Pollo Tropical is a fast-casual Cuban restaurant chain with locations across the United States
Pollo Tropical operates as a quick-service restaurant focused on flame-grilled chicken and Cuban-inspired dishes. The chain has locations in Florida, the Northeast, and select other states, with the majority of restaurants in South Florida where the brand originated. You can order in person at a restaurant, through their website for pickup, or through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats depending on your location.
The restaurant is owned by Restaurant Brands International, the same parent company that owns Tim Hortons and Burger King. Pollo Tropical operates independently with its own menu, pricing, and ordering systems. Store hours and menu availability vary by location, so checking the specific restaurant's page on their website or calling ahead is the fastest way to confirm what you need before you visit.
Key Takeaways
- Pollo Tropical's core menu centers on flame-grilled chicken served with rice, beans, and plantains, with prices typically ranging from $8 to $16 for entrees depending on location and current pricing.
- You can order through the Pollo Tropical website for pickup, by phone, or through delivery apps, though delivery availability depends on whether a restaurant participates in each service.
- Most Pollo Tropical locations are in Florida, particularly South Florida, though the chain has expanded to other states including New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
- The menu includes chicken bowls, sandwiches, salads, and sides like black beans and yuca fries, with some regional variations between locations.
Main menu items and what they include
The signature item at Pollo Tropical is the flame-grilled chicken, which comes as a full chicken, half chicken, or quarter chicken. A typical entree includes your choice of two sides from options like white rice, yellow rice, black beans, sweet plantains, or fried yuca. Prices for chicken entrees start around $8 to $10 for a quarter chicken and go up to $14 to $16 for a full chicken, though these amounts vary by location and change over time.
Beyond whole chicken, Pollo Tropical serves chicken bowls that combine shredded or diced chicken with rice, beans, and toppings like pico de gallo, avocado, or cheese. Sandwiches include the classic Cuban sandwich (pork, ham, cheese, and pickles on pressed bread) and chicken sandwiches. Salads feature grilled chicken over mixed greens with various toppings. Sides available separately include black beans, yuca fries, plantain chips, and corn.
Beverages include bottled drinks, fountain sodas, and tropical juices. Desserts vary by location but typically include flan and other Cuban-style sweets. The exact menu, portion sizes, and prices differ between restaurants, so the location nearest you may not carry every item or may price items differently.
How to order for pickup or delivery
To order through the Pollo Tropical website, go to their main site, select your location, and add items to your cart. You choose a pickup time, pay online, and receive a confirmation. Pickup times are usually available within 15 to 30 minutes of ordering, depending on how busy the restaurant is. You can also call your nearest location directly to place a phone order and pay when you arrive.
Delivery through third-party apps works differently than ordering directly from Pollo Tropical. Apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats show you which Pollo Tropical locations near you participate in delivery, let you place an order through their platform, and handle payment and driver assignment. Delivery fees, service charges, and total prices on these apps are often higher than ordering directly from Pollo Tropical because the app takes a percentage of each order. Delivery times typically range from 30 to 60 minutes depending on distance and current demand.
Not all Pollo Tropical locations offer delivery through every app, and some locations may not offer delivery at all. Checking the Pollo Tropical website or calling ahead tells you which ordering methods are available at the specific restaurant you want to use.
Pollo Tropical locations and hours
Pollo Tropical has the largest concentration of restaurants in South Florida, particularly in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The chain also operates locations in other parts of Florida and has expanded to New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and a few other states. The total number of locations changes as the company opens and closes restaurants, so the current count is not fixed.
Store hours vary by location but typically run from late morning (around 10 or 11 a.m.) through evening (around 9 or 10 p.m.). Some locations may have different hours on weekends or may close earlier on certain days. The easiest way to find hours for a specific restaurant is to search "Pollo Tropical near me" on Google Maps or visit the Pollo Tropical website's location finder, which shows hours, phone numbers, and whether that location offers pickup or delivery.
Pricing and what affects the cost of your order
Entree prices at Pollo Tropical typically fall between $8 and $16 depending on what you order and where you order it. A quarter chicken with two sides costs less than a full chicken with two sides. Bowls and sandwiches usually fall in the $10 to $14 range. Sides ordered separately cost $2 to $4 each. Drinks and desserts add another $2 to $5 per item.
Prices vary between locations because of differences in local operating costs, rent, and labor. A Pollo Tropical in Miami may price items differently than one in New York. Prices also change over time as the company adjusts for inflation and other factors. The menu board or website at your specific location shows the actual prices you will pay.
If you order through a delivery app, the final cost is higher than ordering directly from Pollo Tropical because the app charges a delivery fee, a service fee, and sometimes a small fee per item. Ordering for pickup from the restaurant itself or calling to order is less expensive than using a delivery app.
Dietary options and menu customization
Pollo Tropical's menu is naturally suited to people looking for grilled protein and rice-and-beans-based meals. The flame-grilled chicken is prepared without breading, and you can request it without added oil or sauce. Sides like black beans, rice, and plantains are available, though some may contain animal products or be prepared in shared cooking areas.
If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, call your nearest Pollo Tropical location directly to ask about ingredients and preparation methods. The restaurant does not publish a detailed allergen menu online, so speaking to staff at the specific location is the most reliable way to understand what is safe for you to eat. You can also request modifications like no sauce, extra vegetables, or substitutions when you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order Pollo Tropical online for pickup?
Yes, you can order through the Pollo Tropical website, select a pickup time, and pay online. You then go to the restaurant at your chosen time to collect your order. Pickup is usually ready within 15 to 30 minutes of placing your order.
Does Pollo Tropical deliver to my area?
Some Pollo Tropical locations offer delivery through apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, but not all do. Search for Pollo Tropical on your preferred delivery app to see which locations near you participate. You can also call a specific restaurant to ask if they deliver.
What is the difference between ordering on the Pollo Tropical website and ordering through DoorDash?
Ordering directly from Pollo Tropical's website is usually cheaper because you avoid the delivery app's fees. However, direct orders are pickup only unless that specific location offers their own delivery service. Delivery apps charge extra fees but bring food to your door.
Are there vegetarian options at Pollo Tropical?
Pollo Tropical's menu is centered on chicken and pork, so vegetarian entrees are limited. You can order sides like black beans, rice, plantains, and yuca fries as a meal, or ask about salads without meat. Call your location to confirm what vegetarian options they can prepare.
How much does delivery cost from Pollo Tropical?
Delivery fees depend on which app you use and how far you are from the restaurant. DoorDash and Uber Eats each charge their own delivery fee, service fee, and sometimes a small fee per item. These fees are shown before you complete your order on the app.