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An taste of Caribbean in the PNW! Bongos is a great casual spot with mostly outdoor dining. Understandably popular, they manage to deliver timely counter service. They offer lots of good options for food including several healthy and gluten-free options - the Desi plate and Loco Moco have been some favorites. Prices are very reasonable. They also have a bar (I went with the coconut water).
Bongos is a green lake classic, sheeeeeit miss when they had the sand pit fr fr lol But yeah. They got them plates + sandwiches, both fire. Yall gotta try their West Indies chicken + spicy shrimp + curry chicken--they don't miss But yeah. Anyways, lol. Haven't been here in a fat minute. Checked out the menu and saw some new thangss including a loco moco? You know I had to try em out. I mean.... It's solid hahaha. Still comes w the standard slaw + beans + rice + maduros. Their version of loco moco is a patty + special gravy + one egg on top. I mean for $14 or whatever, it's not the worst esp when ya factor in quality + quantity. I just wish there was a way they could separate out the slaw/beans w the actual loco moco part of the plate. That way I could actually just taste the gravy, rice, patty, egg components alone.
West Indies/Caribbean food sooo good. Quick service. The Maduros were scrumptious. Plates come w rice, black beans and cole slaw. Bathrooms outside w code. Outdoor dining available.
[[HIGHLIGHT]]Caribbean-style fast food spot with a clean, brand-new interior and nice little windows for a pleasant view while eating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Ordering is done at the counter, then you wait for a buzzer to grab your food, which made it feel more like a cafeteria or fast-food setup than a traditional restaurant. The food was okay, but heavily sauced and lacking the authentic Caribbean flavor I was hoping for. Being from the East Coast, I was really looking forward to some true Jamaican jerk chicken or flavorful oxtail, and unfortunately this missed the mark for me. The best comparison I can think of is making baby back ribs in the oven, pouring barbecue sauce on top, and calling them authentic BBQ ribs -- without the seasoning, smoke, or hours of preparation that make the real thing special. One big plus was the ample parking with generously sized spaces, which is definitely appreciated. Overall, probably not somewhere I'll become a frequent customer, but I could still see stopping in for a quick bite over McDonald's, Five Guys, or standard takeout Chinese food.
I really enjoyed the Desi Plate from Bongos. The pork was flavorful and tender, the plantain was sweat and soft, the coleslaw was fresh and not too creamy and the pickled veg was great sourness to combat the rounded beans flavor. 10/10 would order again. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Good spot for the summer since it's an order and pickup at the counter spot (with ringers) and a good post-Greenlake hearty meal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was quick and standard, no complaints and limited conversations so not too fussy
We made our way to Bongos because they are on the Seattle Met top 50 list. When we arrived, it was clear this restaurant has very high demands during warm and/or sunny weather being across the street from Green Lake. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place looks like it has expanded multiple times, so much so the bathroom access is outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It has a party vibe with loud music.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The line to order is designed to snake around the walls.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Meals are served in non-compostable to-go containers. A lot of trash is being generated. Eeewww. Order at the counter, pick up your own food, get your own beverage, dump your own trash. Minimal service other than answering questions when ordering. Prices are reasonable. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is family friendly with a small kids menu, too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have parking outside but expect them to be full. Be careful driving in front of Aurora which can have speeding cars. We found parking on the side streets to avoid Aurora. I find this place overhyped with Americanized Caribbean food. Both are marked spicy; they are not. The Food: West Indies Plate, $13.99 - 1 Star Menu: Caribbean jerk spiced chicken, house made West Indies sauce with rice, beans, slaw, maduro. I really wish this food was served on a plate. I ate food stacked on top of each other when it is not a sandwich. Coleslaw is sitting on top of the rice. Half the rice is soggy, soaked with the juices from coleslaw. It's disgusting. See photo of the soggy rice at the bottom, which I didn't eat. The chicken is properly charred, but the jerk sauce is sweet, salty, but no spice, and no discernable jerk seasoning. The maduro, fried plantain, lacked char; there are much better fried plantains in many other restaurants. This dish was disappointing. The Desi Plate, $13.99 - 3 Stars Menu: Citrus braise pork, caramelized onions, and pickled peppers with rice, beans, slaw, maduro. Hubby, unlike me, will stir everything together and call it a meal. He was ok with the soggy rice and non-spicy jalapenos rings and non-spicy pepperoncini rings. He fully acknowledged it is disgusting, but he didn't mind it. He, too, agrees this dish tastes Americanized.
