Viejo Yayo

- 36 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine taste of the Caribbean without leaving the five boroughs, Viejo Yayo stands out as a culinary anchor in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn. Located conveniently on 5th Avenue, this family-style restaurant has established itself as a reliable source for Latin American, particularly Dominican, comfort food. It's a place where the air is filled with the aroma of slow-cooked meats, fragrant rice, and the satisfying crunch of fried plantains.

Viejo Yayo is far more than just a quick bite spot; it’s a full-service dining destination that caters to a diverse clientele throughout the day. From robust Dominican-style breakfasts to hearty lunch specials and extensive dinner options, the menu is a deep dive into the rich culinary traditions of the Caribbean. The focus is on authentic, flavorful dishes that feel like they came straight from a family kitchen. With a cozy and casual atmosphere, it’s designed to be a comfortable space for locals, whether you are dining solo, catching up with friends, or enjoying a meal with the family.

The menu is expansive, demonstrating a commitment to variety and catering to all palates. It’s an ideal spot for those who appreciate high-quality, flavorful food in generous portions. For those unfamiliar with authentic Dominican fare, Viejo Yayo serves as a wonderful introduction, offering classic dishes like 'Mangu' (mashed plantains) for breakfast and 'Sancocho' (hearty Spanish soup) at any time of day. New Yorkers on a budget will also appreciate the value, especially with the dedicated Daily Combo Specials that make lunch both delicious and economical.

Location and Accessibility

Viejo Yayo is centrally located at 36 5th Ave in Brooklyn, NY 11217, placing it in the heart of the vibrant Park Slope/Prospect Heights area. Its proximity to major transit hubs and the Barclays Center makes it an easily accessible destination for Brooklyn residents and visitors alike. The location is a prime example of a local gem that is woven into the fabric of a busy New York City neighborhood.

The restaurant understands the importance of physical accessibility in a bustling city environment. It offers a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring that all community members can comfortably enjoy their dining experience. As a cornerstone for the local community, the commitment to accessibility is a key component of its reputation as a true family establishment.

For New Yorkers navigating the city, the 5th Avenue location is highly convenient, whether you are arriving via subway, bus, or on foot. This ease of access contributes significantly to its popularity as a go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, proving that authentic Latin cuisine is always within reach in New York City.

Services Offered

Viejo Yayo provides a comprehensive range of dining and convenience services to meet the needs of a fast-paced New York lifestyle:

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy a meal in the casual and cozy atmosphere with table service.
• Takeout Service: Perfect for New Yorkers on the move who want to grab a quick, satisfying meal to go.
• Delivery Services: Available for home and office delivery, ensuring authentic Latin comfort food is available right to your door.
• Full Meal Service: Dedicated menus for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner are offered daily.
• Daily Combo Specials: Economical and hearty lunch combos, featuring items like Chicken Stew and Roast Pork, are available on a rotating basis.
• Extensive Beverage Menu: Includes fresh Natural Juices, traditional 'Cafe Con Leche,' various coffees, teas, and soft drinks.
• Restroom Facilities: Available for the convenience of dine-in guests.
• Payment Options: Accepts major Credit Cards and Debit Cards for easy transactions.

Features / Highlights

The dining experience at Viejo Yayo is defined by several notable features that make it a standout in the Brooklyn food scene:

• Authentic Latin Cuisine: The menu deeply explores Latin American flavors, with a strong emphasis on Dominican staples like 'Mangu' (mashed plantains) for breakfast, Sancocho, and various stews.
• Extensive Mofongo Selection: A New York-area favorite, the Mofongo menu is comprehensive, featuring options such as Mofongo De Chicharron (Pork Cracklings), Mofongo De Chicken, Mofongo De Shrimp, and the highly specialized Mofongo De Marisco ($44.20), served with a medley of seafood in a red sauce. This dish is a must-try for any seafood enthusiast.
• All-Day Dining: Whether you're craving pancakes and omelettes in the morning, a Cuban sandwich at noon, or a Churrasco Steak for dinner, the restaurant serves a full menu from open to close, making it a reliable choice at any time.
• Hearty Meat and Seafood Selections: The main courses include powerful options like the Ribeye, Yayo Steak, Oxtail Stew, Pernil (roast pork), and fresh Whole Red Snapper and Paella For 2, catering to serious appetites.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Explicitly categorized as a family restaurant, it provides a welcoming, casual, and cozy atmosphere that is good for kids, making it a comfortable destination for large family gatherings.
• Dominican Breakfast Specialties: Beyond the standard American breakfast, the menu includes traditional Dominican items like Mangu and Yuca, along with sides such as Fried Cheese and Longaniza (Dominican sausage), providing an authentic morning meal.
• Diverse Price Points: The menu successfully balances value-oriented options like the daily lunch combos (starting around $10.45) with premium, celebratory seafood and steak dishes (like the Ribeye at $50.70 or Paella For 2 at $67.40), appealing to a wide range of budgets.

Contact Information

When planning your visit to this Brooklyn culinary gem, here is the necessary contact information:

• Address: 36 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
• Phone: +1 718-622-8922

What Is Worth Choosing

For New York diners, Viejo Yayo is worth choosing for several compelling reasons, primarily its dedication to authentic, flavorful, and generously portioned Latin cuisine, particularly from the Dominican tradition. In a city saturated with dining options, this restaurant offers a specific and beloved type of comfort food that is hard to replicate. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, reinforcing its role as a local gathering place where the focus remains on food and family.

The culinary experience is driven by its signature dishes. Any first-time visitor should explore the Mofongo variations. The classic Mofongo De Chicharron, featuring garlicky mashed green plantains with crispy pork cracklings, is foundational. However, the premium Mofongo De Marisco is a culinary event, featuring a luxurious medley of seafood served in a rich red sauce, transforming a simple comfort dish into a memorable fine dining experience for an approachable price point. Similarly, the daily lunch specials are an excellent choice for local professionals and residents, offering a true taste of home-cooked flavor with options like the Beef Stew or Roast Pork Lunch Combo at prices that offer exceptional value for New York City.

Furthermore, the all-day nature of the restaurant ensures accessibility at any hour. Whether you are looking for a quick and satisfying Dominican breakfast to start your workday, a robust lunch, or a full-scale dinner, Viejo Yayo has a thoughtfully curated selection. The commitment to providing generous portions of rich, slow-cooked meats—such as the Pernil or Oxtail Stew—along with essential sides like Tostones and Yuca Fries, solidifies its position as a top contender for Latin comfort food in the Brooklyn dining landscape. Despite some varied feedback regarding late-night atmosphere, the consensus on the quality and authenticity of the food remains high, making it a genuine New York experience that is truly worth seeking out for its traditional flavors and hearty hospitality.

Viejo Yayo

36 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA