Rice & Beans BBQ

I have driven by this place many times and have never stopped. Well, my Colombian friend raved about it, so I had time today to give it a chance. Well, I must say it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had in the Latin/​Hispanic genre. And I’ve eaten at many of the best in Tampa, Miami, and Texas. I ordered the Traditional Columbian meal, Carne, fried pork skin, avocado, red beans, rice topped with a fried egg, and plantains. Oh, and a chorizo-​like sausage. Everything was fresh, the meat was exceptionally tasty and tender, and the fried pork skin was delectable! The waiter was very efficient, friendly, and offered to even change the latin music if I didn’t like it. NOT! Love salsa/​meringue/​rumba/​etc. He also asked if I liked my coffee strong or not… of course, YES! The place was spotless. I could tell it was a hang– –out spot for the hispanic community, as everybody seemed to know each other, but this gringo felt very welcome. Luckily, I live about 10 minutes from here, and all we have close is chains and fast food, so I will definitely be frequenting this place!

Last week we ordered two steak burritos to go… at a price of over $ 22.00. When we started to eat them we discovered that they tasted like rancid oil. When we contacted the restaurant, the girl was very sweet and offered to have us stop back in for a credit toward another 2 meals. When my fiancé’ stopped in to order something else, we would have paid the difference to order what we wanted if we were given any kind of credit as promised. Instead, she was only given 2 choices: 3 tacos each in beef or chicken; or 3 quesadillas each in beef or chicken. She chose to have: 1 order of tacos with 2 beef tacos and 1 chicken taco; and 1 order of 3 chicken quesadillas. When she got home, we discovered that they had done 2 orders of chicken quesadillas with some salad… no rice… no beans. Again, the food tasted like rancid oil. The price of the quesadillas were $ 5.00 less than we originally paid and we were only given those 2 options… but they still didn’t get it right! To say we were disappointed would be an understatement!

Very good food (and lots of it). Our waitress was delightful. If you want to beat out the crowds in The Villages, go a little ways off the beaten tracks and check out Rice & Beans in Pedro (just south of Route 42 on Route 475). Not your everyday chain restaurant of The Villages — nothing typical about the food here!

I was shocked to find such a large, clean, classy place smack dab in the middle of this no-man’s land town of Pedro. Who would’ve thought? I ordered the chicken and ribs combo with rice & red beans. Ribs were too tough. But the chicken was moist and delicious with a garlic sauce brushed on top. I had a side of tostones which were pressed paper thin, hot, crispy. They have a signature house made hot sauce/​salsa which they give you to dip anything in, and it is awesome. You get complimentary chips and salsa at the start of the meal and a complimentary Colombian pastry at the end of the meal. Mom ordered steak and onions. It was delicious, perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned. We also ordered beef and chicken empanadas. Those were the BEST empanadas I’ve had in my life. Juicy and seasoned meat with a fresh crusty crispy shell.
As we ate, we could see AND hear the hot, sizzling plates of fajitas going to other tables, piled sky high with steak, chicken and shrimp. We’ll be trying that next time.
The part that really put this place over the top? The amazing, friendly, attentive, and considerate service, from both server and owners. You must give this place a try.

What a gem! Who would think, a wonderful Colombian restaurant in the middle of Pedro. The restaurant is spacious and the staff was great. I had the Sancocho de Gallina and will definitely repeat. Next time I’ll try the Bandeja Paisa.