Went to Pio Pio in Ballantyne on a Saturday night. Parking at Blakeney can be tricky but wasn't too bad this time. The restaurant is small but clean with a good vibe. We ordered rotisserie chicken, carne asada, and chicken and beef empanadas. The chicken was excellent--juicy with crispy skin. Carne asada was solid too, tender with good flavor. Both empanadas were good, but the chicken was the winner. Service was quick, food came out hot, and portions were generous. Beer and wine only, no full bar. Overall, a great spot for a casual meal with really good food. read more

Pio Pio Blakeney - 7. Carne Asada - Colombian Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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I came here for my mother's birthday today with my little brother we all got two appetizers and everybody ate an entrée as well. The food was excellent. Everything was consistently well done and perfectly made. You can tell they care about food and flavor. Our waiter was great and very kind and the ambience was great as well. Great Latin and Hispanic music was playing on the TVs inside and to top it off, we finish with the tees leches and the flan. Everything was amazing. I will be coming back. Thank you. read more

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I really try not to put a business down, but this was really bad. Needed something quick and simple due to the lack of time. I ordered Arroz con Pollo, wife got the Chicken Soup Combo. After about 15 minutes, the food came out. My food was basically room temperature, barely warm. It came with fries, which were the same temperature and limp, soaked in fryer oil. The wife's soup had a total of 3 small pieces of chicken. It came with a wedge of avocado, and a couple plantains. She did not eat the plantains - they smelled and tasted like rancid oil. The Arroz con Pollo was $16, and the soup combo was $15. I know restaurant prices have skyrocketed lately, but that was a total rip off for crap food. When we were asked how the food was, we politely told them. My wife put one of the smelly plantains in her fork and asked him to smell it. It wreaked of rancid oil. The only restitution made was to offer more soup. My wife turned it down but I said to give it to her. He brought a dip-sized container of soup & the full bill. read more

This was our first dining spot while visiting the area and it was so good. I got the chaufa and others got the lomo. All the dishes were good. The ceviche was nice and citrusy just how i like it. The staff was so friendly. Definitely check this spot out if you're in the area. read more

Brought my gf family here to enjoy some Peruvian food, when I tell you they were all over this food it's no lie. Super delicious with just a slight issue on the service part. The restaurant is small but cozy, and it seems like they run a very smooth take out process. Gracias por una noche que me an echo orgulloso ser un peruano. read more

On the way to a Yelp elite event at Jeni's, we decided that we should eat an actual meal, not just ice. Cream. We decided on Pio Pio based on the Yelp reviews. What a pleasant surprise. The interior was much nicer than we had expected, with an interesting mural across one whole wall. We started with empanada appetizers, 1 beef and 1 chicken. Delightful, especially with the dipping sauces. JoJo went for the chicken sandwich, and I the chicken salad. We both chose tostones, as we had never tried them before. The salad was not served with a dressing, but none was needed beyond the aforementioned sauces. JoJo enjoyed half of her large sandwich, packaging the rest for tomorrow's lunch. We liked the tostones, but will probably stick to the once-fried plantains next time. Service was friendly and prompt. Looking forward to trying the soup on our next visit. read more

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Absolutely delicious grilled chicken salad and great service. Will definitely go back. read more

Pio Pio Blakeney - 18. Grilled Chicken Salad and side of rice. - Colombian Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

While take it is the norm for our family I'm glad there are quality restaurants such as this one which regardless of dine in or take I'm out the quality shines through. We came here and ordered take out. The staff was incredibly helpful and be friendly. We started with the Latin combo. This domes with a whole chicken, rice, beans, plantains and yuca fries. It also comes with a salad but we swapped it for the soup. The chicken was super moist and very flavorful. The beans and rice took me home to my childhood and the plantains did not disappoint. I'm so happy I've found this place as the food is authentic and delicious. Do not miss out! read more

