I like this place! This is so convenient when I need something fast but don't want to do tradtional fast food restaurants. (yuck! ) I love that this is real food that you can order from a Drive thru...... I usually get the Tropichop which is a bowl with rice ( white or brown )and beans ( your choice red or black ) , meat ( I get the roast pork) , toppings (corn, sauteed onions and peppers ) ....then they have a bunch of different sauces you can get to put on top, my faves are the garlic cilantro and fresh salsa. Very yummy, and the regular size is huge ,it will give me two meals for 7$ ....all good! :)
(4)
Jamie W.
For a "fast food" option this is one of our favorite spots. Food is fresh and always hot and tasty. Maduros (sweet plaintains) are some of the best even compared to pricier joints. Have a lovely kids menu with grilled meats vs. fried. The pork is juicy and full of flavor. They have a sauce bar with a variety to choose from, our favorites being mango bbq and curry mustard. Good spot for a hot quick meal.
(4)
Alyssa P.
If I had to choose a fast food joint, I would pick this place over McDonald's any day. My husband came here once and was telling me how he thought the food was pretty good. We had a Bogo coupon which makes it even better. We both had the 1/4 chkn with 2 sides. Portions were really good and even without a coupon it wouldn't have been that much more than any other fast food place. Besides what fast food place has real silverware? I didn't care for the garlic yucca and the rolls. I tried the sauces from their bar and thought the salsa and garlic sauce was really good. I must have not payed attn to the sides bc looking at the photos it looks like they have plantains which I'm looking forward to trying next time. We sat outside and most of the tables weren't wiped off but we managed to find one. Service was awesome - Charles took our order and he was great.
Quick service, from order to table! Plantains to die for, tropichops with unlimited toppings... great pressed quesadillas. 1/4 or 1/2 chicken specials! I love the sauce bar, and the changing screens of sauciness. The staff is very accommodating, your order comes to you and plates are cleared quickly. They accomodate allergies and can find out ingredients for you if asked.
(5)
Shacobi Y.
Well, I enjoyed the catered version a lot better. We used to get this at my former job every full blue moon. Dining in was a complete disappointment. I was quite embarrassed when I brought my mom and family here for Mother's Day last yr. The food was luke warm and the bread roll was tough and cold. As if they microwaved it too long and just let it sit out. I thought maybe it was the location, but I went through the drive-thru at the San Jose location and got the same quality (or lack thereof). I like the macaroni and cheese when it's fresh baked.
(2)
Allie A.
You know, I had never been to a Pollo Tropical until last night. I have this really weird thing about fast food chicken... just something I normally don't trust. But as we were out and about last night, sheer exhaustion was not letting us think properly, so we ended up in the drive thru. We didn't even know where to begin, so we got the Family Deal, a full chicken for $12.29 (what!) and then added a few sides, all for around $20 bucks. I said on the way home, well, that was cheap as hell and I wonder if when we take a bite into that chicken we know why. Well paint me pleasantly surprised. While, of course not the best or even close to our fave Stars, it was pretty dang good. I loved the red beans and rice (added a ton of hot sauce to it though) and the cilantro garlic sauce was my favorite! Mac and cheese was decent and plantains a little mushy, but I ate them anyway. We had so much left over, I just finished the rest for lunch today and still was decent. A-OK and while I'm not driving down to Mandarin for a special trip, next time I'm in the area and craving something fast, I'll be sure to check out some other menu items.
(3)
Mailena O.
I love their food, it is always delicious. The only complaint that I have is with the customer service. I order through the drive through often and 9/10 times they get my order wrong. I get to work and I have to call them and tell them. If they get that together they're a 10 in my eyes.
(4)
Anita M.
I love this place! I can eat healthy while only paying $6!! The ingredients always taste fresh, the sauce bar is magical, and the atmosphere is very friendly! One of my favorite new places since I moved to Jacksonville!
(5)
Ashley D.
HORRIBLE customer service! We walk in and no "hey how are you doing" "do you need help with the menu" no "have a nice day" and that is when they are looking straight at you!
