DMV EMPANADAS - Mosaic Farmers Market

Introduction / Overview

For local food enthusiasts across Northern Virginia, the weekend trip to a farmers market is a cherished tradition, and among the most sought-after vendors is DMV EMPANADAS. While officially categorized as a 'Bakery' due to the delicious baked dough that encloses their fillings, this stand is a celebrated destination for savory, handheld delights. Operating primarily as a family business, DMV EMPANADAS brings a true taste of South America, specializing in traditional empanadas and the unique Bolivian salteña. The business, which began as a passion project rooted in a mother’s traditional chicken empanada recipe, has flourished, quickly becoming a favorite across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region.

The stand at the Mosaic Farmers Market is a focal point for weekend gourmands looking for a quick, flavorful, and deeply satisfying bite. They are known for offering a staggering variety of flavors—ranging from classic Latin American fillings like Chicken and Beef to highly creative, regional fusion options such as the Cheeseburger Empanada and the local favorite, the Old Bay Shrimp Empanada. This culinary creativity, combined with their commitment to authentic, handcrafted quality, makes DMV EMPANADAS a standout vendor and a true gem within the vibrant Fairfax and Falls Church food scene.

Local customers in the Virginia area particularly appreciate the fusion of traditional Bolivian techniques—like the use of an Argentinian custom-made machine that imprints the filling name on the dough—with unique American and Maryland-inspired flavors. The sheer number of options, reportedly over 20 different flavors, ensures that every visit to the Mosaic Farmers Market offers a new and exciting culinary experience. The experience is designed for a quick visit, reflecting the fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle of Northern Virginia residents, allowing them to grab a freshly prepared meal or snack with ease.

Location and Accessibility

DMV EMPANADAS is a regular and highly popular vendor at the FRESHFARM Farmers Market located in the Mosaic District. While the market itself is situated in the vibrant area often associated with Fairfax, the formal address provided places the vendor's operations within the broader Falls Church, VA, area, making it a central meeting point for both communities.

The specific market location, where the DMV EMPANADAS stand can be found, is:

185 Strawberry Ln, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA

As a farmers market vendor, the business operates on a set schedule, aligning with the market's opening times. The typical hours for the Mosaic Farmers Market are:

• Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

It is a dedicated Sunday stop for many Virginia locals. Accessibility to this location is straightforward, reflecting the modern and planned nature of the Mosaic District. The confirmed accessibility features are:

• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

The vendor setup is optimized for efficiency and convenience, catering to customers who are making a quick visit. The business accepts modern payment methods, making the transaction seamless for shoppers moving between vendors. Accepted payments include Credit cards and Debit cards.

Services Offered

DMV EMPANADAS focuses on providing high-quality, handheld savory and sweet baked goods, making their services highly specialized and streamlined for the market environment. The primary services offered to the Northern Virginia community include:

• Artisanal Empanada Sales: Offering a wide and rotating menu of handcrafted empanadas with over two dozen savory and sweet filling options.
• Takeout Service: The entire operation is designed for fast and efficient takeout, perfect for shoppers on the go.
• Traditional Bolivian Salteñas: Providing the larger, slightly spicier, and soupier traditional Bolivian baked pastry known as a salteña, for an authentic culinary experience.
• Meal and Combo Options: Offering various combinations, such as bowls featuring empanadas served over a bed of rice or salad, and discounted deals for purchasing a half or full dozen of empanadas.
• Desserts and Sweet Treats: Complementing their savory lineup with sweet baked goods like Tres Leches and potentially Churro Donuts, depending on the market setup.
• House-Made Salsas: Providing both regular and spicy dipping sauces that are specially formulated to pair with the empanadas, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Features / Highlights

The popularity of DMV EMPANADAS among Virginia locals is driven by several key features that distinguish them from other market vendors and bakeries:

• Extensive Flavor Variety: Boasting one of the largest selections of empanada flavors in the region, including unique options like Cheeseburger, Old Bay Shrimp, and Bacon Egg and Cheese, catering to both traditional and modern palates.
• Bolivian Heritage: The family-run business is rooted in a traditional Bolivian recipe, specifically featuring the unique chicken empanada recipe from the owner's mother, and also offering authentic salteñas.
• Efficiency and Speed: Despite the typically long line—a testament to their popularity—the operation is highly efficient, with quick service that customers praise for making the wait "barely noticeable."
• Quality and Craftsmanship: The company handcrafts thousands of empanadas weekly, using fine ingredients and traditional methods, including a custom-made machine to perfectly seal and label each unique filling.
• Community Presence: The stand is a regular and highly anticipated presence at the Mosaic Farmers Market, cementing its status as a reliable local vendor for weekend specialty foods in the Falls Church/Fairfax area.
• Fusion Menu: Successfully blending classic Latin American fillings (Chicken, Beef, Spicy Pork) with local D.C./Maryland/Virginia (DMV) flavors, such as the famous Old Bay seasoning, offering a distinct regional twist.

Contact Information

As a farmers market vendor, direct contact is often best facilitated through their established channels, which are typically managed centrally, but their presence at the Mosaic Farmers Market is fixed and reliable. The relevant contact details are:

Address (Market Location): 185 Strawberry Ln, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA

Phone Number: (240) 936-4775 (This is a widely used contact number associated with DMV EMPANADAS' market operations.)

What is Worth Choosing

For a first-time visitor or a returning local in Northern Virginia, the hardest part of a visit to DMV EMPANADAS is choosing just one or two from the vast menu. However, a few items are consistently highlighted by local patrons and are worth prioritizing:

• The Ground Beef Empanada: Often ranked as the most-liked, this is a perfect representation of their core quality, featuring seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and black olives—a staple of their traditional heritage.
• The Cheeseburger Empanada: A wildly popular fusion choice, this provides a comforting and savory blend of ground beef and cheese wrapped in a crispy pastry—an American classic turned into a handheld treat.
• The Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Empanada: Highly praised, especially for an early market visit, this turns the standard breakfast sandwich into a flavorful, easy-to-eat pastry, perfect for starting a Sunday morning.
• The Salteñas (Beef or Chicken): For a true taste of Bolivian cuisine, the salteñas are a must-try. These traditional pastries are distinct from the empanadas, featuring a savory, slightly sweet, and often chili-infused filling that is closer to a baked stew.
• The Sweet Empanadas: End the savory experience with a sweet pastry, such as the Nutella Empanada (often with banana and strawberry), which offers a delightful, decadent finish.

DMV EMPANADAS at the Mosaic Farmers Market offers the Virginia community an authentic, diverse, and incredibly delicious specialty bakery experience that goes well beyond traditional offerings. It's a highly recommended, quick, and rewarding stop for a unique weekend treat.

DMV EMPANADAS - Mosaic Farmers Market

185 Strawberry Ln, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA