This is one of those underrated neighborhood gems. I usually come here for the beef stew or the steak with onions, rice, and beans. It's authentic Dominican food done right, with all the staples you expect. Late mornings are my favorite time to visit for the soup, but honestly, the Dominican breakfast reigns supreme here. The mangú with salami and fried cheese is always on point. It's a family-oriented spot on the Lower East Side with a super neighborhood feel. I love the original location too, but Castillo 2 is especially consistent. The only downside this visit was the service.. or lack of. I mean, she was not bad. Let's be clear. But one server handling a packed room was a bit much, and they definitely could've used extra waitstaff. That said, I came for some chicken soup, and I got the soup which is a hidden star of the menu. Loaded with vegetables and served with white rice on the side, is a must. My friend ordered the mondongo (tripe soup) and swears it's a hangover cure. All of the soups are made fresh daily and quietly carry some of the best flavors in the place. Overall, prices are decent, portions are sufficient, and ambiance is simple but comfortable. One last important tip: leave some cologne or perfume in the car--because by the time you walk out, you WILL smell like a greasy pork chop. read more

El Castillo De Jagua 2 - Soup for the soul - Spanish Near Me - New York, New York

Too much rare meat steak Salt fries and bacon pizza and vodka sauce. Garlic bread toast buns read more

I use to go especially for breakfast. 2019 post covid I went once. It was the worse. Today its renovation is good. But the food. I Had pork chops rice beans tostonss two eggs over the rice. I got cold greasy tostones one pork chop ,beans were good, rice was cold. Fried eggs cold and over cooked. I won't be returning. I have pics.i left the exact amount she asked for. She over charged two items. I'm done. I will not return, FYI renovation look ok stop cheating the public. read more

El Castillo De Jagua 2 - Exactly amount she over charged two items. So if she fixes it she has a 5$ tip. If not I'm fine - Spanish Near Me - New York, New York

Mofongo....... haven't had it since I worked in Queens! Long long time ago... there was a restaurant that had the most delicious Mofongo and so cheap..$10 for chicken, a little more for Shrimp. What can I say about Mofongo? This delicious Dominican dish that is mashed fried green plantains, garlic, olive oil and pork cracklings. It is served with a side sauce, usually broth or a red shrimp sauce. One can choose from pork, chicken shrimp and cheese. Today I decided to order Mofongo from El Castillo de Juaga 2.*I ordered chicken Mofongo, tostones and flan. All three dishes were reasonably priced: $11 for Mofongo, $4.25 for regular size tostones and $2.50 for flan. The portions are extremely generous ( I ate half and have the rest for lunch tomorrow. The Mofongo was delicious just needed a bit more garlic! The chicken option is filling and scrumptious and the red sauce ( couldn't make out the flavor) was equally scrumptious. The flan was sweet with a burnt bottom and looked like Flan de Naranja but didn't taste like orange. There first location is on Rivington Street that serves breakfast and juices. I highly recommend the Mofongo and plan a future in person visit to Grand Street and Rivington. Que chèvre indeed! read more

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I attended a repast yesterday with a bunch of friends and family. They were setup to serve us immediately. Our waitress was Emily and she did an amazing job. She was friendly, attentive and on point with everything. She worked with another young man who assisted her with serving. They worked well as a team. I was quite impressed. Job well done!!! read more

This place is not what it use to be when it 1st opened, The service is Horrible they don't pay attention to orders and the most important complain is that the food is horrible. I had A breaded chicken Breast and the chicken was yellow. read more

Muy buena comida y porciones. Lo unico era el apuro de la mesera porque ya era hora de irse a las 2:00 de la tarde. Muy apurada por cobrarnos. El ambiente bueno. read more

I love coming here for takeout/pickup. The daily specials and sandwiches are delicious! The staff is very friendly and sincere. Ambiance is old school "sit, eat and get out" kinda vibe so it's very straightforward. My favorite is the steak sandwich with onions and peppers. Never misses! read more

Excelente comida y muy buen servicio tambien ideal para ir en familia, y el postre muy bueno

