Tio Pio

- 78 Willoughby St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Welcome to Tio Pio, a local cornerstone in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn that has been delighting the community with its flavorful and comforting Latin American and Spanish-American cuisine since 2003. Founded by the Espinoza brothers, Patricio, Carlos, and Javier, who drew inspiration from their home country of Ecuador, Tio Pio has established itself as a go-to spot for New Yorkers seeking authentic, satisfying, and simply made food. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a family establishment committed to providing a great dining experience for regulars and new visitors alike. From an early morning breakfast to a hearty dinner, Tio Pio offers a taste of tradition and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a true neighborhood favorite.

Tio Pio specializes in a unique blend of Spanish-American and Latin American cooking, with its famous rotisserie chicken being the undisputed star of the menu. New Yorkers rave about the juicy, flavorful chicken, often hailing it as some of the best rotisserie chicken in the borough. Beyond the poultry, the menu is a celebration of rich, home-style cooking, featuring staples like rice, savory beans, and sweet fried plantains (maduros). The restaurant's mission is centered on the idea that great food creates lasting memories and brings people together, embodying their goal to help people "eat healthy, be happy." The casual and cozy atmosphere, combined with generous portions and friendly service, ensures that whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a family dinner, you’ll feel right at home.

The broad and diverse menu caters to nearly every taste and dining occasion, making it popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as solo dining. Diners can expect a variety of healthy options, quick bites, small plates, and traditional comfort food, with plenty of vegetarian options available. Tio Pio has remained committed to the Brooklyn community, continuing to offer convenient delivery and take-out services, ensuring their irresistible flavors are accessible to everyone, even when life gets busy.

Location and Accessibility

Tio Pio is conveniently situated at 78 Willoughby St in the bustling and highly accessible area of Downtown Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. This prime location makes it an easy stop for residents, local office workers, and visitors to the area.

The restaurant prides itself on being an accessible space, offering:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

While the location is central, visitors should be aware that parking is generally limited to paid street parking, which is typical for this vibrant part of the city. Being close to major transportation hubs in Downtown Brooklyn, it is easily reachable by subway and bus for local New York City users.

Services Offered

Tio Pio provides a comprehensive range of dining and convenience services tailored to the fast-paced New York lifestyle and the need for quality, home-style food.

• Dine-in seating in a casual and cozy atmosphere
• Takeout for those on the move
• Delivery, including no-contact delivery options
• Catering services for events, offices, and large gatherings
• Breakfast service, starting early in the morning
• Lunch specials and platters for midday dining
• Dinner options with family-style combos
• Accepts major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments

Features / Highlights

Tio Pio is celebrated for several aspects that make it a standout local eatery in the competitive New York City food scene. These highlights are what keep the community coming back.

• Famous Rotisserie Chicken: Widely regarded as the best in town, this is the flagship dish, renowned for its juicy and flavorful preparation. Available in whole, half, and quarter portions.
• Spanish-American & Latin American Cuisine: Offers a unique and delicious blend of flavors, inspired by the founders' Ecuadorian heritage and local tastes.
• Expansive Menu: Serves three meals a day—Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner—featuring everything from homemade soups (like Chicken Noodle Soup, Beef Barley, Split Pea, and Seafood Soup) and breakfast platters to quesadillas, wraps, and specialty plates.
• Daily Super Specials: Features rotating specials that offer variety and value, such as Beef Stew, Pork Chop, Shell Steak, and Fried Fish on specific days of the week, ensuring fresh options for frequent diners.
• Signature Sides and Platters: Essential Latin American sides like Pinto Beans, Ripe Plantains (Maduros), Green Plantains (Tostones), and various rice options (White Rice, Yellow Rice, Moro Rice) are available to complete any meal.
• Homemade Lemonade: A highly praised, refreshing beverage made in-house.
• Focus on Family and Community: Since 2003, Tio Pio has been an active part of the Brooklyn community, offering a family-friendly environment with amenities like high chairs and a generally casual ambiance.
• Healthy and Vegetarian Options: The menu includes healthy options like Grilled Salmon, Freshly Baked Salmon Salad, Steamed Vegetables, and Veggie Meal platters, catering to health-conscious diners.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, place an order, or inquire about catering services for your next New York event, you can reach Tio Pio using the following information:

Address: 78 Willoughby St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone: (718) 875-3097

What is Worth Choosing

For first-time visitors or loyal customers looking for a reliable, satisfying meal in Downtown Brooklyn, the following dishes and menu sections are highly recommended and are considered "must-try" options at Tio Pio.

The core of the Tio Pio experience rests on its expertly prepared Latin American staples. The Rotisserie Chicken is the signature dish and an absolute essential; its flavor and juiciness are what built the restaurant’s local reputation. Pair any portion of the chicken with a side of Pinto Beans and Ripe Plantains (Maduros) for a classic, soul-warming platter, often available as one of the very popular Super Specials like the Super Special #6 (1/2 Chicken, Rice, Beans, & Plantains).

Beyond the chicken, the slow-roasted pork known as Pernil is another highly praised traditional protein, particularly the Super Special #7 (Pernil, Rice, Beans, & Plantains). The Cuban Sandwich, featuring pernil, ham, melted Swiss, pickles, and mustard on hero bread, is an excellent choice for a hearty lunch.

The Homemade Soups are a daily highlight, offering a comforting and flavorful start to a meal, especially the daily Chicken Noodle Soup or the rotating options like the Seafood Soup (available Fridays). The Tio Pio Salad, with rotisserie chicken, avocado, and a generous mix of fresh ingredients, is a fresh and filling option for a lighter meal. And to quench your thirst, the Homemade Lemonade is consistently celebrated as a refreshing, must-have beverage.

For breakfast—available from 6am to 11am—the Breakfast Sandwiches or the Breakfast Platters like the Two Eggs Any Style Platter offer a perfect, quick start to a busy day in the city. Daily specials, which feature rotating options like Beef Stew, Oxtail, and Fried Fish, ensure that there's always something new and authentic to try.

Whether you're looking for a quick, wholesome meal or a large family dinner combo, Tio Pio delivers on its promise of delicious, affordable, and authentic Spanish-American comfort food right here in the heart of Brooklyn.

Tio Pio

78 Willoughby St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA