Affordable Latin Food Upper East Side: Empanadas Under $10!
Empanada Mama proves that great food in New York City doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. There’s nothing quite like the joy that comes from biting into a perfectly made empanada; the satisfying crunch from an impossibly well-defined, golden crust gives way to a warm, savory filling that captivates every bite. Empanada Mama fits the bill without any unnecessary flash or fanfare, serving some of the best food around.
In a neighborhood with wild pricing, Empanada Mama is that special spot where a $10 bill will still get you fed and happy. In this blog, we’re diving into why Empanada Mama is a must-visit for affordable, flavor-packed Latin eats in NYC’s Upper East Side. From crispy crusts to savory fillings, here’s what makes it a local favorite.
What Makes Empanada Mama a Go-To for Affordable Latin Food Upper East Side
If you've ever been on the Upper East Side, starving and with a frugal mindset, you understand how difficult it can be to find food that is inexpensive and not just good, but actually great food. That's what makes Empanada Mama an unsung hero of inexpensive Latin food on the Upper East Side.
When you walk in, you'll have convenient and comfortable dine-in seating, and a fast, kind takeout counter for those who are in a rush or just want to get out quickly. Whether you are out running errands, in between classes, or want something warm and fulfilling to eat after a late day, this is the place that always works. It's uncomplicated, it's flavorful, and above all, it's comforting from the second you walk in.
What keeps us coming back, besides the empanadas themselves, is the pricing. You’re getting that slow-cooked, home-style flavor without the typical Upper East Side markup. For students and anyone working nearby, the daily and combo specials are game-changers for a tight budget. Two empanadas and a drink for under $10? That’s not just rare, it’s a lifesaver.
Empanada Mama doesn’t need glam. The food and value speak for themselves.
Why Empanadas Are the Ultimate Budget-Friendly Latin Bite
There’s a reason empanadas have been adored across Latin America for generations. They’re humble, handheld, and deeply satisfying. Flaky on the outside, warm and savory on the inside. One well-made empanada, filled with slow-cooked beef, spiced chicken, creamy cheese, or even a sweet surprise, can hold you over for hours and feel like a hug in food form.
In a pricey city like New York, finding flavorful, affordable Latin food on the Upper East Side? That’s rare. But Empanada Mama nails it.
These are not your average grab-and-go snacks. Each empanada is made fresh, with fillings that range from the classics (shredded chicken and melted cheese) to rich combos like chorizo and plantain. And the best part? Many of them are still under $10.
You can mix and match two, maybe even three, and walk out full, satisfied, and already planning your next visit. Flavor like this is hard to forget.
The $10 and Under Empanada Menu: Crowd Favorites
Ready to stuff your face without stuffing your pockets? Here are our favorites on the menu at Empanada Mama on the Upper East Side- all under $10 and delicious:
1. Cheesesteak Empanada: We're talking tender, seasoned beef, melted cheese that stretches, and sweet sautéed onions inside a beautiful golden crust. It's a New York-style cheesesteak made hand-held.
2. Cuban Empanada: This thing is a flavor bomb. Layers of ham, juicy roast pork, pickles, and melted Swiss cheese in a crispy shell. It has everything we love about a Cuban sandwich, just without the mess.
3. Viagra Empanada: That's no typo, you read it right. This delight is packed full of seafood, shrimp, crabmeat, and scallops! Creamy, briny, and rich, it tastes way more expensive than the sub-$10 price tag.
4. Reggaeton Empanada: Sweet plantains, spicy chorizo, and melted cheese all wrapped into one. Sweet, salty, smoky, and everything you didn't know you needed, in one bite.
5. Shredded Chicken Empanada: Classic for a reason. The chicken is slow-cooked, seasoned, enclosed in flaky dough, and fried golden brown. It's that simple. Hearty and always good.
Most empanadas are in the range of $4 to $6, so even if you snag two (and maybe some soda), you are still well within that $10 threshold. You can check out the complete list on our official menu page.
Bonus: Other Affordable Latin Treats Beyond Empanadas
While the empanadas receive most of the limelight (rightly so), Empanada Mama’s menu is packed with flavorful, budget-friendly Latin dishes, true Upper East Side gems worth your time. If you're finding yourself wanting to diversify your food experience, consider some of these crave-worthy options that still keep your total under $10.
1. Arepas: Thick and warm cornmeal patties stuffed with fillings like shredded beef, black beans, or cheese. They have a slight crisp to the outside while remaining soft in the center and filling enough to carry you through.
2. Ajiaco Soup: A bowl of comfort. This Colombian chicken and potato soup takes all that warmth and comfort you need on a cold NYC evening (you'll look forward to winter in NYC again).
3. Sweet Plantains: Soft, caramelized, with the perfect amount of sweetness. They can be savory or a light dessert, depending on where you're at in the day.
4. Yuca Fries: A crunchy, starchy alternative to regular fries. They have an earthy flavor, but once you dip them in those garlic or spicy sauces, you will be thanking us!
Oh, and don’t forget dessert! Whether you go for a fresh guava and cheese empanada or a soft, sweet slice of tres leches, you’re in for a treat, satisfying your sweet tooth without breaking the budget.
Affordable Doesn’t Mean Average
Here’s what we’ve learned: affordable Latin food on the Upper East Side doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. Not when spots like Empanada Mama are serving bold, home-cooked flavors that feel like they came straight from someone’s kitchen, not a chain.
It’s the kind of place that proves good food doesn’t need a $20 price tag or fancy plating. It just needs to be fresh, made with care, and full of flavor.
So the next time you're hungry and your wallet’s feeling light, remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well in NYC. You just need to know where to go.
And now you do.
Head to Empanada Mama and taste the difference, without breaking the bank.