Empanada Mama Hell’s Kitchen
Latin American restaurant · 765 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States · United States
★ 4.4 on Google · 5,773 reviews · View on Google Maps
Manipulation score
CleanCompleted Jul 15, 2026 · 69 reviews flagged
How this score works
The score estimates how strongly this place's review record matches known manipulation patterns, from 0 (no signs) to 100. Verdicts: Clean below 40, Suspicious from 40, Likely Manipulated from 70; Review Drive when the flags are mostly staff asking customers for named reviews. It rises with the share of reviews flagged and how suspicious each one is.
- Burst
- — an abnormal spike of five-star reviews in a single day compared to the place's usual pace.
- Low activity account
- — the reviewer has almost no other reviews, photos, or Local Guide history; throwaway accounts look like this.
- Duplicate text
- — the wording is nearly identical to another review of the same place.
Verdicts are statistical estimates based on public review patterns, not accusations. Full methodology, signal definitions and known limits →
Case conclusion
What the numbers say
1,000 reviews examined
- Google rating
- 4.4★
- Not-flagged average
- 4.3★
- Flagged
- 7%
- Coverage
- 17%
All reviews shown by Google
931 examined reviews
69 of 1,000
1,000 of 5,773 Google reviews
“Not flagged” means no configured Revdict signal matched; it does not prove a review is genuine. Data fetched Jul 15, 2026.
Review brief
What reviews not flagged by Revdict say
Empanada Mama is a popular 24/7 spot offering a wide variety of flavorful empanadas, drinks, and late-night comfort food in Hell’s Kitchen. While reviewers frequently praise the food quality and vibrant atmosphere, many report issues with slow wait times, unaccommodating service, and automatic gratuity charges.
+ Repeated strengths
Delicious Empanadas and Menu Variety
Reviewers report that the empanadas are flavorful, fresh, and come in a large variety of creative options.
1 supporting review
4★ · 2025-11-23
Really really really delicious empanadas a short walk from Time Square and it’s open late. Very busy but food was pretty quick. Service was eh. Food was delicious. No refills on soft drinks so don’t drink 3 like I did and get charged for ev...
Popular Late-Night Spot
Reviewers highlight the convenience of the 24-hour schedule and the lively, energetic atmosphere after nights out.
2 supporting reviews
1★ · 2025-08-06
The food has always been excellent. I’ve been eating here for over three years, and it’s a place that reminds me of Colombia. However, today, since I now live in Hell’s Kitchen, I decided to stop by for an empanada. At the time of paying,...
4★ · 2025-12-28
A wide variety of empanadas, good cocktails, a festive atmosphere and open all night! In post pandemic NYC, a joint like this is all too rare.
Signature Sauces and Drinks
Reviewers frequently praise the green sauce and strong cocktails, particularly the margaritas.
1 supporting review
5★ · 2024-08-03
This is a good spot for a quick food and drink. The service is quick and the empanadas are amazing. My go to are the Cuban and pernil. Don't skip out on the sauces either. Their frozen drinks are also delicious and strong.
− Repeated complaints
Slow Wait Times
Reviewers report long and inconsistent wait times for food, particularly for takeout orders.
3 supporting reviews
3★ · 2024-07-28
Empanada Mama used to be my go-to spot for the best empanadas, but my recent visits have been nothing short of a letdown. The experience starts off poorly with no greeting upon entry, leaving a bad first impression. The customer service is...
3★ · 2024-09-14
Food is good but HOLY CRAP this place is super super slow to make the orders. We are talking 45 min and more to make 2 empanadas
5★ · 2026-06-16
Love it!
Unfriendly Front-of-House and Security Service
Reviewers report rude behavior from staff, hosts, and security, including policies restricting customers from waiting inside for takeout.
3 supporting reviews
1★ · 2024-08-20
I don't recommend this place the people in the front is rude we order meals in the front kiosk and though we would be able to sit and enjoy our meals the old woman in the front was very disrespectful and said we couldn't sit in a rude way ....
2★ · 2024-09-29
Full disclosure, I'm writing this BEFORE I even get my food. This place used to be amazing. Small mom and pop order your food, out within 10min. Now, they put in a bar and seating and if you order takeout you do it from a digital kiosk, a...
4★ · 2026-06-19
I love the food and the atmosphere here, which is why this experience was disappointing. It seems that customers with to-go orders are no longer allowed to wait inside while their food is being prepared, at least according to the security g...
