ZipPicks Awards
Best Spanish in Ridgewood
Master Critic Review
Rico Pollo
8.3
A steam-table Dominican standby where the move is to build a plate around one crunchy pork lane and one saucy stew lane, then let rice and sides do the heavy lifting. It’s not a linger spot, but it’s a deeply practical choice when you want big flavor, speed, and leftovers that actually hold up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicharrón, Pollo guisado, Mofongo
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Big, Dominican comfort plates built for value and leftovers.
Who should go: Hungry locals chasing fast comfort
When to visit: Lunch for the freshest trays
What to order: Chicharrón, pollo guisado, mofongo
Insider tip: Pick one crunchy item and one stew—skip stacking multiple fried sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight on Myrtle Ave, easier on nearby side streets during the day.
Dress code: Very casual — everyday clothes, workwear, or quick-stop outfits all fit.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — fine for quick conversation, not ideal for long chats.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, mostly dependent on tray refills.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or just a short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — rice, beans, plantains, and some vegetable sides are available, but mains are meat-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited — stick to rice, beans (ask about preparation), and fried plantains.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free items like rice, beans, roasted meats, and stews; cross-contact is possible.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling Dominican plates with real value and leftovers that travel well.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Spanish restaurant with ambiance or a menu built around lighter, vegetable-forward dishes.