Tucked away on the corner of Summit and Chittenden, right in between Phamous Philly’s and the soon-to-open Rooks Tavern, the colorful storefront of Dada Empanada has opened to cater to your cravings for Latin-American cuisine.
New Albany resident Elier Rodriguez, owner of Dada Empanada, moved back to Columbus from New York City to pursue his own empanada business back in 2012. He originally set his sights on moving into the North Market, while managing an El Vaquero in the meantime. While Rodriguez was biding his time, he bought a food cart and began selling empanadas on La Fogata’s patio after they closed. Before long, he had customers lining up for empanadas a full 45 minutes prior to him showing up.
Around the same time, a small University District space at 199 Chittenden Avenue went up for sale, and Rodriguez decided to seize the opportunity. Dada Empanada’s counter opened at the end of October, and while Rodriguez initially expected a rowdier late-night crowd, so far he has been pleasantly surprised.
“The students are great,” he said. “I was thinking there’d be more of a party atmosphere, but the students are really well-mannered and educated, they ask a lot of questions — it’s awesome.”
His heartily-filled empanadas go for $3 each, served with a spicy cilantro sauce. The meal is served with fresh rice, beans, and a side of sweet plantains. The spicy chicken, beef, mofongo, and pizza empanadas have proven to be popular flavors thus far, as well as the spinach and mushroom vegan option, and the nutella-filled dessert empanada. Rodriguez hopes to have one weekly special, and a new empanada flavor added each week, with an eventual goal of 30 different varieties.
“There’s not a lot of markets like this,” said Rodriguez. “It’s not like opening a Mexican restaurant, where people already know what they like. We’re trying to play with it and be creative — we’re open to people’s suggestions.”
Rodriguez still has hopes to eventually move into North Market, but has plenty of work to occupy himself with in the meantime. In addition to Dada, he works full-time at his kitchen equipment resale business, AMG Solutions.
Dada Empanada is open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 3 am, and Sundays from noon to 10 pm. Delivery is available through GrubHub.