Best Empanadas in Jersey City: What to Order from Our Bergen Ave Kitchen
There’s something about that first bite: the golden crunch, the steamy filling, the way it somehow tastes like home and adventure all at once.
That’s the Empanada Mama experience, and here on Bergen Avenue in Jersey City, it’s become a craving locals can’t shake.
Our kitchen runs on flavor and rhythm: empanadas fried fresh to order, sauces blended in-house, and a team that knows your order before you even finish saying “chicken or beef.”
In this blog, we’re taking you inside our Bergen Ave kitchen and why it’s special, what to order, and how to build the perfect four-pack that’ll make you an instant regular.
Why Bergen Ave? Our Neighborhood, Our Kitchen, Your Go-To
Bergen Avenue isn’t just a street. It’s a rhythm. A mix of honking cars, hungry students, and the irresistible smell of something frying just right. That’s where we live, right in the middle of Jersey City’s heartbeat.
Our spot is easy to find and even easier to love. Quick parking right out front, fast pickups, and a crew that moves like clockwork because we know lunch breaks are short and cravings don’t wait. When you step into Empanada Mama on Bergen, you’re not just another order ticket; you’re part of our neighborhood flavor.
What Makes a Great Empanada? (And How We Do It)
Start with the dough: soft enough to hold the filling, thin enough to crisp up like glass when it hits the fryer. Then comes the filling-to-crust ratio with a perfect golden pocket that shatters when you bite.
Our fillings are made daily: slow-cooked beef, pulled chicken with sofrito, and gooey cheese that stretches just the right way. The fryer runs at the exact temp for that signature crunch, and the sauces are part of the experience.
Chipotle Mayo: herby, bright, and a little wild.
Chimichuri: rich, tangy comfort.
Green Sauce: cool, velvety balance for the heat.
That’s the equation for craving-level perfection, and we do it every day, one empanada at a time.
What to Order: Our Bergen Ave Hall-of-Fame
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, here’s the inside scoop on the all-stars that keep our fryers busy from open till close.
The Crowd-Pleasers
Ground Beef: The OG. Savory, lightly spiced, tucked into a golden crust. Best with guacamole.
Shredded Chicken: Pulled slow, tossed with sofrito and love.
Cheeseburger: Oozy, stretchy, melty. Pairs perfectly with creamy cilantro sauce.
Bombay: A hearty, chickpea-filled bite that feels like street food done right.
Cheese: Golden, gooey, and kid-approved.
These are the hits that make “just one” an impossible promise.
Veggie Favorites
We see you, veggie lovers, and we’ve got options that stand tall next to any meat pick.
Spinach & Cheese: Bright, creamy, with that little green kick that pairs perfectly with green sauce
Mac & Cheese: Savory macaroni packed into a flaky shell with cheese.
They fry up golden, crisp, and surprisingly addictive, proof that you don’t need meat to bring the heat.
Seafood or Seasonal Specials
From shrimp empanadas that taste like beach days to sweet corn & cheese that’s summer wrapped in dough, our specials change with the season (and your cravings).
Ask what’s cooking next time you stop by; the fryer always has something new up its sleeve.
Sweet Finish
Just when you think you’re done, dessert shows up.
Romeo & Juliet: Bright, tropical, creamy.
Churritos: Warm, melty chocolate wrapped in golden crisp.
Tres Leches: Sticky, sweet, nostalgic.
They’re meant for sharing, but we won’t judge if you don’t.
Sauces & Sides That Make It
Start with our signature sauces:
Green Sauce: Tangy, herby, just enough heat to wake up your taste buds.
Blue Cheese Sauce: Warm tomato-onion blend that brings that slow-simmered comfort.
Guacamole: Cool, silky, and perfect on chicken or cheese empanadas.
Each one has a personality that is spicy, comforting, or smooth, and together, they make every bite hit harder.
And the sides? Golden yuca fries, crispy plantains, and rice & beans that feel like a hug. Add one (or two), and you’ve got a full-on Colombian-style meal in minutes.
Build Your Perfect First Timer 4-Pack
Not sure where to start? Go for a 4-pack sampler, the ultimate crash course in Empanada Mama flavor.
We suggest:
Classic Beef
Shredded Chicken
Spinach & Cheese
Romeo & Juliet (because dessert is mandatory)
Mix, match, and find your favorite.
When to Visit (and How to Order Fast)
Lunch rush or want a quick brunch? Hop on over to your closest outlet and get all your cravings satisfied.
Late-night craving? We’ve got you till the fryer cools down.
Online ordering and call-ahead pickup keep things smooth, and our delivery partners bring the crisp right to your couch. Whichever way you roll, your empanadas are always fried-to-order and never left waiting.
For Locals, Teams & Events
Our empanadas were made for sharing; two to three per person is the sweet spot, plus a side or two if you’re feeling special.
Planning for a party? Give us a quick call for bulk orders or catering. We’ll have everything hot, packed, and ready when you arrive.
We’re right here on Bergen Avenue, just a few minutes away from Journal Square. Quick pickup, easy street parking, and a crew that greets you like family.
Swing By Bergen Ave: Your Next Favorite Empanada Awaits
From the first sizzle to the final bite, everything we make is about freshness, crunch, and flavor that sticks with you.
Our shells are crisp-hot, our fillings are real-deal, and our service? Always fast, always friendly.
So the next time the craving hits, skip the search. Come find us on Bergen Ave and taste why Jersey City keeps coming back for more. At Empanada Mama, every empanada is fried fresh, shared often, and always made with love.
