Empanada Mama, New York

Crispy pockets of savory, fried dough encase hot, seasoned meats and melted cheese—at Empanada Mama each empanada is cooked fresh and hot to order. Founder Socrates Nanas' goal is to offer big flavors in small packages. With a menu of more than forty empanadas stuffed and sealed with wheat- or corn-based shells, they cater to all sorts of cravings, including Greek, Cuban, Polish, and Hawaiian. Better yet, diners can add a dose of creaminess with freshly mixed guac, or a bit of crunch with a heaping bowl of plantain chips.