Order Bongos Takeout or Delivery
Bongos Photos
Business Info
BONGOS ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like Bongos
Recommended Reviews - Bongos
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Yum! I wish I lived closer so I could come here all the time. We went for a weekday lunch and it was not too busy, which was nice. You order at the counter and then find your own table. Very chill and casual vibes. We tried the Desi Plate with citrus braised pork and the West Indies Plate with Caribbean spiced jerk chicken. Both came with garlic rice, beans, mango slaw, and maduros (plantains). Everything was delicious, and the portions were very generous. We had enough leftovers for another meal for both of us! They also have a selection of hot sauces that were super flavorful and added a nice kick. Highly recommend this spot! Free parking lot available.
Bongos has been a favorite of ours for years, from way back in the pre-pandemic days all the way to now. Honestly, the food here is completely unstoppable. I catch myself having to log on and update my review every few months just to reassure everyone that yes, it is still just as incredible as it has always been. Admittedly, the portion sizes seem to have gotten a little bit smaller over the years, but it doesn't take away from how special this place is. If anything, I love it even more now that I get to bring my toddler along. They absolutely love playing around in the sand while we eat, and sharing the West Indies plates as a family has become one of our favorite routines. Bongos is an absolute gem, and we will keep coming back for as long as they keep the doors open!
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. 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. One note of warning: it can get slammed with lots of people around prime dinner hours, especially on the weekend, so be prepared. Maybe grab a drink and a seat while you wait for your food.
We've visited Bongos on several Seattle visits drawn by their Caribbean vibe and sandwiches. Each visit the space has changed with various updates and improvements. 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. 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.
I attempted to order catering from here for a corporate event. They took two days to respond to my email. After finally getting in touch, the person I was corresponding with was slow to respond and provided little to no detail on my follow up questions. They ended up ghosting me, so I was never able to place a catering order.
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! There's inside and outdoor seating. Fun and tropical vibes, great for catching up with a group of friends. Dog friendly as well! 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 !!
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.
The sandwiches were very tasty, though quite soggy. Maybe a little too much sauce? Service was good for the pick up order - can't really speak to ambiance. Next time I'd probably try a bowl for to go.
Caribbean-style fast food spot with a clean, brand-new interior and nice little windows for a pleasant view while eating. 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.
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).
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. 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. The service was quick and standard, no complaints and limited conversations so not too fussy
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.
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. The place looks like it has expanded multiple times, so much so the bathroom access is outside. It has a party vibe with loud music. The line to order is designed to snake around the walls. 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. The place is family friendly with a small kids menu, too. 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.
6 months ago
Business owner information
Eleazar P.
Hi Tian,…
1 year ago
The service was fairly quick. The patio seating has a really nice vibe, with a small section that has sand (mimicking the tropical islands). The food was too spicy for my taste. read more
7 months ago
1 year ago
This must be the most popular restaurant in the city! There were tons of people enjoying the ambiance and food. I would recommend sitting on the patios with the table top fire pit. The service was faster than I thought it would be and our cashier was as super sweet and recommended some great dishes. read more
9 months ago
5 months ago
9 months ago
A flavor bomb of Cuban food with open-air seating and sand pits in a converted gas station?! Count me in!! Bongos offers affordable, superb-tasting food in a pleasant eclectic environment. Go early to snag a table because it can get crowded during peak hours. There is a small parking lot out front and it is right next to Highway 99, across from Green Lake. Their menu features items from many different parts of the Caribbeans and their entrees are the bomb! - The Bart was messy deliciousness, the ultimate contender to Un Bien and Paseo's famous pulled pork sandwiches: the meat was sweet, rich and tender, there was a perfect amount of mouthwatering cheese and sauce, the pickled veggies balanced out the richness with tangy sourness, and all of this was on nice crusty bread. It tasted just as good the next day. - The jerk chicken in the West Indies plate had a great flavor and was surprisingly spicy! - Get the Trinidad Steak plate if you like well-cooked steak! - The Yucca fries were solid and nicely fried, but there were some stringy parts. You also couldn't taste the cilantro in the aioli. - We were disappointed in the Caribbean guava because you couldn't taste any alcohol so it was a $15 (albeit good-tasting) glass of juice. Despite the lack of drink, we had a great time. They are also extremely kid-friendly (there are toys in the sand pit!) and dog-friendly. You can follow the purple outdoor path to a very nice bathroom with a door code. This is the best place for a casual meal with a group of friends on a nice Seattle day! read more
