Tio Pio Open
When we noticed earlier this week that Tio Pio, the latest incarnation at 117 Court Street, was about to open soon, we had no idea how soon: The Latin restaurant opened last night and was setting up for business this morning. Did anyone get a chance to try it out yesterday? Think this will fare…
When we noticed earlier this week that Tio Pio, the latest incarnation at 117 Court Street, was about to open soon, we had no idea how soon: The Latin restaurant opened last night and was setting up for business this morning. Did anyone get a chance to try it out yesterday? Think this will fare better than Danny’s and F. Martinella’s, both of which didn’t last more than a few months at this location?
Tio Pio Ready to Hatch [Brownstoner] GMAP
I have been a long time fan of Tio Pio I first learned of the restaurant back when I visited their first location on 78 Willoughby Street back in 2008 I fell in love with the Rotisserie chicken which is amazing with their green sauce (mild mixture of avocado and different spices). I was so excited when I heard they were opening their new restaurant closer to me. I no longer have to walk too far from my doorstep to have a great lunch. The prices here on Court street have a few cents in difference not a big deal.The prices for the food are decent I get a lot for my money. I love to have the 1/4 chicken mashed potatoes and salad I only pay $7 bucks. They have many different dishes and sides to choose from.
Unlike many of the above comments I have yet to experience a bad visit. I can usually be found there for my lunch break =)I have heard that they have a downstairs party room which is a huge plus added together with the already large dining area on the first floor. I wish Tio Pio a great future. We needed a place like this to hit Court street. If you haven’t stopped in yet this place is a must!
I finally decided to try Tio Pio. What a disaster that place is. I was hoping for a straight up chicken, rice and beans place but it was all over the place and mediocre at best. I agree with the last post about closing by Labor Day, maybe sooner. I actually can’t wait and hope something better will occupy the space.
I suspect we’ll be reading about this place in the obituary page by next Labor Day.
I also liked/miss F. Martinella and was sad to see it go. I used to live nearby and loved their salads. That stretch of Court Street just seems to work better with Checkers – it is always crowded.
That space is huge, and I imagine the rent is pretty steep (based on the location alone).
I was one of the few people who liked (and misses) F.Martinella, but I always wondered how they could pay their rent. Obviously they couldn’t, so hopefully Tio Pio can- it’s too good of a spot to sit vacant.
I don’t like to try restaurants until they have been open for at least a week or two, because it seems that brand new places always have issues that dissipate in the first couple weeks.
there is also a downstairs seating area
I stopped in at Tio Pio to pick up dinner last night on my way home from the subway. Not crowded at right around 8pm, though I would imagine most of their customers at that time of night would be the “grab and go” crowd mentioned by Ishtar above (me for example). Quick service, food wasn’t exciting, but a tasty 1/2 rotisserie chicken with a massive amount of rice and beans and plantains for $9 is quite reasonable even if it isn’t exciting. I’ll be going back for sure, but it won’t be around for long unless either the dinner crowd picks up or there are a lot of people stopping in for lunch.
(By the way, there’s a lot of room in there, which I didn’t realize from having walked past previous incarnations of that space. The serving counters are on the left, and if you walk back past them, it seems like there’s a second seating area in the back on the left.
I have no idea, chris. My friend lives over there and the food is already at her house when I arrive.
ishtar, what is the best of the yemeni places, haven’t been in one yet
and i HIGHLY recommend Tio Pio
As to the question regarding this place working. I think it can. Restaurants like these are good for the “grab and go” crowd heading home from the train and in need of a simple meal. There are some pretty good Yemeni spots near Atlantic and Court, but that’s usually the type of food you need to be in the mood for.
I’m sure 11217 will correct me if I’m wrong on anything above.