I'm not from California, I didn't spend spring break in Cancun, or a semester in Mexico. Maybe I am not qualified enough to write this review... but I'm going to do it anyway. In my book, the food from Castro's is barely passable; if anything, mediocre and overpriced. We paid $11.50 for 8oz dish of guacamole and an enormous bag of tortilla chips. How much is an avocado? $1.50 at the grocer down the street? I'm sorry, but you keep the chips, and throw in another avocado. Maybe if it was the best guacamole in the city and the tortilla chips were gilt gold, sure, $11.50 would be appropriate. If it weren't for the heinous price, the guacamole would be forgettable. How was the chorizo burrito I ordered? I couldn't even tell what meat it was, it was that bland. Even with all the "spicy" sauces tossed in my burrito, it didn't even fancy me one bit. The tortilla had all the flavor and intensity of the off brand at C-Town. Yum. My girlfriend ordered the milanesa torta which she affectionately referred to as the "blandanesa." This was the first time in a long time where I was genuinely disappointed with a meal. How this place garners so many "omg best mexican food in NYC" reviews is beyond me. Honestly, this place reminded me of when I was a child and I would stay for dinner at a friend's house on "homemade mexican night." My recommendation? Try Taqueria Tepango down the street. Tepango may not have the polish and ambiance of Castro's, but the food is much better and more affordable! Maybe Castro's was on top of their game a few years ago, but today they miss the mark. read more

They used to be great, but I think I've had my last Castro's burrito. A burrito filled with what seemed to be chicken scraps and skin swept off the floor. The same lack of quality is infecting all of their offerings. Tortas are served on stale rolls. Certain items have been reduced in size while increased in price - like the guacamole - the point of absurdity. Chips that were once free are now expensive enough to reconsider. We once used to take our friends from Mexico there, and they loved it. Now it has declined to the point where I wouldn't even think about crossing the threshold. read more

Castro's is fan-fkn-tastic! Mind my language, but seriously... amazing! There is nothing I can say that will justify the awesomeness of this place. Just go! read more

My favorite dish is the Quesadilla grande with rice and black beans, comes with pico de gallo and guacamole. Since I order quesadilla grande without meat, I pair it with a hard chorizo taco, and it's perfect to have some crunch and spicy pork with it. I prefer it this way otherwise the quesadilla becomes too heavy with meat inside, and I really like the cheese they use. It's quality cheese. It's really the only thing I order nowadays from here. Easy ordering on the phone and very good delivery service. read more

In love this place! I've been going there since the early 1990's when it was a hole in the wall. But, the food has always remained good for a good value. Every time I'm in Fort Greene I stop in. In the summer they have a nice backyard too! read more

They forgot about us completely. Waited 40 minutes after they took our order. No apologies, nothing. Don't go in there if your not Hispanic. They will ignore you. My family has been there a dozen times. I don't know if the waitress didn't understand a word of our order. read more

I've been to Castro's more times than I care to admit, but I never found a place in Brooklyn that had better Mexican food. The quality seems to be declining a bit along with rising prices, but it's still pretty darned good. I am a big fan of their carnitas soft tacos (the other white meat) along with the bistec. They have a pretty extensive menu so you can get your Mexican fix from just about any angle. Watch out for the roaches though... I've had my share of run-ins! 3.5 stars for food. 2 stars for everything else except for the -5 stars for roach encounters. But, it's New York, so what can you do? read more

