Makus Empanadas
Phone: (919) 390-7525
Cuisines
- Mexican & South American
Hours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Map
Google Rating
-
I'm sorry but $4 for a small 3 inches empanada is not worth it. The lunch special was good $10 for 3 and rice and beans, but I wasn't wowed by the flavors or anything else. Also, it took about 15 minutes to get the order, and I get heat some tastier food at home. Won't come back unfortunately, though the staff was really nice.
-
| Overview
+ Good variety of empanada fillings to choose from with gluten free options
+ Texture of empanadas is fine
- Size of empanada is ridiculously small
- Slow & unfriendly customer service
- Makus mostly serves empanadas (the rest of its menu are boring)
- Not comfortable ambiance
| Review
After 3 years, I decided to give Makus another chance. I went to Makus in New Hope Commons, Durham in a Tuesday afternoon, and when I entered its lackluster ambiance with cheap-looking uncomfortable high chairs, I was surprised that there's not a single employee in the front. I saw about 2 of them in the back, seemingly preparing the empanadas.
I was ready to order but no one was there to accept my order. I almost left Makus until I saw the bell on the concession with a notice saying, "NEED HELP? RING ME PLEASE!"
I rang the bell once, no one came; I rang twice, finally, an employee! I ordered 2 beef empanadas & 1 ham & cheese empanada for a total of almost $13.
There was only 1 customer before me, waiting for her order when I went. While I was waiting, the employee who was smoking earlier outside came in and just ignored me as he returned back to work in the back.
At around 15 min. mark of waiting, an employee went to the front, holding a plastic with a small takeout box inside. I stood up and asked if my order was ready, the woman just nodded without saying a word, just cold and expressionless.
Finally, after about 20 minutes of waiting just for 3 empanadas, the same woman handed me the plastic with my order. I thought they were busy preparing empanadas in the back. Why'd it take so long just to get 3 empanadas ready?
Out of all the empanadas my girl & I have tried: Filipino-style, Ilocos-style & El Salvadorian style in the Sabor restaurant nearby, the empanadas in Makus are the smallest. Each empanada cost about $4 (a dozen for $47 - seriously, who would buy a dozen of these?). I'd be fine with this size if the empanadas are gourmet quality with astonishing fillings and flavors, but the taste was alright - nothing special, and definitely not worth $4 in our book.
The good part was that the empanadas were not doughy, so the texture was fine. The sauce that came with it was alright, and the 1 small cup is just fine for 3 tiny empanadas.
When I came home to eat the 3 empanadas with my girl, she asked me why I returned to Makus after we were disappointed in our first visit a few years ago. I said that I wanted to give it another chance. Now, I deeply regret this decision.
| Overall Score: 1.2/5 -
Cleanliness 5/5. Food prep was done with gloves, which were then taken off and new ones put on by staff when handling money in between serving our food. Tables in dining area were clean. Bathroom was acceptable, for lunch time standards.
Price 4/5. The food is reasonably priced. It's not gonna break the bank, however I wish the empanadas were at least $.50 cents cheaper so I could afford to buy more than just a few!
Quality 5/5. Incredible! They taste amazing and are packed little pockets of flavor. I have tried the veggie, chicken and pork. Loaded down with sauce and cheese. Juicy meats baked in marinades and soaking in their own juices create a packed punch on your tastebuds. Just wish they were a little bigger than the size of small dumpling!
Service 5/5. Cashier was working fast between managing the register and prepping peoples food. Even made an extra trip to ensure we were enjoying our meals and bring some hot sauce to us. We will be back. -
Very disappointed about these “empanada’s”. They have some filling along with the “meat” and some onions. Not a fan. Did not have much of a taste at all. The chicken one seemed like real chicken. The beef did not taste like real beef . I tried the spinach and cheese as well that was probably the best one but still didn’t finish any. Overall disappointed. Suggestion: maybe change the filling ingredients and let customers know onions are included …
-
I'm a student at UNC and they come to one of our cafeterias every Tuesday. The empanadas were phenomenal and they have very tasty vegetarian and vegan options. Highly recommend.
Nearby Businesses
.02 Miles Away
.02 Miles Away
.14 Miles Away
.19 Miles Away
Related Stories
Durham es Delicioso: The Bull City’s Latin Food Takeover
Durham's Latin restaurants represent an eclectic range of cultures, from Columbia and Cuba to El Salvador and more. Hear all about…
