DC Empanadas – Spanish
The air is thick with the irresistible scent of golden-brown pastry dough frying to a perfect crisp, drawing diners into a vibrant space where the humble empanada is reimagined as a bold culinary canvas. Each flaky, hand-crimped pocket serves as a vessel for explosive global flavors, ranging from the nostalgic comfort of the Sunday Dinner to the daring, high-stakes heat of the WMD. This playful destination transforms the classic handheld staple into a punchy, flavor-packed journey that satisfies both the traditionalist and the adventurous eater alike.
1309, 5th Street Northeast, Washington, DC, 20002 +17034005363 http://dcempanadas.com0Cuisine: Spanish
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at DC Empanadas
Dairy-Free at DC Empanadas
DC Empanadas in Washington has 10 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Cubanito, Veggie Nirvana and Tio Asher. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at DC Empanadas
DC Empanadas in Washington has 7 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Cubanito, Lunch Box and El Matador. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at DC Empanadas
DC Empanadas in Washington has 9 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Thai'd Up Veggie, Tio Shawn and WMD (Weapon of Max Deliciousness). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at DC Empanadas
DC Empanadas in Washington has 3 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Tio Shawn, El Toro and The Big Ragu. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at DC Empanadas
DC Empanadas in Washington has 1 keto-tagged dish on its current menu, including The Hulk. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at DC Empanadas
DC Empanadas in Washington has 1 low-carb-tagged dish on its current menu, including The Hulk. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at DC Empanadas
DC Empanadas in Washington has 1 nut-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Cubanito. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at DC Empanadas
DC Empanadas in Washington has 3 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Veggie Nirvana, Tio Asher and Hong Kong Phooey. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at DC Empanadas
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Ménage à Trois | 142.9 g | 43.2 g |
| El Toro | 22.1 g | 41 g |
| Veggie Nirvana | 44.5 g | 29.8 g |
| Tio Shawn | 62.8 g | 29.4 g |
| The Jersey Shore | 16.7 g | 27 g |
| The Big Ragu | 3.7 g | 26.7 g |
| The Bronx Bomber | 64.1 g | 24.8 g |
| El Mariachi | 11.5 g | 20.7 g |
| El Matador | 9.5 g | 19.5 g |
| Tio Asher | 22.1 g | 18.3 g |
| Thai'd Up Veggie | 17.5 g | 18.3 g |
| Speedy Gonzalez | 60.2 g | 15.1 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Menu
Beef Empanadas
- The Traditional: Shredded Beef, Spanish olives, Roasted Red Peppers, Raisins, Onions, and Cilantro Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- El Toro: Chipotle Beef, Onions, Garlic, Cilantro, Black Beans, Cheddar Cheese & Corn Dietary tags: High-Protein, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Jersey Shore: Meatballs, Marinara Sauce, and Mozzarella Cheese Available at: dinner, lunch
- WMD (Weapon of Max Deliciousness): Chili, Beans and Cheddar Cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- June Cleaver: Ground Sirloin, Potatoes, Peas, Carrots Available at: dinner, lunch
- Executive Order: Bacon Cheeseburger with Grilled Vidalia Onions Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ropanada: Ropa Vieja Style Shredded Beef with Rice Tossed in a Tomato Based Sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- South Street: Philly Style Cheesesteak with Wiz, Onions and Sweet Peppers Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sunday Dinner: Diced Beef with Onions, Potatoes, Peas & Carrots in a Velvety Beef Gravy Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Hulk: Hand Pulled Shredded Beef, Onions, & Cilantro tossed in a tomatillo & Charred Jalapeno Sauce Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Pork Empanadas
- El Matador: Chorizo, Potatoes and Spices Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Il Paesano: Prosciutto di Parma, Mozzarella di Bufala and Dates Available at: dinner, lunch
- Karate Kid: Pork and Fresh Veggies Tossed in a Sesame Teriyaki Sauce with a Kick! Available at: dinner, lunch
- Luau: Slow Roasted pork tossed in a Hawaiian style sauce with Pineapple & Mango & Carrots with a kick! Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Amazingly Aroi: Pork, Thai Seasonings, Onion, Thai Peppers, Green Peppers, Onions, and Spices Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lunch Box: Ham and Swiss Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: lunch