Bongos always hits the spot every time, I've never had a bad meal here! The food is extremely flavorful with the right amount of spice and sides. They also have jalapeño and mango habanero hot sauces on the side. I have had a few of their dishes and my favorite is the West Indies plate because it's savory with a little sweetness + spice. The portion you get is great for the price, I always have leftovers. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is causal/chill and I love that there is both indoor and outdoor seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]During the winter their outdoor seating is insulated and heated which is a wonderful touch.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service is friendly, food can take some time especially if it's very busy during the summer but so worth it!
The first thing I have to comment on was the environment of this restaurant I came here on a pretty sunny day - and it was absolutely the perfect time to be here - as they have a fantastic outdoor seating area they even have a sand pit! the layout, architecture, and art of this place gives off a great tropical/caribbean vibe, which is not something I'd expect from a place in Seattle As for the sandwich itself - it was quite good The buns were roughly average I would say - there could've been more aioli added to it to give it a bit more flavor - and it was slightly harder than i would like The best part, by far, though, was the pork When I say this sandwich was absolutely loaded with pork I'm not exaggerating. It was quite literally overflowing out of the sandwich as I tried to pick it up Eating this with one hand is practically impossible as you'll lose so much pork to the wrapper The taste of it was quite fantastic as well - it had a slight sour flavor, had tons of fat, and most importantly had a nice, dark, almost-brown color There were certain pieces that were actually charred enough to have one side be fully black - and these were incredible Moving on to the other toppings, the sweet ham was also really good, as well as the cucumbers (which normally i don't like) and pickles I noticed maybe a couple jalapenos and didn't taste the onions much the swiss cheese i felt was a bit inconsistent. I didn't taste it much for most of the sandwich, but it showed up near the end a lot I recently got a similar sandwich from Paseo, so I feel like I should compare the two Paseo's sandwich certainly has a lot more oil, and this is less 'wet' than that one - this is also because the pork in Paseo is cooked to a lower temperature, which makes it more juicy so it releases more liquid, compared to the more brown pork we get here I do think i prefer the pork there slightly, but it's pretty close. You do get more pork here compared to there, though While I liked the type of bun at Paseo better, I do really like the fact that the buns here are toasted - which is something they don't do over there The onions are certainly more prevalent, larger, and in my opinion better at Paseo They have more aioli as well, but I would give the edge to the rest of the toppings here Pricing wise it's roughly the same - although I think Paseo's sandwich is slightly bigger and more filling I think I would give the slight edge to Paseo on this one - but it's pretty close. Both places are fantastic
First time eating in. Have had takeout of empanadas which were delicious! Today i had the Desi plate, with citrus braised pork, caramelized onions and pickled peppers. Came with black beans, Cole slaw and maduro. Pork was great and i really liked the slaw. Beans a little sweet for me. Husband had Cuban Picadillo plate, with ground beef picadillo, really good. Can't wait to try more!
Updating my review because Bongos continues to be one of our favorite places on rotation. Their West Indies plates are amazing and the portions are big- they've gotten a bit smaller over th years, I used to get almost two meals but it's still a great deal for a good price. Today I tried their toffee cheese cake and it was also great. Always bring friends when they're visiting from out of town, it's delicious. I miss the sand though.
cant believe i havent had bongos yet! but wow it really lived up to the hype! i got the bart sandwich which has both the fixins on the desi and the 1am. boy was it JUICY. it was packed with meat and all the toppings blended together in a symphony of wonderful flavors. the bread was fluffy, but definitely doesnt sit well. i reheated the other half for dinner and it disintegrated. i also tried the ropa vieja bowl. again, packed with a generous helping of meat, over rice, some slaw, and a maduro. very tender. i loved the beans. the slaw was ok, not the most flavorful but it was a nice crunchy addition. my friend ordered the tostones which i loved! fried to perfection and dusted with salt. it came with a dip/aioli which was wonderful! definitely want to come back and try their drinks and get that sandwich again!!!
Loved the food and experience here - really wish I found out about this place sooner! They have so many different Caribbean dishes, a bakery, and a bar. Everything looked delicious! I got the West Indies chicken plate and really liked it! The chicken had amazing flavor - savory, a little sweet, and a little spicy. The plate was balanced too, with sides of beans, coleslaw, rice, and a fried plantain. I also tried a bite of the spicy shrimp plate and really liked the flavors of the shrimp as well. We also a guava cheesecake from the bakery, which was delicious. The bakery had many unique items, it was difficult to choose! Overall, I really enjoyed my experience at Bongos. The food is delicious and with very reasonable prices! I will definitely be back!