(1)
J N.
You have got to try there you get sticks, they're kind of like french fries but much better,they have a white cilantro sauce that's soooo good! Also there fresh salsa is to die for! Didn't care for the pineapple chicken wrap but the tropy chop chicken yellow rice black beans is off the chain!
(3)
Amy A.
Amazing service. VERY fast and friendly servers. Food is very reasonably priced and delicious. Chicken is slightly greasy. 1/4 chicken kids meal was more than adequate for an adult (don't think adults are supposed to get it but with drive thru they wouldn't know): chicken, side, drink, frozen yogurt). Definitely recommend. Yuca fries are delicious but a LOT of calories.
(4)
Michael C.
I used to eat at Pollo at least weekly in South Florida. When I found myself relocating to Jax, I was amazed to find that they had opened one in Mandarin. Even more amazing is the fact that it is an express sit down location with real silverware! (BTW, actual silverware would be a definite no-no in the Miami locations thanks to the reality of it being used for patron on patron or patron on employee attacks) This location was very clean and even had someone speaking Spanish behind the counter. (Actual Spanish, not a carib/spanglish mix as in South Florida.) Food was fast, the store was clean and the manager even took time to discuss the new concept that PT is rolling out in North Florida and Georgia. The only negative was the higher menu pricing for the same items as compared to Miami. Miami has a higher cost of living, so this made no sense on the surface. If you are looking for a great fast food alternative and want fresh choices, you won't miss out on going to the Jacksonville Pollo Tropical.
(4)
J J K.
The food is good. The staff and management not so good. I'll come back when they have better managers.
(2)
Dewayne R.
This place makes me Pollo Loco! I've never had a "fast food" restaurant consistently meet my expectations every single time like Pollo Tropical. the latin atmosphere, all of the cooking is done within view from the preparation of rice all the way down to the actualy cutting of the chicken, definitely makes you feel involved and is one of the strong points of an original feel you dont get to experience from many chains like such. My cashier Tina who took care of me was very pleasant to work with. I ordered a TropiChop which consists of chicken layered on top of your choice of a side such as yellow or white rice, red beans, black beans, yucca fries, corn, if its used in a latin dish, its here! You can also order chicken all the way from 1/4 to a whole! definitely a family-friendly addition at a VERY competitive prive, you get an outstanding portion on 1/4 chicken with 2 side for $6, you really can't beat that. WIth that being said, newcomes to veterans here alike, This restaurant will always highly rank on my list 5/5
(5)
Rich R.
This was a good, albeit confusing cheap dinner! Ordering at Pollo Tropical is really weird the first time through. To assist, this location is has a hostess station to determine if dining in or taking away. If dining in, you are offered a menu and directed to a numbered table (remember this number as you need it in a minute), proceed to the counter to place your order (this is where you'll run into the traffic jam of other confused customers staring at the multiple menu displays to figure out how this works). With build your own items like "Tropichops" and "Family Meals" I was still a bit confused. The back of the menu has instructions: 1- Choose your meal and decide how spicy you want it 2- Pick your entree and Sides (provide the cashier with your table #) 3- Visit the salsa station 4-Be seated, your food will be brought to the table Food was good, I tried a Tropichop with chicken, black beans and a bunch of toppings. The salsa bar was a real highlight, especially the "Poyo Poyo" "Guava BBQ" and "Cilantro Garlic". Beer, Wine and Sangria are available
(4)
Michael Q.
5 star value Generous portions Tasty with options Fast Courteous Try the guava bbq sauce - sweet and smokey I'll be back
(5)
Doug R.
Once again, not very friendly service at the counter. The new salad was good, and the superb dining room service I've experienced in the past was not apparent the day I had lunch there last time. I believe the occasion was on 5/6/13.
(3)
Neil P.
It's a good deal. We had the half chicken with 2 sides (rice/beans and maduras). It was one of the few meals my kids chomped on completely leaving us with bones to look at and iced tea to drink. QSF. Quick service and food.
(3)
Monchou P.
