Highlights
- Live music
oChef » Tropical Star – San Diego
Tropical Star - San Diego
Photo from Tropical Star
Tropical Star at a glance
San Diego Clairemont
- 🌶️ Latin American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 67 of the guests
#426 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#2 Latin American Restaurant out of 2 in San Diego
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
451
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Cuisine
- Warm Ambiance
- Kind Service
Frequently criticized
- Variable Value
- Service Glitches
- Dish Disappointments
The restaurant Tropical Star is a vibrant Latin American restaurant nestled in San Diego’s Clairemont neighborhood. Here, you can immerse yourself in a cozy and casual atmosphere while enjoying the unique highlight of live music.
It’s a perfect spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, offering a taste of Latin America right in your city.
Overview: Introducting Tropical Star
Tropical Star offers a genuine taste of Caribbean and Puerto Rican cuisine, often praised for its authentic flavors and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Many find it a pleasant spot for a casual meal, providing a culinary escape.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly regarding value and certain aspects of the dining process. While the food generally satisfies, some find the overall offering a mixed bag, leading to varied opinions.
Good
7.1
out of 10
451
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
119
negative
23
neutral
309
positive
Tropical Star holds a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally good dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 68.5%, which falls into the mixed category, suggesting there’s room for improvement despite the positive sentiment.
This feedback comes from a total of 451 customer observations, with 309 positive and 119 negative remarks. The Food (7) is a strong point, frequently praised for its authentic flavors and variety.
The Ambience (8.1) also stands out positively, often described as clean and warm. While Service (7.3) is generally good, some experiences mention issues with the ordering process.
Value (5.5) appears to be a weaker area, with some finding prices a bit high for the portions.
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value
- Service inconsistencies
- Specific dish disappointments
Tropical Star offers a genuine taste of Caribbean and Puerto Rican cuisine, often delivered with a warm touch. If you prioritize authentic flavors and a pleasant setting, it could be a worthwhile visit, especially for those seeking a culinary escape.
With a recommendation score of 7.1, it’s a place that generally satisfies, though you might encounter some variability in value and service. Go in with an open mind, and you’ll likely find something to enjoy, particularly if you’re craving specific Caribbean dishes.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tropical Star
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
Based on 305 comments, the food here generally hits the mark, earning a 7 out of 10. Many rave about the authentic Latin flavors, with dishes like Beef Pastelillo, Pollo Guisado, and Ropa Vieja often described as delicious and cooked to perfection. Youll find a huge variety of options, often in large portions. However, with a customer satisfaction of 67.9%, its a bit of a mixed bag.
Some experiences mention blandness, particularly with arroz con pollo, and concerns about authenticity or shortcuts like microwaving food. A few found dishes like mofongo or Lomo Saltado too salty, or the meat dry.
Food
305
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
86
negative
12
neutral
207
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Latin flavors
- Delicious, varied dishes
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Blandness, lack authenticity
- Salty or dry dishes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was amazing! I absolutely love the food. It was also great that the little store had items that I can't find back in Kansas.
- arroz con gandulesall my guests loved the food especially the arroz con gandules
- flavorI enjoyed the Lomo Saltado, which featured tender steak, perfectly sautéed veggies, and fries that soaked up all the deliciousness. The portion was generous, and the flavor was bold. The overall experience was chef's kiss.
- menumenu which changes as things are in season
- tostoneschicharron, tostones, and chuletas everything was delicious
- Bandeja PaisaBandeja Paisa, Colombian combo with seasoned beef, pork rinds, fried egg, chorizo, ripe fried plantains, avocado, red beans, corn pancake, and rice
- Cuban sandwichI over-ordered, lol. I couldn't eat the entire sandwich, so I had to take it home, but it was still delicious later. My friend ordered the Arroz con Pollo with beans and a salad.
- Lomo SaltadoI had the Lomo Saltado—tender steak, perfectly sautéed veggies
- Puerto Rican foodhaven’t had authentic Puerto Rican food in years
- authentic flavorsFresh with authentic flavors!
Frequently criticized
- foodI ordered the arroz con pollo, and the rice tasted like it came from a Goya box, not made from scratch. In the past, it was made from scratch, but with the new ownership, it seems they're taking shortcuts with the food. I even saw the cook microwaving food before frying it for the empanadas.
- meatThe cook's understanding of Latin American cuisine seemed lacking, resulting in a terrible meal. The dishes were cold, the meat was tough, and the beans were sweaty. While I love Mexican food, what was served here was far from it.
- flanThe arepas con queso and empanadas were good, but the flan was literally the worst I've ever had in my life. It was hard, dense as a cheesecake, and it looked awful.
- riceMy recent visit was disappointing. I ordered the arroz con pollo, and the rice tasted like it came from a Goya box, not made from scratch. In the past, it was made from scratch, but with the new ownership, it seems they're taking shortcuts with the food.
