Tropical Star Restaurant & Specialty Market

I came here with my friend and was disappointed for many reasons.They brought my food and took an extra 8minutes to bring her food which was very annoying.The chicken tasted very old. The portion was also very small. The chicken didn't even have bones.Very disappointing.They gave us only one glass of water and provided no refills.

After speaking with a friend recently about Caribbean cuisine, I decided to stop by Tropical Star in Clairemont as I have driven past this business numerous times without ever dining here. The restaurant and market were in adjacent suites at the Balboa Crest shopping plaza which has ample parking spaces. You enter through the market side on the right where you place an order at the service counter before taking a seat at a table in the dining area of the restaurant side.A three-page menu listed plenty of Latin American dishes. The first page listed the appetizers, sandwiches, soups, salads, and side orders. Combos and desserts made up the second page. The last page showed vegetarian offerings and beverages. Of the sixteen combos, I chose the classic Peruvian entree, Lomo Saltado, with beef as the protein. The meat was sauteed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and french fries with a scoop of white rice in the middle. The sauce was not very strong. I'm used to a more sweet or sour profile, but it felt like their version represented neither end of the spectrum. I also picked one of the three desserts for my takeout order. The worker mistakenly gave me the Tembleque at first. This was a coconut custard dusted with cinnamon. My actual selection was the Flan (Quesillo) which was vanilla custard containing a caramel bottom. The custard was not as smooth and creamy as the flans I have tasted before. The consistency was closer to a soft cheesecake. Perhaps this was how the Venezuelan style of this dessert was made. For the quality and quantity of food I received, my rating was not quite at a four star level.

This was my fix of Hispanic not Mexican food , I loved it because it was fresh , which sometimes is an issue when you don't have big population. I enjoyed it and will go back . They have a grocery store inside that's holding all the treats and items you would need for an any authentic Hispanic dishes .

I was enamored either this place after our last visit the week before; they must've had a different cook, because the food was bland at best.Husband ordered "Ropa Vieja" and I ordered the Brazilian something-or-other; basically both dishes tasted and looked the same the only difference was the hard corn croquet--hockey puck style almost non edible!I took pics but felt so disgusted w the food that I promptly deleted them.SAD SAD SAD SADI had high hopes for this place!

Lunch was delicious! Lots of Latin options. The mini market was wonderful to be in. I found an item I've been looking for awhile! Saving this spot to return when in the area!

Yummy and delicious good! Owner is so nice and kind! Lots of groceries to choose from in the market including coffee and ice cream. Restaurant part is super cute and you get a lot of good food.

"Barriga llena, corazón contento" is a Puerto Rican saying that means "Full stomach, happy heart."I'm so glad I tried Tropical Star! As a former Boston resident, I've been missing authentic boricua food like pernil and bacalao. I ordered a variety of dishes, including mofongo, pastillitos, flan, arroz con gandules, and ropa vieja. The ropa vieja was ¡Qué rico!, with the shredded beef cooked to perfection and a savory sauce that I couldn't get enough of. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for delicious Puerto Rican cuisine.

Me and my family recently tried Tropical Star, but unfortunately, our experience was disappointing. Upon entering the store on the market side, we were given menus and seated ourselves. When we were ready to order, we had to go to the counter to order and pay. We got our own drinks from the cooler. At the counter, I was told we had to pay an 18% gratuity, which baffled me because no one actually served us. We seated ourselves, got our own drinks, and when we asked for condiments, we were just pointed in the direction of where to find them. We would have tip more than the gratuity they added on. Some time later, we received our food - the wrong food. When I tried to inform the lady that our order was incorrect, she talked over me. Then the chef came out and acknowledged the mistake, ready to take the dish back. I mentioned that I had already touched the food and had tried to tell the server it was incorrect, but she insisted it was right. Eventually, they brought out the correct food.Despite these issues, I did enjoy my order of Chicharron Con Arepa ($7.29) and a side of Arroz Con Gandules ($5.49). It was very delicious. However, my husband's Arroz Con Pollo ($16.99) was extremely bland and the chicken was dry. My aunt's Arroz Con Camarones ($17.99) was also bland. We also had 3 sodas totaling $9.67.To add to the discomfort, if you visit on a hot day, be prepared to feel the heat inside the restaurant. I hope your experience is better than mine and my family's.

Went with a group of 17 without calling ahead but was set-up and served in good order. Everyone was satisfied food was excellent everyone was satisfied Will come again when back in town. Staff was friendly and knowledable about food.

Tasty and authentique Latin American food. Also the boutique imports lots of Latin American essential products for cooking at home. Warm staff and location.