Tropical Star Restaurant & Specialty Market
About This Spot
Stepping into Tropical Star Restaurant & Specialty Market feels a bit like discovering a hidden gem tucked away in a lively San Diego neighborhood. The moment you walk through the door, the casual hum of friendly chatter blends with vibrant Latin rhythms, setting a warm yet spirited tone. This is no polished chain or rushed diner; it’s a space where the pace invites you to linger, savor, and connect — whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat, picking up a bag of unique spices, or simply soaking in the welcoming ambiance.
The layout tells a story in itself. To one side, a cozy grocery nook showcases a colorful collection of authentic South American ingredients and snacks — a subtle invitation to explore flavors beyond the meal on your plate. Nearby, the dining area offers an intimate setting that feels like being in a close friend’s home, where every corner resonates with care and cultural pride. It’s easy to imagine families sharing stories across tables, friends discovering new favorite dishes, and solo visitors feeling right at ease.
The menu mirrors this rich tapestry of cultures, weaving together dishes from Colombia to Brazil, Puerto Rico to Cuba. But here, food is never just about what's listed on the menu—it’s an invitation to experience a vibrant mosaic of Latin American heritage. From the comforting slow-cooked notes of pollo guisado to the satisfying crunch of tostones dipped in garlicky sauce, each bite carries with it a trace of home and celebration. The fresh tropical fruit shakes add a bright, refreshing touch, enhancing the sense of joyful discovery that winds through the meal.
What makes Tropical Star truly special is how it effortlessly balances the familiar with the unexpected. This is a spot where locals might swing by on a quiet weekday evening craving a hearty Colombian combo, while others come looking to sample their first mofongo or a Brazilian coxinha, encouraged by the approachable yet authentic vibe. The atmosphere pulses not just with Latin music, but with stories, shared moments, and smiles exchanged over flavorful plates.
In a city full of diverse culinary offerings, Tropical Star stands out as a humble, heartfelt invitation to savor the rhythms, tastes, and warmth of Latin America — all within an unassuming yet vibrant neighborhood setting.
What’s Available Here
-
Identifies as Latino-owned - Identifies as veteran-owned
- Outdoor seating
- Kerbside pickup
- Delivery
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Assistive hearing loop
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Gender-neutral toilets
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Casual
- Cosy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 07:30 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 07:30 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM | |
| Thursday | Closed | |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | Closed | |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM |
Guest Reviews
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Sue Duong 24 Dec 2025
10-11-2025 Happy Saturday! I drove by this place at least 3x weekly never knew it existed. My friend invited me to come dancing. I thought, “Why not? It’s only 6.3 mi from my house.” Glad I went, fun experience listening to Latin music and watching ppl dancing; I had to leave early so I didn’t get a chance to dance, next time lol My friend and her friends ordered Papa Rellena ($6) and Empanadilla ($5); they enjoyed it. I, however, didn’t ordered any food but had Lulo drink ($6.45). My very first time trying it, refreshing! Note: -Regular hours, order food at the market counter. -Dancing hours, start @ 9 pm. I believe the entrance fee is $5. In terms of food, it’s full service from Snack Menu. Have fun dancing y’all!
Lisa M 08 Dec 2025
I do enjoy coming here to get some good Latin eats. I ordered the chicken Pastelitos and a Cuban sandwich. Both were very flavorful and delicious. I over-ordered. Lol. I couldn't eat the entire sandwich, I had to take it home. But was still delicious later. My friend ordered the Arroz con Pollo with beans and a salad. He enjoyed it. But would have preferred not to have big chunks of chicken. When we came in on April 5th, there were 2 women at the register. They were having a conversation which seemed more important than greeting customers. Afterward, the young lady who was the order taker was not friendly at all. I felt like I needed to rush to give her my order. Not pleasant at all. Once we sat down, our order came out fresh and hot. Again, delicious. The server was nice. There was no wait and eat getting a seat. I suppose I'll be back. Knowing what not to expect is half the battle. Come in for delicious eats. I also enjoy the bodega as you walk in.
Justin Quiroz 08 Dec 2025
I enjoyed the cozy, at home atmosphere. My order was the Pollo guisado and side order of tostones and a mura smoothie. The flavors were authentic. Reminded me of being at family members house. Check this spot out if your in the area. I even grabbed some Coquito!
Ben D 19 Nov 2025
I had a great dining experience at this South American restaurant today! The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by an exotic little grocery store selling authentic South American spices and grocery items, which sets a unique vibe. Turn left, and you discover a cozy restaurant with a bar and coffee station. The menu features dishes from countries like Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Brazil. Every dish we ordered was bursting with flavor and made with incredibly fresh ingredients. The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality. My personal favorite dish is the avocado salad—the dressing is light and refreshing, and the avocado portion is impressively generous, making it a healthy and delicious choice. Another standout was their signature corn tortilla, made from fresh corn that’s cooked, ground, and crafted with care. The texture and taste are worlds apart from typical cornmeal tortillas—truly a labor of love and a must-try. Every dish we had was a delightful surprise, showcasing the rich diversity of South American flavors. This restaurant has been a local gem for over 40 years, and this new location lives up to its reputation. If you’re curious about South American cuisine or just love great food, I can’t recommend this place enough. It’s a fantastic spot to explore bold, authentic, and beautifully prepared dishes!
A T 23 Oct 2025
Randomly found this place and decided to try it because I loved the diversity in the menu. I was really excited to try Mofongo for the first time, unfortunately they were out of it that day. I got Tostones, Arepa Con Queso, Pollo Guisado (w/Arroz Gandulez and Yuca), Beef Pastelillo, Alcapurria and 2 Fruit Shakes w/Milk (Guayaba and Maracuya). My favorites were the flavorful crispy Beef Pastelillo, the yummy Pollo Guisado and the very crispy delicious yuca. The drinks were also very good! I'm glad I found this place. I didn't see any seating area so it appears to be only a take-out place, but they have a store inside where you can shop for some interesting items.