Order Bongos Takeout or Delivery
Bongos Photos
Business Info
Bongos Popular Dishes
BONGOS ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like Bongos
Recommended Reviews - Bongos
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
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!
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!!!
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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I miss the sand though.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]
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!
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.
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!
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.
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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bongos, situated inside a renovated gas station, has tons of seating both inside and in the heated gas pump area.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]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.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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.
Review Insights
There's limited parking here, but the atmosphere here is nice. The decor is fun as well. When you arrive, you order first then find a table to sit at. We ordered a desi plate which is citrus-braised pork, caramelized onions & pickled peppers. Each plate comes with rice, black beans, mango slaw, and a maduro. Also got the 1 am sandwich which is braised pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickled cucumber, cilantro and mustard aioli. Both were good, but my favorite was the plate. Lots of different flavors going on. The maduro was good, I will order a side of them next time. read more
This place is awesome! It was a great casual place for lunch or dinner that is comfortable with kids. The semi-outdoor seating (though pretty well closed off from the elements) is great for families. Food and cocktails were great! Nice generous portions packed with flavor. Their Bongo old fashion was great. We tried the loco moco, steak and a pork dish. Would order them all again, but also want to try the rest of the menu! Yucca fries are a must for me. I loved all their dipping sauce and salsas including the mango habanero and green sauce. The plantains were yummy too. GET THE DESSERT! mango passion fruit bars, praline cheesecake, guava bar, coconut cake and buttermilk pie. All chefs kiss read more
3 months ago
Business owner information
Eleazar P.
Hi Tian,…
1 year ago
Great food and laid back atmosphere. Dog friendly restaurant. It's counter service and not a full service restaurant. read more
4 months ago
Ambiance was 10/10. Loved the relaxed seating and colorful decor. Service was standard and quick. Wouldn't get a cocktail next time though, as drink was mainly ice and not much alcohol. The Caribbean Guava was still tasty, just wouldn't get again. Beer is the better option and they have it available by pint and pitcher as well. My man ordered the Desi sandwich which was messy but sooooo delicious...I had a few bites lol. He finished his food quickly as it was very enjoyable! I ordered Chef Dan's Caribbean Loco Moco which was good but I didn't really enjoy the hamburger part as the meat was kind of tough. Rice and beans were yummyyyy. We would return as we were very fond of the ambiance and food! Next time I will try the shrimp Po'Boy sandwich or the Trinidad steak plate! read more
2 years ago
Give me a mojito, patio, and Caribbean food, and I'll always be happy! I've been driving past this place for years, and finally got to try it! Busy, laid back atmosphere, but it was really pleasant on a beautiful Seattle day! My husband and I ordered the Desi sandwich, the Rooa Vieja plate, a side order of yuca fries, and drinks. The food did not disappoint! I also got sides of a sweet, hot sauce and a green style salsa. Having a dip of each on the yuca fry was chef's kiss! I also really liked the mojito, as it wasn't too sweet. For the food we paid about $40, and for the drinks another $18. We will totally be back! read more
2 years ago
We came on a rainy Sunday and the indoor seating was full - Highly recommend coming on a sunny day, but outdoor seating is still mostly covered so most of the seats are dry (just a little chilly). There's also a lot of parking spots available! We got the Ropa Vieja and the West Indies Plates, which were both AMAZING. The brisket from the ropa vieja was super tender and soft! My boyfriend loved the West Indies. It's giving elevated Chipotle. The combination of the slaw, beans, and rice were to die for, highly recommend getting a plate. The service is very friendly - especially the bartender. The drinks looked really good so I will definitely be back when it's sunnier! read more
11 months ago
2 years ago
