Tropical Cuisine Tampa

So it was hard to communicate because their primary language is Spanish. I'm talking thinking they understood me because she was smiling lol. So this place is getting a four out of five not because of the language barrier but because the food wasn't all that. There were a few that understood English better so I was able to order. I got oxtails, red beans, beans and rice and some plantain mash. I'm not a big plantain person but I got to just to try it. I will say this took two or three bites and threw it away. It was giving me lumpy mashed potatoes vibes. The oxtails was my first time trying it. It has a tomatoey flavor but bland. The best thing about the plate was the yellow beans and rice. Yum. Then I got the lunch special the black beans and rice with pulled pork. Delicious pork. Beans and rice were good too but again kinda bland. I got roasted potatoes which has a miniscule hint of butter or garlic otherwise bland. I think with my family being from Louisiana and transplanting in California I'm used to flavor and salt. So for that it's okay. But I also ordered a beef empanada 🥟. First one ever. It was good! So if I go back I'm definitely getting empanadas, pulled pork and the yellow rice. The staff's kindness was better than the food. I prefer Jamaican oxtail so far. I love Florida

Lots of parking, easy to find. Reasonable prices, good selection. Many tables. Staff was great. Didn't like that plantains were not considered a side for the plate of food we ordered. We had to pay extra if we wanted them. Food was tasty, ordered fried fish, could have been cooked a little longer, inside didn't look well done to my liking. Inside was 2 different colors, white and a light pink.