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
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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.
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| 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 -
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.
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Makus Empanadas catered my company party and it was a huge hit! Hernan was a big help in figuring out how much I would need to order for our event. The food was delivered hot, right on time, and Santiago even handled all of the set up for us! There was something on the menu for everyone, including gluten free options that were clearly labelled and packaged separately to avoid cross-contamination. I will definitely order again!
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ARGENTINAS DO THE SAME THING IN MIAMI. THEY SELL TINY SMALL PORTIONS FOR A RIDICULOUS HIGH PRICE.
PLUS THIS PPL EMPANADAS ARE FULL OF ONIONS WITH SAUCE, AND NO MEAT.
SO YOU ARE PAYING $4 FOR A TINY ONION EMPANADAS.
THE QUALITY OF THEIR EMPANADAS, IS LIKE TACO BELL MAKING BURRITOS.
THEN ONLY GOOD THING, WAS THE EMPLOYEE CUSTOMER SERVICE.
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