Empanadas in Washington, DC and Northern Virginia

The DC metro area has a strong Latin American food scene, and empanadas are available at restaurants, food carts, bakeries, and markets across the District, Arlington, Alexandria, and surrounding counties. You will find them in neighborhoods with established Hispanic communities — particularly Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, and Adams Morgan in DC, and in Arlington near the Ballston and Clarendon corridors. Most places sell them hot, ready to eat, or frozen to take home and reheat.

Empanadas here reflect the cuisines of multiple countries: Argentine beef empanadas with a flaky pastry crust, Venezuelan corn-based empanadas called arepas, and Dominican versions with seasoned meat or cheese fillings. Prices typically range from $2 to $5 per empanada depending on size and location, with bakeries and food carts usually cheaper than sit-down restaurants.

Key Takeaways

  • Empanadas are sold at Latin American bakeries, food carts, and restaurants throughout DC and Northern Virginia, with the highest concentration in neighborhoods like Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant.
  • You can buy them hot and ready to eat from food carts and restaurants, or frozen from bakeries and grocery stores to reheat at home.
  • Argentine, Venezuelan, and Dominican styles are all common in the DC area, each with different pastry and filling styles.
  • Food carts and bakeries are usually the cheapest option, while sit-down restaurants charge more but offer a full meal experience.
  • Many Latin American grocery stores sell frozen empanadas in bulk, which is economical if you plan to eat them regularly.

Bakeries and Food Carts in DC Proper

The fastest way to get an empanada in DC is from a food cart or street vendor. You will find them regularly in Dupont Circle, near Metro stations during lunch hours, and in neighborhoods with foot traffic. These carts typically sell Argentine-style beef empanadas and charge $3 to $4 per piece. The empanadas are made fresh in the morning and sold until they run out, so arriving between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. gives you the best selection.

Bakeries in Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant sell both fresh and frozen empanadas. Arepa Lady (a food cart that operates from a fixed location) is known for Venezuelan arepas and empanadas and has a loyal following. Bethesda Bagels locations and Latin American bakeries throughout the District stock frozen empanadas you can buy and bake at home — these usually cost $1.50 to $2.50 each when bought in packs of six or more.

Restaurants and Sit-Down Options

If you want empanadas as part of a larger meal, Argentine and Latin American restaurants throughout DC serve them as appetizers or as part of a main course. Restaurants in the Ballston and Clarendon areas of Arlington, and along the U Street Corridor in DC, typically have empanadas on the menu. Expect to pay $5 to $8 for a plate of two or three empanadas, often served with chimichurri sauce or a small salad.

Some restaurants offer empanada specials on certain days or as happy-hour appetizers at reduced prices. Calling ahead to ask about daily specials or whether they have empanadas in stock can save you a trip, since some restaurants make them fresh to order and may need 15 to 20 minutes to prepare them.

Grocery Stores and Latin American Markets

Latin American grocery stores and supermarkets in DC and Northern Virginia stock frozen empanadas year-round. Stores in Arlington, Falls Church, and along the Route 29 corridor in Maryland carry multiple brands, often at lower prices than restaurants or bakeries. A box of six frozen empanadas typically costs $4 to $6, and you can bake them in a standard oven at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes.

Whole Foods and some Safeway locations in the DC area also carry frozen empanadas in their Latin American or frozen-foods sections, though the selection and price vary by location. Calling ahead to confirm they have the type you want (beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetarian) saves time, especially if you are looking for a specific brand or filling.

Neighborhoods with the Most Options

Columbia Heights has the highest concentration of empanada vendors and bakeries within walking distance. The area around 14th Street NW and Irving Street NW has multiple food carts, bakeries, and small restaurants where you can find empanadas at almost any time of day. Mount Pleasant, just north of Columbia Heights, has a similar scene with several Venezuelan and Argentine restaurants.

In Northern Virginia, the Ballston and Clarendon neighborhoods in Arlington are the main hubs for Latin American food. The area around Wilson Boulevard has multiple restaurants and markets. Falls Church, just west of Arlington, also has several Latin American grocery stores and restaurants within a small area. If you live in or near these neighborhoods, you can usually find empanadas within a 10-minute walk.

Making Empanadas at Home

If you want to make empanadas yourself, Latin American grocery stores sell pre-made empanada dough (sometimes called "masa" or "discos") that you can fill and bake. Recipes are straightforward — most involve seasoned ground beef, chicken, or cheese as a filling, wrapped in the dough and either baked or fried. Homemade empanadas cost less per piece than buying them ready-made, especially if you make a large batch and freeze them.

YouTube and cooking websites have detailed video tutorials for empanada-making, and most recipes take 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish. If you are new to cooking them, buying a few from a bakery first to taste the texture and flavor you are aiming for can help guide your homemade version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find empanadas open late or on weekends?

Food carts in busy areas like Dupont Circle and near Metro stations operate during lunch and early evening on weekdays. Restaurants and bakeries in Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant are usually open on weekends, though hours vary. Frozen empanadas from grocery stores are available 24/7 if you have a store near you that is open late.

What is the difference between Argentine and Venezuelan empanadas?

Argentine empanadas have a thin, flaky pastry crust and are usually baked. Venezuelan empanadas (arepas) are made from corn flour and have a thicker, softer texture. Both are common in DC, and most vendors sell both styles. Taste one of each to see which you prefer.

Can I order empanadas in bulk for an event?

Yes. Restaurants and bakeries in the DC area take bulk orders for parties and events, usually with a day or two of notice. Call ahead to discuss the number you need, your preferred filling, and whether you want them hot or frozen. Prices drop per piece when you order in bulk — typically $1.50 to $2 per empanada for orders of 20 or more.

Are there vegetarian or vegan empanada options?

Many bakeries and restaurants offer cheese, spinach, or vegetable-filled empanadas. Some vendors also make vegan versions with plant-based fillings. Ask when you order, or call ahead to confirm they have a vegetarian option in stock.

How long do frozen empanadas last in the freezer?

Frozen empanadas from grocery stores typically last three to four months in a standard freezer. Homemade frozen empanadas last about the same time. Check the package date on store-bought empanadas, and label homemade ones with the date you made them so you know when to use them.