Tropicaleo was very appealing and welcoming during my first visit. I made a reservation for a medium-sized group as part of the Magic City Din Din Club's first meetup, and half of the restaurant was set aside for us. I was immediately welcomed by the owner named Gabriel Marrero (Gabe), a Puerto Rican native, with a smile.
At cultural restaurants such as these, it's best to get the full experience. While I waited for the rest of my party, I asked for a Puerto Rican drink. Gabe gave me a coquito and happily explained its history. He also answered my questions about Puerto Rican culture and other menu items, such as the limoncillo that I ordered later that evening. He also welcomed my other guests and served us platanutres, which were good and crisp with creamy coconut sauce. Most of my guests and I tried the house shot known as chichaito, which tastes like licorice.
The $15 or less menu items were too good to pass up with its reasonable prices for a Puerto Rican experience. I got the pollo (chicken) mofongo, and it was so good and filling! It tasted different from what I'm used to, but it was my first time eating mofongo and the arroz con gandules (rice with green pigeon peas). They definitely give you a large portion for the price. I tasted the Cuban sandwich as well, and I highly compliment their sandwiches! I couldn't leave without tasting the guava pastry known as pastelillo that was displayed at the bar. It was so delicious that I had to prevent myself from ordering another one.
My guests and I loved the food and our service! Gabe took very good care of us, and we declared Tropicaleo as a place we would definitely revisit with friends and family.
I had the mofongo with pork and rice w/pigeon peas. The food was very good the people who work there are very friendly. If you haven't tried Puerto Rican food it is the best. I recommend you try some of the food.
Amazing sandwich, the Tripleta is just dripping with flavor, on a gluten free fried plantain
Delicious food, and the neighborhood is definitely changing for the better.
Great lunch. (Try the fried grits sticks. Lawd!)
This place is awesome. My husband and I have been several times and we are always blown away by how delicious the food is and how awesome the staff is!! If you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend!!
If you are a Philly cheesesteak fan you have got to come try their version. Absolutely the best cheesesteak sandwich I’ve ever had. The bread is incredible.
This place is phenomenal. Will be coming back. The staff is friendly, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is fun/calm.
Thanks to Gabe at Tropicaleo for setting me up right tonight! That place is full of great food and great people. Please check em out when u can......the bread is their own recipe from Puerto Rico and is absurd in how good it is! Some great cocktails to sip on too! Congratulations!
Thank you for so many plant-based options! We will be back many times! That bread for the sandwiches is on point!
Nice place to visit and the food so amazing flavors... Puertorrican food mmmmmmm
Delicious vegan friendly Puerto Rican restaurant with a large dog friendly heated patio. Their food is so good and they have a separate vegan menu (pretty rare in AL). We ordered the breakfast biscuit sandwich, loaded chips, the Cubano, rice and beans, and drinks. Everything was super yummy and very high quality. Definitely recommend
Bought multiple dishes on the menu and each one was amazing. I will have future dreams about the jackfruit cubano that I had. If you are passing by Birmingham and are into veg friendly dishes this is a must.
This is great place for food and fun.
The food we had was great, very authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Most of the drinks they make are pretty good to. Friday DJ and dance was the best. You can't ask for more. This is a must visit spot if you are in town or live here. We will certainly be back.
Birmingham’s Hot Spot for drinks and Puerto Rican Food. Full Sized Vegan Menu as well as a Full Size regular menu. Fresh Food and Great Quality ingredients.
GREAT EXPERIENCE! Thanks to Gabe for handling our large group with ease. The food was lovely (and trust me we basically tried the whole menu). The environment was bright, clean and cute. Definitely a must visit. VEGAN FRIENDLY.
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