Ruben’s Empanadas

Really good beef empanada, but I think $ 3 is a more reasonable price than the $ 4.50ish (I think it was $ 4.37 including tax?) that they charge.

Is this place Mexican, Argentine, or Latin American? Seems like this place has an identity crisis or something since the store has a HUGE Argentina Flag mounted on the wall but serves food from everywhere. Never knew they were a franchise with stores scattered all over the city. After exploring Rubin Museum of Art a few blocks away, came here to get some grub. I got the Iced Mate, Gazpacho Soup, and two Empanadas (One with Argentine Chorizo and one with Fish). I paid $ 16 for all that! WTF. The Mate was alright, first time trying it and it was similar to Korean Barley Tea, Gazpacho soup was refreshing but really not my type of food (reminded me of a thicker version of V8 Vegetable Juice Drink). Lastly, the Empanadas were ok, they were FILLED yes with A LOT of fillings but they weren’t that tasty, were dry, and kind of expensive at $ 4.50 ish per empanada with tax and it didn’t fill me up with two Empanadas! Would rather pay $ 2 – 3 more and head somewhere else to get a Burrito or something nearby. Interestingly, they have artwork on the walls for sale. Like this painting that has a price tag of $ 500 @_@

Their best-​seller is the empanada stuffed with a good amount of seasoned ground beef, raisins and onions. And I understand why. The filling is juicy, savory, and has a respectable amount of grease that just starts leaking through as you finish stuffing that last bite into your face.
The service is quick and only nominally surly, and the space seemed clean enough, although it is a bit cramped with just the counter and a table or two.
Overall though, I find Ruben’s to be a touch too pricey for regular visits. Perhaps it’s because I generally only get empanadas from a lady out of her cart,* but $ 4 is too much, especially since it’s actually $ 4.36.** That’s basically $ 5 for an empanada because you know I’m either dropping that change in the tip jar or giving it to the heartbreakingly poetic woman on the corner.
Empanadas are like slices of pizza. I want to get it quickly, eat it on the go, and any more than $ 2 and it seems like I’m being ripped off.
_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​
*
**I know we have to pay taxes since we’re the 99% and all, but c’mon now. Make it whatever it has to be so I can drop four singles on the counter and go.

I love Ruben’s and almost cried for joy when these guys announced they were opening a store near me. This is the third Ruben’s I’ve been to, they’ve been in New York for years and years, this is the newest one. The empanadas are as great as ever. These are the only empanadas I’ve had that aren’t deep fried which is a big plus for me; spicy chicken and Argentinian Sausage are my favorites. My only regret is that they don’t have more sides to make it a more complete meal.

The place was very tiny, maybe 4 tables. The prices were super cheap, but the Empanadas were dry and flavorless. I’ve definitely had better. Interesting ingredients, but they just didn’t cut it for me.