Empanadas, street tacos & wings · Charlotte, NC

Find your next favorite empanada.

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Late nights, Thursday – Saturday · Historic West End, Charlotte

A black-gloved hand holding up a golden Big Papa’s empanada over a tray of fresh empanadas

Specialty empanadas

Pick your hit.

Respect

Smoked Caribbean Beef, Oxtail

Price: $24 MKT Price

BIG PAPA'S, EMPANADAS, BIG FLAVOR, WEST END CLT

Big Papa’s cartoon chef, bearded and wearing a crown T-shirt, holding up an empanada

Our story

Hip-hop soul. Chef-made empanadas.

Big Papa's is a counter-service spot in Charlotte's Historic West End where chef-driven cooking meets hip-hop culture. The menu names tip a hat to the beats and icons that shaped a generation.

Chef Jonathan Leonard, a Johnson & Wales University graduate, founded the shop to bring bold sweet and savory fillings to the neighborhood, with street tacos, grilled wings, and hand-cut fries alongside the empanadas.

Founded by
Chef Jonathan Leonard
Ownership
Black-owned and chef-owned
Cooking oil
Seed-oil free, per the business
Hang out
Outdoor patio

Crowned in the West End.

Hand-painted mural inside Big Papa’s: a crowned portrait in gold and black, the Big Papa’s logo, and the words Big Empanadas, Big Flavor, Real Ingredients
Inside the shop on Rozzelles Ferry RoadMural by @x_dunc

Hungry? Let's eat.

Order pickup or delivery online, or call the shop.

Call 980-332-8006
Slate boards of Big Papa’s empanadas with red and white dipping saucesOrder
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Good to know

Questions

Where is Big Papa's Empanadas?

1812 Rozzelles Ferry Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208, in Charlotte's Historic West End, a few minutes west of Uptown.

When are you open? Do you serve late-night food?

Yes, we're a late-night spot. Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 4 PM – 3 AM (next day). Eastern Time. Holiday hours may vary.

Can I order empanadas online for pickup or delivery?

Yes. Order online through Zing My Order, or call 980-332-8006.

Is Big Papa's Empanadas Black-owned?

Yes. Big Papa's is Black-owned and chef-owned. Chef Jonathan Leonard, a Johnson & Wales graduate who lives in the Historic West End, opened it to bring late-night food to the neighborhood.

What do you serve besides empanadas?

Street tacos, flame-grilled wings in six flavors, loaded fries, loaded mac & cheese, tallow fries, sweet potato fries, and drinks.

Do you have vegan or vegetarian empanadas?

Yes: What's Beef (vegan chipotle burger) and Bag Lady (vegetarian breakfast sausage, black bean, egg & cheese).

Choose how to order

Rather call it in? 980-332-8006

Links open the ordering site in a new tab. Menu, prices, and fees are set there.