Home Best of Guides Best Empanada Spots in Hoboken + Jersey City

Best Empanada Spots in Hoboken + Jersey City

by Jordan and Joelle Hernandez
wonder lofts
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Empanadas are a traditional Spanish and Latin American dish that is basically the original “on-the-go” food. Portable, customizable, and delicious empanadas have been transformed countless times with virtually every culture having their own version. The flaky treat has taken both savory and sweet variations to satisfy any craving. Hudson County is home to some of the best empanadas you can find — and we’re sharing our picks with you. Check out our roundup of best empanada spots in Hoboken + Jersey City:

Hoboken

La Casa {54 Newark Street}

la casa hoboken empanada

We all know the saying “Mi Casa es Su Casa” and La Casa, the new Latin American downtown restaurant truly makes you feel at home when you step inside. Their menu is filled with authentic flavors and tapas dishes, but their empanadas are spot on. They have traditional options including chicken, beef, spinach and cheese, and chorizo.

Snap Fitness JC

Empanadas Café {123 Washington Street}

empanada cafe hoboken new jersey

JK Therapy

Empanadas Café obv holds a spot on this list, and they truly live up to their name. Stop in for what is quite possibly the widest selection of empanadas we have ever seen. Anything you can think of, Empanadas Café has placed it inside their flaky crust and baked it up. They also have your traditional Latin options like chicken, beef, rice and beans, chorizo and ham, but they have also taken inspiration from various cultures for even more options. Their pepperoni empanadas are literally pizza in an empanada {yes, plz} and the bacon cheeseburger is a less messy version of your favorite late-night treat.

Hobbs Inc

Chango Kitchen {301 Willow Avenue}

chango kitchen hoboken

{Photo credit: @changokitchen_official}

The brain-child of popular local Cuban restaurant Rumba Cubana — Alan and Nairelys Lopez, along with Bergen County Chef Carlos Valdez, Chango Kitchen serves the community high-quality Cuban-Latin dishes. The empanadas served here are called the Empanadillas con Pebre {crisp empanadas served with spicy Chilean cilantro sauce} and are a must-try appetizer.

yoga renew hoboken

Dino + Harry’s {163 14th Street}

dino and harrys hoboken

If you are feeling fancy and craving an empanada at the same time, Dino & Harry’s is an under-the-radar spot to frequent. Check out their Empanada Trio on their appetizer menu for a starter that is sure to please your entire dinner party. Filled with filet mignon, braised chicken and spinach and cheese, the different flavors and textures are beyond delish.

La Isla {104 Washington Street}

guava empanada la isla

La Isla’s tagline “A Taste of Cuba” is definitely accurate. The uptown location offers a swanky atmosphere and has a full bar, whereas downtown is more relaxed and is BYO {and was even featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives!}. Sticking to their Cuban roots, La Isla has authentic empanada options on their menu — chicken, beef or vegetable. Be sure to leave room for dessert because their guayaba y queso {guava and cream cheese} empanada is divine. Pair it with a cup of café con leche and you’re in serious business.

READ: Hoboken on a Budget: A Guide to Eating + Drinking For Less

The Cuban {333 Washington Street}

Another Washington Street classic, The Cuban sees patrons from all over Hudson County because their food is just that good. Whether you are enjoying date night or a night out for the girls, The Cuban’s authentic food, upscale vibe, and friendly service will keep you coming back for more. On the menu, they have empanaditas {which translates to little empanadas, and they are exactly that}. The small crusts are filled with chicken ropa vieja, charred tomatillo, and black bean puree. Paired with their extensive drink menu {the sangria is a fave} this appetizer is a good start to any meal.

Sorellina {1036 Washington Street}

sorellina hoboken

Known for their Italian menu, Sorellina has invited a little Latin inspiration to their menu recently. They now offer a Beef Bolognese empanada that is to die for. Head over for some of these bad boys paired with a glass from their extensive wine bar.

Jersey City

O’Lala Empanadas {600 Communipaw Avenue}

olala empanadas jersey city

This place is truly empanada heaven. They have taken their signature empanada crust and filled it with all kinds of food drawing inspiration from Latin, Asian, Greek, Cajun, and American dishes. The names of the empanadas make it super fun to order here. Some of their creations include Little Tokyo — filled with teriyaki chicken and broccoli, Liberty Bell is their Philly cheese stake empanada and Bay of Naples — a take on margherita pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. They even have dessert empanadas filled with sweet treats like brownies, caramel, and coconut in the Brownie Explosion. Clearly, this is the ultimate empanada spot for all cravings.

See More: Cuban Restaurants in Hoboken and Jersey City: 8 Must-Visit Spots

Dulce de Leche Bakery {376 Central Avenue}

dulce de leche jersey city

Taking us to the beautiful country of Argentina, Dulce de Leche is a bakery/café that offers classic South American dishes with a sweet collection of desserts. All day long you can get their traditional empanadas filled with chicken, beef, spinach, ham and cheese, four kinds of cheese or pepperoni. And at under $2 a piece, you cannot go wrong.

El Empanada King {199 Woodward Street}

With over 15 options to choose from, El Empanada King offers sweet, savory, and vegan options! A few of their most popular empanadas are the Junior, Havana, and Heavy Hitter. The Heavy Hitter has Dominican salami, fried cheese, pickled red onions, and mashed plantain. And if you’re feeling a little sweet, the Junior has guava and cheese.

ME Casa {356 Varick Street}

Located just steps away from the Grove St. PATH Station, Me Casa is home to Latin American dishes that will make you feel like you are in an Abuela’s kitchen. They, too, offer empanadas on their appetizer menu in the form of a sampler platter. You and your dinner guests can choose from chicken, beef or shrimp. Try all three and pick your fave for next time.

Rumba’s Café {513 Central Avenue}

On the corner of North St and Central Ave, Rumba’s Café has been attracting customers for years. Creating a warm, welcoming environment, Rumba’s has down-home, Cuban food in a convenient location. Because they are strictly traditional, you will find beef and chicken empanadas here filled with spices and seasonings of the island.

Angel Azul Bakery {460 Central Avenue}

Angel Azul Bakery Empanadas

Established in 1998 by Zoila and Luis Gallo, this cafe has been serving its community for over two decades. A few of the breakfast go-tos are the chorizo {Colombian sausage, two eggs any style, French, or home fries} and the huevos pericos {Colombian-style scrambled eggs with scallion and fresh tomato}. The handmade bread and Colombian and Ecuadorian pastries are a hit — as are the Colombian beef or cheese patties, the cassava patties, and of course, the empanadas. Colombian empanadas are made differently from those of other countries, so if you haven’t already had one, do yourself a favor and pick some up.

Noches de Colombia {231-233 Central Avenue}

This gem was founded by a family who emigrated from Colombia to the United States in 1997 with the hope of finding the all American dream. It started with a small project in New Jersey and quickly flourished into a staple for Latin American cuisine. It’s difficult to resist the aromas seeping from the kitchen, but it’s safe to say that everything on the menu is delicious and worth a try. At Noches, you’ll find classic Colombian empanadas that are cooked to perfection and come in different meat options.

Where’s your favorite local place to grab an empanada? Share with us in the comments!

Have you joined our Facebook group yet? Request here to gain access to even more local tips, and connect with fellow Hudson County residents.

Old Lorenzos Pizza

also appears in

0 comment