One of my favorite restaurants in all of New York! I've been coming here for over 10 years and it never disappoints. The food is always fresh and so flavorful, as well as being cheap. Everyone who works here is very kind and makes sure you have everything you need. The restaurant is cozy and doesn't have anything flashy but it's more about the food than anything else. Can't recommend this spot enough! read more

El Gran Castillo De Jagua - Latin American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The Cuban sandwich is to die for. Roast pork, ham, cheese, pickles on a crispy toasted warm bread. It is just great. Reasonably priced at $13. The Cuban sandwich is to die for. Roast pork, ham, cheese, pickles on a crispy toasted warm bread. It is just great. Reasonably priced at $13. Efficient service, neighborhood friendly. read more

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I'm so disappointed with this place. I used to be good once upon a time came here to get some soup and some pastels and figured I was gonna get some yummy flavor for you know Dominican/Puerto Rican food. Well I was wrong. The person had no flavor they were bland. They hardly didn't have any meat Asking for hot sauce. They gave me American hot sauce, which I could get Tabasco sauce and then the soup was all grease and barely any flavors. I spent $40 on this meal and so disappointed well I don't think I'll ever go back. read more

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Good food, great prices, good people. Consistency comfort food day in and day out. Nevera rush, feels like home. The Spanish coffee is delicious. read more

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Updating my review because after all these years Castillo still slaps! Got two orders of rotisserie chicken, rice and peas, and maduros. Everything was fresh and tasted delicious. So happy this place is still a staple in the neighborhood. read more

El Gran Castillo De Jagua - Latin American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The customer service nope I definitely don't get the 4 star review not really friendly and I definitely didn't appreciate the aggressive attitude when I was making my decision on what to eat. The overall vibe turned me off - giving 2 stars for the delicious ribs. read more

Excellent service and large portions and decent ambiance (smallish, clean, well spaced). The chicharron de pollo was crispy and moist and delicious. I would have loved more salt but my kidneys would not have loved it. The Maduros were sweet and perfectly cooked. The salad was fresh and the beef sancocho was superb and filled with meat. The soursop batida was delicious and could have been larger but was satisfying. I thought I took picks but couldn't find them in my phone!! Since I will definitely be returning, I will get more pics then. read more

I woke up with a craving for Dominican breakfast!! And I was not going to be satisfied with my day, without having it! Y'all.... y'all! It was delicious. $8 for an order and this could easily feed 2 people. I ate half for breakfast, with the 2 eggs (cause ain't nobody trying to reheat eggs in the microwave. Yuck!) See picture for an example of how bountiful half this food was. (Jeopardy music as we wait) Okay, you see what I mean?! The mangú was perfectly seasoned and mashed. So soft and fluffy; and I don't even like green plantains like that. (I know all my Caribbean folks are dashing holy water at me) I get it! For shame! The fried cheese was perfectly fried and squeaky. If you've had squeaky cheese before, y'all know what I'm talking about. The texture as you chew it. If you know, you know. It was goooodd. The onions sauteed in vinegar were great. They still had that crunch and bite with the faintness of vinegar. Muah! I added a few dots of hot sauce. I couldn't do this justice in the to-go container. I had to show y'all the beauty on a plate. And I have the rest for lunch!! Check them out! Support! Also, check out my other foodie content, restaurant recommendations, and comedic antics on Instagram @saltandsavor And they cooked my eggs the way I asked. Not runny. Not cooked hard. But in between and jammy! Hallelujah! read more

El Gran Castillo De Jagua - Even the armour'd gaurd gotta mask on. Wear yo freakin mask. - Latin American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I will neither confirm nor deny allegations that I have eaten parts of the fried pork chops by hand. I will plead guilty to one count of misdemeanor Forgetting to Write a Review. There's a long menu that I don't know much about since I'm always drawn to the pork chops with yellow rice and red beans. I've enjoyed the mofongo and chicken soup. Beyond that I don't recall much, but El Gran Castillo De Jagua is a must-visit. read more

It's a puzzle that a low key spot like this still exist in this neighborhood in 2020. In the last decade we've seen mom and pop shops in the periphery decimated and replaced with ultra high rises and millennial hip spots as Barclays Center won its way. While this isn't the original location (they moved in 2013 after the inevitable ousting or so articles say) I can only imagine this place has not lost its touch. The food we had here were soul warming and reminiscent of the OG Brooklyn my husband and I recall from our teenage years -- a mix of Spanglish, inexpensive but hearty portions, no frills waiters who proudly serve food that remind them of the motherland. We are obviously late to the game, evidenced by solid patronage flowing in & out mostly with take away orders. Really loved the mix of food we ordered. Had some Sancocho (which is on the line up for their daily specials), some sweet plantains, and Pernil (which we ordered with some rice & beans). Come hungry for sure! read more

