Archive for 'Ruben’s Empanadas'

FiDi Down To Two Ruben’s Empanadas

rubens closed sign

The Nassau St. location of Ruben’s Empanadas between John & Fulton St. was not only closed, but completely gutted when I walked by yesterday. It’s not entirely surprising since it seems to be mostly empty even during prime lunch time. Never fear, though: As the sign says there’s another location on Fulton St. and one on Pearl just off Hanover Sq. to feed your empanada cravings.

Downtown Lunch: Ruben's Empanadas

Midtown workers shouldn’t have all the fun, so to even the score, I’ve brought on Daniel Krieger as an official Downtown Lunch Correspondent to write up some of the tasty stuff you can get in the lower half of Manhattan. He’s a great photographer (ensuring good food porn), but more importantly he is a lover of cheap, unique and delicious eats (or as I like to call it- Midtown Lunch’ish food.)

Downtown Lunch: Reuben's Empanadas

About a month ago I was at a party in Brooklyn (represent!) and a guest from the East Village picked up a huge bag of empanadas from the East Village location of Ruben’s Empanadas. I was skeptical at first thinking they were going to taste more like fast food empanadas (aka Hot Pockets), but figured I would give them a shot. After warming them up in the oven we added them to our impromptu dinner party and I tried two different kinds. I particularly remember the spinach and tofu one with whole wheat crust. It was a perfect blend of a crunchy/doughy crust and had a nice heavy mixture of spinach and tofu on the inside. Damn they were good.

Downtown Lunch: Reuben's Empanadas
I’m always hesitant when a restaurant claims “authentic” or “original” or “best”

I remembered all this after the Empanada Joe hooplah earlier this week and decided to head out to one of Ruben’s six downtown locations for lunch.

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