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El Viejo Yayo 2
Master Critic Review
El Viejo Yayo 2
7.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Long-running Park Slope standby for big plates of Spanish and Latin comfort food, from seafood paella to ropa vieja and mofongo. Locals lean on it for hearty, shareable platters, generous portions, and all-day hours more than precise plating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Paella, Ropa Vieja, Mofongo de Pernil
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A sprawling Spanish-Latin menu with paellas, mofongos, and daily specials served from breakfast through late night.
Who should go: Groups and families craving hearty Spanish-Latin comfort food.
When to visit: Early evening or weekend lunchtime before the dining room fills.
What to order: Seafood Paella, Ropa Vieja, Mofongo de Pernil with garlicky broth.
Insider tip: Lunch and early-bird combo plates deliver the biggest value for the portion sizes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on side streets before 6pm but tighter after peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and everyday wear are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; lively during peak hours but still workable for normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for groups during prime hours; smaller parties are seated faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait outside of occasional neighborhood rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including rice-and-bean plates, tostones, salads, and some vegetable-forward mains.
Vegan options: Limited—plant-based diners can rely on sides like rice, beans, and tostones but full entrées are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Many naturally gluten-free dishes (mojito-style meats, rice, beans, some paellas), but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for casual comfort—large portions, bright lighting, and a bustling dining room make it better for relaxed meals than romantic settings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Even on weekends, waits are typically manageable, especially for smaller parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—big booths, quick service, and familiar rice-and-meat dishes work well for kids; best suited for families with children 5 and up.
Best For
Better for: Large, shareable Spanish-Latin comfort plates at low prices, plus all-day hours that outlast most neighborhood spots.
Skip if: You want polished plating, quiet ambiance, or region-specific Spanish cooking rather than broad Latin comfort food.