Cute, bright, little place that has been overwhelmed by its recent press; my single guava and cheese empanada ($2.25) must have taken 20 minutes. Golden and firm outside, but light on the guava; having tried it both ways, I prefer this combo chilled, as "Romeo and Juliet." After that long wait, I didn't pay much attention to the holes and other marks along the crimp. I understand that this was the repulgue, a pattern used by the restaurant to distinguish varieties of empanada; here they make about three dozen.
I'll come back during off hours to try some of the standards, as well as the Polish (kielbasa and sauerkraut) and the Elvis (peanut butter and banana). Shakes include mora (blackberry), lulo (green orange), and maracuya (passion fruit). Mixing and matching might be tricky.
Empanada Mama
763 Ninth Ave. (51st-52nd Sts.)
212-698-9008