Hidden Gratuity Charges
Reviewers report that a 20% gratuity is automatically added to bills without clear communication, leading to instances of accidental double-tipping.
1 supporting review
1★ · 2024-08-10
Automatically charged a 20% tip and then prompted to enter another tip by the waitress. Didn’t realize I double tipped until I went home.
Good for
- Late-night food cravings
- Trying many unique empanada flavors
- Casual groups looking for drinks and snacks
Avoid if
- You are in a rush and need fast takeout service
- You prefer a quiet, relaxed dining environment
- You want strict predictability in table-service hospitality
Review anatomy
Reviews per month
| Month | Reviews | Flagged |
|---|---|---|
| Jul ’24 | 4 | 1 |
| Aug ’24 | 45 | 1 |
| Sep ’24 | 39 | 3 |
| Oct ’24 | 53 | 5 |
| Nov ’24 | 38 | 3 |
| Dec ’24 | 33 | 2 |
| Jan ’25 | 32 | 3 |
| Feb ’25 | 35 | 2 |
| Mar ’25 | 43 | 1 |
| Apr ’25 | 44 | 3 |
| May ’25 | 53 | 0 |
| Jun ’25 | 54 | 6 |
| Jul ’25 | 44 | 3 |
| Aug ’25 | 45 | 2 |
| Sep ’25 | 44 | 1 |
| Oct ’25 | 42 | 3 |
| Nov ’25 | 44 | 3 |
| Dec ’25 | 45 | 5 |
| Jan ’26 | 53 | 5 |
| Feb ’26 | 25 | 3 |
| Mar ’26 | 41 | 3 |
| Apr ’26 | 48 | 4 |
| May ’26 | 37 | 0 |
| Jun ’26 | 38 | 4 |
| Jul ’26 | 21 | 3 |
Rating distribution
Evidence
- low activity account 67 reviews flagged weight 0.8
- generic account 2 reviews flagged weight 1
Flagged reviews
Showing the 10 most suspicious of 69 flagged reviews.
Jack Mc.G
130 reviews · Local Guide
★★★★★
2024-09-04
BBQ Pulled Pork (Corn Flour) was Delicious!!!! I had heard about this place and decided to try it and so glad I did! The Green Sauce is sooo good, they need to bottle it!! Definitely going back to Dine in for a meal. The restaurant was very clean with plenty of seating and a nice Bar area, everyone...
Lucius Verinius
279 reviews · Local Guide
★★★★★
2025-12-09
This place saved my life on Thanksgiving. Go for the Brazil or Viagra empanadas. Delicious 😋
Urel
1 review
★☆☆☆☆
2024-11-16
While the flavors are ok, $23.50 for 1 single scoop of rice is insane! Not worth it! This is highway robery! 1 chicken breast,1 scoop of rice, and some beans! $23.50?????????? Ohh how eas8i forgot that soggy salad!!!!!!
Bella Carlozzi
1 review
★★★★★
2024-12-31
We had Edwin Matteo as our server and he was great! , he was supper attentive and when something didn’t come out right he fixed it right away ! Friendly and awesome server and I love coming here ! Music can be a bit loud if you are sensitive to that but otherwise great experience!
Kevin Castiblanco
2 reviews
★★★★★
2025-01-04
I'm Colombian and I can say it met my expectations; not too expensive for being in NYC
Jonathan Papaleo
1 review
★☆☆☆☆
2025-01-17
We walked in and were told choice if tables. Then 1 one server insisted it had to be one table right at the entrance and in the walkway. Sure that's fine it's late at night and controlling seating. Sat for 10-15 mins with nobody coming over to take order even after making eye contact with several se...
Denice Almendarez
1 review
★☆☆☆☆
2025-01-29
Sucks bad. Service horrible food
Kika Simon
1 review
★★★★★
2025-02-18
Alexis Béal
1 review
★★★★★
2025-03-14
Perfect! Affordable prices, very welcoming staff, fast service! I recommend it for eating/snacks that are cheap and delicious!
Neshaly Perez
1 review
★★★★★
2025-04-24
Report generated Jul 15, 2026. Reviews change — you can request a fresh investigation.
More investigations in United States
Triad Heating & Cooling, Inc.
48Greensboro · United States
Suspicious
Southern Homes Heating & Air
26Stokesdale · United States
Clean
Fast Air Repair
31Ocala · United States
Clean
Nūdl
12Bedford · United States
Clean
Safeguard Roofing
63Bohemia · United States
Suspicious
Right Angle Roofing & Siding
61Patchogue · United States
Suspicious