Food was delicious, the portions generous and the service was great. There's not much "ambiance" but I enjoy an unpretentious eatery that is focused on serving good food. read more

El Castillo De Jagua 2 - Mofungo, Tostones and Maduros, Chicken Stew - Spanish Near Me - New York, New York

I've gone to many of the same types of restaurants in the area. The quality food here is great, and their service excellent! The staff is always friendly and welcoming and it's always a pleasure to eat here. read more

Everything was great from start to finish. This is my second time there and I was not disappointed. The wait staff was prompt and polite. Started us off with ice water and some yummy buttered toasted bread. I had the Steak and Onions comes with lettuce and tomato salad and my side was tostones. Everything was delicious! Large portions. The steak was tender, well seasoned and juicy and the onions were sweetly caramelized. Food tastes fresh. My bf ordered the Fried Pork Chops with lettuce and tomato salad and his side was rice and beans. He loved it and ate it all. read more

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DO NOT ORDER FROM HERE ! I had ordered food on Uber eats they had sent me some uncooked yuca with pile of grease which I never asked for or ordered but they thought this was appropriate. After calling to complain the lady went on said that they ran out of the items I originally had ordered so the boss thought that the uncooked yuca would be sufficient to send out to me. With out calling me to professionally say if I would like to cancel or change my order to something else. This is just a bad business. Not only will they keep your money but give you raw food! So unprofessional I could of gotten sick read more

Great Spanish food for reasonable price. It's a good local spot with big portion size.

Come here for cheap basic American breakfast food and don't order anything else. This Dominican diner is weak. Really weak. Sat at the counter on a Sunday morning and waited 20 minutes for pork mofongo. What came out was an incredibly dry mash that didn't actually taste like anything. The sauce it came with tasted like diluted canned soup. I was shocked by how bad this was. Disappointed by this place. read more

El Castillo De Jagua 2 - Pork mofongo - Spanish Near Me - New York, New York

Great food great service. Food taste like home. If you have not been here i recommend it

Excellent service delicious food friendly service and staff would dine there frequently

Yum! I ordered a meal called tres golpes. Was a good meal. If you don't have a big appetite you're going to have to ask for a to go box cos this dish was packed! Don't be afraid to check this place out. I went with two of my friends. The tables were a little small and it's not so spacious but it was still a lot of yumminess coming here read more

When I first get in I ask for oatmeal and then I'm trying to get the order from the person I'm on the phone with. So the lady tells me to just wait until I have the whole order. She then proceeds to do some other things and then I'm ready but she goes to ring someone else up. Then another person comes so she starts dealing with them (regular customers) and it becomes clear that she is not coming back over to the area where she first started taking my order. So I go over to where she is and then I'm patiently waiting again so I can order, but the Hispanic male was speaking to her as he took his receipt for his order. They l finished with the order but she continues with him as if I'm am not standing there. He apologizes to me and I say it's okay. She then took my order. She gave me the wrong receipt because she placed 3 different receipts on the counter instead of handing me my receipt. So it appears that since I didn't order in Spanish my food took the longest to make. French toast does not take that long to cook. A different Hispanic guy came in and ordered after me in Spanish and got his food, eats, and starts surfing his phone and I was still waiting. The woman cooking the food was preparing everyone that was dining in food (whole meals) and I was still waiting. Even the person I was on the phone with was like this is taking too long. So I asked the lady that took my order what is going on with my food she was like it's coming. More minutes go by and I'm still waiting and none of my other food is even on the grill, no eggs, no sausage, no oatmeal in a cup, nothing. The lady that is making the food is like she is busy, she is busy, as I watch her prepare several other orders. She kept saying she is busy as if like I need to wait. Like I wasn't already waiting much longer than I should have been and I did order before many of the other food she prepared. Then she goes and throws my French toast on the grill you toast bagel bread and she leaves it there for so long. She opens it and it's burnt. That's when I was like I don't want the food give me my money back. When I asked the lady how he came in after me and many people ordered after me and got their food before me. She said because mine needed to cook and was not ready. Umm hello, all of the orders needed to be cooked. Other orders were going on and off the grill. As she is explaining the woman working on the grill was like it's okay it's okay to her like it didn't matter what she did to me. Yes, it is okay if it comes out of her check then that is a lesson don't pick and choose just prepare all the food. She knew exactly what she was doing and didn't care as she was doing it. You are busy so you be busy with those orders and give me my money back. Then when I asked for my money back the one that took my order continued making a coffee. I repeated myself 2 or 3 more times. Then she asked for the receipt back which she gave me the wrong one so I don't know what she refunded and to who but if my money is not on my card I will be contacting my financial institution and dispute the charge. TREAT EVERYONE THE SAME NO MATTER THEIR RACE. It's said I have to say this in 2023 almost 2024. Could've had a continuous customer but messed that up. It's crazy how places that treat people so poorly stay in business. Let's see if it's there in 5-10 years. I won't return and I won't suggest to anyone! read more

