Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice

Top 10 spots for tamales and empanadas to Enjoy in New York City

Based on 702 Reviews
+699
User
User
User
Updated
01
Arepas, Empanadas & Latin Food / D. Briyana Empanadas Deli Food Corp. image 1
Arepas, Empanadas & Latin Food / D. Briyana Empanadas Deli Food Corp. image 2
Arepas, Empanadas & Latin Food / D. Briyana Empanadas Deli Food Corp. image 3
View all
🫔 Tamales
🥟 Empanadas
🫓 Arepa
🍲 Soup
More

Small space fills with welcoming energy and Latin music that reflects cultural roots. Atmosphere feels homemade and pleasant, creating a cozy vibe. Staff maintain cleanliness while serving authentic Latin fast food.

People are saying

"These empanadas are the best I've ever eaten."

"I love the authentic and tasty Venezuelan empanadas and arepas."

"I always crave their delicious and affordable empanadas."

Good to know

1

The large soup costs $12.

2

The complete lunch with a small soup also costs $12.

3

The restaurant offers Venezuelan food.

02
El Delicioso NY Food Truck 🇨🇴 image 1
El Delicioso NY Food Truck 🇨🇴 image 2
El Delicioso NY Food Truck 🇨🇴 image 3
View all
🫔 Tamales
🥟 Empanadas
🥘 Food
🎯 Authentic
More

Food truck decorated with Colombian style offers authentic dishes like empanadas, tamales, and bandeja paisa. Atmosphere feels joyful and welcoming, evoking a sense of home. Crowd enjoys genuine flavors and clean, well-maintained setup near the consulate.

People are saying

"I found the empanadas to be delicious and perfectly prepared."

Good to know

1

The food truck is located across from the Colombian Consulate.

2

Expect to pay around $30 for two empanadas and two juices.

3

They offer many Colombian dishes, including empanadas.

03
Fonda Garibaldi image 1
Fonda Garibaldi image 2
Fonda Garibaldi image 3
View all
🥟 Empanadas
🫔 Tamales
🌯 Fajitas
💎 Hidden Gems
More

Small, colorful Mexican restaurant with a cozy and welcoming interior. Atmosphere feels warm and intimate, often featuring a big TV showing soccer games. Known for generous portions, reasonable prices, and outstanding tacos and quesadillas.

People are saying

"The food here is always tasty and satisfying."

"The prices are great for the quality you get."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available from 12-4 PM.

2

You have to call to make a reservation for dinner.

3

Ordering on weekends may result in long wait times of an hour or more.

04
El Gallo Taqueria image 1
El Gallo Taqueria image 2
El Gallo Taqueria image 3
View all
🥟 Empanadas
🫔 Tamales
🥘 Food
🌮 Fish Tacos
More

Cozy Mexican restaurant with about five tables and high table seating outside offers a calm, homey atmosphere with lively music and beautiful wall art. The space feels clean and inviting, creating a comfortable spot amid a busy area. Tacos and burritos stand out as excellent and affordable options.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales were excellent and delicious."

"The tamales and tacos taste amazing."

"I love ordering authentic Mexican dishes like tamales and tacos."

Good to know

1

For the best deal, go on Uber Eats for buy 1 get 1 free on some items.

2

Check your order before you leave, as items may be missing.

3

A slice of lime costs extra, so factor that into your budget.

05
Sentir Vegan Mexican Restaurant image 1
Sentir Vegan Mexican Restaurant image 2
Sentir Vegan Mexican Restaurant image 3
View all
🫔 Tamales
🥟 Empanadas
🌮 Chicken Tacos
🍫 Chocolate
More

Modern, industrial space blends Mexican decor with moody, elegant ambiance. Tamales offer solid flavor and texture, while empanadas shine with a spicy-sweet guava glaze. Vegan dishes like arepas and cocktails such as the Spanish Rose complete the experience.

People are saying

"You have to try the empanadas with that spicy-sweet guava glaze."

"I loved how tasty the empanadas were."

"The cheese empanadas were good but smaller than I expected."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch due to high demand.

2

Happy hour offers 50% off all drinks until 6:30 PM on weekdays.

3

The restaurant has a variety of gluten-free options, but cross-contamination may occur.