A Caribbean restaurant nestled on the outside of Green Lake and Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. This place can be easily accessed by bus, car, or walking if you are nearby. There is limited parking though. My friends and I came in on Sunday afternoon in between lunch and dinner time, so there wasn't a line at all. This is the type of restaurant where you order your food with the cashier before you sit down. The seating arrangements are what you would find at a beachfront, picnic tables and small round tables. Once we ordered our food, grab water and fountain drinks, and sat down, I was shocked how quickly my order was ready. The buzzer they gave me started to buzz, but it stopped before I got to the pick-up counter. Then, it buzzed again, and the food was really ready in less than 10 minutes of ordering. I ordered The Desi Plate (citrus-braised pork, caramelized onions, and pickled peppers), Yuca Fries, and Jamaican Chicken Curry Bowl (golden curry with chicken, potatoes, and spinach) for myself and sister to share. All the plate entrees are served with a side of rice, black beans, mango slaw, and one maduro (sweet plantain). The Yuca Fries are pretty big. They are cut like large potato wedges, so you get maybe like 6-10 fries in a serving. I didn't count before we started eating. read more
11 months ago
11 months ago
I am regretting so much that we only ordered desserts but they have such a great selection and it was all delicious. I am positive all their other food options are also amazing. read more
2 years ago
It's always neat seeing Carribean food here in Seattle, and Bongos for sure does it right! I've been to Bongos a couple of times and can confidently say that Bongos is fantastic! It's always a drive to make it to the Green Lake area, but when I do, I usually try to hit up Bongos. I've only been here on the weekends where I usually have time to make the journey. Parking for the restaurant can be a bit narrow as majority of the spots are sort on a arrowhead shaped lot with roads on both sides. Spots tend to fill up quickly around meal times, but also free up just as quick afterwards. There also parking in the nearby neighborhood too if there aren't any spots at the restaurant itself. Service is fast - there is a line that you queue up on and order at the cash register. They hand you a buzzer that notifies you when your food is ready, and then you pick it up at the counter next to the register. We usually get our food around 10 minutes after ordering. The ambiance is tropical, with Caribbean decor and music. I even remember when they had a sandpit to simulate a beach in their outdoor portion! I've ordered a couple of things from Bongos to review down below: Shrimp Po Boy ($15): While most other restaurants only give a couple pieces of shrimp, Bongos doesn't skimp! You will get a generous helping of shrimp with your sandwich with a delicious aioli and slaw. The shrimp isn't fried, which I personally like better as fried shrimp po boys usually feel heavier than needed. The bread is toasted and provides a nice crunch to the soft and meaty shrimp. West Indies Chicken Plate ($14): While the sandwiches are good, if you are really looking to fill up on food, I would recommend a plate. They give you rice, beans, plantains, slaw, and your protein of choice per plate! The chicken is tender and flavored well and has a good smoky tangy flavor. Bread Pudding ($7): Wow, this is a very hefty dessert! Absolutely loaded with shredded coconut and cinnamon flavored milk! This brick of a bread pudding will mostly likely last you a meal or two or several - likely best shared with others if don't want to consume the whole thing yourself. In the end, I think that Bongos is one of few gems in Seattle that serves delicious food at a respectable price. Dining in Seattle at majority of restaurants can run you greater than $20 just to get to a comfortable amount of fullness, but at Bongos you can easily achieve that with $13 - $17, and the food tastes delicious! There are still many items on the menu that I haven't tried yet, and would like to revisit whenever I'm at Green Lake! read more
The neighborhood moderately priced restaurant with Caribbean food. Maybe I ordered the wrong item, but the fried chicken sandwich was the messiest item on the menu. The coleslaw was dripping on top of these chicken nuggets that was smothered in a sweet bbq sauce..and the roll was burnt to a crisp 3/5 for flavor but very messy. Service and ambiance was good. read more
Cute restaurant with lots of covered outdoor seating! Ordered online and went to pick up our order, service was friendly except one guy was just staring and not saying anything so someone else had to come help me. Ordered the shrimp po boy which was a 10/10!! It is pretty messy because of how saucy it is but I do love my sauce. Boyfriend got the Bart which he loved 10/10. Meat was juicy and flavorful. He would get again. Then we got a bucco plate to share and that was a good 8/10. The plates we usually like to just share but I would never order one as my meal as it's not as satisfying as the sandwiches here. read more
6 months ago
I AM SUCH A BIG FAN OF BONGOS! Their food is absolutely delicious and I love how friendly the staff is! The decor at this restaurant is tropical so even in the middle of the winter, you feel warmed up by their yummy meals which are large portions and affordable and their warm and friendly ambiance! There is a lot of seating and parking available. Additionally the food comes out quickly and fresh each time I've been here! read more
11 months 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
2 months ago
Business owner information
Eleazar P.