This may be one of my favorite spots in the United States. I ordered a few different plates to extend my experience, and everything was a hit. The amount of food included in each plate was so abundant that my friends and I had to take two plates back home, and what was pleasantly surprising was that the plates tasted even better the next day with a little bit of heating up in the microwave. For the price they listed, it's a truly economical option and a neighborhood gem. Honestly I enjoyed the mango slaw, the beans, and the garlic rice very much. The mango slaw wasn't too watery or had too much mayo, and the mango bits provided extra depth in its flavor profile. The rice and beans were very well seasoned and I could really just eat it by itself without the meat. Of course, though, the meat was the star. Some types were spicier than others, but it was amazing to find out that the spiciness they had was the flavorful kind of spiciness, if that makes sense. Every type of meat was tender, from the braised pork to the jerk spiced chicken to the jerk pork chop and more, and had distinct flavors so that each dish offered a unique culinary experience. Like I said just then, I could've just eaten the rice and beans alone, but I would like to emphasize that having the meat definitely elevated the dishes. In addition to such, I had a mimosa as well which tasted pretty normal, and a tres leches cake, which wasn't the best I have had anywhere but definitely solid. It was given in a box and when I took it out of the box, I could see the liquidy milky content at the bottom of the box, which was a good sign. In a city that has so many pricey food options, this establishment stands out because of how they offered a large portion for a very reasonable price, along with how tasty the food was. There are still so many dishes on the menu under plates, bowls, and even sandwiches, that I honestly see myself coming back multiple times in the future, if not everytime that I'm in Seattle. Shoutout to my friend who introduced me to this spot!
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Really good Carribbean food! This location is located along the Green Lake trail so if walking the loop, this is a good place to stop by to grab a bite! [[HIGHLIGHT]]There's inside and outdoor seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Fun and tropical vibes, great for catching up with a group of friends.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Dog friendly as well![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service is fast. You order at the register and they call your number. There is also a separate bar. Drinks / water, sauces and food is self serve. I tried the West Indies plate. Super juicy chicken thigh. Beans and rice were soft. The slaw was refreshing and cuts the heaviness of the meal (it has mangos!!). Add some of their spicy sauces if you want more flavor! It's spicy but not too bad. The highlight was the plantains and yuca fries. Plantains were soft and sweet. Yuka fries had a nice texture, crunchy exterior and fluffy starchy inside and with the dipping sauce !! read more
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Eleazar P.
Hi Ha Vi, thank you so much for the wonderful review! We're thrilled…
Fun, super casual, yummy food, super friendly staff. Bongos is a great spot for food that's a little different than anything else Green Lake has to offer. An assortment of Caribbean food - sandwiches, plates, bowls, and sides. There are so many good dishes, this is a place that I'm very familiar with, yet I never know what I'm going to order until I get to the counter. Maybe it'll be the Desi plate. Maybe it'll be the Veggie Platter. Sometimes I'll go with the Ropa Vieja. Maybe I'll try a sandwich with a side of yucca fries. [[HIGHLIGHT]]If you're in Green Lake and looking for something to eat that's a little different than anything else you'll find around the lake, in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, definitely check out Bongos.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]One note of warning: it can get slammed with lots of people around prime dinner hours, especially on the weekend, so be prepared.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Maybe grab a drink and a seat while you wait for your food. read more
[[HIGHLIGHT]]We've visited Bongos on several Seattle visits drawn by their Caribbean vibe and sandwiches.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Each visit the space has changed with various updates and improvements.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I'm really enjoying the covered deck on this hot summer day although my wife was missing the sand between her toes from the original floor.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Today we had the 1 AM Sandwich, Gumbo, and Chicken Curry. The sandwich was as good as remembered but the curry chicken was dry and not very appealing without that snap of spiciness found in more memorable curry dishes. Order at the walk up bar and get a hockey puck buzzer. Your food is ready when the puck buzzes. We still love Bongos but will stick with the hits and avoid the curry on future visits-Suggest you do likewise. read more
Business owner information
Eleazar P.
Hi Jeff, thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful…
An taste of Caribbean in the PNW! Bongos is a great casual spot with mostly outdoor dining. Understandably popular, they manage to deliver timely counter service. They offer lots of good options for food including several healthy and gluten-free options - the Desi plate and Loco Moco have been some favorites. Prices are very reasonable. They also have a bar (I went with the coconut water). read more
Bongos is a green lake classic, sheeeeeit miss when they had the sand pit fr fr lol But yeah. They got them plates + sandwiches, both fire. Yall gotta try their West Indies chicken + spicy shrimp + curry chicken--they don't miss But yeah. Anyways, lol. Haven't been here in a fat minute. Checked out the menu and saw some new thangss including a loco moco? You know I had to try em out. I mean.... It's solid hahaha. Still comes w the standard slaw + beans + rice + maduros. Their version of loco moco is a patty + special gravy + one egg on top. I mean for $14 or whatever, it's not the worst esp when ya factor in quality + quantity. I just wish there was a way they could separate out the slaw/beans w the actual loco moco part of the plate. That way I could actually just taste the gravy, rice, patty, egg components alone. read more
Business owner information
Eleazar P.
