Share(407) 816-7450
2426 Viscount Row
Orlando,
FL
32809
28.3675
-81.5195
Neighborhood: Lake Buena Vista
What People Are Saying About Bongo's Cuban Cafe
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
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.
04/06/09
Bongo's Looks Great But Food Disappoints
by PaulM at Citysearch
My wife and I had a couple of days in the Orlando area, and have eaten at a Latin/Cuban restaurant in our Midwest hometown, so were attracted to try "authentic" upscale Cuban food. In the middle of the afternoon, service was a bit slow. The stuffed potato appetizer was very good, but unfortunately was the highlight of the meal. It seemed as though the chef substituted saltiness for the real flavor we expected. I had a creole dish, which was OK but nothing memorable. We had two kinds of rice, white and a rice with black beans, both were primarily salt-flavored. For dessert we tried the chocolate tres leches, which again was OK but not as good as we've had at a quality Latin/Cuban restaurant in the middle of Kansas. All in all, Bongo's was overpriced for what at best was mediocre food. We were looking for a memorable dinner, and went away modestly disappointed.
- Pros: Attractive setting
- Cons: Food Mediocre to Average, Service Slow
09/18/08
Bongo Bongo Your way somewhere else
by bongobongo at Citysearch
I went to Bongo's on the last of my vacation with my pregnant wife, who was craving some cuban food. Since we were at Downtown Disney we figured we would try it. We ordered a cuban sandwich and a steak sandwich and they were both dry and taste less, even the fries were soggy. The server didn't bring us bread until we saw some other table receive bread, so we asked for some. We also asked the waitress to split the tab in two and she didn't even get that right. The only thing that was good was an appetizer that was a potato stuffed with meat. It was pretty expensive for tasteless food. My wife which is pregnant and will almost eat anything did not like it at all, and I only ate it because I was starving. I felt like I needed to put ketchup on everything. The food was dry.
- Pros: Nice Location
- Cons: Horrible food
04/20/08
Horrible All The Way Around
by ChadandRachel at Citysearch
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
The Details on Bongo's Cuban Cafe
Where to Sit:
With 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 Go:
Bongos is often crowded and reservations are accepted only for parties of seven or more. Be prepared for a substantial wait during the summer months.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Family-Friendly Dining, Celeb Hangout, Outdoor Dining, People Watching, Family Style Dining, Group Dining, Live Music, Happy Hour
General Info:
Open 7 Days
