. Would go back.

When you want empanadas, there's without a doubt no other choice to be made. Empanada Spanish Grill is where it's at. From hearty to sweet and savory they have something for you. A small place, pumping out delicious home style cooking with smiles on their faces. I've been coming here for years but I haven't been there in a while. I recently paid a visit and it reminded me why I would go out of my way for some of their food. Aside from the myriad of choices of empanadas they have a small fantastic buffet. Basically everything you ever want when you think of home. Rice, beans, meats, tostones etc. No frilly ribbons or fillers. Food for the soul when you want it. You can skip the empanadas altogether if you wish but you'd be crazy to do so imho. As for the Empanadas they have everything from beef, chicken, pork stuffed fare to cheeses and guava. It's kind of magical. Also, they're baked so that might help the more health conscious weigh a little less than their fried counter parts. If you're a local you already know about this place. It's usually pretty busy but they do a great job of getting the food out quickly. If you're in the area do yourself a favor and stop in. You won't be disappointed.

This place is excellent for a quick bite to eat. I usually stop by after work to take some empanadas to go. Sometimes the selection is not too great, but they are willing to heat up any ones they have in the back if you ask them. I am pretty basic with the flavors I like (Chicken/Cheese, Beef), but they offer basically anything you can imagine, even dessert empanadas. I've seen them have "Hot Dog" filled ones as well as "Ham/Cheese." There is no set menu, so when you go you really don't know what they're going to have out. All the empanadas I've gotten have been really fresh and hot. They are baked instead of fried, which makes them less greasy. The decor here is like island-themed. They have a good selection of different hot sauces if you intend on eating in, but no fancy salsa or pico de gallo. I do wish they had guacamole or pico that you could order as a side, that would be a great addition. While I haven't tried any of their dishes, they do have a selection of signature meals, such as rice and beans.

Let's see....short and simple review, that's all this place really needs. Over priced for the quantity you receive. $2.25 for a 4"x 2" lightly filled little bread + Meat surprise inside. (Empanadas) My family and I were the first in line. We were told to wait on behalf.....of..... The cashier, cook, and server was one person. If you decide to go I recommend allowing your self 25min wait time. Food is authentic , and mediocre. 300 square ft restaurant with roughly 18 sets and nicely decorated. Hope this helps Dave C.

The food was okay. Place is decent but the amount of food they serve will fill you up based on the daily special I ordered. The beans and rice could have had more flavor in my opinion but the baked chicken was pretty good. The woman was really nice who took my order. For 7 bucks you can't really complain but I have had way better Latin food so this place didn't live up the majority of reviews I read but that's just my opinion

Really great baked empanadas! Love this place and one of my favorite spots on market street.

I came here for lunch because I had a snow day from work. I wanted a quick bite before going to the gym. Many of the food option near the gym is take your time and eat except for Moe's. I inhaled the chicken stew with rice and pinto beans. I also ordered a spicy beef empanada. Both items were under $10 and it filled my belly with comfort type food. There's a lot of hot sauce bottle for you to experiment if you're adventurous as well. The decor is pretty cool. There a lot of Caribbean nic naks stuff. The bathroom is clean. There's no real wait service. Just walk up and point to the 2-3 entree dishes and several variety for empanadas. This place is a hit with the lunch crowd. I paid in cash. Not sure about cc. I'd come here for sure.

Went for the first time last week and I was happy with the food. The staff is genuinely nice, friendly, helpful, and hospitable and I'm rooting for their business to thrive. The empanadas are baked, but have a nice crunch at the edges. They are well-seasoned and they have a good variety of spicy and non spicy options. The other food was good too, though I'd like more options for sides. Nice, festive and bright decor, quality food, and extremely friendly staff. I'll be back.