Hi David, thanks for stopping by again and for taking the time to…
2 days ago
Business owner information
Eleazar P.
Abrielle, thank you so much for such a sweet review! We’re so happy…
[[HIGHLIGHT]]Caribbean-style fast food spot with a clean, brand-new interior and nice little windows for a pleasant view while eating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Ordering is done at the counter, then you wait for a buzzer to grab your food, which made it feel more like a cafeteria or fast-food setup than a traditional restaurant. The food was okay, but heavily sauced and lacking the authentic Caribbean flavor I was hoping for. Being from the East Coast, I was really looking forward to some true Jamaican jerk chicken or flavorful oxtail, and unfortunately this missed the mark for me. The best comparison I can think of is making baby back ribs in the oven, pouring barbecue sauce on top, and calling them authentic BBQ ribs -- without the seasoning, smoke, or hours of preparation that make the real thing special. One big plus was the ample parking with generously sized spaces, which is definitely appreciated. Overall, probably not somewhere I'll become a frequent customer, but I could still see stopping in for a quick bite over McDonald's, Five Guys, or standard takeout Chinese food. read more
I really enjoyed the Desi Plate from Bongos. The pork was flavorful and tender, the plantain was sweat and soft, the coleslaw was fresh and not too creamy and the pickled veg was great sourness to combat the rounded beans flavor. 10/10 would order again. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Good spot for the summer since it's an order and pickup at the counter spot (with ringers) and a good post-Greenlake hearty meal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was quick and standard, no complaints and limited conversations so not too fussy read more
Business owner information
Eleazar P.
Thank you for stopping by! We aim to serve delicious food full of fun…
We made our way to Bongos because they are on the Seattle Met top 50 list. When we arrived, it was clear this restaurant has very high demands during warm and/or sunny weather being across the street from Green Lake. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place looks like it has expanded multiple times, so much so the bathroom access is outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It has a party vibe with loud music.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The line to order is designed to snake around the walls.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Meals are served in non-compostable to-go containers. A lot of trash is being generated. Eeewww. Order at the counter, pick up your own food, get your own beverage, dump your own trash. Minimal service other than answering questions when ordering. Prices are reasonable. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is family friendly with a small kids menu, too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have parking outside but expect them to be full. Be careful driving in front of Aurora which can have speeding cars. We found parking on the side streets to avoid Aurora. I find this place overhyped with Americanized Caribbean food. Both are marked spicy; they are not. The Food: West Indies Plate, $13.99 - 1 Star Menu: Caribbean jerk spiced chicken, house made West Indies sauce with rice, beans, slaw, maduro. I really wish this food was served on a plate. I ate food stacked on top of each other when it is not a sandwich. Coleslaw is sitting on top of the rice. Half the rice is soggy, soaked with the juices from coleslaw. It's disgusting. See photo of the soggy rice at the bottom, which I didn't eat. The chicken is properly charred, but the jerk sauce is sweet, salty, but no spice, and no discernable jerk seasoning. The maduro, fried plantain, lacked char; there are much better fried plantains in many other restaurants. This dish was disappointing. The Desi Plate, $13.99 - 3 Stars Menu: Citrus braise pork, caramelized onions, and pickled peppers with rice, beans, slaw, maduro. Hubby, unlike me, will stir everything together and call it a meal. He was ok with the soggy rice and non-spicy jalapenos rings and non-spicy pepperoncini rings. He fully acknowledged it is disgusting, but he didn't mind it. He, too, agrees this dish tastes Americanized. read more
Bongos always hits the spot every time, I've never had a bad meal here! The food is extremely flavorful with the right amount of spice and sides. They also have jalapeño and mango habanero hot sauces on the side. I have had a few of their dishes and my favorite is the West Indies plate because it's savory with a little sweetness + spice. The portion you get is great for the price, I always have leftovers. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is causal/chill and I love that there is both indoor and outdoor seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]During the winter their outdoor seating is insulated and heated which is a wonderful touch.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service is friendly, food can take some time especially if it's very busy during the summer but so worth it! read more
5 months ago
The first thing I have to comment on was the environment of this restaurant I came here on a pretty sunny day - and it was absolutely the perfect time to be here - as they have a fantastic outdoor seating area they even have a sand pit! the layout, architecture, and art of this place gives off a great tropical/caribbean vibe, which is not something I'd expect from a place in Seattle As for the sandwich itself - it was quite good The buns were roughly average I would say - there could've been more aioli added to it to give it a bit more flavor - and it was slightly harder than i would like The best part, by far, though, was the pork When I say this sandwich was absolutely loaded with pork I'm not exaggerating. It was quite literally overflowing out of the sandwich as I tried to pick it up Eating this with one hand is practically impossible as you'll lose so much pork to the wrapper The taste of it was quite fantastic as well - it had a slight sour flavor, had