I'm sticking with 3 stars even though my recent experience was better. I just can't give it 4 in good conscience because that means that I look forward to going to a place and that the food is crave-worthy. This is not the case with Castro's. The situation is more like...when I'm dying for Mexican food within walking distance and I don't feel like getting food poisoned by that bastion of bad food and poorly concocted libations called Los Pollitos III, I'll shuffle on down the road and deal with Castro's. The chips were super crispy and thick this time, which is exactly how I like them. There were margaritas available...but mine tasted so bland that I assumed there was agave wine in it as opposed to tequila. Also, sour mix is the ENEMY. STOP IT WITH THE SOUR MIX! If this place would take a second to make a quality drink- people would notice and go in there specifically for them. For example: most of the food sucks at Tommy's Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco- but it's packed every single night because the margaritas are so fantastic. After a pitcher of those bad boys everybody in the place is scarfing down platefuls of cheese smothered mediocrity and calling them masterpieces. I had shrimp enchiladas with both red and green sauce. It was fucking spicy. Spice is generally something I prefer- but holy shit my mouth was on fire and I had tears in my eyes. The rice was buttery and delicious. The service was prompt and friendly. Seriously, I'm trying not to be too picky. This isn't bad food. It's just not great. It's so easy to be great that I don't understand what the problem is. read more

Best Mexican restaurant in New York. Here's how you can tell that a Mexican restaurant is authentic: 1. They have horchata 2. They serve tortas (if you don't know betta ask about it) Castro's has both. They also serve fresh tortillas and some awesome salsa when you eat in. In the last year they have spruced up the place a bit. The burrito is their specialty (for a reason). Castro's is the thing I miss most about Brooklyn. The only other thing I have to say is that I'm going going back back to Brooklyn Brooklyn (for Castros!) HUNGRY HIPPO PICK: horchata read more

I have this really bad problem where I don't give Castro's nearly the props it deserves on a day to day basis, and I also don't eat there nearly as often as I should. This is probably because when I used to live in Queens, another quite similar Mexican joint, Tacos Mexicos, stole my heart. I secretly think Tacos Mexicos is just a teeeensy bit better than Castro's. This is kind of like saying "diamonds from Harry Winston are just a teeeensy bit better than Cartier," or "Stephen Hawking is just a teeensy bit smarter than Linus Pauling." And besides, now that I live in Brooklyn (and have for years), I don't go to Tacos Mexico anymore. That place is practically dead to me. It's like comparing your long-forgotten high school sweetheart to your wife. Anyway. Castro's. Best Mexican in Brooklyn. Hands down. Best huevos rancheros I have ever eaten. Best enchiladas ever. Oh, and did I mention the tamales? read more

I want to like Castro's. I want to call them my neighborhood Mexican spot. But they take too long, I can't. The first time I stopped in Castro's no one took my order so I left. The second time, I ordered chicken flautas and a margarita. The chips, salsa and margarita came out promptly. The salsa was more like a pico de gallo, and the margarita wasn't made with too much sour mix. The flautas were perfectly fried with lettuce, tomato, crema, refried beans and cotija cheese on top. They had a lot of to go orders, but service could have been better for the only person in the restaurant, me. read more

Disclaimer: This review is solely based on their pork burrito and mostly delivery. However, I feel fully qualified to write a review on this burrito as I've probably had one a week since I moved to Clinton Hill a year ago. That is a damn fine burrito. So good I've never had anything else from Castro's. Everyone is really nice that works there, and the delivery is super fast. No complaints. Not sure if you need to venture outside your 'hood if you have a "Castro's" of your own, but come visit every so often, cause this place rocks. read more

I ate Castro's burritos twice when I was visiting Brooklyn friends with newborn twins (Mexican is great "don't have to think about it" cuisine, which is just what we needed in that hectic scene). My first choice - the Santa Fe burrito - was only so so. The veggie and bean mix just didn't have all that much flavor. The guac we got on the side was also just okay, but it tasted better after it sat in the fridge overnight. Oh, and the chips that came with the guac were very greasy and good - not that salty, but still enjoyable and they gave us a ton. We were snacking on those for days. The second time I ordered the chorizo burrito and that was stellar. The sausage and black bean combo was so smoky and spicy and a little sweet. Even though it was huge, I ate the whole burrito in one sitting because it was so delicious and I knew I would be leaving town before I could enjoy any next-day leftovers. I definitely wasn't going to let it go to waste. read more