Being here quite few times and when they first open up to me the food was excellent but last 2 times the chicken is cold and dry and i look over the counter and see a big old stack of whole chickens already cooked for who knows how many hours, before you see the grill on fire while cooking the whole chickens now is like they got lazy and cooked them all at once early in the day also dirty plates is always an issue here,always got to return dirty plates that are not properly washed also dirty tables takes for ever to get them cleaned.,
(3)
Ashli B.
I've been here twice for lunch, the most recent time being today. Both times, the experience has been great! You order at the counter, and they bring your meal to the table. The menu is large. There is definitely something for everyone. I had a small Tropichop bowl (with chicken, yellow rice, corn, black beans, tomatoes, and sauteed onions) and a tea. Total cost: $5. Can't beat that! I definitely recommend their mango tea. The restaurant is clean, and the employees are friendly. Our food was delivered quickly. Everything was hot, and someone came around to check on us several times during our meal. The condiments at the salsa bar were great! I wish we had one of these restaurants close to home. I look forward to going back!
(4)
Charles B.
For those of you who try to eat clean, this is one of the best options for fast yet good/healthy food I have found outside of my kitchen. 2 grilled chicken breast, brown rice & black beans... My wife and I both ate for under $14. Not bad in my book!
(4)
Matt L.
Great food and good service. Clean
(4)
Will d.
good food and clean place to eat at,i am latin and know the food well it is good for jacksonville rednecks that dont know about our food.if you go to miami this is like mcdonalds or b.k. their.FOR HERE ITS BEST WE HAVE CANT BELIEVE WAITING LINES THEY LAUGH IN MIAMI ABOUT THIS WE ARE SO BEHIND IN JAX!!!!!!
(3)
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
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Address :10989 San Jose Blvd
Jacksonville, FL, 32223
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Drive-Thru : Yes Caters : Yes
Vanessa T.
I like this place! This is so convenient when I need something fast but don't want to do tradtional fast food restaurants. (yuck! ) I love that this is real food that you can order from a Drive thru...... I usually get the Tropichop which is a bowl with rice ( white or brown )and beans ( your choice red or black ) , meat ( I get the roast pork) , toppings (corn, sauteed onions and peppers ) ....then they have a bunch of different sauces you can get to put on top, my faves are the garlic cilantro and fresh salsa. Very yummy, and the regular size is huge ,it will give me two meals for 7$ ....all good! :)
(4)Jamie W.
For a "fast food" option this is one of our favorite spots. Food is fresh and always hot and tasty. Maduros (sweet plaintains) are some of the best even compared to pricier joints. Have a lovely kids menu with grilled meats vs. fried. The pork is juicy and full of flavor. They have a sauce bar with a variety to choose from, our favorites being mango bbq and curry mustard. Good spot for a hot quick meal.
(4)Alyssa P.
If I had to choose a fast food joint, I would pick this place over McDonald's any day. My husband came here once and was telling me how he thought the food was pretty good. We had a Bogo coupon which makes it even better. We both had the 1/4 chkn with 2 sides. Portions were really good and even without a coupon it wouldn't have been that much more than any other fast food place. Besides what fast food place has real silverware? I didn't care for the garlic yucca and the rolls. I tried the sauces from their bar and thought the salsa and garlic sauce was really good. I must have not payed attn to the sides bc looking at the photos it looks like they have plantains which I'm looking forward to trying next time. We sat outside and most of the tables weren't wiped off but we managed to find one. Service was awesome - Charles took our order and he was great.
(4)Elizabeth M.
This location has greatly improved since it has opened. First I got catering from them earlier in the year around April and the food was amazing. The chicken was juicy and perfectly cooked. All special requests were met and the delivery was on time. Recently came and ate dinner with the family and our food was really good. Again the chicken was juicy, sides were Hot and staff was very nice. They came around and asked if we needed anything and service was quick. The Caribbean corn soufflé was delicious and the corn was buttery and sweet. The mashed potatoes were good and gravy was on the side as requested. We had a good experience here are pretty certain we will all go back especially since the food has much improved since its opening.
