Preface: Being that this is one of the few (if not THE) best Cuban spots in WA, our options are extremely limited. To say that we're disappointed with our previous experiences with them would be an understatement. My family and I have been loyal customers of Bongos for 5+ years, and have had 0 complaints up until about a month ago. From forgetting to add things we paid for, (we drive 30+ minutes to pick it up) to getting rid of their best plate- Spicy Shrimp. While we understand that products go out of stock, etc., perhaps it'd be appreciated by your customers to update your Uber Eats- so that it accurately reflects that. Today we made our 30 min drive (there and back) and ordered the 'Spicy Shrimp Plate' as it was stated on Uber. Only to get home and realize that it was completely different... If this was communicated prior, we wouldn't have even ordered. I called to see where the miscommunication was, the girl at the front desk was LESS than helpful. She said- 'unfortunately we don't offer the shrimp plate'.... Then why were we able to order it on Uber Eats? read more

It was a really cute place. Being there made me feel as though I was back in Mexico sipping some drinks on the beach. Wish they served more then beer and wine though. The food was ok... wasn't anything special but worth going back for the fun atmosphere. read more

Bongos - Cuban Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This place is legit! Food is super duper delicious and everything made to order! This spot is super packed so be prepared but on the bright side they get people in and out quickly. If you're planning on eating there just ask people if you can have dibs on their seating, most people leave in a timely matter so it shouldn't be to hard. Highly recommend to anyone so stop by you won't be disappointed! read more

Bongos - In front - Cuban Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Amazing place to eat. Was a standard weekly lunch place pre-Covid. The food is great and also an awesome atmosphere. Have had most of the menu and would recommend everything depending on what you are craving. read more

Bongos is the restaurant when people ask me for a recommendation I give them. Great atmosphere complimented by equally great food. I must admit that i tend to only frequent Bongos during the summer months because of their outdoor dining area. read more

I can't believe how good this hidden gem is off of Aurora in the Greenlake area. This is Caribbean food at it's finest with a terrific atmosphere and good beer on tap. At your average restaurant there is typically one or two signature dishes that you'd want to try. At Bongos they are all signature dishes and I've enjoyed many of them thoroughly. It's counter service and if the weather is right enjoy the vast outdoor seating. Despite the Aurora location it feels like you are at the beach in their outdoor seating area. Really good food here. read more

Bongos - Trinidad Steak Plate - Cuban Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This place did not disappoint. As soon as you walk in you can smell how good it is. Everything was amazing and we ordered A LOT. The servings are really big too. read more

I'm in luuuuuuuuuuuuv with Bongos. I got the Haitian salad + jerk chicken and my bf got the Desi sandwich. The salad isn't a typical salad with greens... it's loaded with beans, rice, pickeled onions, spinach and coconut shavings. The jerk chicken is the cherry on top - the flavor adds a spicy kick that is outta this world. My salad overall was filling and satisfying yet light and guilt free :P The Desi sandwich was in our opinion, better tasting and better put together than Un Bien/Pesos. The ambience is a trip too. It feels like I left the PNW and stepped onto a Carribean Island. The outdoor seating on sand was great, especially in this beautiful weather. The customer service is A+ too. Thumbs up!! I highlyyyyyy recommend Bongos. We'll be BACK. Xoxoxox read more

I wish I could give this place a 6 out of 5 stars! The atmosphere is amazing here during the summer with its white sand, spacious outdoor seating arrangements it's the place to to be for good food and ambiance. Also it's right next to green lake which is perfect because after a run, swim or whatever activities you could do at green lake bongos is a great place to eat or just to have lunch . It's usually pretty packed, but service and food are still pretty darn great, I've gotten the desi and the Bart and I want to tell you now that they do not disappoint. The portions they give are very filling and the flavors explode in you mouth. They're extremely juicy as well and recommend eating it ASAP because they will get very soggy due to its saucy factor. I love coming here and will continue to come here as it is one of my go tos. read more

Amazingly consistent quality and service. There's a reason why they've been able to stay here so long, garner a following and afford renovations, they're doing it right. Food actually leaves me feeling full and not hungry. I don't feel like I'm getting ripped off like at Pok Pok in Edmonds or that Thai spot next to the dry cleaners on Roosevelt. read more

