There’s a new flavor sizzling in downtown Palmetto. BAPA POLLO A LA BRASA, specializing in authentic Peruvian Charcoal Broiled Chicken, has officially opened its doors at 1210 8th Avenue West. The restaurant celebrated its grand opening on Thursday, October 30, 2025, following a successful soft opening.
BAPA POLLO A LA BRASA centers around one star dish: Pollo a la Brasa, or Peruvian-style charcoal chicken. The chicken is slow-roasted over charcoal for a rich, smoky flavor that’s tender and perfectly seasoned. Guests can order it by the quarter, half, or whole, or enjoy it taco-style for a flavorful twist. The menu also features Beef Soup (Caldo de Res) and fresh churros made in-house, which can be paired with ice cream for dessert.
BAPA POLLO A LA BRASA
Sides include white rice, black beans, coleslaw, salad, guacamole, french fries, and yuca. All fried items are cooked in 100% beef tallow for extra crispness and flavor. During our visit to the soft opening, we tried the white rice, black beans, french fries, and guacamole. Everything was tasty and well-seasoned, though the guacamole had a slightly sweet twist that made it unique.
A variety of sauces are available, including aji verde, aji amarillo, adobo-ranch, salsa, honey mustard, and the signature BAPA sauce. Our favorite was the BAPA sauce, which was spicy, hot, and delicious.
During our visit, the food impressed right away. The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the churros were a standout, easily among the best we’ve had locally.
The new restaurant takes over the space that once housed A La Madre Mexican Food Restaurant, a well-loved spot known for its $1 Taco Tuesdays and Thursdays and authentic Mexican flavors. A La Madre had a loyal following, earning a 4.4-star rating on Google with 134 reviews, before closing some time ago. We previously featured A La Madre in our 2022 coverage of local taco deals here: 3 Places You Can Still Get $1 Authentic Mexican Tacos.
After A La Madre closed, the building had displayed a “Coming Soon: BAPA POLLO A LA BRASA” sign for more than a year, making this opening a long-anticipated addition to the neighborhood.
While it is always sad to see a favorite local restaurant close, BAPA POLLO A LA BRASA brings an exciting new taste to the neighborhood with its charcoal-grilled chicken, flavorful sauces, and perfectly crispy churros. They’re currently rocking a 4.9-star rating on Google with 16 reviews.
Have you tried BAPA POLLO A LA BRASA yet? Let us know your thoughts below or tag us on social media with your favorite dish!
📍 Location: 1210 8th Avenue West, Palmetto, Florida 34221
⏰ Hours:
- Tuesday–Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Monday: Closed
Website: bapapollo.com (online ordering available)
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