(5)Tess B.
Quick service, from order to table! Plantains to die for, tropichops with unlimited toppings... great pressed quesadillas. 1/4 or 1/2 chicken specials! I love the sauce bar, and the changing screens of sauciness. The staff is very accommodating, your order comes to you and plates are cleared quickly. They accomodate allergies and can find out ingredients for you if asked.
(5)Shacobi Y.
Well, I enjoyed the catered version a lot better. We used to get this at my former job every full blue moon. Dining in was a complete disappointment. I was quite embarrassed when I brought my mom and family here for Mother's Day last yr. The food was luke warm and the bread roll was tough and cold. As if they microwaved it too long and just let it sit out. I thought maybe it was the location, but I went through the drive-thru at the San Jose location and got the same quality (or lack thereof). I like the macaroni and cheese when it's fresh baked.
(2)Allie A.
You know, I had never been to a Pollo Tropical until last night. I have this really weird thing about fast food chicken... just something I normally don't trust. But as we were out and about last night, sheer exhaustion was not letting us think properly, so we ended up in the drive thru. We didn't even know where to begin, so we got the Family Deal, a full chicken for $12.29 (what!) and then added a few sides, all for around $20 bucks. I said on the way home, well, that was cheap as hell and I wonder if when we take a bite into that chicken we know why. Well paint me pleasantly surprised. While, of course not the best or even close to our fave Stars, it was pretty dang good. I loved the red beans and rice (added a ton of hot sauce to it though) and the cilantro garlic sauce was my favorite! Mac and cheese was decent and plantains a little mushy, but I ate them anyway. We had so much left over, I just finished the rest for lunch today and still was decent. A-OK and while I'm not driving down to Mandarin for a special trip, next time I'm in the area and craving something fast, I'll be sure to check out some other menu items.
(3)Mailena O.
I love their food, it is always delicious. The only complaint that I have is with the customer service. I order through the drive through often and 9/10 times they get my order wrong. I get to work and I have to call them and tell them. If they get that together they're a 10 in my eyes.
(4)Anita M.
I love this place! I can eat healthy while only paying $6!! The ingredients always taste fresh, the sauce bar is magical, and the atmosphere is very friendly! One of my favorite new places since I moved to Jacksonville!
(5)Ashley D.
HORRIBLE customer service! We walk in and no "hey how are you doing" "do you need help with the menu" no "have a nice day" and that is when they are looking straight at you!
(1)J N.
You have got to try there you get sticks, they're kind of like french fries but much better,they have a white cilantro sauce that's soooo good! Also there fresh salsa is to die for! Didn't care for the pineapple chicken wrap but the tropy chop chicken yellow rice black beans is off the chain!
(3)Amy A.
Amazing service. VERY fast and friendly servers. Food is very reasonably priced and delicious. Chicken is slightly greasy. 1/4 chicken kids meal was more than adequate for an adult (don't think adults are supposed to get it but with drive thru they wouldn't know): chicken, side, drink, frozen yogurt). Definitely recommend. Yuca fries are delicious but a LOT of calories.
(4)Michael C.
I used to eat at Pollo at least weekly in South Florida. When I found myself relocating to Jax, I was amazed to find that they had opened one in Mandarin. Even more amazing is the fact that it is an express sit down location with real silverware! (BTW, actual silverware would be a definite no-no in the Miami locations thanks to the reality of it being used for patron on patron or patron on employee attacks) This location was very clean and even had someone speaking Spanish behind the counter. (Actual Spanish, not a carib/spanglish mix as in South Florida.) Food was fast, the store was clean and the manager even took time to discuss the new concept that PT is rolling out in North Florida and Georgia. The only negative was the higher menu pricing for the same items as compared to Miami. Miami has a higher cost of living, so this made no sense on the surface. If you are looking for a great fast food alternative and want fresh choices, you won't miss out on going to the Jacksonville Pollo Tropical.
(4)J J K.
The food is good. The staff and management not so good. I'll come back when they have better managers.
(2)Dewayne R.
