Pio Pio was recommended by a friend a few months ago. A group of us went to dinner there and shut the place down. They have affordable wine and sangria, and it is not loud at all, so it's the perfect place for a casual dinner with friends.
And the food is amazing. If you've never been you definitely need to get the chicken on your first trip. The rice and beans are so good (some restaurants just mail those traditional sides in) and they are seasoned well with saffron (rice) and whatever is in the beans I just want to drink up. The ripe plantains and tostones are excellent as well. And the chicken is deliciously roasted and the skin is nice and crispy. The side sauces they bring To the table with your meal are the perfect accompniant: ones has a slow burn spiciness and the other is mild for those who don't like spicy (as a tip, they make great dipping sauces for your plantains and tostones).
On my most recent visit we went for lunch, so unfortunately no wine or sangria was involved. I ordered the salad for a bit lighter option, with a side of tostones (obvi). The salad was fresh and delicious and I basically hit the avocado jackpot (I think there was a whole sliced avocado on my salad). My salad was made complete with a generous helping of shredded chicken on top. The tostones were crispy and satisfying.
I would not go her all the time because I would probably order chicken in some variety, but when I have a craving for well made chicken and rice, this is my spot.