Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St)
Midtown-Times Square, New York City
Restaurant in New York City, United States
Book with PearlThe Read
Dress
Casual
Why go
Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St) is a practical pick when convenience matters more than a polished dining experience. Use it for a casual Midtown bite around theater, transit, or group plans; choose a more formal peer if the meal needs to feel celebratory or business-appropriate.
About Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St)
Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St) is a New York City venue with a casual dress code and published hours that run from morning into late evening, with later closing times on Friday and Saturday.
For planning, the most reliable facts are the name, city, dress code, and hours. The venue is casual, and its schedule is: Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 11:30 PM, Friday from 8 AM to 12:30 AM, Saturday from 10 AM to 12:30 AM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 11:30 PM.
Use it when New York City logistics matter more than ceremony
The useful planning angle here is timing. Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St) has long daily hours, including later closing times on Friday and Saturday, which may make it easier to fit into a New York City itinerary than venues with shorter schedules.
First-timers should keep expectations grounded. The dress code is casual, but details such as menu specifics, seating style, service format, pricing, and reservation policies are best confirmed directly before making plans.
Better for casual plans than high-stakes meals
Based on the casual dress code, this is easier to frame as a low-pressure option than as a formal occasion venue. For anything that depends on a particular table setup, dietary accommodation, menu item, or service style, confirm directly before making plans.
For broader planning, New York City coverage is more helpful if this is only one piece of the night: see Our full New York City restaurants guide, plus the city guides for hotels, bars, wineries, and experiences.
Planning details
- Location
- 200 W 40th St, Manhattan, NY 10018
- Website
- empanadamama.com
- Phone
- +1 646 970 9895
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Empanada Mama Times Square presents a straightforward, fast-casual counter focused on handheld Latin American fare. The tone is unpretentious and practical: a durable empanada format that reads as both rooted in tradition and adapted to Midtown’s quick-pace rhythms. Positioned on a quieter block at the edge of the Broadway corridor, the spot leans into accessibility rather than dining theater, offering a brisk, informal experience tailored to office workers and passing theatre crowds. The atmosphere is casual and reliable, trading on the historical familiarity of the empanada rather than on stylistic frills.
Best For
This location is best for quick weekday lunches and pre-theatre bites when time is limited. The description emphasizes serving the area’s lunch crowds and the pre-theatre trade, so it’s a logical stop for workers seeking a fast meal and for audience members grabbing something handheld before a show. Price point and pace are built for high-volume traffic, making it practical for solo diners or small groups looking to eat on the go rather than linger. It’s a pragmatic Midtown option when speed and simplicity matter.
Ordering Tips
Order at the counter and expect a fast-casual, grab-and-go rhythm suited to a busy Midtown block. The menu centers on empanadas as portable, ready-to-eat items; signature options to look for include the Cheeseburger Empanada, the Spicy Chicken Empanada, and the Viagra Empanada. Because the operation is calibrated to lunch and pre-theatre demand, visit during off-peak moments if you prefer a shorter wait, but otherwise rely on the counter format for quick pickup and efficient service.
Venue details
Ambiance
Casual and vibrant with a trendy, energetic atmosphere perfect for quick bites amid Midtown buzz.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
View
Accessibility
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Casual
- Noise Level
- Lively
- Service Style
- Casual
- Meal Pacing
- Quick Bite
- Capacity
- Medium
Signature Dishes
- Cheeseburger Empanada
- Spicy Chicken Empanada
- Viagra Empanada
Know before you go
Know Before You Go
- Getting there
- 200 W 40th St, Manhattan, NY 10018
Planning details
Location
Also consider
Also Consider
- Arno, Notable alternative
- Sei Less, Notable alternative
- Mr. Broadway, Notable alternative
- Lazzara's Pizza Cafe, Notable alternative
- Tagine, Notable alternative
Restaurant context
How it compares in Midtown
Choose Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St) when the plan calls for a casual, low-friction meal near Times Square. Arno is the better cross-shop for a more conventional sit-down dinner, while Lazzara's Pizza Cafe makes more sense when the group wants pizza and a familiar shared-table format.
For a livelier night out, Sei Less is the stronger pick if ambiance matters more than speed. Mr. Broadway and Tagine are better options when the group wants a more defined restaurant experience rather than a quick Midtown stop.
The practical read: Empanada Mama is easiest to justify when value is measured in convenience and flexibility. For dates, business meals, or birthday dinners, cross-shop Arno, Sei Less, Mr. Broadway, Lazzara's Pizza Cafe, or Tagine first, then use this as the casual backup when timing is the deciding factor.
Explore New York City
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St) guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St)
| Venue | Location | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St) | New York City | No published awards |
| Arno | New York City | No published awards |
| Sei Less | New York City | No published awards |
| Mr. Broadway | New York City | No published awards |
| Lazzara's Pizza Cafe | New York City | No published awards |
| Tagine | New York City | No published awards |
How Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St) compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St)?
The dress code is casual. Wear comfortable city clothes rather than planning for a formal dress-up dinner.
Can Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St) accommodate groups?
Group accommodation details are best confirmed directly with the venue before relying on a specific setup. For comparison while planning, Sei Less is another option to consider.
Is Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St) good for solo dining?
The venue keeps long hours, including later closing times on Friday and Saturday. If you want to compare different kinds of dining plans, Arno is another option to consider.
What should a first-timer know about Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St)?
The key practical detail is the schedule: Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 11:30 PM, Friday from 8 AM to 12:30 AM, Saturday from 10 AM to 12:30 AM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 11:30 PM. The dress code is casual.
What should I order at Empanada Mama Times Square (40th St)?
Check the current menu directly before deciding what to order. If you are comparing other dining options, Lazzara's Pizza Cafe, Tagine, and Mr. Broadway may be useful points of reference.
