Let me tell you about this awesome spot I recently visited, called Pollo Tropical. Open for both lunch and dinner, they boast of an array of food choices fit for a king, including some fantastic options that would make a perfect brunch!
The interesting story behind this booming restaurant chain could be straight out of a movie. This venture was initiated way back in 1988, in Miami, by a couple of brothers named Larry and Stuart Harris. Larry, one quirky cook, began experimenting with chicken recipes inspired by Latin American cookbooks and boy, was that a hit! The proud crowd-pleasers of their menu, which they've retained since their inception, is their flavorful grilled chicken.
Pollo Tropical adheres strictly to a customer-first policy. Seeing your food prepared right in front of you, no prepackaged or precooked items, and, believe it or not, no microwaves. Now, this was quite refreshing for me, given we're now in an era where fast-food chains are the norm. Don't forget to check out their [company website](https://www.pollotropical.com/) to skim through more drool-worthy pictures and menu options.
Where Did I Find this Tropical Paradise?
Well, lucky for all of us foodies, Pollo Tropical is not just limited to one or two locales. They are spread out not just across the United States, but have also expanded their wings into the Caribbean and Latin America, now clocking over 190 locations. You can find them in their home state of Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, and Texas. They’ve also flown over to Puerto Rico and dotted themselves across many Caribbean and Latin American nations like the United States Virgin Islands, Guyana, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic.
What Makes Pollo Tropical So Special?
Now, you might wonder, why should you try Pollo Tropical out of all the multitude of eating joints out there? Let me break it down for ya!
- Varied Menu: Trust me, they’ve got something for every food lover out there!
- Unique Cuisine: You don't often find Latin Caribbean cuisine in the North American fast-food scene. It’s a refreshing change from the usual Mexican and Tex-Mex chains.
- Transparency and Freshness: Undoubtedly, the USP of Pollo Tropical as compared to other fast-casual chains. Their live cooking and emphasis on fresh ingredients was absolutely impressive.
And, when you go there, you just can’t miss their simply divine citrus-marinated grilled chicken.
Is Pollo Tropical Spicy?
Okay, moving on to the important question. Is it spicy? Well, if you're someone who enjoys a bit of fire, you’ll definitely get your fix. They've got a variety of zingy sauces like Mango Habanero, Pollo Tropical Hot Sauce, and Spicy Poyo-Poyo, to name a few. However, if spice is not your cup of tea, fret not! You can choose non-spicy options like Fresh Salsa, Cilantro Garlic, Curry Mustard, BBQ, and Pineapple Rum.
POLLO TROPICAL Menu Prices
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What's on the Plate?
Their menu is a delightful fusion of cuisines from Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Venezuela with something to appeal everyone, from their signature grilled chicken to the exciting TropiChop bowl series, which reminded me a bit of the format found in Chipotle restaurants.
Don’t forget to check out their family bundles for feeding large parties or their kids’ menu for the little ones. Speaking of which...
Does Pollo Tropical Cater to the Kiddos?
Absolutely, yes! The Kids TropiChop bowl, Grilled drumstick and thigh with french fries and Grilled Chicken Breast Strips with fries are just a few of the options. Plus, they come with apple juice and a Chocolate Chip cookie.
Is Pollo Tropical Healthy?
Yes! Their varied menu, lean cuts of chicken, low-calorie sauce options make it notonly delicious but also super healthy. Plus, they are more than happy to customize your meal, making it a perfect choice for fitness enthusiasts.
My Visit to Pollo Tropical: Pros and Cons
Thankfully, they have me covered with numerous vegetarian and even vegan options like the Vegan Chicken Picadillo Tropichop Bowl. The salad options are customizable and they have some great vegetarian sides too!
Pros
- Fresh ingredients and live cooking
- Healthy options
- Significant attention to details in food preparation
- Options catering to both Vegans and Vegetarians
Cons
- Limited alcohol options
- Limited locations outside of the United States
Is a Tropical Meal Just a Click Away?
For those who can’t make it to their nearest restaurant, or just want to enjoy their delicious meals from the comfort of home, Pollo Tropical is easily accessible on food delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, and GrubHub. You can even choose from a wide variety of options for catering on special occasions or group dinners.