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Came for a typical non frills non fancy New York breakfast...and in short it hit the spot and delivered..fast, friendly service, great crispy bacon, warm hot chocolate....perfect. My husband is a breakfast fan and he was happy..we will be back....probably tomorrow! read more

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This is a no frills neighborhood spot. A few friends and I came here for dinner on a Saturday night. We were seated immediately at a round table in the center of the restaurant. The atmosphere was friendly and lively. For my drink, I had the sour sop shake. Sour sop is a type of tropical fruit and I wasn't sure if I would like it, but I ended up loving the shake! Pure white in color, the taste was reminiscent of citrus yogurt, with hints of pineapple. It was satisfyingly thick, extremely creamy, ice cold and very refreshing, somewhat sweet but not overpoweringly so. Absolutely delicious! I decided to order steak with onion and peppers. This was decent, but the steak was not what I was expecting. It was broiled or baked steak, thin and a tad on the dry side. There was a little bit of seasoning, but there could have been more. The entree came with salad and a choice of sides. I liked that entrees automatically came with salad, which consisted of lettuce, tomato and cucumber. The vegetables were nice and fresh. I went with the plantains, however I was served with the sweet plantains. I had meant to request the tostones - savory, crisp plantains. Our waitress was very accommodating and understanding. She came back with the tostones and garlic oil sauce. The tostones were so tasty - thick, crunchy, flavorful and the garlic oil made it even better! The plantains were also good - Perfect chewy, moist consistency and slightly caramelized, giving it an additional level of yumminess. Our waitress was great and made sure we were taken care of. Everything came out in a timely manner. Prices are reasonable, portion sizes are generous and menu is extensive. I would come back for the soursop shake alone! There are definitely other menu offerings that I would like to try. read more

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Excellent customer service, staff was warm and inviting. I got the lunch special which included rice, black beans, chicken and plantains. The lunch special is $10 but because I added plantains it was $11. The chicken was great but the rice and beans lacked salt which might be great for some. I'd definitely return again. read more

I just left this place and wanted to leave a review right away because this meal was basically trash. The pieces of roast pork I was given were old and totally dried out. I couldn't even eat it. The yellow rice was lukewarm at best. I've eaten pernil many times and it's not supposed to be this dry. It was basically inedible and ended up in the garbage. A complete waste of my money. read more

El Gran Castillo De Jagua - Pernil (roast pork)) - Latin American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Very good food and service staff is always on top of their game. Recommend their chicken dishes and avocado salad. read more

For the price, the food is filling and delicious. Pork is a bit on the dry side but the chicken is juicy and well seasoned. Ordered a side of plantains and was served with a heap of toasty plantains, some were on the hard side but the well cooked and jammy ones were delish (and worth the money). Service is kind without being over the top, and ambiance isn't something to write home about but who cares! Hidden gem status and I hope it stays that way read more

Great food and great customer service... Cone and check this gem hidden in flatbush you wont regret it guys... read more

El Gran Castillo De Jagua - Arroz blanco y frijoles rojos - Latin American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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There's a sign on the door which tells you to seat yourself and that is exactly what we did. One of the two waitresses did not welcome us and gave us a half hello. One of the few things that I don't like when I visit a business is lack of customer service especially since I'm patronizing the business. Since I was here to try the food based on Yelp reviews, I decided not to let it bother me. My son and I decided to order the fried chicken chunks, he ordered yellow rice and I chose the rice and peas. I also ordered a side order of sweet plantains. The chicken chunks was cooked to perfection and seasoned just right. They were the best fried chicken chunks that I've had so far. The rice was also very good. The plantaños were very sweet, just the way that I like them. I will definitely visit this restaurant in the future because I truly enjoyed my meal and my son did as well. read more

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How many El Gran Castillo De Jagua's are there in Brooklyn??? I pledge eternal allegiance to the Parkside/Flatbush location, but was stoked to see this additional outpost! This spot was definitely bigger and had more tables, BUT seemed to be serving the same Castillo magic (even if it did lack the castle/knight/mace/battle axe decor we've come to love and expect at the Flatbush location)! The ONLY reason we ended up back at the Parkside location for dinner was the whole rotisserie chicken for $8, which we couldn't find on the menu here. read more

Delicious spanish food spot in bk. I came back a a few times over the years. Give it a try . read more

