Tropical Star Specialty Market

I can't believe I grew up in Clairemont and only found out about this place two years ago! They offer a variety of Latin food from different countries, but what keeps me coming back are the Colombian empanadas. They have 2 or 3 different types of empanadas, but after trying them all, these are my favorite. They come with a delicious sauce for dipping. I usually get takeout, but they also have a charming seating area with a tropical theme, as well as a display of Hispanic objects near the register for pick-up orders.

Really happy to have found this place. It's a small kind of specialty store with different hispanic items you can't find at regular grocery stores. This is one of the few places I've found that has a few familiar puerto rican items/dishes. It's not soley Puerto Rican though. I believe it's a mixture of different Latin American cuisines. There is also a restaurant/kitchen in the store that closes at 6:30pm

The decline of a once beloved restaurant. When I first moved to San Diego 17 years ago and learned of a nearby Puerto Rican restaurant, I was thrilled. The food back then had flavor. However, today, while the restaurant's appearance and merchandise remain the same, the food has drastically deteriorated. I had never before seen gray pernil, and the rice and beans tasted old. The plantains seemed to have been reheated in a microwave, lacking any texture other than that of baby food. When I asked, the young lady at the register confirmed that the food had indeed been reheated. I decided not to post a photo, instead leaving without accepting a refund. It is clear that the restaurant must return to its roots of cooking - using fresh ingredients rather than reheating frozen ones. I urge them to follow the example of chefs like Gordon Ramsey, who emphasize the importance of fresh ingredients. As a Puerto Rican, I am disappointed to say that they have lost a customer.

I’ve loved this place since 1998. What more can I say except go here. I love the New York Bodega style market

The best pastel I ever had. so well sown. meet the family in aug and brings them to tropical star. can't wait? so good