Pio Pio Blakeney - Beans - Colombian Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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All I said all night while enjoying my meal was "mmm" and did my happy dance. The red snapper ($25) was soooo flavorful and delicious! My friend got the chicken but she allowed me to taste it. The Chicken skin was just how I like it; not gummy , and the chicken was super juicy. The restaurant is smaller but it is very cozy and warm, I loved the lighting and overall experience. The mango smoothie was really good too, tasted really natural. If I'm ever in the area again I definitely will be back. read more

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We have been going to Pio Pio Blakney for some time, and it has always been outstanding. While the food is wonderful, they have discontinued their 1/4 chicken with soup and salad. This was our favorite. To get the same now, you have to purchase everything separately- not good. read more

Food was excellent as was the service! Price are most reasonable tooo. A great find for Latin flavors fast. read more

This place has the best rotisserie chicken and fried snapper. I also always order the Passion Fruit juice as it's so refreshing.

Before I begin my review, I need to emphasize that, yes, this IS the same restaurant as the prior Pio Pio located off Lancaster Highway that closed earliest in 2020. In fact, since "pio" means chicken in Spanish, Pio Pio and Pio Chicken are one and the same. This location in Blakeney is much improved and still offers the same superb Columbian cuisine as the old one. Although the dining area is a bit more compact it is comfortable and nicely decorated. My wife and I ordered our usual: The quarter chicken with beans, rice and side salad (aka #13). It runs a very reasonable $12.50. In my opinion, this is hands down the best rotisserie chicken in town. It is always succulent and the skin is perfectly browned. The spanish rice is sticky and delicious as is everything else. The two sauces (a green hot and a white mild) are great on the chicken and the salad. The salad, by the way, is topped with sliced avacado and is on of the highlights for us. A side of ripe plantains ($4) is a must. It contains a very generous and piping hot 12-15 slices, once again perfectly carmelized. The chicken empanadas ($2 each) are big but personally the chicken was a wee bit too minced for me; however, the chicken soup ($4) was chock full of chicken chunks, potatoes, yucca and cilantro and was outstanding, the perfect appetizer on a cold winter night. Service was friendly and attentive. Social distancing rules were adhered to and all employees masks were worn. Sanitation score was an impressive 98. So glad to have found this joint again. If you enjoy Columbian fare, you will surely love it to. It's a Gotta Try in my book! read more

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This was so good. I was very surprised! I heard about this place so many times but never went. So today I found this new location (the other one is Dilthworth) Excellent customer service and food. Vivian my waitress was very friendly and the manager came several times outside to check on me. I'm a salad lover and ordered the Shrimp salad with plantains on the side and the garlic ranch homemade sauce. Reasonable prices. Definitely will be going back! Amazing selection and atmosphere! The sauce was so good that I brought home a container for $7. The place was clean. Staff wears masks and gloves. The day was beautiful so I decided to eat outside. Of course, I'll be back at this new location. Need to try more things from the menu. Every star earned. Thank you, Brian & Vivian! #Large Salad #outdoordinning read more

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Ordered for take out. We tried the Jalea and the Loki saltado. I enjoyed the Jalea, the Lomo saltado tasted good but didn't have a lot of beef, we ended up wishing for more lol. It brings rice regardless so when you order another rice you end up with double rice if you order fries, you'll end up with rice and fries. I feel like that wasn't clear on their website. We will return to try other things! read more

Very Good service and great ambiance! Delicious and juicy chicken! Glad is open for dine-in!! read more

Pio Pio Blakeney - Colombian Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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They had one order of white chicken left shortly before 4pm. Dark meat in a chicken sandwich sounds gross to me. This all was before dinner rush even began!!! They wouldn't sell it to me unless I ordered the half a chicken. For Central American food it was mediocre in spices and flavoring. Mind you I dated a Colombian man for many years who had a Momma that cooked amazing chicken. The dish the person with me got at least because they wouldn't sell me white meat unless it was the 1/2 order which is too big for me. So they lost my business and just ate the very small empanada. Very disappointing!! This isn't Covid times anymore. Have enough food to offer new customers especially shortly before 4pm on a Wednesday before dinner hour rush! Won't be back sadly. Even though I crave plantains all the time! read more

This is must try restaurant, the appetizers were great, the main course was delicious and dessert was so yummy. Was well greeted by the staff and they made you feel welcome to their restaurant. I feel you can order anything off the menu an it will be fantastic. read more

