Pollo Tropical is bringing Caribbean flavors straight to Addison with its first Texas location, which opens today. This Miami founded, fast-casual chain restaurant serves meats, vegetables, spices, and sauces all prepared in-house. With an extensive menu at such an affordable cost, you can pick up, sit-down, or drive through Pollo Tropical for a taste of the tropics.
Back in December 2013, Carol wrote how Tim Taft, CEO of Fiesta Restaurant Group, planned to build Pollo Tropical in Addison as a nod to the city that welcomed his company.
Now that vision is happening with this weekend’s grand opening festivities. Yesterday, I was invited to a press preview of Pollo Tropical, where I had the Grilled Citrus Chicken, Calypso Beef, and Mojo Roast Pork. These flavorful meats were served with a selection of their side items (beans, rice, with vegetables, fried yuca, and sweet plantains). The Caribbean corn soufflé was a little taste of heaven. If you have no idea what corn soufflé is, you might have to trust me on this one and just order it.
The Pollo Tropical Saucing Island is genius. It’s similar to fellow sister chain Taco Cabana and its notorious sauce buffet. You can get as much as you want, when you want it. As a huge sauce fan, I was all over the guava BBQ sauce.
Addison may not have the beach, but Pollo Tropical offers refrescas in three flavors: Tropical Breeze, Mango Peach, and Superfruit Punch for just $1.99. Rum can be added for $3.50.
If you go today, you can enter to win the drawing to win free chicken for a year. That’s a whole lot of chicken.
Hayley Votolato is a D Magazine intern, and aspiring food and travel editor. She will be graduating from Texas Christian University with a degree in Strategic Communication from the Schieffer College of Communication this May.
