We were a group of 3 and got 3 empanadas and split the ropa vieja and a side sauce (Aji Verde). The empanadas were flavorful! My favorite was the curry chicken, the chicken was tender and delicious. The aji verde sauce was wonderful and quite spicy! The ropa vieja (coconut rice and beef stew) was the star of the show. The beef was so tender and perfectly cooked. The coconut rice was fragrant. This is such a hearty meal, perfect for a rainy day. Service was wonderful! The only con is that the space is small, and we were lucky to find a high top table available when we arrived.

I have been here five times... I have not posted a review because this is also a spot that I did not want to make super hot and have lines out the door. But unfortunately, I feel terrible for gatekeeping, so here is the tea. This is a great happy hour spots, a great lunch spot, a great dinner spot. You’re going to order more than one empanada just tell yourself that right now! And don’t fight it . Also say yes to ordering the side sauces you’re going try to tell yourself you don’t need it then you’re going to order it when you’re halfway through the empanada and you’re will be upset with yourself. So go ahead and order all the side sauces order all of the empanada options take a friend. Go for happy hour get a gimlet and try their cosmo. Also, if you’re on the hungry, or Side might go to order is ceviche, ordered the Ropa “Nueva” (this to me as their best dish, but empanadas are amazing but this Ropa!) Now after you’ve done all this, come back to my post and tell me how amazing it was... You’re welcome . Also, how can I forget the staff. They’re amazing and I love the atmosphere. The bar is tiny, but it’s perfect. You get to interact with the bartender and the manager always comes out to check on you. It just feels like a very homey place even though it’s set up like a bar.

A hidden gem serving elevated Panamanian and Caribbean street food! Every dish, from the flavorful aji rojo sauce to the crisp empanadas and tender oxtail, is made fresh right in front of you. The owner’s warmth and passion shine through in both the food and the experience. While table seating is limited, the bar offers plenty of space to enjoy your meal and a drink. An absolute must stop!

Honestly, I’m never disappointed. The owner personally called me to let me know they were out of steak—such a thoughtful gesture—and even offered her own recommendations. I took her advice and went with the chicken empanada. I called back just to say it was a 10 out of 10... but I lied—it was a 15 out of 10! The space is always a pleasure to be in. A friend introduced me to this gem when it first opened, and watching how much they’ve grown in just a year is incredible. Part of me wants to keep this place a secret so it stays my little hidden spot, but they deserve to flourish and earn all the success. The empanadas are made in-house, and you can truly taste every single ingredient. Just perfection.

UPDATE— My initial review was already good but I wanted to come back and add that I really appreciate and admire the customer service regarding takeout orders. There have been multiple times where I’ve called to inquire about their DoorDash storefront being closed and the young lady who answers always takes the time to investigate and ACTUALLY calls me back with an update. It’s just so nice considering that a lot of businesses these days just do not care to check into what’s wrong, let alone call me back so I can order. I don’t have a car and my options with food I like are so limited, so it means a lot when stores take the time to make it so that I can order. —— The spicy vegan empanadas are sooo good Finally a savory and FILLING treat that doesn’t have meat in it. I order these a lot! The customer service over the phone is also spectacular. I like the habanero hot sauce. Don’t care for the others as much though. They just taste like straight peppers, not much of a unique flavor. I’ve also ordered the salad and it was decent. But needed a heftier green base. I felt like I was primarily eating corn and cilantro

I cannot recommend this place enough. Truly a gem. A diamond in the rough relative to the chaos of Adams Morgan. Empanadas are fantastic and fried to order. Cocktail menu is thoughtful and well-executed. The service is very friendly and the atmosphere is laid-back/relaxing. They’ve added new menu items (including a mouth-watering red snapper ceviche) and expanded their cocktail menu. A great addition to the neighborhood with high-quality food and drinks.

This is a nice spot! Takeout and small seating area inside. The owner is so kind and hospitable. Knowing nothing about Panamanian (inspired) food coming in, I loved the curry chicken empanada. The spice was incredible and I’d absolutely get the curry chicken again. The fried yuca was pretty good, but kinda overpriced (I imagine this is just because of the cost of yuca, so I get it haha), and could have been a little more browned. Not really a must-order. Come for some delicious food, cute vibes, and great AdMo people watching.

There is a new’ish empanada spot on the 18th street corridor in Adams Morgan. I was in my feelings (a tad bit upset) via the old DC staple empanada spot being on the same block. I grew up on those empanadas. I went in. I’m no longer in my feelings!! . Where I am: @molaempanada . Location Reviewed: 2438 18th St., N.W. Washington D.C. . Menu Includes: Picadillo Beef, Curry Chicken, & Chickpea Empanadas, Patacones, Yuca Bites, Red & Green Aji, Pressed Juices, & Teas, Cocktails, Wine, & Beer!! . Items Reviewed: Their Watermelon Cucumber Mint Juice (6). STAMP!! Crisp, not overly sweet, delectable!! Their Chicken Curry Empanada (with braised chicken breast, house curry spice, & sauteed red bell peppers 5.50). STAMP!! A superb curry spice that infused with the chicken, & a crispy outer shell!! Their Picadillo Beef Empanada (with ground beef, a lil bit of cinnamon, bell peppers, onions, diced olives, & raisins 5.50). STAMP!! Sounds like odd flavoring BUT these are Bolivian styled Empanadas!! Savory, a tad sweet, the flavors blended PERFECTLY!! Their Spiced Chickpeas Empanada (with carrots, cilantro, curry made with coconut milk, & vegan dough 5.50). STAMP!! Mildly spicy, hearty, tasty!! Their Pantacones (twice fried plantain chips with the rojo, & verde dips 4.50). STAMP!! Crispy lightly salted chips, & STAMP both of those flavor packed dips. The verde is the mild!! . Customer Service: On Point!! . Online Navigation: Easy . Parking: Rough . Music: YouTube-BYB up Bumpers no.5 . Recommendations: EVERYTHING!! STAMP LIKE THAT DELICIOUS DECENT PASS NAH #Bigschlimsreviews