Bongo's Cuban Cafe
Orlando, FL 32809-6218
Phone: (407) 816-7450
- Price:
- $$
- Hours:
- Daily 11am-2am
Editorial Review for Bongo's Cuban Cafe – by Citysearch Staff
In Short
Leopard-spotted chairs and a mosaic bar with stools shaped like bongo drums add a funky air and a touch of Estefan's hometown, Miami's South Beach. The upstairs patio is excellent for people-watching. Thick black-bean soup kissed with onion is the appetizer of choice. There are many authentic Cuban entrees, but thin Cuban steak with grilled onions and saffron rice cooked in a paella pan with seafood and fresh vegetables outshines the rest. Don't miss the thick, dark Cuban coffee.
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Insider Tips
Where to SitWith a performing Desi Arnaz look-alike and a packed crowd, the sound level at tables in the center can be quite high. Sit in booths near the back bar for less noise.
When to GoBongos is often crowded and reservations are accepted only for parties of seven or more. Be prepared for a substantial wait during the summer months.
User Reviews for Bongo's Cuban Cafe
04/20/2008 Posted by ChadandRachel
It was my last night on vacation and was tired of park food. My friend Rachel and I thought we would celebrate by splurging a little. We invited another friend of ours from the area to join us. The three of us were seated quickly but remained at our table for some time without any acknowledgement. We ordered drinks and the server left only to return 10 minutes later with no drinks. We gave our order and asked for our drinks. Twenty-two minutes later still had no drinks or bread. I got up and talked to the manager. He said he would take of us. The drinks arrived 15 minutes later and wrong. We sent one back and it was returned again wrong. The foor was mild at best. Our bread arrived after our plates were removed. Our server came to the table all of twice, drinks and food was delivered by many different people. The bill arrived at full price. Speaking to the manager he offered no explanation or discount. Save yourself some aggrevation and skip this place all together.
Pros: live music
Cons: everything else
04/17/2006 Posted by jojosgirl
My boyfriend and I have passed Bongos before and admired the resturant and thought it would be a great place to eat. appearances can be decieving though.... Well I was so excited to eat there finally and get some "authentic" cuban food well it was yucky! we ordered cuban fried chicken that came dry, plain and with a side of white rice and a few peas scattered on the plate...the rolls were cheap and the flan was not very good either. what really freaked me out was no more than 2 minutes after ordering our food was already brought to us making me wonder if it had just been sitting out... I do not recomend Bongos to anyone it is too expensive for what we got! for 2 people eating plain rice a thin slab of unseasoned fried chicken and a few peas we ended up paying over 70 dollars!
Cons: bad food, too expensive
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