The Bottom Line
Pros
- Delicious street food
- Convenient for eating on the go
- Nothing costs more than $3
Cons
- Unreliable hours
- Closed in bad weather
- Menu changes daily
Description
- The empanada lady's stand is at the corner of Smith St and Sackett St.
- Hours and menu items change daily.
- Closest subway: F to Carroll St
Guide Review - The Empanada Lady on Smith Street
Wielding a bunch of cilantro in one hand, the empanada lady on Smith Street stands waiting to hand you one of her delicious treats with the other.The empanadas (choose from chicken or beef) are deep-fried perfection. Slightly spicy and steaming hot, even the occasional bone won't deter you from wolfing an entire one down. Or try a tamale, neatly wrapped in red and white cooking twine -- They're even better.
And there's more. Those looking for healthier options line up for avocados stuffed with salmon, shrimp, or mango. Other menu items change daily but often include Spanish rice and Cuban sandwiches filled with thinly sliced pork.
This is street food at its finest, and I'd gladly give it five stars, but the empanada lady's schedule is a tricky one. She and her cart can go missing for weeks at a time. The only way to tell if she's open for business? Look for her "specials of the day" sign to appear on Smith Street -- No sign, no empanada lady.