2 years ago
The food here was delicious, it's as close to Caribbean you will find here in Seattle. Anyone looking for good Caribbean food, I would strongly recommend this place as it lived up to expectations. I was amazed at how packed the place was and the ambiance in there was nice and felt like you were eating in the Caribbean. I would recommend the desi plate as I really enjoyed it. We plan on coming back very very soon ! read more
1 year ago
Something about the beans here are just phenomenal. We loved the juicy pulled pork sandwich and the Caribbean bowl. Fun little hangout place and will definitely come back read more
Bongos is located on the west side of Green Lake and serves Caribbean food in a chill atmosphere. There is some indoor seating but there is a lot more outdoor seating. There is little parking on-site but there is street parking in the residential neighborhood. You order at the counter inside and then wait for your buzzer to ring when your food is ready. We ordered the desi plate ($13.99), the west indies plate ($13.99), and the ropa vieja ($15.99). Out of the three the west indies plate was our favorite; it was seasoned really well and was tender. The desi plate was next after that as the pork was soft and fatty. We also ordered the yuca fries ($4.99) which was well salted and I liked the dipping sauce. All the dishes had a lot of flavors and it was a cool environment to hang out in during the summer days. They also serve cocktails and beer and it's dog friendly! read more
10 months ago
10 months ago
1 year ago
The food, service and ambience were amazing. It was my 3rd time eating here and they didn't disappoint. read more
1 year ago
10 months ago
Some of the best Caribbean food I've had! The portion sizes are huge. My boyfriend and I each ordered one, and we could barely finish half. The fried chicken consistency is just like Panda Express (in the best way possible!) but it's spicy and super flavorful. The Desi plate's pork was super juicy. Can't wait to go back. read more
1 year ago
Delicious is an understatement for this restaurant. The outside has a really cool vibe that makes you feel like you're in the Caribbean. The food is extremely flavorful, super diverse in spices and sauces, every bite is something new. Highly recommend read more
11 months ago
Just walked half of Green Lake and needed sustenance. There is Indoor and outdoor seating with heaters. Braised pork was delicious in either bowl or 1am sandwich. Guava cinnamon roll and praline cheesecake were delicious. read more
1 year ago
Food had good portions and very delicious. Outdoor seating with fire pit was enjoyable. Casual seating. Service was great. Water available at counter. Guava cocktail was tasty! I'll be back when I'm around the Green Lake area! read more
Beware, you will need napkins for this delicious taste train heading to your mouth! I've been twice now and my favorite by far is the 1am sandwich. Bonus points for clean bathrooms and over all dining area! There is all kinds of traditional Cuba things to look at also! Check it out! read more
11 months ago
I came to bongos with some friends on a Saturday night, around prime dinner hour. The place was busy but not full, and we were able to park quite easily, since the area around was not very busy and had a lot of street parking. I ordered the west indies sandwich and a side of yuca fries. The west indies sandwich was spicy, creamy, and flavorful, with the spicy, juicy jerk chicken being nicely balanced by the fresh, creamy slaw. The yuca fries were crunchy and had a thick, satisfying texture. They a hint of sweetness and were nicely salted. Overall, I would definitely come back here again! read more
Holy moly, Bongos was SUCH a good find! I wanted to bring some "picnic" food to Gas Works Park and originally had another place in mind. However, it was farther from Gas Works and Bongos was closer so I decided to go to Bongos based on the reviews. Bongos is a flavor bomb! I got the Desi Sandwich ($11.99) and West Indies Plate ($13.99). First of all, the portions were huge! My photos may not do it justice, but my hubby and I could not finish it. For the price, this was an insane amount of food. The flavors of the pulled pork from the Desi Sandwich and jerk chicken from the West Indies plate was incredible. I wouldn't say they were overly seasoned, it was perfect! I usually don't like pulled pork because of how dry it can be, but Bongos makes it perfectly juicy! The jerk chicken had a little bit of kick and tang to it - so yummy! They had a great hangout/seating area outside, but we took our food to go and ate at Gas Works Park where we enjoyed some natural scenery! Bongos is one of the BEST places we ate at in Seattle. I will definitely come back if I ever visit Seattle again. read more
2 years ago