tons of fat, and most importantly had a nice, dark, almost-brown color There were certain pieces that were actually charred enough to have one side be fully black - and these were incredible Moving on to the other toppings, the sweet ham was also really good, as well as the cucumbers (which normally i don't like) and pickles I noticed maybe a couple jalapenos and didn't taste the onions much the swiss cheese i felt was a bit inconsistent. I didn't taste it much for most of the sandwich, but it showed up near the end a lot I recently got a similar sandwich from Paseo, so I feel like I should compare the two Paseo's sandwich certainly has a lot more oil, and this is less 'wet' than that one - this is also because the pork in Paseo is cooked to a lower temperature, which makes it more juicy so it releases more liquid, compared to the more brown pork we get here I do think i prefer the pork there slightly, but it's pretty close. You do get more pork here compared to there, though While I liked the type of bun at Paseo better, I do really like the fact that the buns here are toasted - which is something they don't do over there The onions are certainly more prevalent, larger, and in my opinion better at Paseo They have more aioli as well, but I would give the edge to the rest of the toppings here Pricing wise it's roughly the same - although I think Paseo's sandwich is slightly bigger and more filling I think I would give the slight edge to Paseo on this one - but it's pretty close. Both places are fantastic read more
6 months ago
6 months ago
First time eating in. Have had takeout of empanadas which were delicious! Today i had the Desi plate, with citrus braised pork, caramelized onions and pickled peppers. Came with black beans, Cole slaw and maduro. Pork was great and i really liked the slaw. Beans a little sweet for me. Husband had Cuban Picadillo plate, with ground beef picadillo, really good. Can't wait to try more! read more
Updating my review because Bongos continues to be one of our favorite places on rotation. Their West Indies plates are amazing and the portions are big- they've gotten a bit smaller over th years, I used to get almost two meals but it's still a great deal for a good price. Today I tried their toffee cheese cake and it was also great. Always bring friends when they're visiting from out of town, it's delicious. I miss the sand though. read more
7 days ago
cant believe i havent had bongos yet! but wow it really lived up to the hype! i got the bart sandwich which has both the fixins on the desi and the 1am. boy was it JUICY. it was packed with meat and all the toppings blended together in a symphony of wonderful flavors. the bread was fluffy, but definitely doesnt sit well. i reheated the other half for dinner and it disintegrated. i also tried the ropa vieja bowl. again, packed with a generous helping of meat, over rice, some slaw, and a maduro. very tender. i loved the beans. the slaw was ok, not the most flavorful but it was a nice crunchy addition. my friend ordered the tostones which i loved! fried to perfection and dusted with salt. it came with a dip/aioli which was wonderful! definitely want to come back and try their drinks and get that sandwich again!!! read more
Business owner information
Eleazar P.
Thanks so much, Kristi! We’re so glad you loved the food—it’s made…
Loved the food and experience here - really wish I found out about this place sooner! They have so many different Caribbean dishes, a bakery, and a bar. Everything looked delicious! I got the West Indies chicken plate and really liked it! The chicken had amazing flavor - savory, a little sweet, and a little spicy. The plate was balanced too, with sides of beans, coleslaw, rice, and a fried plantain. I also tried a bite of the spicy shrimp plate and really liked the flavors of the shrimp as well. We also a guava cheesecake from the bakery, which was delicious. The bakery had many unique items, it was difficult to choose! Overall, I really enjoyed my experience at Bongos. The food is delicious and with very reasonable prices! I will definitely be back! read more
This may be one of my favorite spots in the United States. I ordered a few different plates to extend my experience, and everything was a hit. The amount of food included in each plate was so abundant that my friends and I had to take two plates back home, and what was pleasantly surprising was that the plates tasted even better the next day with a little bit of heating up in the microwave. For the price they listed, it's a truly economical option and a neighborhood gem. Honestly I enjoyed the mango slaw, the beans, and the garlic rice very much. The mango slaw wasn't too watery or had too much mayo, and the mango bits provided extra depth in its flavor profile. The rice and beans were very well seasoned and I could really just eat it by itself without the meat. Of course, though, the meat was the star. Some types were spicier than others, but it was amazing to find out that the spiciness they had was the flavorful kind of spiciness, if that makes sense. Every type of meat was tender, from the braised pork to the jerk spiced chicken to the jerk pork chop and more, and had distinct flavors so that each dish offered a unique culinary experience. Like I said just then, I could've just eaten the rice and beans alone, but I would like to emphasize that having the meat definitely elevated the dishes. In addition to such, I had a mimosa as well which tasted pretty normal, and a tres leches cake, which wasn't the best I have had anywhere but definitely solid. It was given in a box and when I took it out of the box, I could see the liquidy milky content at the bottom of the box, which was a good sign. In a city that has so many pricey food options, this establishment stands out because of how they offered a large portion for a very reasonable price, along with how tasty the food was. There are still so many dishes on the menu under plates, bowls, and even sandwiches, that I honestly see myself coming back multiple times in the future, if not everytime that I'm in Seattle. Shoutout to my friend who introduced me to this spot! read more
2 months ago
Business owner information
Eleazar P.
