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Vato
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Vato
8.1
Vato is a new daytime tortilleria and bakery from the Michelin-lauded Corima team, built around sourdough flour tortillas, Chihuahuan-style burritos, and an evolving pastry program. The compact Park Slope space opens onto a backyard patio, turning coffee-and-burrito runs into surprisingly pleasant outdoor hangs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burnt Ends Egg & Cheese burrito, Pollo en Mole burrito, Filled conchas
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 6.8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A tortilleria-driven burrito and pastry shop with a backyard patio from the team behind Michelin-starred Corima.
Who should go: Daytime diners craving serious tortillas, burritos, and patio coffee.
When to visit: Late morning or lunch before the small patio fills up.
What to order: Burnt Ends Egg & Cheese burrito, Pollo en Mole burrito, a filled concha.
Insider tip: Always grab a pack of flour tortillas to go—the hype is about those as much as the burritos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on side streets before noon but tighter after school pickup hours.
Dress code: Casual—athleisure, jeans, and daytime wear all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly quiet inside and mellow on the patio unless it’s a peak weekend rush.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—Vato operates as a daytime spot; afternoon visits may see short lines for burritos.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though a brief queue can form during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several items can be made vegetarian, and pastries rotate with veg-friendly options.
Vegan options: Limited—tortillas are fine, but fillings and pastries skew non-vegan.
Gluten-free options: Limited—most offerings rely on their signature flour tortillas; pastries are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for a casual daytime date—coffee, pastries, and a sunny patio make it relaxed but still interesting. Not ideal if you want a longer, more formal meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations are taken. The patio is small, so arrive earlier in the day for the best shot at a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—counter service, quick food, and outdoor seating make it easy for families with younger kids, though patio space can be tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Superior handmade flour tortillas, inventive fillings, and a unique tortilleria-meets-bakery format compared with standard burrito shops.
Skip if: You need gluten-free options, full-service dining, or substantial indoor seating—other neighborhood spots will suit those needs better.
Vato
8.3
Vato is a new all-day tortilleria and bakery from the team behind Michelin-starred Corima, built around sourdough flour tortillas, Chihuahuan-style burritos, and Mexican-inflected pastries. Prices stay surprisingly accessible for chef-driven cooking, especially if you stick to breakfast burritos, tortilla packs, and coffee.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa breakfast burrito, Sourdough flour tortilla pack, Filled conchas
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A chef-led tortilleria where cult-favorite sourdough tortillas and burritos come at neighborhood-friendly prices.
Who should go: Daytime diners wanting upgraded tortillas, burritos, and pastries.
When to visit: Mornings and early afternoons before the pastry case sells out.
What to order: Barbacoa breakfast burrito, a 10-pack of tortillas, filled conchas.
Insider tip: Buy an extra pack of tortillas to take home—they reheat beautifully and stretch the value of a single visit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on residential side streets before 6pm but tight during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—athleisure, jeans, and daytime wear all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate during brunch rush, quieter in late mornings and mid-afternoons; conversation is easy outside of peak hours.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—Vato is primarily a daytime operation, so no dinner rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to no wait except during the noon pastry and burrito rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—breakfast burritos, pastries, and tortilla-based items can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some pastries and sides may fit, but burritos typically rely on dairy or eggs.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—the sourdough flour tortillas are wheat-based, and most menu items depend on them.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime dates—its stylish but low-pressure space, high-quality food, and pastry case make it ideal for a relaxed meet-up rather than a formal evening date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Vato operates counter-service with open seating, and turnover is fairly quick outside weekend brunch peaks.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes—daytime service, simple burrito options, and quick ordering suit families, though limited seating and occasional lines may challenge stroller users.
Best For
Better for: Best for upgraded tortillas, chef-driven breakfast burritos, and Mexican pastries at approachable prices—rare for Park Slope at this quality level.
Skip if: Skip if you need gluten-free tortillas, a full dinner menu, or spacious seating for large groups.