- Cuban sandwichThe Ropa Vieja, chuletas, Cuban sandwich and also got a pasteleo
- bacalaitobacalaito tasted like dough no taste like fish
- beansbeans sweat
- mofongoTried the mofongo and empanada. Was very Disappointed.
- Arroz con Pollo platewas very disappointed it had corn and carrots mixed in
- Bandeja Paisathe meat had absolutely no flavor at all
If you're craving authentic Latin American flavors and generous portions, this place is often a hit. Just be aware that consistency can be a bit of a gamble, so some dishes might not always live up to expectations.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
Service here generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7.3, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 67.1%. Many of the 51 positive remarks praise the friendly service from the staff and owners, often highlighting exceptional customer service and a warm, family-like atmosphere. Guests frequently mention feeling welcomed and well-attended, with problems often resolved gracefully.
However, not everyone has had such a smooth experience, with 19 negative comments out of 76 total pointing to issues like a cold reception from some new owners or staff. Some found the ordering process confusing, and others experienced long waiting times or perceived a lack of professionalism, feeling their time wasn't valued.
Service
76
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
19
negative
6
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive owners
- Problem resolution
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Confusing ordering
Often praised
- serviceThis is a hole-in-the-wall location in the Clairmont area. The food is great, the service is reasonable, and the prices are also reasonable. They sell freshly-made Puerto Rican and Caribbean food and products in a friendly atmosphere.
- staffthe staff were some of the most hardworking, kind people
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceCustomer service was the best part of our experience
- ownersThere is a store attached to the restaurant with many Hispanic products. The owners are very nice and the food was amazing.
- serverOnce we sat down, our order came out fresh and hot, and again, delicious. The server was nice. There was no wait to get a seat.
- EverybodyEverybody is really nice
- JayJay, was super helpful
- attentionThe attention is fabulous!
- buen serviciobuen servicio recomendado sin duda
Frequently criticized
- serviceRude. I asked for crispy fries and medium rare meat.
- ordering processu has to order at the market and then find a seat i did jot like the process
- calling me señorakept calling me señora which was a bit irritating
- cold receptioncomplete cold reception I’ve experienced today
- cookthe cook knows nothing about Latin American cuisine.
- customer serviceAdditionally, being repeatedly called 'señora' was a bit irritating. I was really looking forward to trying this new spot, but I won't be returning due to the staff's lack of customer service skills.
- full service placethis is not a full service place
- new ownersnew owners are rude and not professional
- order takerwas not friendly at all. I felt like I needed to rush to give her my order
- register staffhaving a conversation which seemed more important than greeting customers
Overall, service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. While many rave about the friendly and attentive staff, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly with new management or during busy times. If you value a warm welcome and are prepared for potential minor hiccups, it's worth a visit.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a 8.1 and boasting a fantastic 85.4% customer satisfaction! Many of the 41 positive comments praise the cozy, family-oriented atmosphere, often highlighting the clean and spacious feel. Guests also love the unique miniature bodega and the fun Latin music, making for a delightful experience.
However, a few of the 4 comments did mention some minor drawbacks. While generally positive, some found the overall atmosphere less appealing, with specific concerns about climate control. A couple of guests noted it could get quite hot, feeling like the tropics inside.
Ambience
48
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy family atmosphere
- Clean, spacious environment
- Unique market experience
What people don't like
- Poor climate control
- Can feel too hot
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food is great, the service is reasonable, and the prices are also reasonable. They sell freshly-made Puerto Rican and Caribbean food and products in a friendly atmosphere. I drive all the way from Chula Vista for this!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanI love that every time I go, there's nothing bad to say. Thanks for being kind people and for maintaining a clean environment.
- marketIncredible little market with an insane amount of products
- parkingPlenty of parking in the adjacent parking lot
- small placeLugar pequeno mas vc encontra muita coisa
- Caribbean homeYour Caribbean home away from home
- CleanClean and warm
- Latin musicfun experience listening to Latin music
- bathroomNeedless to say, for the price, the overall experience was definitely not worth it. On a positive note, the bathroom was very well maintained. If you're truly Boricua, don't waste your time or money on this place!
Frequently criticized
- atmospheredidn't care for the atmosphere
- climate controlcan someone turn on the climate control here?
If youre looking for a cozy, family-friendly spot with a unique market vibe and dont mind potentially warm temperatures, this place is worth checking out. It offers a good atmosphere for a casual meal, especially if you appreciate a clean, tropical feel.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners find the prices quite reasonable and fair, with 10 positive comments out of 22 total. Guests often highlight that prices are fair, offering good portions for the cost, and some even note cheaper prices. This contributes to an average score of 5.5, suggesting a decent bang for your buck.
However, the value isn't universally praised, with 10 negative opinions also surfacing. Some customers feel that certain items are expensive or overpriced, especially considering the portion sizes. There are also concerns about price increases over the years, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 45.5%.