Thank you for joining us! We appreciate the love!
2 hours ago
Was looking for a sandwich, so we found this spot on social media and decided to give it a try. We were so glad we did! Online-ordered the Desi sandwich and 2 empanadas (beef and chicken) to go. Pick up was really easy and timely. Service was nice! The sandwich was hefty and definitely good enough to share. If you're looking for a light bite or side, I highly recommend the empanadas. They were crunchy and not doughy like other empanadas I've had before! Kind of like a fried texture -- but really delicious. For the brief moment I was inside the restaurant, I saw lots of seating both indoor and outdoor. Looks like they can accommodate for all party sizes. read more
We visited Bongos for a late lunch on Sunday. It was busy, but we still found plenty of seating, as they have indoor, covered outdoor, and uncovered outdoor options. It's also very dog-friendly, with lots of pups enjoying the outdoor area. Parking could be tricky. The food was delicious! We ordered the Desi Plate, and the pork was incredibly juicy and tender, pairing perfectly with the beans and slaw. We also tried "The Bart" sandwich, which is like the Desi Plate but with cheese. the sandwich was huge and delicious, but we preferred the plate because it offered more variety in flavor and texture. They have a fantastic dessert selection, with items like guava cake and coconut cake. We opted for the chocolate flan cake, and it was amazing--very rich and moist. We highly recommend this place! read more
I have eaten at Bongos now several times and tried many different meals. Every single one of them is delicious. It's a lot of food as well. The seating is great with a lot of outside seating. Alcohol and bakery options which were also delicious. You order up front and get a buzzer to pick up your food when it's ready. The staff was always helping picking out a new meal to try and never disappointing. read more
The roast pork sandwich. The Desi. It was really good. Not quite on the level of Paseo IMO, but still great. - The citrus flavor really came through. Well, on some bites. It was nice. - The bread wasn't my favorite. A little dense and not the freshest. - The pork was solid. Each bite was different. Some were of fattier pieces but it wasn't chewy, it would melt in your mouth, which is great. Some were kinda juicy. Others were kinda dry. I would have preferred more juicy bites. - Overall there was a lot of flavor. - The price was good. It's a relatively big sandwich and is only $11.99. I also grabbed this smores thing for desert. I didn't like it. I was hoping they'd warm it up or something but they didn't. It was all room temperature, which I think kinda ruins it. The graham cracker was kinda dense and didn't have a crisp or freshness to it. No meltiness of the marshmallow. And the chocolate was very dense and overwhelming; I definitely could have used a glass of milk. read more
Bongos had my tastebuds dancing and my family happy! Visiting Seattle, we wanted to find a spot to dine that's dog-friendly and is beloved by locals. Yelp leads us here and I highly recommend this restaurant! First off, the vibes here are off the chart! Colorful, bustling, happy faces. When we arrived we were taken aback by how busy it was, but understandably so. You order at the counter, receive your buzzer, find a spot, and claim your food. It's all open seating with big communal tables and smaller tables for different party sizes. There's also space to sit indoors but outdoors is fun with music and colorful decor. Service was good, though interactions were limited. Based on reviews, I ordered the West Indies Plate. My family also got their meals. My spice tolerance is so low so I was burning from my dish. The flavors were off the hook and the chicken was cooked nicely! The rice, beans, plantain, and slaw were all tasty and everything accompanied each other. I ate about half my plate and most diners ended up taking theirs to go as portions are huge! My family all enjoyed their meals and I loved my mom's Desi Plate because the pork was so tender and flavorful. Bongos was our highlight meal and experience during our quick stay in Seattle. I encourage visitors and locals to make the trip to try this restaurant. They're located in Phinney Ridge off Aurora Ave. with a parking area out front. read more
This place is extremely high energy. And packed to the hill with people. You can tell it's been a hotspot for customers for a long time. They specialize in Cuban and Caribbean food. And it seems to be very popular with everyone here and the presentations are absolutely delightful. And they use recyclable bowls so you know that when you come here you're not living a footprint on the Earth. This evening's meal was a treat from my wife and a surprise for my daughter and we're having such a great time today with a nice way to finish up. All our dishes were superb. Friendly helpful staff. Worth the visit. read more