El Gran Castillo De Jagua - Bake chicken| white rice and beans| shrimp mofongo | avocado salad. - Latin American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The service here is so lovely and I make a point to mention this because unfortunately when you come to more casual food places, it's not often you encounter such warm attitudes from all the staff. Every time I have come here everyone is so nice and friendly. I really like getting their chicharrón de pollo to go, with rice and beans or gandules with maduros. The chicharrón de pollo is my favorite treat. Also great for a hearty breakfast. The longaniza is especially good. The only fault I've encountered is with their prepackaged cakes. My tres leches was super dry with none of the milk soaked into it but I think they order these cakes in. read more

El Gran Castillo De Jagua - Mangu - Latin American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Only have $11 and want to feed a family of four? Or are you just fat and drunk like I am all the time? Either way, El Gran Castillo De Jagua has got you covered. Their meals are so cheap, but their portion sizes are out of control. I got the BBQ pork ribs, which was a whole round container's worth. Probably close to 10 ribs of various sizes. Plus a whole container of rice (your choice of yellow or white). And a small container of pinto beans. For $11! I'll definitely be back! read more

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Very good spanish cooking. Would definitely recommend for a good meal. I had 2 spanish ladies with me and their ready to visit again. Says alot. read more

El Gran Castillo never disappoints. It will always remain my number one go to for Spanish food. With reasonable and fair pricing, excellent service and quality preparation, you can never go wrong! I have been coming to this restaurant for years, even before they moved to it's current location and everything has remained consistent. If you are ever in Brooklyn or even in the mood to travel from the outer boroughs..you won't be sorry that you made the trip. Thank you to the staff for always making a visit here a pleasant experience!!!! read more

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Come to this place hungry!!!! I often see this place through the windows of the Crunch fitness across the street while doing cardio. I wanted to see if this place could satisfy my hunger after an intense workout. I have to say that El Gran Castillo de Jagua surpassed my expectations. For one, the food is decently priced ($7-15) for the most common staple items, chicken, beef and pork. Also, the menu is huge with an ample amount of food options (plus there are multiple daily special). I do not think that this place is too vegetarian- or vegan-friendly. On my visit, I ordered the fish stewed in tomato sauce (I forget the actual name of the dish). I really was surprised with the amount of food that came out for a 12 dollar plate - a huge diner-style plate of the fish and two side dishes of rice and beans. There was so much food that I could not finish eating the rice and beans. This is a type of place were a couple of people could split a dish and be completely satisfied. The service was a little slow, but not insanely slow or uncommon from neighborhood Latin American restaurants. During my visit it took a while for the waitress to bring my check. That said, the waitress was very friendly and politely answered my questions about the menu. For what I can gather, this is a local spot, so the service staff typically chats with the regular patrons. Maybe after a couple of visits, the staff will chat with me too. ;) read more

I've been coming to this place for years and they never disappoint me. Dine in and take out experience is always descent. Good portions of food... Love the space in the new location but prefer the old spot, it had a Brooklyn feel with the bar stools in the front... The food is yummy and tastes authentic... Cons: Service is sometimes very slow... Waitress speaks to you like you're suppose to know what Mofongo consists of and may have an attitude when you need clarity. read more

The restaurant has reopened and it's still serving the same affordable and delicious Dominican food. Do stop by.

First time here and certainly not the last! Absolutely delicious and really affordable. Great for breakfast lunch or dinner. Please support this place now especially as they don't have any outdoor seating and usually have tons of locals inside for dining. Love this place!!! read more

El Gran Castillo De Jagua - Juicy 1/4 chicken dark meat with yellow rice and beans - Latin American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Food was good. The prices where affordable before they closed and reopened. I normally ordered tbe chicarron de pollo(bones in) which before the pandemic was $9.95. Just ordered again the same thing and the price went up $5. I know they have to probably pay a higher rent now that they have reopened but a whole $5. They even charge a check out fee of $1.14. I love the food but I don't see me ordering again. Guess I'll have to make my own chicken and rice and beans or find another spot. Prices are too damn high. read more

The food here is simple, good and filling. Considering the many folks who come in and out, the formula works. After a day of museums, sitting down to rice & beans with salmon made my stomach happy. read more

El Gran Castillo De Jagua - Latin American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Had a phenomenal brunch experience here! Came in on a blustery afternoon and grabbed a booth off the the side. Other patrons were digging into their various egg dishes (which looked great), but I knew I came for something more aligned with their specialties. Not long after sitting down, my boyfriend and I agreed on what to order. The arroz con pollo was the Sunday special, so we chose for one of those. We also ordered the pernil. Our waitress nodded in approval and headed to the kitchen with our order in hand. Both dishes were SO good. And there was SO much of both of them, we had to get a to go box. My only qualm was that I wished there was more pollo with the arroz. I cannot wait to go back and try more off their menu. read more

