National Empanada Day on April 8 brings unbeatable food deals across the country. Restaurants are serving up free empanadas, offering deep discounts, and pairing them with drink specialsโall for one day only.
If you want to make the most of it, check out the best places to get in on the action. The deals are locked in, and itโs all happening April 8.
Where to Score Best Deals on National Empanada Day
Do not waste time browsing dozens of websites. Everything confirmed for April 8 is right here, in one place.
| City | Location | Deal Details | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | Havana Central | Half-price Empanada Samplers for dine-in. Choose three: beef picadillo, three-cheese, chicken sofrito, shrimp sofrito, or ropa vieja (+$1). | All day |
| Washington, D.C. | Colada Shop | Two Curried Sweet Plantain Empanadas with Lime Garlic Aioli (vegan special) for $7.98. | All day |
| Savannah, GA | Mint to Be Mojito Bar | $3 empanadas including beef and guava cream cheese. 50% off mojitos from 4 pm to 7 pm. | 11:30 am onward |
| Philadelphia, PA | Puyero | First 100 people at each location get a free empanada starting at noon. | Starting 12:00 pm |
| Washington, D.C. | Merry Pin | $40 ticket includes one margarita, discounted $8 drinks, and access to an unlimited empanada bar. | Times vary |
When Did National Empanada Day Start?
National Empanada Day began in 2011. It was created to honor the rich cultural history of the empanada, a dish beloved worldwide.
Since then, it has grown into a popular day for food lovers to indulge in this tasty treat.
April 8 has become a celebration for anyone who enjoys these savory, crispy pockets filled with everything from beef to cheese to vegetables.
Donโt Miss These Special Empanada Flavors
Empanadas come in countless flavors, each one offering something different. Here are some must-try options:
- Argentinian Empanadas: Filled with beef, olives, and spices, these are a savory classic.
- Peruvian Empanadas: Try the ones filled with flavorful chicken, potatoes, and ajรญ (a popular Peruvian chili).
- Filipino Empanadas: These often have fillings like corned beef hash or even sweet papaya, offering a unique twist on the traditional.
Hidden Gems for the Best Empanadas
Looking for something outside the big-name spots? Check out these local favorites that serve up some of the best empanadas youโll find:
Empanada Brothers (Seminole, FL)
Known for their wide variety of unique empanada flavors, this spot is a must for fans of creative takes on the classic.
Homi Restaurant (St. Paul, MN)
This family-owned spot serves homemade empanadas that will transport you straight to Mexico.
Vejigantes Restaurant (Boston, MA)
A Puerto Rican restaurant serving some of the most delicious and authentic empanadas in the city.
Best Drinks to Pair with Your Empanadas
Pairing your empanada with the right drink takes it to the next level. Try these perfect matches:
- Mojitos: Refreshing and slightly sweet, mojitos are a perfect pairing with almost any type of empanada, especially if youโre enjoying a crispy, savory one.
- Craft Beer: A light lager or pale ale complements the richness of beef or chicken empanadas.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: For a non-alcoholic option, go with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade to balance the flavors of your empanada.
Last Words
National Empanada Day is a celebration of flavor, culture, and community. April 8 offers a perfect chance to enjoy some of the best empanadas, try new flavors, and take advantage of fantastic deals.
With so many great places offering one-day-only specials, you canโt go wrong. So, gather your friends, head out to your local spots, and make the most of the day!
If you want to experiment more with food from around the world, don’t forget to check out our selection of the best Greek recipes.