First time ordering from castros. I'm in town from Southern California where Mexican food is pretty taste anywhere you go. I ordered a burrito I give it a 3 start not to tasty or authentic just a basic burrito no flavor. The green salsa was to watered down it taste more like water then salsa. The red salsa was awesome to bad I got 2 of the green salsa instead of the red. The guacamole need more flavor. Over all I think is was okay Mexican place. read more

Castro's Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Really authentic mexican food - they've even got mole. They could have a bit more vegetarian options - but otherwise fantastic. read more

Maybe it's just my native San Diegan-ness or something, but I was sorely disappointed in the burrito I chose, after staring at the menu for almost 10 minutes desperately trying to find sometime that resembled anything familiar to what I would get back home. The tortilla was doughy and stuck to my teeth and in the end, I paid $10 (ouch) for something I was overall not thrilled with. But on the upside, the waitresses were very friendly and the resturant itself was small and quaint. And the burritos look tiny but are massively thick. I couldn't finish it, haha. read more

I love this place, great burritos ESPECIALLY the steak burrito oh my god. The quality is great, the steak is ACTUALLY steak so that right there is just mind boggling. Fresh ingredients and the atmosphere in the back eating room is very nice. Very clean (have not used the bathroom so no opinion on it yet). Only down sides are the cheese enchaladas, which has a strange spongey like cheese block inside (which may just be the kind of cheese normally used so this didnt lose a star) which I didnt like. What I seriously did not like was how long the service takes, I dont know what the waitresses are doing but when Im the only customer there it still takes nearly 15 minutes to hail down for some assistance. They have been friendly so no issue there, just takes forever to get their attention since they hardly come into the back area, has happened all 4 times Ive been here. Otherwise just be sure to understanf you pay at the cashier even when youre dining in, also if you want desert TRY THE TARAMISU, I admit I didnt expect much but DANG was it good!!! read more

It's difficult to find authentic Mexican food - food that takes the girl back to the ranch. Particularly a farm girl who's on one serious budget. Suffice it to say, I'm a Castro's regular. $2 soft tacos (and filling ones, not ones filled with iceberg lettuce and grainy meat), $8 entrees, and $4 beer - what doesn't beat that? Plus, unlike most New York restaurants, Castro's doesn't charge you for the chips & hot sauce. So yes, I'm proud to admit that I spent $4 (including tip) on the most satisfying meal of the week. Good service, good outdoor ambiance, and always good times. Plus, nothing beats an icy Jarritos after a long, long week. read more

We went in for breakfast today at 930am and I was really very happy with how clean and well-kept the place seemed to be. The food was actually really surprisingly good. Our waitress was very nice but not terribly attentive. The food took about 20-25 minutes and we were the only people in there. Even if you are inundated with orders for delivery and take-out, get the priorities straight. We were a table of two! 25 minutes for huevos rancheros and a shrimp burrito? For real? Also, it would be nice to bring the decibel level of the bass-thumping club music down just a touch for breakfast before 10am. Just a thought. read more

Hands down, the best mexican food I had since I moved to NYC. As the son of a man raised in East LA, I am very picky about my mexican food. I didn't think that New Yorkers knew what good mexican tastes like until I tried this place. They know how to make refritos, which is rare in the big apple. read more

Still the best! I have been going to this place for years and I still believe that they're better than all of the others. Yes..I tried Pancho Villa's. It is ok.. but a different type of Mexican read more

Everything was pretty good. (Not the best but awesome enough) Service was good. The portions are HUGE! I recommend sharing it with someone. I asked about the biggest quesadilla and she said its for one person or two. LIES. Its for 3, or 4 if you got appetizers! It doesnt look a lot but trust me, you'll be full. Its an awesome place to go to for groups, just passing the dishes around. If you're scrimping for money down myrtle ave, this is the best place to go. My friends and I ordered 3 entrees and 1 appetizers for the first round. When the food came, it didnt look like a lot of food. Half way through, my friends grew some confidence saying, I think we need more. And ordered two more. Once the two new dishes came out, BAM! We realized that we were to full to eat the rest. if we didnt order the extra two, the total would have been 30 for 6 people O_o. Awesome Sauce! the only problem I had with it though was that, every time I eat mexican, I expect a lot of flavor in it. but the food was not as flavorful as I thought. =/ but not bland either. read more

