Julia's Empanadas
Lanier Heights, Washington DC
Restaurant in Washington DC, United States
Book with PearlThe Read
Price
$1–10per person
Dress
Casual
Why go
Julia's Empanadas is a practical Adams Morgan pick when flexibility matters more than a full-service meal. Use it for solo dining, late-night food, or a casual stop between plans; choose Reveler's Hour or Rye Bunny instead when the night needs a more composed sit-down restaurant.
About Julia's Empanadas
Julia's Empanadas in Washington, D.C., works especially well for late-night plans on Friday and Saturday, when hours run until 3 AM. With casual dress and hours that run from 11 AM to 8 PM most days, it is easiest to treat the venue as a flexible option rather than building the whole evening around specifics that may change.
The smart strategy is simple: Julia's Empanadas is in Washington, D.C., the dress code is casual, and the longest hours are on Friday and Saturday, when it is listed from 11 AM to 3 AM.
Use it when flexibility matters more than a fully detailed plan
Do not overcomplicate the plan: casual dress, daily hours, and notably late Friday and Saturday service are the key planning points. If your decision depends on specifics such as seating, ordering format, dietary accommodations, or current menu details, confirm those directly with the venue before you go.
For planning, compare it against the DINER, Reveler's Hour, Rye Bunny, Meze, and No Goodbyes. For broader planning, scan Our full Washington, D.C. restaurants guide, plus the city guides for hotels, bars, wineries, and experiences.
Build the visit around confirmed basics, not assumptions
Use Julia's Empanadas as a Washington, D.C. option when its hours and casual dress code fit the plan. For specifics such as neighborhood, address, founding story, chef, prices, awards, drinks program, seat count, takeout, delivery, or dietary accommodations, check directly with the venue rather than making assumptions.
Planning details
- Location
- 2452 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Website
- juliasempanadas.com
- Phone
- +12023286232
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Julia's Empanadas presents a loud, street-level energy that feels very Adams Morgan. The place trades on immediacy rather than ceremony: counter service, brisk exchanges and food handed over wrapped and hot. It is unpretentious and accessible, built for foot traffic and quick visits rather than lingering tasting menus. That directness gives it a no-frills appeal—the kind of neighborhood staple that feeds varied shifts of the day and night. Expect an urban, lively tempo where the emphasis is on a reliable, repeatable experience rather than curated front-of-house rituals.
Best For
This spot is best for quick, informal meals—lunch rushes, late-night snacks after bars close and casual walk-up stops. The counter-service setup suits solo diners, people on the go and small groups looking for an easy bite rather than a seated, multi-course affair. Because the kitchen consistently turns out wrapped, portable empanadas, it's also ideal for takeaway and eating while you continue exploring Adams Morgan. It does not operate as a destination for formal dinners; its strengths lie in convenience, speed and neighborhood coverage across multiple service shifts.
Ordering Tips
Order at the counter and be prepared for a fast exchange: the empanadas come wrapped and hot, ready to eat or take away. There is no waitstaff mediating the experience, so choose and pay at the counter and collect your order when it’s handed over. Standouts to try from the menu include the Chilean Empanada, Jamaican Empanada, Chipotle Beef Empanada and Chorizo Empanada. The format rewards repeat visits—simple, dependable portions that are perfect for a quick lunch or a late-night bite.
Venue details
Ambiance
No-frills hole-in-the-wall spot with a casual, comforting atmosphere focused on fresh, hot empanadas.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Casual
- Noise Level
- Conversational
- Service Style
- Counter Service
- Meal Pacing
- Quick Bite
- Capacity
- Small
- Kitchen
- Traditional
- Menu Format
- A la carte
- Dietary
- Vegetarian friendly
Signature Dishes
- Chilean Empanada
- Jamaican Empanada
- Chipotle Beef Empanada
- Chorizo Empanada
Know before you go
Know Before You Go
- Getting there
- 2452 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Planning details
Location
Also consider
Where to go if this does not fit the plan
Choose Reveler's Hour if the night calls for a higher-touch contemporary dinner and the budget allows for a $$$ meal. Choose Rye Bunny if seasonal Mid-Atlantic cooking is the point of the outing rather than convenience.
Restaurant context
How it compares in Adams Morgan and nearby D.C.
Julia's Empanadas is the easier, more casual choice than Reveler's Hour, which sits in a higher $$$ tier and makes more sense for a planned contemporary dinner. Pick Julia's when the group wants speed and flexibility; pick Reveler's Hour when the meal itself is the main event.
Rye Bunny is the better cross-shop for diners who want a produce-heavy, seasonal Mid-Atlantic angle. Julia's is more useful for a quick Adams Morgan stop, while Rye Bunny is the stronger choice when the table wants a more intentional kitchen point of view.
Against the DINER, Meze, and No Goodbyes, the decision comes down to format. Julia's is the low-commitment option; the others make more sense when seating, conversation, and a fuller meal matter more than getting something quick in hand.
Explore Washington DC
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Julia's Empanadas guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Julia's Empanadas
| Venue | Location | Cuisine | Price | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julia's Empanadas | Washington, D.C. | , | , | No published awards |
| the DINER | Washington, D.C. | , | , | No published awards |
| Reveler's Hour | Washington, D.C. | Contemporary | $$$ | Washingtonian 100 Very Best Restaurants 2026 · #582025 Michelin Plate2024 Michelin Plate |
| Rye Bunny | Washington, D.C. | Produce-heavy, seasonal Mid-Atlantic | , | No published awards |
| Meze | Washington, D.C. | , | , | No published awards |
| No Goodbyes | Washington, D.C. | , | , | No published awards |
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How Julia's Empanadas Washington, D.C. compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Julia's Empanadas accommodate groups?
For group plans, contact Julia's Empanadas directly about current seating and accommodation options. For basic planning, it is in Washington, D.C., has a casual dress code, and is open until 3 AM on Friday and Saturday.
Can I eat at the bar at Julia's Empanadas?
Is Julia's Empanadas good for solo dining?
The casual dress code and hours may help with solo-dining plans. Confirm current seating and service details with the venue before you go.
How far ahead should I book Julia's Empanadas?
What should a first-timer know about Julia's Empanadas?
Julia's Empanadas is in Washington, D.C. and has a casual dress code. Hours are 11 AM to 8 PM Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and 11 AM to 3 AM on Friday and Saturday.
Does Julia's Empanadas handle dietary restrictions?
Ask the venue directly for current ingredient and preparation details.