Very tasty Latin food served in enormous portions. Asopado de pollo delicious chicken soup. Please give us a doggie bag. Carne Guisada that would've been falling off the bone tender had the meat been served on the bone. Service was very good and we got the feeling that we could've sat there until closing no one was hurrying us out. A winner! read more

El Gran Castillo De Jagua - How good is the food? Here are my plates after the meal. Yum! - Latin American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Looks like nothing special. It's all about the food isn't it? Absolutely. If I wasn't so full I'd eat again. Nice staff too. Update 3/17: Part of the wishbone were chopped up and in the mofongo. I asked the waitress if this was normal (I'm a culinary tourist and don't pretend to know everything). She said no, and I added I wasn't asking for a break on the bill. She did check with the kitchen but I didn't hear back. I had liked this place so much a week ago but I can't recommend it. This time the same dish I had a week ago was nasty. read more

El Gran Castillo De Jagua - Before. - Latin American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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My first time here this past weekend and I know I'll definitely be back! I was sick and was in desperate need of chicken soup. This place has one of the best chicken soupy rice I've had. It hit my cravings and literally helped clear my sinuses. The meat was so soft, it fell right off the bone. The soup was perfectly seasoned. It had parsley which I'm usually not a fan of but I didn't mind it. My brother ordered the Chicharrones de Pollo which came with rice and beans. The chicken wasn't too oily and they were fried just right, not too crispy. The meat was very juicy and tender. It did lack some flavor on its own though, but ketchup and hot sauce made it better. The portions are huge here and we had a hard time finishing our food. read more

El Gran Castillo De Jagua - Latin American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Still one of my go-to spots in Brooklyn. Covers all the basics for good food. Service is solid as well. They also deliver!

We love El Gran Castillo de Jagua. The food is always consistently delicious and well prepared. The staff is helpful and Service is great

Hands down one of my favorite go to Spanish restaurants in downtown Brooklyn. My favorites are the avocado salad, chicken with black beans and rice, and tostones with garlic! Add a Presidente beer and it's a good night in BK. read more

My go to neighborhood spot when I'm craving something wholesome and filling. They are such a reliable neighborhood staple! I live in DC now but I can't tell you the number of times I miss the food here. All the food is well-seasoned and the portion sizes are huge. Unfortunately, the service doesn't live up to the quality of the food, otherwise it would be a 6 star review (LOL). I usually end up waiting several minutes for my order, even if it's a simple breakfast plate on a Sunday morning. I guess that's because they make it fresh. However, there have been multiple times where I needed/requested service and the wait staff were instead chatting to the side/not doing their jobs. I wish that they would emphasize speed and efficiency more here. read more

Finally, a Spanish restaurant in Brooklyn that deserves a 5 star rating!! I will start by saying Please, Please, Please don't judge this restaurant by its appearance. Its nothing fancy but serves its purpose. Now on to the food: Everything was very very good. The rice taste fresh and most importantly, wasn't mushy. The chicken was flavorful and moist. To enhance the flavor of the chicken they give you this green sauce (that's the name of it - green sauce lol). It a mixture of green peppers, onions, garlic, lemon juice and other spices they wouldn't disclose to me. I definitely went home and tried to make me own version of the green sauce (It was an epic fail just in case you were wondering). The service was great, fast and extremely affordable. Overall: I will definitely be back!! read more

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This no-frills Prospect Heights Dominican restaurant is an unshakable force in the neighborhood. And while it doesn't look like much on the outside (or inside for that matter), it has remained a strong presence in the ever-shifting business of restaurants and other storefronts that have come and gone in the area. But where they go awry in decor they totally make up for in a bursting menu of fresh, great tasting food at an affordable price. I've been here a couple of times, and it's never been disappointing. And service is always accommodating and friendly. Recently, I enjoyed their rotisserie chicken with green plantains (and crushed garlic sauce, which has a piquant zest that I enjoy adding as a topping on my plantains; I know, I know, don't worry Altoids are my friend afterward). I tasted the pork chops too, which someone else at my table ordered - it was succulent and well-seasoned. If you've ever had any trepidations about coming here--don't. This place is definitely a real-life example about that adage on books, covers and passing judgment. Think Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations--because at this place you don't need any and you certainly shouldn't have any, check any pretense at the door. read more

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