This is one restaurant that has passed the test of time, despite the massive changes in the neighborhood. Among all the trendy eateries, bars and clubs of the Lower East Side, El Castillo is still going strong. I don't know why it took me so long to return, but the last time we set foot in here was over 20 years ago and the white painted walls, the rotating stools at the counter and the clear vinyl table cloths are still here. And the food has not changed a bit either, though the prices have gone up, but is still an affordable delicious meal.
The steak and seafood dishes are exactly as I remembered them, tasty, hearty and extremely filling. My favorites are the bisteca with onions and the shrimp in garlic sauce. The shrimp are literally swimming in garlic. Each entree is accompanied by a huge plate of Spanish rice and an equally large bowl of beans to go with the rice, but pour the garlic sauce over the rice and you'll be in carbo overload. Get some maduros and tostones to go with your meal and you won't have room for dessert. There are daily specials, so check them out if you don't see anything to your liking on the regular menu.
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