06
Cafe Xochimilco image 1
Cafe Xochimilco image 2
Cafe Xochimilco image 3
View all
🥟 Empanadas
🫔 Tamales
🎯 Authentic
🍫 Hot Chocolate
More

Bright, colorful decor with Mexican art sets a cozy mood. Authentic cheese tamales shine as daily specials, while fluffy, baked empanadas pair perfectly with rich coffee. Friendly staff and outdoor seating with lush plants create a warm, inviting vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"I love the cozy vibe and always recommend this place."

"I found the tamales here to be some of the best I've had."

Good to know

1

The price is excellent for the quality of food offered.

2

There are currently very few vegetarian and vegan friendly options on the menu.

3

Most menu items come with only meat options.

07
La Tamaleria Colombiana NY/ LITTLE COLOMBIA image 1
La Tamaleria Colombiana NY/ LITTLE COLOMBIA image 2
La Tamaleria Colombiana NY/ LITTLE COLOMBIA image 3
View all
🫔 Tamales
🥟 Empanadas
🥘 Food
😎 Cool
More

Small venue with authentic Colombian decor offers a lively vibe with live vallenata music and interactive games. Tamales, especially Tolimense and queens, deliver rich, traditional flavors. Empanadas like plantain with cheese and suckling pig come fast and taste great.

People are saying

"These Tolima-style tamales taste like grandma's homemade cooking."

"I love how authentic and delicious the tamales taste."

"I found the beef and chicken empanadas to be very good."

Good to know

1

Reservations for events are often canceled last minute, so confirm before arriving.

2

Expect long wait times for entry, especially during busy events.

3

Be cautious of unexpected extra charges on your bill.

08
Jajaja Mexicana image 1
Jajaja Mexicana image 2
Jajaja Mexicana image 3
View all
🥟 Empanadas
🫔 Tamales
🧀 Nachos
🥛 Dairy Free
More

Classic NYC spot with Mexican flair and colorful decor offers a cozy vibe with neon lights and loud music. Tamales shine with rich flavors, perfectly paired with tacos. Beet and pumpkin empanadas deliver a delicious blend that stands out among the menu.

People are saying

"The vegan dishes here are delicious and full of flavor."

"The beet and pumpkin empanadas were fantastic."

"I love the beet and pumpkin empanadas here."

Good to know

1

Everything on the menu is vegan.

2

If you plan on dropping in during the evening, make sure you have a reservation.

3

$15 for two regular/average tacos.

09
Buena Vista Restaurant & Bar image 1
Buena Vista Restaurant & Bar image 2
Buena Vista Restaurant & Bar image 3
View all
🫔 Tamales
🥟 Empanadas
🍝 Ravioli
🛋️ Cozy
More

Small space with Latin American decor offers a cozy vibe and live Cuban music with violin. Cuban tamales feature crab stuffing and a standout sauce, while chicken empanadas come with a cold sauce that contrasts their warm filling. Cocktails are well-crafted and food is consistently delicious.

People are saying

"You have to try the Cuban Tamales; they're outstanding."

"The Cuban tamale appetizer tastes unique and looks great."

"These empanadas are so tasty and exceptional."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant can fill up quickly.

2

Brunch costs $40 per person and includes unlimited mimosas or sangria.

3

Happy hour drinks are available with great deals on weekdays.

10
Tumi Peruvian Restaurant NYC image 1
Tumi Peruvian Restaurant NYC image 2
Tumi Peruvian Restaurant NYC image 3
View all
🫔 Tamales
🥟 Empanadas
🎯 Authentic
🤙 Casual
More

Modern American design blends with authentic Peruvian decor in a relaxed, casual setting. Loud live music creates an energetic, lively atmosphere that inspires dancing. The crowd enjoys classic ceviche and pisco sours praised for their authentic flavors.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Peruvian food and drinks."

"Everyone was friendly and the place had a great vibe."

"The empanadas here are so flavorful and delightful."

Good to know

1

Tumi's Drag Brunch features performances by Amanda Porq and Moxy Cillin.

2

The drag brunch lasts about 60 minutes and includes lively performances.

3

Reservations are recommended for Tumi's Drag Brunch due to high demand.