Delicious food, good beer, and a sunny beach. Not something you'd expect just off Aurora by Green Lake, but it's a quirky and fun little gem What looks like it used to be an old gas station is now a sandy little beach hangout serving some amazing central American plates and sandwiches at very reasonable prices. I tried one of the chicken dishes, and loved everything about it. I believe that and a pint of beer cost me just around $16. Bonus points: the outdoor area is dog friendly, so you can enjoy a beer with your best friend (until he starts barking at and trying to kill every other dog like my little dude). On a sunny day, it's a good place to kick back in the sand and relax in the shade. They also have an indoor area where you can retreat on the not-so-nice days we get in Seattle. read more

A not so secret place to eat in Seattle! If you haven't heard or tried this gem of a place, you haven't experienced a "Seattle Must". Everything about this place makes you want to travel to the Caribbean and taste the flavors of the islands. This is the next best thing, great choices on the menu, customer service is fast and friendly, and probably one of the cleanest kitchens in Seattle to boot! The Desi sandwich or plate is the popular dish, but branch out and try the curry chicken rice or jerk spiced chicken plate. Order the Yucca fries on the side too-it's all good! Laid back, well run operation, and good value for great food! That's why it's one of Seattle's hot spot. read more

Bongos - Caribbean jerk spiced chicken. - Cuban Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I absolutely love this food! We went today for carry out and everything was legitimately awesome. Every single thing was spicy, but in a good flavorful way, not overwhelming. And the food portions felt like a great value for the price. My family of 5 can split 3-4 meals. The spicy shrimp is my favorite. read more

Came here just 30 minutes after they opened for the day and there was already a good crowd! It was my first time trying Bongos and I was pretty happy with my meal! I got the Ropa Vieja which is there brisket marinated with a tomato sauce. The brisket was nice and tender but I wasn't too crazy about it (still good though). What I really enjoyed was the jerk chicken that my boyfriend got. He ordered a split jerk chicken plate and Desi plate. The Desi is a citrus braised pork which had ton of flavor. I really like that you can do half and half of some of the meat options. The meats were definitely very good and worth it! What I didn't enjoy was the rice. Maybe it was just a bad batch and it's not normally like this... but today it was mushy which I didn't like. My boyfriend agreed with me that the rice was made with too much water and the texture was off. It was a very filling meal so I think it's worth a shot to try this place! I want to come here again and hopefully they will have a better batch of rice. Maybe I will come in the summer because the outdoor seating looks like it would be nice on a sunny day! read more

My friends have been raving about this spot for ages and now that I've finally tried it, I'm pissed I waited so long. A buddy and I came in for lunch on a Sunday and while it was crowded and lively, we were able to find a spot without a problem, and the food came out super quickly. Ordering is really easy (although choosing what you want may be difficult) as well. I had the Trinidad steak plate, she had the Desi plate, and we shared the yuca fries. Everything was delicious! The steak was perfectly cooked, the slaw was actually flavorful, the plantain was delicious, and the yuca fries were awesome. In addition to the indoor seating, they have a ton of outdoor seating with a huge fire pit table that already has me planning large group gatherings out there in the summer. There is a bit of parking in an on-site lot, but if those are full there is usually street parking one block north. read more

Good food, great service, cheap beer, and wait in sand?? Sold! Loved this place, draft beer is $5 which is great for Seattle and the food was tasty. I got the desi sandwich and asked for no jalapeños. I guess they get busy especially in the summer, which I could definitely see happening, we went late enough at night where we didn't have a problem. The sand is a huge hit and it's right by green lake which is another favorite of mine. I recommend getting the yucca fries (I even added some of my meat from my sandwich to some of the fries which I thought tasted good) read more

This review is only for staff. Drove all the way and the woman in the front door didn't let us in! Furthermore, We know the food is great as we have tried it before so we'll give it another try. read more

Do you have that one neighborhood spot that you order from when you need a meal that YOU KNOW will hit the spot every time? Yeah, Bongo's is that spot for me. Right now, my go-to order is the bucco sandwich (bay island spice rubbed chicken, carmelized onions, pickled jalepenos, banana peppers, and aioli on a toasted saba roll) and yuca fries. Oh, and extra cilantro aioli is a MUST! read more

If I could have bongos everyday for the rest of my life I would. It never misses. Quite easily is my favorite restaurant in Seattle

Very informal dining but great atmosphere. Wish it was summertime to sit outside. I had the jerk chicken for about $10 and was very impressed. It was juicy, tender and very spicy. The only downside was paper plates and plastic utensils. I will be back! read more