We finally had a chance to visit Bongos, making it the last of the Big 3 (reduced from Big 4 now that Los Costenos removed sandwiches from their menu) Caribbean Sandwich places for us to try. This was on a typical rainy Sunday morning for lunch. Bongos, situated inside a renovated gas station, has tons of seating both inside and in the heated gas pump area. It wasn't too crowded when we arrived, but based on the small corridor line that wraps around a part of the dining area, it probably gets quite busy at times. We ordered a couple of items to try: Desi Sandwich ($11.99) - They certainly made some strange choices while constructing this sandwich. Caribbean sandwiches around Seattle are known for being sloppy sandwiches, dripping with juices, and generally messy to eat. This one takes things to a whole other level. There's so much pork braising liquid slathered onto the bread that it literally cannot be eaten as a sandwich at all. The bread is completely turned into a soppy mess, becoming bread pudding-like in texture. I could not manage to lift it up without giant pieces of bread sloughing off onto the tray. The bread has some blackened spots, so it's definitely toasted, but it's completely softened by the copious amount of juices soaked in, not to mention being steamed by being wrapped in two layers of foiled paper before service. I actually had a difficult time trying to get the sandwich out of the wrapper due to how delicate the bread had become, necessitating eventually having to eat the sandwich with a spoon - yes a plastic spoon was more than enough to cut through the sandwich. The sandwiches at the other shops use crusty baguettes for a reason - it stands up so much better to the sloppiness inside. With it being as is, the texture is very offputting - I ordered a sandwich, not bread pudding! On the positive side, it tastes pretty good. There's an acidic tang from the vinegar citrus braise, the pork is extremely tender, and there's plenty of sweetness and creaminess throughout. To add a hint of texture rather than being a complete mess, there's some sweet caramelized onion and really fragrant jalapenos, which also add a small bit of heat, inside. (2/5) West Indies Plate ($13.99) - Everything in this bowl has essentially the same base sweet and fruity flavor, but each element piles in additional aromas on top. The slaw is chopped very finely, it does give a bit of a crisp texture to the dish but I think it could be better if less finely chopped. It's mixed with cubed chunks of mango and then absolutely doused in a creamy mango mayo. The slaw as a whole is more sauce than vegetable. This allows the sauce to penetrate into the bed of rice on the very bottom, giving the rice also a certain creaminess. There's so much cream that the rice actually more resembles rice pudding (with a different flavor profile, of course), than rice by itself. There's a certain coconut-type flavor too, making me wonder if they soak the rice in coconut milk. The chicken is done pretty well. It has a bit of charred smokiness, then the distinct aromatic savory profile of a jerk seasoning. The amount of scotch bonnet added isn't much, so while the chicken gives a pleasant warmth in the mouth, it's not very spicy at all, at least compared to other jerk chickens I've eaten. That spicy levels are tempered down even further by the creamy sauces on the rice. The chicken itself seems to be boneless breast meat, but it's not overcooked at all, instead remaining tender and moist. Seattle does boneless chicken very well thanks to the proliferation of teriyaki in the area. My only issue with the dish is that base sweet taste. It permeates every bite, and while there are other flavors on top of the sweetness, it still feels very repetitive like the dish is missing variety even though it's not. (4/5) Tostone ($5.99) - An order comes with a stack of eight tostones. They are simply salted, fried to a good dense crisp. The smashing creates small crags and valleys to give extra surface area to make it extra crisp. The interiors aren't exactly fluffy inside, but aren't too firm. The tostones are drained well so there's no oily residue. On the side, the dish comes with cilantro mayo, adding flavor and creaminess. I'm a sucker for tostones. (5/5) For sandwiches, I'd choose Un Bien 10 times out of 10 over Bongos. If I'm ever craving a bowl of Carribbean food, however, I may visit Bongos again. Bathrooms - Two unisex rooms that require a code to enter. They are right in front of the restaurant on the outside and are impossible to miss. read more
1 year ago
Amazing vibe and food. Order at the counter, take a buzzer and wait to be impressed. We got the chicken sandwich and shrimp plate to split, side of Mac salad and a mango passion fruit dessert bar. GET THE CHICKEN - amazing flavor there's a full bar if you want a mojito or pitcher of margs. My new fav destination read more
Caribbean food right by Green Lake?! Sign me up!! While they have sandwiches like Un Paseo and Un Bien, Bongos' speciality lies in their bowls and plates. Service is counter service - as that's more of the norm these days than table service. Which I totally don't mind! Fast and efficient. I got the West Indies plate and it was delicious! It came with rice, plantains, slaw, and jerk-spiced chicken. The chicken was juicy and tender and well-seasoned. The plantains were also great - you can't go wrong with well-cooked plantains. The sauce was sweet, tangy, spicy - like a lovechild between teriyaki and bbq sauce in the best way possible. There was a bit too much sauce for my liking, so I'll prob ask for it on the side next time. But it was great! Great flavors, great location - what's not to love? read more