We've e been coming here for years. Definitely a local fave. Staff are overwhelming friendly and courteous. Food is delicious... try the shrimp soupy rice, grilled pork chops or baked chicken. Always on point. Betsy and Emily are the sweetest! Managers are great as well. Will definitely keep coming back. read more

El Castillo De Jagua 2 - Coffee made with love and appreciation - thx Emily!!!! - Spanish Near Me - New York, New York

This was the pulled pork special 6/12, lunch size, which we were charged a nominal price. Portions were large, meat was melt in your mouth tender and the rice and beans were perfect. The coffee was excellent. Service was friendwonderful and the place was very clean. Possibly one of the best stumble upon meals I've had in NYC. Highly recommend if you're in the area. read more

El Castillo De Jagua 2 - Stopped for Dinner before the Van Gough exhibit - Spanish Near Me - New York, New York

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What happened ??!! I've been getting my baked chicken with red beans and yellow rice from you guys for 8 years and it's always delicious. Was so looking forward to it tonight and when I got home, the chicken was cold, rice was cold, beans were cold. It was 5:45 pm. Chicken had no flavor, at all. Hope this was an off night...... read more

This place has been a forever favorite. I've been going here since a kid & still so good !

This Lower Eastside restaurant serves up some delicious Spanish food that will not only satisfy your hunger but you'll end up taking a hefty portion home for your next day lunch or dinner. The restaurant is brightly lit, casual & family style. Be prepared to listen to traditional Spanish music while you eat. For starters, the Avocado, lettuce & tomato salad is fresh & of sizable portion. The breaded steak is a blanket in size that takes up a whole plate. The pork chops are savory, the crackling fried chicken pieces are juicy & the fish is tender & served with steamed vegetables. You have a choice of yellow or white rice, which includes delicious stewed pink beans or other sides. The waitresses are friendly & welcoming. My breaded steak wasn't on the menu but upon inquiry & request, she made it happen with a smile! read more

Soooooo good Will defintiley be coming here again! Looks like a family owned business and my food didn't take long at all! Staff was very nice and friendly and the indoor space was COVID accommodating read more

I love this spot. I eat here with my parents all the time! My only complaint is the service can be slow, but that's understandable. They get a lot of orders. read more

El Castillo De Jagua 2 - Spanish Near Me - New York, New York

I live the side dishes and there is vegetarian options . Other than that good is great ! The wait could take a bit long sometimes . That's why I like ordering online read more

El Castillo de Jagua 2 is a cozy, little Dominican restaurant that is located near my workplace. I came in this morning, for the first time, and ordered an ice coffee and a bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, in a toasted bagel. The staff is very polite and welcoming. I felt just like at home. It scores high points when it comes to decor, food, and service. Next time I come back, I will consider trying their Dominican breakfast that features; mangú, boiled then mashed, green plaintains with yummy side items such as, fried cheese, eggs or salami, topped with pickled red onions. read more

El Castillo De Jagua 2 - Iced coffee, and a bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich in a toasted bagel. - Spanish Near Me - New York, New York