Possibly the best Caribbean food I've ever had! You can't go wrong with any of their plates, plus they have some vegetarian options. It's a cozy environment perfect for large parties and families, and an outdoor seating with fires to keep you warm during the winter. read more
Can't believe I haven't reviewed this spot yet. I've been coming consistently since middle school, and it's my go to Caribbean food spot. The jerk plates are so flavorful, and come with a huge amount of food. It hits so hard every single time. The sandwiches are juicy and messy and delicious. Their prices are around 15 for every entree, and with the portion size it's 100% worth it. The yuca fries are my all time favorite side. Please give them a try - they're crispy, salty, and taste kind of earthy. The sauce it comes with is literally UNMATCHED!!! This spot is pretty casual and has a huge outdoor seating area, so I love coming after I go to Greenlake on a sunny day with friends. They give you a buzzer after you order at the walk up counter. Please come and give this place a try!! read more
The ambiance is fantastic - you're transported into a beachside bungalow, barely realizing you're next to Aurora with cars whizzing by. We thought the food was alright (around 3 stars), but the atmosphere bumps it to a 4. Stopped by on a Wednesday around 7pm, and the place was pretty packed. We were able to snag a table for two after ordering. Food took ~15 min, but entertain yourself with drinks from the bar, or relax in the chatty atmosphere. I ordered the jerk chicken platter, which came with rice, beans, slaw, and a single maduro (which albeit was quite sweet and tender). Everything was good, but nothing to write home about. My friend ordered the shrimp po boy with a side of yucca fries. The yucca fries and aioli were tasty, and the sandwich was good as well. I wish they stayed open later than 9pm because the Seattle summer sun is still up. Best shot for parking is in the neighborhood (turn right on 66th when heading south on Aurora), since the parking directly on Aurora isn't 1) too easy to access racing down Aurora 2) maybe 10 spots are available. If I'm back, it'd probably be for drinks, the sides, and to enjoy the ultimate getaway vibes right near Green Lake. read more
2 years ago
Bongos is the new favorite amongst the Caribbean trio that also includes Paseo and Un Bien. The Bucco chicken in particular was moist and all parts of the plate were flavorful. Grabbing some of the mango habanero salsa is also a must. Outdoor seating was plentiful and airy and great to have Green Lake so close by for a walk afterwards to fight the food coma. read more
2 years ago
Lots of seating outdoors and pets are allowed! Desi plate was a huge serving and so delicious. I only wish they put another slice or two of maduro read more
1 year ago
I've been to Bongos a handful of times over the years, but normally for a few beer, there. Never specifically to eat, but I was definitely impressed. I should have come much sooner. The Desi Sandwich was, to use on overused term, a revelation! The service is friendly, I wouldn't advise tipping as you order from the counter, pick up your order there, and bus your own table. But the food will bring me back! read more
5 months ago
Business owner information
Eleazar P.
Thank you!!!…
2 years ago
Great spot. Quick food prep. Friendly service. Hidden gem in the winter. Must be amazing on a hot summer's day!! read more
4 years ago
Bongos is a popular local cafe for Caribbean food and a great meal to bring to Gas Works Park for a picnic! It's definitely a must try for foodies in Seattle. I got the West Indies Plate, which is Jerk Spiced Chicken with West Indies sauce. This was a delicious plate with Caribbean flavors. It includes rice, beans, and coleslaw, making it a balanced meal. The portions are big and will definitely make it a filling meal. They also have sandwiches, but I decided to get a plate because I imagine a sandwich would get messy while eating. read more
If you're in need of flavor then this is it. The food here is stellar and I cannot wait to go back. I tend to be pretty health conscious and along with celiac (gluten) issues it can rule out a lot of fast casual places. Bongos delivered across the board here. They were friendly and accommodating with my gluten questions, they were able to sub out the rice and beans for their mango slaw as well so before I got the food the experience was 10/10. The Desi bowl was wonderful with fall apart braised pork that was flavorful and tender, paired with the slaw which brought some acid and texture to everything. My husband got the sandwich and maduros (which he said were fantastic) and loved every bite. Highly recommended and it seems that they are building out their deck so it feels like this will be a great place for summer food and outdoor vibes read more
More info about Bongos
6501 Aurora Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
Phinney Ridge
Directions
(206) 420-8548
Call Now
Order Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.bongosseattle.com
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
More Info
Health Score
Bongos Reviews in Other Languages
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…
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
90 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
13 years ago
11 years ago
4 years ago
6 years ago
10 years ago
3 years ago
7 years ago
5 years ago
13 years ago
1 year ago
8 years ago
4 years ago
3 years ago
11 years ago
4 years ago
13 years ago