- The Jake: Slow Roasted Pork Tossed in a Asian BBQ Glaze Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Bronx Bomber: Italian Sausage & Mozzarella Cheese Tossed in a Homemade Marinara Sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Divine Swine: Pulled BBQ Pork featuring No.5 Sauce from the BBQ Bus! Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cubanito: Slow Roasted Cuban style pork, tossed with onions and a spicy guava sauce Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Count: Honey Roasted Smoked Turkey & Ham with Swiss & Gruyère Cheeses served with Strawberry Preserves on the side Available at: brunch, lunch
Chicken Empanadas
- The Badass: Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Irie Mon - Jerk Chicken: Grilled chicken marinated in a spicy sauce that is traditionally served in Jamaica Available at: dinner, lunch
- La Venganza de Tio Shawn: Chipotle Chicken, Onions, Garlic, Black Beans, Cilantro, & Corn Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Taj Mahal – Chicken Tikka: Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and then served in a tomato cream sauce with Peas & Cilantro Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mr. Miyagi: Chicken and Fresh Veggies Tossed in a Ginger Teriyaki Sauce with a Kick! Available at: dinner, lunch
- El Mariachi: Chipotle Chicken, Corn, Cilantro & Green Onions & Tomato Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Big Ragu: White Meat Chicken Tossed in a Home-made Marinara Sauce, Fresh Herbs & Mozzarella Cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mikey's Thai Chicken: White Meat Chicken Cilantro, Green Onions, Carrots & Peas Tossed in a Thai Inspired Peanut Sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pollo de Don Carlos: Diced White Meat Chicken Sautéed with Tomatoes, Onions, Potatoes & Carrots tossed with White Wine & Latin Seasonings! Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Goodfella: Diced White Meat Chicken & Peas tossed in a House-made Alfredo Sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pollo de Primavera: Diced White Meat Chicken Sautéed with Onions, Potatoes & Cilantro tossed with White Wine & Latin Seasonings! Available at: dinner, lunch
Vegetarian Empanadas
- Ménage à Trois: Brie, Figs and Marcona Almonds Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- El Greco: Spinach, Feta Cheese and Onions Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tio Shawn: Black Beans, Rice, Monterrey Jack Cheese, Chipotle Peppers, Cilantro and Green Onions Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Hong Kong Phooey: Broccoli, Mushrooms, Carrots, Onions, Baby Corn, & Bamboo Shoots Tossed in a Ginger Teriyaki Sauce with a Kick! Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mamma Sophia: Eggplant & Fresh Mozzarella balls in a homemade marinara sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Speedy Gonzalez: A mild Cheese Empanada filled with Queso Blanco, Asadero Cheese & Mozzarella Cheese! Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Veggie Nirvana: Potato, Onions, Garlic, Peas, Tomato, Cilantro, and Indian Spices Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tio Asher: Tofu, Black Beans, Corn, Cilantro, Chipotle Peppers and Green Onions Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fruity Bottom: Pears poached in Sherry & Honey with Brie Cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Thai'd Up Veggie: Broccoli, Onions, Garlic, Carrots, Peas, Thai Peppers & Thai Basil tossed in a Creamy Red Coconut Curry! Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Frequently Asked Questions about DC Empanadas
- Is DC Empanadas dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. DC Empanadas has 10 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Cubanito, Veggie Nirvana and Tio Asher.
- What can I eat at DC Empanadas on a dairy-free diet?
- Cubanito, Veggie Nirvana and Tio Asher carry the dairy-free tag, out of 10 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does DC Empanadas have vegan options?
- Yes. 3 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Veggie Nirvana and Tio Asher.
- Is DC Empanadas gluten-free?
- 7 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at DC Empanadas?
- Ménage à Trois, at roughly 43.2g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near DC Empanadas
- Boquería Penn Quarter — Spanish
- Jaleo — Spanish
- minibar by José Andrés — Spanish
- Taberna del Alabardero — Spanish
- Pisco y Nazca — Spanish
- Boquería — Spanish
- Ceibo — Spanish
- Flor — Spanish
- Mi Cuba Café — Spanish
- Castro's Bakery — Spanish
- Sardi's Pollo A La Brasa — Spanish
- Dolcezza — Italian
