La Granja Port Saint Lucie — Restaurant in Port Saint Lucie

IMHO, one of the surest signs that you are eating at a top area restaurant that serves tasty, affordable food in ample portions is the presence of law enforcement eating there! That was the first sign I had that this La Granja location was going to be a winner!

The second was the steady steam of customers coming in for takeout orders placed either beforehand or as walk-ins. I was impressed because, for 2pm on a weekday, this place was buzzing with activity (and that is during the pandemic!).

The small storefront was filled with waiting customers and the glorious aroma of rotisserie chicken and grilling meats. I didn't know what to get, so frankly I got two platters. The first was a whole chicken platter with tender, yellow rice and rich black beans. The second was a platter featuring a grilled full rack of spareribs. I also ordered a side of fried bananas and some crispy, fried empanadas for the drive home.

I couldn't have been happier! The chicken was succulent and tender, the ribs (while a bit smaller than other racks I've had) were just a bit fatty in a good way and had the same charred flavor that my own father's charcoal-grilled ribs had that I remember eating as a child... And for $15.50 for the full rack platter, it was truly a bargain.

I could eat the rice and beans all day! The rice was tender and moist, and the beans were cooked in a flavorful broth. I feel like many places serve bland, boring versions of these sides as a cheap, simple filler but La Granja really deliveres on flavor.

Same goes for the chicken and beef empanadas. They were simple but delicious - the perfect hand food for on-the-go. The chicken ones were tasty but I really preferred the mildly spiced beef picadillo ones. Finally, the fried bananas were what I know as maduros. They were what they should be - fried ripened plantain chunks that were sweet and chewy on the inside while having a mild caramelized exterior with little crispy browned bits.

Overall, I'd go back in a second. Luckily, there is another LA Granja location just 10 minutes from my home that I'll have to try.

And remember what I said about seeing police officers at restaurants. They are a sure sign that you are at a great place and can't go wrong. Test this out yourself and you'll find...

They are awesome. The food is real Peruvian food. I recently had the pleasure of dining at a Peruvian restaurant, and I must say that it was an unforgettable experience. The highlight of my meal was undoubtedly the chicken dish, which left me utterly impressed.

The ambiance of the restaurant was warm and inviting, with Peruvian decor that immediately transported me to another world. The staff were friendly and attentive, providing excellent service throughout the evening.

Now, onto the star of the show – the chicken! I ordered the Pollo a la Brasa, and it was a revelation. The chicken was perfectly seasoned, tender, and juicy, with a mouthwatering crispy skin that added an extra layer of flavor. It was clear that the chefs at this restaurant take great pride in their preparation.

The chicken was accompanied by a variety of delicious sides, including perfectly cooked rice, beans, and French fries. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavors that had me craving more.

In addition to the fantastic chicken, the restaurant also offered a diverse menu with other Peruvian classics like ceviche and lomo saltado, all of which were equally impressive.

I left the restaurant with a full and satisfied belly, knowing that I had just experienced some of the best Peruvian chicken in town. If you're a fan of Peruvian cuisine or just looking for an exceptional dining experience, this restaurant is a must-visit. I'll definitely be returning for more of that unbeatable...

Update: Decided to try this location again but ran into another issue that is completely baffling. This location does not have sauce bottles post covid but all other locations I've been to have them out again. I asked why and they said people steal them so they aren't putting them back out; understandable. The problem is that when you ask for sauce you only get 3 little half filled cups. Then if you beg them they may give you 3 more. When I asked about that they told me they only give out "as much as the meal needs". What I can't understand is why they would not just sell me more like ever restaurant does. I guess I should have expected this smeel how they ignore phone calls to as my previous review went over.

I see they resonded to my review and tried to blamnit on foot traffic but its a sham. I now had at least 2 occasions were they flat out ignor the phone even if there is no one waiting in line.

The only conclusion I can come too is that they don't want to make money or grow there business.

Past review:

Don't bother calling in an order. They ignore the phone unless they are not busy at all. On multiple occasions I've called and let it ring for 10 to 15 minutes with no answer. I've walked in we'll still have it ring and they just ignore it because I have three people online at the location.

The food is good but it's a pain having to drive there and wait in line for 10 to 15 minutes to place an order to wait another 10 to 15 minutes to...