Surprisingly happy with the food here despite my hesitation from the reviews. Delivery was very fast and the food was solid. The broiled chicken was fresh, tender, and flavorful, and the vegetable rice was flavorful and savory. I would skip the steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes - both are rather bland. Go for the chicken - it's cheap, fresh, and a good healthy option. A whole chicken is $13 and will easily last 2-3 meals. I've only had delivery but that has been solid. read more

The delivery driver on a scooter refuses to actually deliver. Had to walk halfway down the block on the phone with him to retrieve my order, and I had left a 30% tip. Lazy. read more

I love this restaurant been coming for years I'm Dominican and I know Dominican authentic food and there the best in lower east side it reminds me of my mom's cooking . read more

Worst customer service ever. Please look closely at your receipts, they charge you whatever they feel like. It's not the first time but today they just outdid it. Even though they are wrong they won't apologize for it. They have no workflow and some staffs are lazy, it's like is not their position to help you so they won't take care of you. Someday you order on one counter the other day at the other counter. They would just stand there and wait their other co workers to do it. They really have to change management. I know the owner, he's a really nice man but I think they should treat their community customers with more respect. The food is mediocre but we still ordered there because we like to help out local businesses but if they don't change their work attitude we won't be coming back. I know they won't mind losing our business because they are a busy establishment since it's the only Dominican restaurant around the neighborhood. I wish others won't feel the way we do. read more

I had a horrible experience as I was here. First thing was sat at the counter and wasn't acknowledged for few minutes. After I put my order in I was never offered a beverage. I ordered pepper steak for dine in and small beef tripe to go then changed my mind shortly after for larger order of soup he charged me for 2 smalls. When I brought to his decision he came at me with attitude and sucked his lips. To top it off he then charged me for garlic oil for my plantains that wasn't on original bill. There were no complaints that I couldn't afford it by any means just that it became a problem after I brought it to the gentleman. After being a regular for 15+ years on Rivington St. I will never return to this location. read more

El Castillo De Jagua 2 - Spanish Near Me - New York, New York

Tonight was a LOSING experience...My food came over for delivery over an hour late, Tostones were cold, chicken was not what I was expecting. I ordered two dishes of boneless breaded chicken strips/I got a mangled up breaded oily mess. When I called back, to request a replacement - the woman on the phone was super rude, interrupted me as I spoke when I only gave her courtesy, she said I did not specify 'white meat'. It did not excuse the twisted up mess they sent me,,, Regardless the food was just disgusting, and to top it off, she put me on hold to speak to the manager, I spoke to him nicely as well, and said I would pay the difference after being told 3x by the chick that white meat was 1.50 extra, who cares, 1.50 is nothing - the guy/manager agreed to send it over, but could not tell me at first how long it would be, not ever did I hear an apology from him nor her, they lost a customer tonight, I have gone there for their oatmeal numerous of times, their coffee, dinner with my family, sunday brunch before church////I am truly disappointed, but its important to note that their service has gone way down anyhow in the last few months, understaffed waitress/long waits, Castillo is not what it used to be,,,smh.... read more

Every time we visit to NYC we try to hit up a lot of local small restaurants. This is the best city to do that and this restaurant is an example of a must try! No, it's not fancy with table cloth service like other places but the food is delicious and inexpensive. That's what makes it worth while. The restaurant makes authentic dominican/cuban/latin food. We came for brunch on a Saturday and it wasn't too packed. My friend kept raving about their Mangu (mashed plantains) which is apart their Dominican breakfast. I decided to order it and it was so good. The Dominican breakfast comes with Mangu, topped with sauteed onions, fried salami, fried cheese, and you can order with or without eggs. I ordered mine with 2 fried over easy eggs. It is one of the most delicious meals I had all weekend. Huge portion, you'll be full all day. How much.. $7!!! Not bad for breakfast in NYC and so satisfying. My husband wasn't as adventrous and decided for a more american breakfast which they also do. Pancakes, Eggs, Bacon. He loved the pancakes, they were thick and sweet. You can taste a hint of vanilla and/or cinnamon. Around us people were eating lunch.. rice, beans, fried porkchops... their food looked just as yummy. This is a spot to come any time of the day. The prices are cheap, the portions are big, service was quick and friendly... just how I like it. read more