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This place was a great find for picky former New Yorkers like us. Terrific, authentic food, great ambiance and friendly service. The prices are also very reasonable compared with nearby restaurants. Convenient location in Blakeney that easy to miss. We now go here regularly with our kids and everyone is happy. Try the Sangria! read more

Great food and good service!! The customer service was outstanding. They made me feel as if I was very important. Thanks

soup and passion fruit drink was good. pickup took a little longer than expected. Chicken Soup read more

The food is amazing. I've placed numerous take out orders however the language barrier is very difficult. I've placed orders and items were listed to on menu with certain entree's upon arriving home with food several items that I added additional were missing. read more

The portions keep getting smaller and smaller while the prices go up. These are tapa portions as the steak in a bandeja is barely an ounce

This is small "rotisserie chicken gem" boom just baptized it. Chicken was tender and delicious. Rice was fresh, not that 24hs+ rice you see in other places. I had yuca, which it was good too. Service was excellent and the pace is small and cozy but well kept. One thing I'd change is music volume, can be distracting at times. Thank you read more

Pio Pio Blakeney - 1/2 Rotisserie Chicken - Colombian Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Pio Pio never disappoints, we usually take it to go, or delivery but we went for my birthday and sat down, and their service is as excellent as the food. We had to try the Tres Leches...so fresh, so tasty, I was a happy birthday boy. read more

Came here for lunch with my mom, food was great! I had pork chops with rice and beans and tostones. My mom had 1/2 chicken with rice and beans and more rice lol she said the rice wasn't that great today but I enjoyed it. She loves the rice any other day though! If you're looking for authentic.. this is it! read more

Pio Pio Blakeney - Colombian Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Yum! This is such a surprising find in a busy shopping center. I had a bowl of chicken soup and it was perfectly spiced and had wonderful perfectly ripe avocado. The rice was just what I wanted and the plantains were amazing. My husband also loved the plantains as well as the chicken sandwich he had. The service was good and the restaurant may be small but it has a nice feel to it. read more

Server was great but the manager said he "didn't see our coupon and then didn't know how to rerun our bill". Nice lie! Not going back. At least could have offered something instead-gift card-for same amount. read more

Prices increased, portion size decreased and service was lousy at best. Used to love this place but it's gone downhill. Doubt I'll go back.

Loved the place. It's a hidden gem. My Puerto Rican. husband love the tenderness and flavor of the chicken! Will definitely return.

I love their Lomo Saltado. It's the closest I can find from Waxhaw. You won't be disappearing.

When I ordered my food online, I was under the impression that I was ordering from Pio Pio, which I have ordered from many times and love their food! When I arrived to Pio Pio there was a sign on the door that said that they moved to a different location. When I drove to the new location, the name of the restaurant was Pio Chicken, I assumed that Pio Pio was revamped and possibly had a change of management but still expected the same good food. I ordered my food (Arroz com Pollo, yuca and 2 chicken patties, nothing too crazy) ordered online for curbside pickup, and chose the option to pay when I got there vs. paying online. I received an email with instructions telling me to park in the curbside parking spot right in front of the restaurant, turn on my blinkers, and that someone would come out to take my payment and provide my food. So I'm sitting outside the restaurant, with my blinkers on, waiting for someone to come out and no one ever came but I can see the two employees inside having a conversation, mind you there's NO customers inside the restaurant. So after a few minutes I call them to let them know I'm outside for curbside pickup. The first employee that answered acted like he'd never heard the words "CURBSIDE PICKUP" and passed the phone out of confusion... the second person gets on the phone and said "oh, you have to come in because you need to pay us". I'm like your email CLEARLY says to stay in the car and someone would come to the car and take my payment plus you couldn't just walk out to the car and tell me that instead of me waiting almost 10 minutes in the parking spot that says curbside pickup??? But I digress.. I went inside, paid and left with my food. When I got home 8 minutes later and opened my box, I could have cried! My food looked absolutely disgusting (see below) and tasted the same! I have no words for the chicken and rice, there's absolutely nothing nice that I can say about it smh. My Yuca fries were hard and warm, which let me know that they were old and then were reheated in the microwave. The only HALFWAY decent item on my plate was the chicken patty. It wasn't great but at this point, I had to eat something. Subpar customer service (check), $19.00 down the drain (check), lesson learned (check), NEVER AGAIN (CHECK)!!! read more

