Rice N Beans Express

This was my third time here. The first time was good, service was just slow. The second time I went on a Saturday at midday and they had no chicken, so I didn't order anything and I left. This time the service was slow again but the food was worth it. Do not go here if you're in a rush!! But the food is nice and flavorful. Staff is always friendly, just slow and never moving with urgency. Love the music playing inside the restaurant.

This restaurant is the first stop of our three restaurants night. Rice n Bean has a mother store not far from here. But I like the express better because the price range is better suited for the consumers. We got the Pernil pork and the rotisserie chicken. The Pernil pork comes with several slices of crispy skin. The skin tastes good. The pork also cook well. The rotisserie chicken marinated to the bone. Meat has flavor on all levers. Overall is good choice and affordable. Good Latin choice in the area.

So excited that Rice N Beans Express is now open. This location not far from Tampa Outlet Mall in Lutz. It's on State Road 54.The first Rice N Beans location was in a modest location and then it became a big restaurant in Wesley Chapel.Now they have this new location which is closer to their first location. They serve rotisserie chicken here and other dishes depending on the day of the week. This is a Puerto Rican restaurant. They do not have mofongo. You can find that at their restaurant.Here, I would definitely say to choose their chicken. It was so good and flavorful. We ordered the full chicken and it included two sides which we chose arroz con gandules and Maduros (rice and sweet plantains).The chicken was our fave for sure and we would definitely get it again.The service was very friendly. I came late on Wednesday night. They close at 7 and it was about 6:45. I picked up a menu and came back the next day. Glad I stopped by and tried the chicken. It was great. There are many chicken places opening up around us, but it's fried chicken. This is roasted chicken. I love Puerto Rican rice arroz con gandules, but I'd ask if it's newly made. I didn't think this rice we had was as fresh and it didn't have much flavor. I would try the rice again if I saw they just made it! This area is becoming a Latin crawl for food. Go to Kinka's for breakfast or dessert, Cosita Rica's for empanadas or soups, and Rice N Beans Express for chicken!

Finally got to try the rice n beans express and it didn't disappoint. We had the pernil with arroz con gandules and my husband had a pernil sandwich they both were delicious. To take home, we got chicken empandas and beef empandas also very tasty. Also ordered half a rotisserie chicken with white rice and beans for to bring to th3 family at house and they said the chicken was very flavorful. The restaurant inside is very cute and the staff is super friendly. We usually go to the main restaurant but now I can come here and get items for dinner really quick. I also like they have family meals to go . If you near them give them a try . Sadly we were so hungry that i didn't take any pics bit I will definitely will be back with pics lol

Good food and great vibe.Morcillas are off the hook service was greatGreat place to eat little pricey but very good

Do not let the name fool you! It's not fast food it's TRUE authentic Puerto Rican food!!!! I couldn't believe the flavor in the pastels and alcapurrias! We also got rice, beans and yucca and it was absolutely delicious. Really brought me back to feeling like I was back on the Island!

I just had the beef alcapurria and beef empanada for lunch. OMG! They are so delicious, I had to call Millie and Ivelis to tell them. It takes me back to Puerto Rico and New York cuchifrito stand. Excellent! Estaban riquísimas!!I was telling Ivelis I had gone to the first place they opened on 54. I love the beautiful Puerto Rican artwork and murals. It touched my heart and soul, just going there in the aftermath of Milton's devastating hurricane coming here brought joy and a smile to my face. I recommend it highly.

Love when you find an authentic Puerto Rican spot. Ambiance was good, service was on point, and the food was awesome. Got the medio chicken with 2 sides. Chicken was excellent, the rice was good, the beef empanadas where awesome, but the yuca was just ok. Great for a quick lunch or dinner.

The food is amazing and the building and ambiance is great. Those are the two reasons I keep coming back.However the prices and pictures on the menu are very misleading. Menu will have a dish with a certain price, but then turns out there's up charges to get that dish as pictured and the price they have listed is for something that would look different. When I was genuinely confused and asked for clarification the staff was rude and defensive.Another big downside for this place is the waiting time. No matter how empty the place is, it takes them time to serve you. When busy forget it, you better relax and be ready a 2 hour wait. Again it's a place I go back to, the flavor is memorable and the ambience is perfect, when it's a little empty it's pleasant, when packed it's a party. I would totally recommend, but only if you prepare mentally for the downsides.

Back when they first started behind the convenience store it was one of those hidden gems - terrific food at reasonable prices. Then they opened the big restaurant and things changed. I ate at the big restaurant twice, my first and last time. The food was production line mediocre priced like they had been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The staff was blah at best. The other night I decided to give the Express a try with similar results, the Cuban may as well come from the weenie winder at Race Trac. My advice is simple - don't do it.