Really good spot for carribean food. There's a big assortment of items from plates to sandwiches. There's also a lot of desserts and cocktails to choose from. There's some indoor and covered outdoor seating which is nice for a sunny Seattle day. After ordering, you get a pager and find a spot to settle down. Food took a little bit of time to come out but it was worth it. I had a taste of a few different items and they were all pretty good albeit a bit on the spicy side. I recommend trying their banana cheesecake as well for a dessert. read more
4 months ago
1 year ago
This is a great restaurant with great food and great vibes. I've only been here a handful of times but each time has been packed with people. Good sign I think. I've tried a handful of their plates and sandwiches and i have been pleased with them all. Definitely worth a visit! read more
I'm so glad to have finally tried Bongos!! There's so much seating and the interior is so nice and well-decorated. Very good vibes. There's so much to try and so many pastries. My friend and I ordered the jerk chicken plate, steak plate, coconut cake, and yuka fries. Jerk chicken: has a spicy kick, chicken is so flavorful, beans and rice are good Steak: a bit chewy but solid Yuka fries: super thick and crispy enough Coconut cake: very moist and the coconut flavor is light. This is one of the best coconut cakes I've tried I'll definitely come back for their jerk chicken plate, coconut cake, or to try new things on the menu! read more
1 year ago
Delicious food and fantastic vibes! I heard this spot was similar to Paseo and Un Bien, and with those being some of my favorite bites in Seattle I had to give this spot a try. What's nice about Bongos is that they have plenty of seating, both indoor and outdoor so you don't have to stress about finding somewhere to eat your amazing food. I got the desi plate, which was juicy pulled pork over rice with black beans, coleslaw, banana peppers, and a plantain. Every single component of this bowl was so freaking good - the rice was well seasoned, pork was tender, beans were delicious, and even the plantain was so nicely caramelized. The portion size is also massive so you can easily split it into 2 meals. I also loved their two sauces, with the mango habanero one being especially good. The price is also so reasonable for the amount of food that you get! I would highly recommend this spot :) read more
9 months ago
My family and I came here for a fast, casual, affordable meal and loved it. You order at the counter and pick up your food once the buzzer goes. We ordered a few dishes, all Caribbean-themed: Cuban Picadillo (ground beef, chorizo, garlic, raisins, onions, olives and capers); the Desi Plate (citrus braised pork, carmelized onions, pickled peppers); Caribbean Gumbo (grilled chicken and sausage stew, with Cajun and Jamaican flavors over rice). All the dishes were literally bursting with strong, complicated authentic Caribbean flavors --- and the portions were generous. The ambiance is relaxed and energized. People tucking into good food tend to give off positive vibes. The decor, as you can imagine for a Caribbean-themed restaurant, is bright and colorful The woman who took my order at the counter was friendly. Definitely a good place to go for a delicious wallet-friendly meal. read more
1 month ago
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6501 Aurora Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
Phinney Ridge
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(206) 420-8548
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http://www.bongosseattle.com
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Ask the Community - Bongos
Similar to the question about spicy shrimp is bucco chicken gone forever ? I thought those were the two most popular items on the menu
You are in luck. We actually were able to bring the Bucco chicken back to the menu about 2 weeks ago. We had issues with getting certain ingredients for a period, but we are…
Is the outdoor seating area dog-friendly?
Yes there are always lots of dog's when I am there in the outdoor seating area
Where did the Spicy Shrimp plate go? Please don't say it's gone forever...! ☹️
Sarah- UPDATE: We got our ingredients back in stock and the Spicy Shrimp is back!!!…
I'm getting conflicting information. Is Bongo's open for dinner hours?
We are open Wed-Sun from 3-9. We will be closed next week Sept 29th and Sept 30th for an employee appreciation trip.
Do you do catering?
Yes we do offer catering as far as trays of food not full service. Please call restaurant and we can take your information and send you a catering menu
Can they make things without cilantro?
Yes of course we can. If you order a sandwich just tell cashier that you would like no cilantro. If you order Yuca or Tostones ask for no aioli. We no longer add cilantro to the slaw so you are good there. We cannot take out the cilantro from the…
Do they have french fries with the sandwiches?
No, they are served without sides. But I recommend getting a side of plantains!
Are you open during coronavirus for carry out?
Hi Karen. Yes we are open. Wednesday through Sunday from 11-8pm. We are doing carry out only and encourage you to call ahead so your order can be ready when you arrive. We are also partnered with Uber Eats for delivery. You can use their app or…
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Bongos - cuban - Updated August 2026
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