This place makes me Pollo Loco! I've never had a "fast food" restaurant consistently meet my expectations every single time like Pollo Tropical. the latin atmosphere, all of the cooking is done within view from the preparation of rice all the way down to the actualy cutting of the chicken, definitely makes you feel involved and is one of the strong points of an original feel you dont get to experience from many chains like such. My cashier Tina who took care of me was very pleasant to work with. I ordered a TropiChop which consists of chicken layered on top of your choice of a side such as yellow or white rice, red beans, black beans, yucca fries, corn, if its used in a latin dish, its here! You can also order chicken all the way from 1/4 to a whole! definitely a family-friendly addition at a VERY competitive prive, you get an outstanding portion on 1/4 chicken with 2 side for $6, you really can't beat that. WIth that being said, newcomes to veterans here alike, This restaurant will always highly rank on my list 5/5
(5)Rich R.
This was a good, albeit confusing cheap dinner! Ordering at Pollo Tropical is really weird the first time through. To assist, this location is has a hostess station to determine if dining in or taking away. If dining in, you are offered a menu and directed to a numbered table (remember this number as you need it in a minute), proceed to the counter to place your order (this is where you'll run into the traffic jam of other confused customers staring at the multiple menu displays to figure out how this works). With build your own items like "Tropichops" and "Family Meals" I was still a bit confused. The back of the menu has instructions: 1- Choose your meal and decide how spicy you want it 2- Pick your entree and Sides (provide the cashier with your table #) 3- Visit the salsa station 4-Be seated, your food will be brought to the table Food was good, I tried a Tropichop with chicken, black beans and a bunch of toppings. The salsa bar was a real highlight, especially the "Poyo Poyo" "Guava BBQ" and "Cilantro Garlic". Beer, Wine and Sangria are available
(4)Michael Q.
5 star value Generous portions Tasty with options Fast Courteous Try the guava bbq sauce - sweet and smokey I'll be back
(5)Doug R.
Once again, not very friendly service at the counter. The new salad was good, and the superb dining room service I've experienced in the past was not apparent the day I had lunch there last time. I believe the occasion was on 5/6/13.
(3)Neil P.
It's a good deal. We had the half chicken with 2 sides (rice/beans and maduras). It was one of the few meals my kids chomped on completely leaving us with bones to look at and iced tea to drink. QSF. Quick service and food.
(3)Monchou P.
Being here quite few times and when they first open up to me the food was excellent but last 2 times the chicken is cold and dry and i look over the counter and see a big old stack of whole chickens already cooked for who knows how many hours, before you see the grill on fire while cooking the whole chickens now is like they got lazy and cooked them all at once early in the day also dirty plates is always an issue here,always got to return dirty plates that are not properly washed also dirty tables takes for ever to get them cleaned.,
(3)Ashli B.
I've been here twice for lunch, the most recent time being today. Both times, the experience has been great! You order at the counter, and they bring your meal to the table. The menu is large. There is definitely something for everyone. I had a small Tropichop bowl (with chicken, yellow rice, corn, black beans, tomatoes, and sauteed onions) and a tea. Total cost: $5. Can't beat that! I definitely recommend their mango tea. The restaurant is clean, and the employees are friendly. Our food was delivered quickly. Everything was hot, and someone came around to check on us several times during our meal. The condiments at the salsa bar were great! I wish we had one of these restaurants close to home. I look forward to going back!
(4)Charles B.
For those of you who try to eat clean, this is one of the best options for fast yet good/healthy food I have found outside of my kitchen. 2 grilled chicken breast, brown rice & black beans... My wife and I both ate for under $14. Not bad in my book!
(4)Matt L.
Great food and good service. Clean
(4)Will d.
good food and clean place to eat at,i am latin and know the food well it is good for jacksonville rednecks that dont know about our food.if you go to miami this is like mcdonalds or b.k. their.FOR HERE ITS BEST WE HAVE CANT BELIEVE WAITING LINES THEY LAUGH IN MIAMI ABOUT THIS WE ARE SO BEHIND IN JAX!!!!!!
(3)