Pollo Tropical
Lolly Evans
When I first saw the signs that “Pollo Tropical” was being built on Loop 288 in front of the Denton Mall, I was ecstatic. We used to eat quite often in a Caribbean restaurant in Marble Falls, and we both enjoyed it tremendously. I thought Pollo Tropical would be the same. No such luck; well, partial luck, maybe.
Pollo Tropical is a fast food restaurant. You go to the counter and order your food. You are given a numbered sign to place on your table when you find a seat. You get your own drink, and there is no ambience. The menu is, however, sort of semi-Caribbean, and there is a lot of pollo or chicken. You can order a quarter chicken or a half chicken “marinated in a secret blend of fruit juices and Caribbean spices” starting at $4.89. Wings and boneless breasts are also available. There is also a Chicken Caesar Salad ($5.49), Chicken Quesadilla Salad ($6.49), Chicken Caribbean Soup and two different chicken sandwiches. You can also take home a whole chicken with sweet plantains and four rolls for $12.29. Dwight had the chicken and said it was “average.”
You may also order Calypso Beef starting at $7.49 with one side or $8.29 with two sides. I tried the Mojo Roast Pork and really liked it. It was shredded and could have been made easily into a sandwich. I got two sides with it ($7.49). I chose Balsamic Tomatoes, which I liked, and Caribbean Corn Soufflé. Other choices include Kernel Corn, Yucca with Garlic Sauce or Rice and Beans.
The best thing about the place may be their relish bar. Some of the typical stuff is there (onions, ketchup, jalapenos, mustard) but they also have some unusual toppings. One I tried was “poyo.” It was too hot for me. One that I tried and liked was a pineapple rum sauce. I couldn’t taste the rum, but I liked the sauce. They also cater.