Empanada Mama: The Best Late Night Food in the Lower East Side
We’re open 24/7—yes, even at 3 am when most kitchens have already closed their doors. In the heart of Manhattan’s lively Lower East Side, our ovens remain warm around the clock, ready to serve those late-night cravings that strike after hours. Whether coming home from the office, staggering out of a bar, or just in the mood for spicy Latin food at midnight, we've got you covered with the best eats on the Lower East Side.
At Empanadas Mama, our homemade empanadas have become legends among late-night owls who know where to find the authentic taste when hunger strikes after dark. We are proud to deliver piping hot, flavorful pockets of joy to everyone, from night shift employees to party-goers.
From the sizzle behind the counter to the hum of Latin music and the friendly crew, we know we’re in for a good time. And let’s be real—we don’t just come here for the vibes. We come for the empanadas. Lots of them.
Top Late-Night Dishes You’ll Crave Again
We have gone through the entire menu probably more times than we can admit but a few of the favorites are always desirable late-night food.
Cuban Empanada: No kidding, hot/slow roasted pork and ham stuffed with mozzarella & sofrito - perfect recovery food from a bar crawl – gives instant satisfaction.
Cheeseburger Arepa: A Latin twist on the classic burger, with spiced ground beef and melted cheddar tucked into a warm corn arepa.
Homemade Flan: Silky, rich, and caramel-topped—this traditional Colombian flan is the midnight dessert your sweet tooth dreams of.
Chicken Asado Sandwich: Juicy marinated chicken with all the fixings, fired up with Mama’s Boom Boom sauce for a late-night flavor explosion.
Cheesesteak Empanada: A Latin version of your comfort classic, filled with top-round steak strips, mozzarella, red pepper, and onions - perfect after-hours comfort food.
Romeo & Juliet Empanada: When you want dessert & something warm, guava with mozzarella cheese works.
We have honed all of these recipes after years of serving the late-night crowd and understanding what flavor comforts hit the spot when you are craving something delicious around 2 a.m.! Our night owl specials rotate seasonally, but the fan-favorite comfort food will always be available year-round.
Perfect for Take-Out, Too
All of our menu items travel well, crafted to retain their heat and flavor integrity from our kitchen to wherever your late-night escapades may lead you. Our empanadas are wrapped in freshness and heat, so they’re the ideal portable meal.
Whether you're crashing at home after a night out or still out with friends in need of fuel to keep going, you can order online for late-night take-out in NYC with the click of a button. We've teamed up with all the major delivery services so that our empanadas can find their way to you anywhere in the Lower East Side and beyond when those midnight cravings hit.
Located in the Heart of the Lower East Side
Our strategic location places us within walking distance of countless bars, music clubs, and clubs that make the Lower East Side legendary. After seeing a show at Bowery Ballroom or dancing at Pianos, we're there when hunger hits.
We offer quick service, positive energy, Latin music softly playing in the background, and empanadas in a minute. Our crew understands that late-night hunger is urgent– we stay focused on making your food that's prepared promptly without compromising on quality. The vibrant atmosphere in our space perfectly complements the neighborhood’s energy, making us a natural add-on to your night out.
Why it’s the Best Late Night Spot
24/7 availability: We're just getting warmed up when other kitchens shut down
Huge variety of empanadas: Our menu features more than 40 different empanadas in wheat, corn, and dessert forms
Comfort food, fast: You can enjoy satisfying Latin flavors immediately
Take-out & dine-in: Flexibility for however your night unfolds
Real Latin flavor, real fast: Authentic recipes done right, even at 3 am
We have built our reputation through consistency – whether you visit us at midnight on Tuesday or 3 am on Saturday, you will get the same great taste, quality, and friendly service. We never compromise freshness, with empanadas made throughout the night, not reheated from earlier batches.
Grab Your Late-Night Fix Now
The next time late-night cravings strike in NYC, remember that the best late-night takeout is only a few clicks away. Our menu caters to every possible craving, from savory to sweet, light bites to full meals.
What sets us apart from the other late-night food options isn't just our 24/7 schedule—it's also our commitment to delicious ingredients, authentic recipes, and crafting the ultimate late-night bite. We know what late-night eaters crave because we’re night owls ourselves.
When other places have closed their doors, Empanada Mama greets you with open arms and warm empanadas and the flavors that have established us as a Lower East Side institution. Your 3 AM self deserves nothing but the best.