Best Mexican Food on the East Coast!!! Castros is a staple in Clinton Hill for a reason. The food is savory and inexpensive. Mix and match the menu to create your ideal meal. Love the salsa and chicken fajitas! The Sopa Azteca is a must. read more

Great place close to my home. There's a ton of good restaurants along Myrtle and Dekalb but we still somehow always seem to gravitate towards Castro's for a light late dinner. Their food isn't spectacular or divine, but great for sure. A solid four star place. The people are nice, the atmosphere is welcoming and prices are affordable. read more

I am absolutely a fan of this place. Very authentic, delicious food at reasonable prices. I definitely recommend the tacos (hard and soft) which are fantastic. The wait staff is friendly and personable, albeit a bit slow with the service. Still, they are the best Mexican restaurant in this part of Brooklyn. read more

So, I hear a ton about this place 'Oh my god, you have to go there'!!! Okay y'all, tone down the hype a bit. Maybe not the most romantic place for a date on the town, but it is pretty delicious. It's a great neighborhood joint and the prices are refreshing, so is having a beer on their back patio. I had scrimp tacos and they were delicious, no chincing on the scrimps either!! I had a taste of my friend's pollo suitza and the sauce was delicious. I will defintely be making a trip back to sample a dish with green pumpkin seed sauce because it looked so good on the table next to me. Food is fresh and delicious, and I approve of the guacamole. I wouldn't rave on and on about it's authenticity because there are different types of 'authentic' Mexican cuisine, but if you like the standard southern Californian style it's the best I've found in the city yet. My only suggestion for Castro's -- Margaritas please! read more

The Best in Brooklyn. Early morning or late night doesn't matter the food is great. I've been going here and ordering delivery for years and it has always been a good experience. Tip If you got a hangover get a dirty chai and your favorite burrito!!! read more

The Beef Bistec is to die for. Now I see all these reviews raving about the Tacos and I am thinking. Self Talk: uuum why haven't you tried the tacos Michelle? Response: I don't know I'm too busy stuffing my face with the beef bistec its that simple, its not rocket science. read more

Good affordable authentic food. Great for lunch! The staff is friendly even when they're really busy. Never dissatisfied afterwards. ... and yes, as others have mentioned... ¡Horchata! read more

Service was excellent, but the food was disgusting. Based on the good reviews, i decided to order the enchiladas with rice and beans + guac and chips. I was expected a fluffy corn tortilla filled with cheese and meats. Instead I got bits of mechanically processed meat and tasteless cheese. The rice and beans were probably standard, as there really is nothing you can modify about them, but even the chips were this hardened browned burnt crisp with onions and beans mixed into the guacamole. Wait, didn't I order just guacamole? I literally have a stomach ache and my tongue has some sort of itchiness to it now. I'm not being dramatic, this is what processed Mexican food does to me. Paid $16.50 and left a tip. Guess this is the typical restaurant fair I can expect for paying 1k/mo to live in Clinton Hill. read more

A neighborhood favorite and deservedly so. Went here tonight and they served me a fresh mango margarita. When do you get that in Brooklyn, land of cheap mixers from Costco? Salsa was just the right amount of spicy and came free with your meal -- exactly how it should be. Also, they've got a sweet little courtyard where you can listen to solid jams and NOT get bitten by mosquitos for some mysterious wonderful reason. Y'all should go here in person and enjoy their happy hour which lasts until 10. 10! Go leave your house and do it read more