Bongos - Jerk chicken plate - Cuban Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Sandwiches were amazing as usual! Very messy, but worth the extra napkins. First time getting the Shrimp Po Boy and will order again. read more

Bongos - 1 AM - Cuban Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Bongos is a go-to when you're hungry and craving Caribbean food! It is hearty and filling, but doesn't make you feel sluggish. For chicken, I actually find the Bucco to be better than the Jerk chicken here. The jerk chicken is on the sweet side. For sides, I prefer the Yuca fries to the Maduros, though both are excellent. Not everyone will agree - its certainly worth trying a few things here to see what you like! Just make sure you get a side of Cilantro sauce! read more

Our daughter said Bongos has the best burger in town. I said "why would I get a burger at a Caribbean place?!" I tried it. She was right . It is the best burger I've had in a long time. Big patty, juicy, tender, flavorful. Nice bun. Not all the fixins I'm used to on a burger , but somehow it wasn't necessary at all. Oh , did I mention the jerk chicken plate, and the spicy shrimp platter?! Both terrific too. Terrific casual atmosphere. Nice outdoor bar. Sand under our feet as we ate. Highly recommend! read more

Loved our first visit here. With the outdoor sand seating area, there's a definite Carribean vibe. Food was great with plenty of heat. I'm already dreaming of going back for more. read more

Yum!! First time here. Delicious food, great service and fun outdoor dining space, with fire table (indoor dining as well). I had The Desi plate, hubs had a Shrimp Po Boy read more

Bongos - Cuban Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Everything was SO GOOD!! We ordered the Desi Plate and West Indies sandwich. Everything was so flavorful, the meat was tender and the portions are big! I had enough for the next day! The decor of the outside seating was so cute with the picnic benches and sand box, despite being a rainy day. Def recommend checking this place out if in the area! read more

Simply put, Bongos is awesome. The vibe here is super weird, in a charming and fun away. It feels like a tiki hut on the patio, but it's right in aurora. Despite being on a major street, it's not too loud or dirty feeling. Beer and food are purchased at separate counters. Cans and drafts are available. Solid selection for the summertime. The food was awesome. I had the Desi sandwich and my girlfriend had a chicken plate. We cleaned our plates. The meat was cooked perfectly on the Desi and it had the perfect bread-to-topping ratio. The sauce was great as were the peppers. I got to try some plantains and they were like candy, a great snack. The meal was reasonably priced, food was awesome, and the vibe is laid back. Stop by for a fun summers evening. read more

Bongos! This place has such a cute fun vibe that is super casual for everyone to gather around picnic tables staged in sand. It's a Caribbean escape in the middle of Seattle. Awesome GIANT sandwiches! Come hungry. read more

So...I think they changed the recipe of the beans. It's now cooked in veg. oil instead of lard. A lot less delicious but it's a little healthier. As my El Salvadoran bestie says perfect..."this is a white (gentrified) Cuban place. You can tell." And they definitely changed the steak. It's no longer hanger steak. If you want medium rare, get rare because they tend to go over per usual. I got medium rare and it was hard to eat. They made me a rare Trinidad steak and it was great. The second thing....the amount of kids here with parents who give absolutely NO discipline is insane. Not Bongos fault but just a note. They just leave their kids to play in the sand. I had one toddler throwing sand all over our eating area WHILE we were eating. Very spoiled and entitled atmosphere is why I don't recommend Bongos at all anymore, especially not for dining in. read more

Solid. After living in Atlanta and Brooklyn for many years, it's been hard to find a place that serves jerk chicken or something close to a plato del día, but Bongos scratches that itch with a wide variety of Caribbean and Afro-Caribbean inspired food. Simple menu and tasty food. I took a star off because we tried to call ahead of time to place our order and were put on hold - but no one ever picked up again. I'd say that the jerk is the closest you might get to eating at an actual Jamaican restaurant in Seattle - since I have yet to find a Jamaican restaurant close to home. It's fiery and well seasoned, and having the slaw to cool your mouth between bites is a must. Portions are huge! We also enjoyed the picadillo, a side of maduros (they're like Lay's - you can't eat just one!), and a side of yucca fries. Do yourself a favor and ask for extra sauce. You can thank me later! Can't wait until the summer when we can sit outside and pretend we're at the beach! read more