Thank you!!!…
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
Bongos is a must have place if visiting the greenlake area. They have a super cozy outdoor seating area complete with its own sand pit LOL. The place only offers counter service, so you get your food, find your own table, then pick up your food when your pager goes off. I ordered the loco moco which was super delicious. The burger patty was flavorful, not the most tender, but that's okay since it's drenched in sauce. The slaw gives some much needed freshness since the rest of the dish is pretty heavy. The portions are also huge, I ended up only eating half. Overall, would definitely recommend this place. The vibes are super cute, it's perfect for taking togo to have a little picnic around greenlake or just chilling in their spacious seating area. read more
6 months ago
One of the few places in "North" Seattle where you can get "exotic" food (for a city that's heavily saturated with Asian/American food. So def a place to take friends to try out! Mostly everything is spicy cuz of the seasoning (I'm a 1-star at Thai food kinda girl). But the depth of flavor cannot be missed out on! In the summer they got this awesome outdoor seating/sandpit "beach in the city" vibe. Guys here are always nice and welcoming. 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
11 months 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
Went here on the recommendation of a friend and it didn't disappoint. Place was clean and roomy, staff were friendly and food was good. Decent portions for the price. We subbed the rice for more coleslaw. Definitely coming back to try more dishes. read more
7 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
7 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
1 year ago
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
7 months ago
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
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
8 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
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… Read more
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!!!… Read more
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… Read more
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… Read more
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
89 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
9 years ago
2 years ago
6 years ago
5 years ago
13 years ago
1 year ago
8 years ago
4 years ago
2 years ago
10 years ago
4 years ago
13 years ago
Bongos - cuban - Updated July 2026
Best of Seattle
People found Bongos by searching for…
Trending Searches in Seattle, WA
All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet near Bongos
Black Owned Restaurants near Bongos
Chicken Caesar Salad near Bongos
Chicken Cutlet Sandwich near Bongos
Chopped Cheese Sandwich near Bongos
Cute Lunch Restaurants near Bongos
Egg Salad Sandwich near Bongos
Fresh Bread Bakery near Bongos
Gluten Free Sandwich near Bongos
Lobster Roll Sandwich near Bongos
Panamanian Restaurants near Bongos
Pulled Pork Sandwich near Bongos
Restaurants With Tvs near Bongos
Spanish Restaurant near Bongos
Sports Bar With Tv near Bongos
Browse Nearby
BEST of Seattle, Washington Restaurants near Bongos
BEST of Seattle, Washington Coffee near Bongos
BEST of Seattle, Washington Desserts near Bongos
BEST of Seattle, Washington Things to Do near Bongos
BEST of Seattle, Washington Cocktail Bars near Bongos
BEST of Seattle, Washington Parking near Bongos
BEST of Seattle, Washington Puerto Rican Food near Bongos
BEST of Seattle, Washington Latin Food near Bongos
Browse Brands
Related Searches in Seattle, WA
Authentic Cuban Cuisine in Seattle, Washington
Authentic Salvadoran Cuisine in Seattle, Washington
Best Appetizers to Enjoy Around Seattle, Washington
Best Bagels Available in Seattle, Washington
Best Cuban Breakfast Spots in Seattle, Washington
Best Dim Sum Places to Try in Seattle, Washington
Best Oxtail Recipes and Restaurants in Seattle, Washington
Best Places for Brunch in Seattle, Washington
Best Places for Oxtail Stew in Seattle, Washington
Best Smoothie Spots and Cafes in Seattle, Washington
Best Soul Food Dishes in Seattle, Washington
Best Spots for Latin Brunch in Seattle, Washington
Caribbean Catering for Events in Seattle, Washington
Classic Mojito Cocktails Near Seattle, Washington
Crispy French Fries Favorites in Seattle, Washington
Delicious Pernil Dishes Served in Seattle, Washington
Delicious Seafood Paella in Seattle, Washington
Delicious Soup Spots to Try in Seattle, Washington
Delicious West Indian Food in Seattle, Washington
Delicious Wraps Available in Seattle, Washington
Discover Authentic Filipino Food in Seattle, Washington
Discover Authentic French Restaurants in Seattle, Washington
Discover Authentic Italian Food in Seattle, Washington
Discover Coffee & Tea Options in Seattle, Washington
Discover Cuban Pastries Favorites in Seattle, Washington
Discover Latin American Businesses in Seattle, Washington
Discover Top Fast Casual Spots in Seattle, Washington
Discover the Best Matcha Drinks in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy Authentic Latin Breakfast Dishes in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy Authentic Oxtail Soup Near Seattle, Washington
Enjoy Authentic Paella Dishes in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy Breakfast & Brunch Favorites in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy Caribbean Restaurant Dining in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy Classic Hamburger Options in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy Delicious Curry Chicken Dishes in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy Delicious Hot Dogs in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy Delicious Sancocho Dishes in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy Delicious Tapas Near Seattle, Washington
Enjoy Delicious Vaca Frita Dishes in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy Patio Dining Options in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy Rice and Beans Meals Near Seattle, Washington
Enjoy Tasty Sweet Plantains Dishes in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy Traditional Cortadito Coffee in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy a Cheap Dinner Option in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy a Spanish Restaurant Experience in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy the Best Cocktails in Seattle, Washington
Experience Puerto Rican Cuisine in Seattle, Washington
Explore BBQ Restaurants Near Seattle, Washington
Browse Articles
People who viewed Bongos also viewed
Un Bien
268 reviews
Sunset Hill, Ballard
$$
Lenox
112 reviews
Belltown
Pink Salt Restaurant
193 reviews
Magnolia
$$$
Pam's Caribbean Kitchen
597 reviews
Wallingford
$$
Paseo
599 reviews
Industrial District
$$
Ray's Café
640 reviews
Sunset Hill, Ballard
$$$
Restaurant Christine
114 reviews
Wallingford
San Fermo
676 reviews
Ballard
$$$
Sunrise Restaurant
130 reviews
Greenwood, Phinney Ridge
$$
Noi Thai Cuisine
397 reviews
Greenlake
$$$