I ordered delivery through grubhub. It arrived early with all I ordered neatly arranged. I had delicious spicy chicken tacos with rice and beans, and my husband has the fried porgy. Great value, excellent food, and free delivery! Who could ask for anything more read more

The basic components on the carnitas cemita were fine, but despite the strong performances by the bread and meat the indescribable extras weren't quite there. It didn't have the flavor explosion of the best Queens cemitas. However, the cecina taco was a knockout, full of charred, juicy beef. read more

Love Castro's. I like there hard shell tacos which I've found in nyc hard shell tacos are hard to come by. Go to Castro's, avoid Los politos on the opposite corner! read more

I used to love this place. Their Santa Fe burrito ruled my world. Sometimes still does, but Minute Rice?! What the fuck? Maybe I'm just Castrosed out. I may have overdone it that first year or so. PS- This is NOT Fort Greene or Bed Stuy, it's Clinton Hill, very close to the Bed Stuy border which is Classon. read more

I only gave it 4 stars because I've only eaten here once (for take-out and I didn't even pick up the food, so I can't judge the decor or service), but the food was delicious and fresh. I got the black beans and rice and a side salad. My beau got the steak tacos (soft). We devoured all our food, the green and salsa's are delicious. The rice was actual Spanish Rice with lot's of flavor. I can't wait to go back. read more

I love Castro's. Sure, it's not the best Mexican food I've ever had. But, it's always been good, fresh and fast. Their burritos are generous and made to order...which is a plus. I've ordered from here, and had delivery too many times to count...and I've never been disappointed. They also have a charming back patio to sit in during the warmer months. They only lose points for their stingy servings of salsa...and that they send their food out in environmentally un-friendly Styrofoam takeout dishes. read more

Not good. Usually I am not deceived by previous reviews, but either this place has gone doooooowwwwwwnnnnhill or I need to show the other yelpers what good Mexican food is. Here's the details: 1. Thick hard chips 2. Bland Salsa 3. Bland and tiny guac 4. Super dry and bland nachos. Oh, and the Yankee game was on TV and half the restaurant wanted to watch it but the ENTIRE staff could not figure out the remote. Will not be back. read more

Why is this area considered Bed Stuy? It's Forte Green. They renovated the whole entire restaurant since 2004-- but the menu and food was just as good this Saturday. I personally love the Huevos a la Mexicana (torta with Mexican omelet, refried beans and jalapeno), pork tamales ($2!), Castro Special Burrito, Chicken Enchilada-- AND STEAK SOPAS (homemade corn tortilla, real thick, with steak and some spicy sauce....reeeeeeal good). read more

It's just ok.... Not the highest quality Mexican food but it'll do the trick if you just want to stop being hungry. I was craving chilaquiles which I've only had at the dining hall at my college in California. Once a week there would be the yummiest fried tortillas, semi-crispy, loaded with cheese and this yummy spicy sauce...anyway I digress. I ordered Castro's Chilaquiles and a hot pepper tamale to make the delivery minimum of $10. Their chilaquiles were good but didn't live up to the one I had back in college. Still pretty yummy though, you can't go wrong with chips, cheese, and sauce. The only complaint I had was that the chips were all soggy by the time I got them :( Oh, and they were expensive! I've walked past this place before and its not fancy at all so I don't get why their chilaquiles with an egg were $9. $9 and it wasn't even a big portion! Ordered it with the egg which I thought was going to be scrambled and mixed up with the chips/sauce but they just made it into a tasteless omelet and put it on the side. By the time I got it, it was cold. Cold egg. eew. The tamale wasn't very good either. I don't know what kind of cheese was in the middle but it was really thick and chewy. Ended up throwing away most of it. Delivery was fast! Came 30 minutes earlier than GrubHub had estimated, yay! Definitely won't be ordering delivery from here though again. By the time I paid the delivery guy's tip, my order came out to $15 for food that was worth half that price. I've definitely had better Mexican. read more