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Sooo good! I actually did not know where this was until recently. I use to drive by so often wondering what this bright blue building was. My sister, cousin, and I decided to grab lunch here after hanging with the pups on SLU. Staff is so great! Very outgoing and friendly. We all decided to order different things to try. I ordered the ropa vieja plate, my sister got the guava glazed pork ribs, and my cousin ordered the west indie plate. Everything was delicious! Really loved the flavors and sides that accompany the plates. Outdoor seating area is great for the summer when it's hot but the day we went it was freezing cold and although there was a cover we sat closer to the wall and was still getting a bit of rain due to the wind. Anyways we would have stayed longer to eat but it was so cold and the dogs were getting all sandy. I'll have to come back when it's nicer out and try the sandwiches. read more

I run by this restaurant multiple times a week. It's been on my list for quite a while because of the massive art on the building. The two sides you see from green lake are covered in large murals of the beach and they give off a lot of Caribbean vibes. Finally went inside and OHMYGOSH! They have outdoor seating on SAND! It feels like you stepped onto an island! And a fireplace for when the sun sets and it starts getting a bit chillier. Inside there's a walk-up counter to order food and all the plates are about $9-12. They have a small bar with a few beers on tap and bottles or beer and wine. One recommendation, the grapefruit beer was so good! Very summery and perfect for sipping with my toes in the sand. Food was also delicious! The plates are a variety of different Caribbean meals, I went with the Desi (one of most popular) and my friend went with the Ropa Vieja (another popular one). Each came with a plantain which I have to say is the reason I wanted to come. A good fried plantain is just so hard to come by up here. Even finding them in the grocery store. Is difficult! Food was great. Rice and beans were seasoned well. And service was super fast. We ordered, put our numbers down at a table, went to get water, and they were already walking out with our plates. I didn't think there was great Caribbean in Seattle but I stand very very corrected. This is the coolest place and absolutely perfect as the days get longer and the temperatures get warmer. Now I know, I don't have to buy a plane ticket to enjoy a getaway ;) read more

My favorite sandwich in Seattle is made here. I also believe Bongo's is better than Paseo, but I'm a blasphemer.

Fantastic spot by green lake. They have primarily outdoor seating that has an awesome vibe: there's light Caribbean music playing, sand floors, and non packed seating that warrants a very relaxed vibe. I tried the West Indies sandwich and it blew me away. It had one of the best Jamaican jerk chicken I've had in it with just the right combinations of slaw/veggies which gave it that perfect sweet and spicy balance (many places weigh too heavy on the sweet side, hence this stood out). Great ambience, great food, and I can't find anything wrong to warn/comment about! read more

Bongos - Cuban Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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My new favorite spot! (Came here 3 times last week) I highly recommend the spicy shrimp and getting the veggie platter if you're sharing. Don't be deterred by the name "veggie" it contains lots of fried deliciousness that compliments any meat dish! read more

Bongos - Spicy shrimp plate - Cuban Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Wow, wow, wow! The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is my initial experience where we were turned away because we had more than 3 people ordering right before closing time. Thinking from a business perspective you'd think they'd happily take our orders and gain more profit. BUT nontheless, second experience was a happy and satisfied one. In case y'all want to order the spicy shrimp, you've been warned. It is SPICY AF. I have an impaired sense of taste and underestimated the description. Besides that, the desi sandwich was above and beyond flavorful. We were able to each try different sides - yucca fries, tostones, and maduros. OH MY, the dips were delectable too. Caribbean flavors have become a new favorite in our household. Something to be said is they have something for vegetarians too! Everything else is very pork forward. Many drinks are available - we stuck with the fun tropical colors of fanta - guava and pineapple. The theme is just so perfect for summer. A must-try in Greenlake! read more

If you haven't been here, go! Period. Full stop. The food is great. The atmosphere is chill (eat on a "beach" where your kids can play) and there's a good beer selection. There was a great steal drum band playing when we were enjoying our dinner. Bongos is chill and yummy. Go check it out. You'll be happy you did. read more

Bongos - Cuban Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Bongos is my favorite place to eat. From the plates, to the sandwiches, to the burger - it never disappoints. I'm also pretty sure they put crack in their gumbo. Enough said. read more

Amazing!!! My favorite thing from Bongos is their vegetarian platter, so tasty. I highly recommend the rice and beans, the beans are so tasty. Great vibes all around the restaurant too. I love the sandy beach aesthetic of the restaurant and has ample outdoor seating. read more

Tried their jerk chicken plate and burger! Their burger was tasty although i wish i ordered another plate or the curry instead! read more

Bongos - IG: @foodsbysachi Burger - Cuban Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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