Pollo Tropical - Bartram Park - #PolloTropical #Giveaway

Disclosure:  I received a press kit including free meal passes to facilitate this review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Don't worry...Be Happy

...that's a life lesson I can live by.  

Bob Marley was on to something.  Lifes too short - find things that make you happy and ride them like a wave.

Neil and I went to the grand opening of Pollo Tropical in Bartram Park last Friday.  Just walking inside you get the feeling that your troubles stay outside the door.  The restaurant has that relaxed Caribbean vibe that leaves you happy!  It sort of reminds me of a theme restaurant at Disney World.  A mini vacation of sorts.

There was a Calypso band to get you in the mood and a prize wheel to spin, because who doesn't get in a party mood when prizes are involved.

Those citrus flavors make the food like a bite of sunshine and sea! There are so many fresh choices like citrus-marinated chicken along with Caribbean-inspired soups, salads, wraps, fried yuca, sweet plantains and slow-cooked black beans. Oh' and the Mango tea is my new obsession!

Pollo Tropical is different than any other restaurant I've been too.  The main reason of course is the delicious tropical inspired food but it's also a mix of fast/casual.  In-other-words, the hostess seats you with a number at your table, then you proceed to the counter to order.  You're given a cup to get the drink of your choice and they bring the meal to your table when it's ready. You eat on real plates with real utensils and they clean up when you're finished, just like a casual - not fast food restaurant should.

Another big plus - No Tipping!

See what I mean a mix of casual dining and fast food.  The decor features planked walls, ceiling fans, bamboo & wicker styled furniture, tiled floors plus fun colorful artwork.  It's a decidedly Miami or Caribbean feel.

I love the freshness of the food. Especially the bold and tangy flavors that come from the savory island spices, mixed herbs and citrus that are blended into rubs and marinades to season their chicken, pork and beef dishes.

Speaking of chicken, Pollo Tropical's chicken is hormone free, steroid free and never frozen.  A variety of vegetarian dishes make this restaurant a good choice for everyone. They feature made from scratch cooking, fresh salsa bars, drive-thru service and catering. In other words they've got you covered.

We choose the "Create Your Own Family Meal" which includes 1 whole chicken, 4 rolls & sweet plantains.  We also added 2 Caesar salads. It feeds 3-4 easily.  We were so full and seeing that we had another meal left for us to eat at home, we thought that was a great deal for around $21.  The only advice for Pollo Tropical is: Please warm the rolls.  Other than that is was wonderful.

If you live in Jacksonville I encourage you to stop by the new location in Bartram Park or any of the other 3 locations here.  We received great service along with our delicious food. If you're not in Jacksonville you can look for a location near you on their website here: http://pollotropical.com/locator/

Lucky for you, I'm giving away 1 FREE Create Your Own Family Meal with 2 sides and 1 Be Our Guest cards thanks to Pollo Tropical. But you'll have to hurry the #giveaway ends Wed 6/25 at 11:59 p.m. You can enter here: 

**Update - Giveaway has ended.  But I still enjoy comment love!!

Pollo Tropical Giveaway

Life's short, eat the good stuff now y'all...

The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

~Proverbs 22:9