Pio Pio Blakeney - Arroz Con Pollo, Fried Yuca, Chicken Patties - Colombian Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Excellent food and service. I tried the Sangria, is fresh with a citrus flavor. The Tostones with avocado as an appetizer is the beginning of an amazing meal. The family combo is enough food for a family of four. The chicken is full of flavor. The Ambiance is bohemian, blended with Latin Music, perfect to invite everybody to have the most extravagant dinning experience. read more

So I came to have dinner here yesterday and normally I get takeout. The food is always great as usual. So I had a lot of food leftover since it was myself and family. I asked for containers to go and for the beans they gave me a disposable drinking cup, which I thought was ridiculous. I asked for a normal to go bowl container and the lady and guy where being rude saying I can't have one because it's only for to go orders. That's sounds absurd if you ask me. They're excuse to that was because the container cost a-lot. I told them that those containers cost maybe 20cents each and since I'm a paying customer they should not be arguing with me about a container to properly take my food to go. I understand with everything cost has gone up and that's why certain restaurants are raising their prices. So if they need to do that, so be it! and it's understandable but arguing with me over a container is ridiculous! read more

Pio Pio Blakeney - Colombian Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I ordered dinner for my family of 5 for tonight and the meal came on time from a friendly Grubhub Driver, Yavuz, and everything was piping hot when it arrived. We ordered the Matador Meal which consisted of a large salad, a whole chicken, fried plantain, rice, and beans, frankfurters and fries with various sauces including garlic sauce, chimchurri sauce and some green spicy sauce. We also tried the beef empandas, chicken empandas, and tostones. The entire meal was enjoyed by my wife my 3 kids and me and finding something for all my picky eaters is difficult to say the least. The kids each ate a Beef empandas, rice, beans and fried plantain, frankfurters, fries and tostones. This meal was just the right size for our hungry growing family of 5. This was the first time we ate Poi Chicken and I can't wait until the "new normal" when I can go and enjoy a meal in their establishment. Thanks Poi Chicken for providing a great meal and saving us the effort of deciding what mystery meal to cook and eat at home. No pictures because it was first meal of the day and I was starving. read more

Worst service I've ever had in my life! Ordered the food and came more than an hour and a half later. Entre came before the appetizers and at least 4 tables that came after us got their food first. I do not recommend read more

First off being that I am pescatarian I was not so gong ho about coming here being the name chicken is in the name of the business , but my friend insisted we come here and try it . Well I definitely was not disappointed. This was my first time trying fish with the head on it so I was super nervous . I decided to go wIth the red snapper !!! For an appetizer I chose the guacamole & calamari with a side of passion fruit juice. What can I say that red snapper was definitely something to write home about . It had the perfect amount of crunch and crispiness with it having a head on it didn't freak me out as much as I thought it would. The guacamole was super fresh and I loved the baked pita type bread chips it came with . Far as the calamari they were a bit too rubbery for my taste . They're located inside of a shopping center so you can't miss them . If you haven't they are worth giving a try read more

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Good food, but turn down the blasting music!!! I came here to eat, not dance! Wont be back til its background music... read more

I was invited to eat at Pío Chicken and I've never been or never heard of it. It was described to me as "Viva Chicken". I will say nothing even closed to viva chicken. The food at Pío Chicken was amazing. The service was great. The mango juice was very good and so was the food. I ordered 1/4 chicken with rice and yuca. I highly recommend eating here and I will definitely be back. read more

Pio Pio Blakeney - 1/4 Rotisserie Chicken with rice and Fried Yuca - Colombian Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Very good. I always get the rotisserie chicken with rice and beans and plantains. All done well. Plantains are ripe, the way us Cubans like it. Red beans are downright addictive. read more