Value
22
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Fair pricing
- Good portions
What people don't like
- Very expensive
- Overpriced items
- Price increases
Often praised
- pricesThis is a hole-in-the-wall location in the Clairmont area. The food is great, the service is reasonable, and the prices are also reasonable. They sell freshly-made Puerto Rican and Caribbean food and products in a friendly atmosphere.
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely delicious! The plates offered good portions for the price, ensuring you definitely leave full!
- cheaper pricessells the items at a lot cheaper prices
- fair priceFair price for everything
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
Frequently criticized
- pricefor the price that was bad the overall experience was definitely not worth it
- expensiveit was very expensive
- mealPay $15 for a $3 meal
- price increasestheir price increases over the years is just too much
- pricesSome of the prices are outrageous
- total spentspent close to $30, which is an insane amount of money to spend on a single meal that wasnt filling
If you're looking for a good deal, you might find some reasonable options here, but be aware that others have found it quite expensive. It seems to be a mixed bag, so check the menu carefully before you commit to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at Tropical Star?
You’re looking at roughly $29 per person – reported by 67 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Latin American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in the $11–$30 range, with the largest group falling right into that $21–$30 sweet spot. While a few diners opt for higher-priced experiences, the majority find great value in the mid-tier.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 67 most recent reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Latin American spot in San Diego. It offers a good balance, allowing guests to enjoy a quality meal without breaking the bank, while also having options for a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tropical Star
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Great Store, Mediocre Restaurant Food
My experience at this establishment was a mixed bag. While the store itself is fantastic, offering a wide variety of imported products from Latin America, the restaurant portion of the experience was disappointing. We ordered the chicken and rice, which was unfortunately bland.
We had to request "aji" and hot sauce to make it palatable. The service and atmosphere received high ratings (5/5), but the food itself was rated lower (3/5).
- imported products9
- aji and hot sauce6
- Service10
- chicken and rice3
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
8
Latin American Products from the Market
I have not dined at this restaurant. My experience has been limited to purchasing Latin American products from their market. The market carries the most popular items, such as dulce de leche and yerba from Argentina.
- latin american products8
- dulce de leche8
- yerba8
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Cozy Atmosphere, Authentic Flavors!
I enjoyed the cozy, at home atmosphere. My order was the Pollo guisado and a side order of tostones, along with a mura smoothie. The flavors were authentic, reminding me of being at a family member's house.
I even grabbed some Coquito! Check this spot out if you're in the area.
- atmosphere10
- Pollo guisado9
- tostones9
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Takeout Experience
I will not be returning to this establishment. I ordered three entrée plates at $19. 99 each based on the appealing menu descriptions and photos.
We ordered takeout, and upon arriving home and opening my order, I was very disappointed. I ordered the Lomo Saltado, which was advertised as containing beef, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, fries, and rice, however, my order was missing the cilantro and there was 1 hidden tomato. Additionally, the dish was excessively salty.
My son’s meal was also overly salted. Overall, the experience was disappointing, as the food did not match the quality or description presented.
- Lomo Saltado2
- dish1
- son’s meal2
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Expensive and Inconsistent Food
I always aim to provide honest reviews, unlike some who receive discounts. My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The rice tasted different and wasn't particularly good, though I acknowledge this might be due to my Puerto Rican palate.
The bacalaito was good, but the chicharron was not. On the positive side, the service was very good, rated a 5 out of 5. However, I personally won't be returning because it was very expensive.
A significant concern was the pastel, which was black. While it didn't taste bad, its appearance was alarming. When I inquired, I was told it was due to being frozen for a long time.
This explanation didn't sit well with me, as my own experience with frozen pasteles has never resulted in them turning black. This was the final straw for me. I will never go back.
If you decide to try it, proceed with caution and avoid ordering too many items, as it's very expensive and the freshness of the food is questionable.
- bacalaito7
- service10
- pastel5
- rice3
- chicharron3
- expensive2
What Tropical Star offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and offerings can you expect at Tropical Star in San Diego?
At Tropical Star, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, with both counter and table service available. They also offer catering. Their menu features healthy options, quick bites, small plates, and vegetarian choices, complemented by wine, coffee, and beer.
Does Tropical Star provide accessible features and convenient parking for its guests?
Yes, Tropical Star is fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. For your convenience, you’ll find free street parking and a free parking lot, ensuring usually plenty of parking when you visit.
What is the overall dining experience like at Tropical Star?
Tropical Star generally offers a good dining experience with an overall score of 7.1. Customers frequently praise the Ambience (8.1) and Service (7.3), while the Food (7) is often highlighted for its authentic flavors. Value (5.5) is an area where opinions are more mixed.
Are the prices at Tropical Star considered reasonable?
Opinions on value at Tropical Star are quite divided. While some customers find the portions good for the price and describe them as reasonable, others feel the offerings can be expensive or that price increases have made them less appealing.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Tropical Star?
Tropical Star is often described as having a friendly atmosphere and a clean, warm environment, reminiscent of a ‘Caribbean home.’ Many appreciate the little market attached and the presence of Latin music, contributing to a pleasant setting.