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Thank you Yelpers. Thank you indeed. Was in the area for the first time the other day. With nothing to go on and without a clue, I whip out my trusty phone and browse Yelp for the latest and greatest. Low and behold, a gem of gems is offered to me. After reading the reviews, I decided on El Castillo because I was in the mood for great Cuban food. And yes, El Castillo delivered. I got the Cuban pork platter (rice, pork, beans, plus three pieces of buttered bread) for $6. Yes $6 in NYC in 2012. See the pictures. I left stuffed. And it was really good too. The bread is toasted when you order so it is nice and hot. The pork was so tender that I did not even need a knife, fork only here. And it came out really fast too--- about 5 min piping hot. The cakes smelled delicious but I was so full. People walking pass got takeout orders of corn bread and cakes only which made me think this is the spot for dessert as well. I do not really eat Cuban often but still I am picky. Years ago I stumbled onto a place in Miami on the humble and that taught me what was real Cuban food is. El Castillo brought back that memory from yesteryear. Lastly, the waitress was nice and easy on the eyes too. Had a great experience here and I owe it all to my fellow Yelpers. Hit me up people, I'll buy you a round. Cheers Note: Cash only (ATM on premises) read more

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I've eaten delivery, it came cold, transported over a two hour period from Manhattan to Queens. And it was still good. Good food tastes good cold. And this stuff did. I had rice & pigeon peas (arroz con gandules), chicharones de pollo (fried chicken chunks), regular white rice. Awesome. Even cold. Good prices, or so I heard. -=-=-=-=- Edit, went there last night 12.14.07 right before I am Legend. I jogged 3 miles, sprinted home (another mile) so my appetite was VORACIOUS. -rice & pigeon peas (arroz con gandules) -chicharrones de pollo sin hueso (breaded, fried boneless chicken chunks) they're served with a delicious BBQ sauce. -banana shake (not too great, I needed to add sugar) -ginger ale -coconut frosted cake -coffee ALL VERY VERY VERY VERY GOOD. I took pics of the interior too. Prices are reasonable, bordering on ridiculously cheap. Very clean looking, different from the average Dominican spot, the exterior is great too. I was surprised and pleased. read more

El Castillo De Jagua 2 - Door / Exit - Spanish Near Me - New York, New York

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I absolutely love coming here when I crave Spanish food. This may be the most authentic Spanish food you will eat on the lower east side. Everything is made in the restaurant and tastes as though your abuelita has been cooking on a hot stove all day. My favorite thing to order is their steak sandwich with lettuce onions and mayonnaise. But their pernil with rice and beans is also great. If you're ever on the lower east side definitely check this place out! read more

El Castillo De Jagua 2 - Spanish Near Me - New York, New York

We pass by this place all the time and it always looks full at dinnertime on weekdays, so tonight we finally got around to trying it. We ordered four dishes for takeout (when I went to pick them up, only one table was occupied - although it was a Sunday evening. The interior is rather spartan, so it's all about the food). The person who took my order was pleasant enough, both on the phone and in person. Also, they have an "A" rating from the Health Department. The food was very tasty and we had enough left over for another meal (that was our intention, after having read several comments concerning portion size). We ordered four seafood dishes: Don Miguel, Camarones Empanizados, Salmon A La Parrilla and Filete De Pescado Relleno De Camarones. The last two came with vegetables which were very fresh-tasting. Also; each dish came with a very generous portion of rice (we chose the yellow, but other options are white or white & peas) and beans in a sauce. I don't like spicy food, so I was glad the food wasn't spicy (spicy dishes are indicated as such). The total cost was $58 (for what amounts to two meals for two people) and there will even be extra rice & beans left over for a lunch. Note: Cash only. read more

Best Spanish food in the world!!!' The tastiest boneless skinless chicken! There sirloin taste better then a steak from Capital Grille.