Bongo's Cuban Cafe?

[Castillo Mom]

I've seen mixed reviews about Bongo's Cuban Cafe. How authentic is the food? My husband is Cuban and I'm Puerto Rican and I don't know if it would be a disappointment. I'd like to hear your opinions before I make my PS.

 

[LizL]

I don't know whether or not the food is authentic, but we did not have a good experience there. Service was slow and not good overall. The food lacked any real flavor. I was not expecting things to be spicy, but I did think that the food would have flavor.
I think you'll find that you get a variety of responses - some people love restaurants that we had a horrible time at, and we had a great meal at places that have gotten horrible reviews.

 

[Castillo Mom]

Hmmm. Cuban food is not spicy hot, but normally does have a lot of flavor. I may not make PSs there after all. I've just heard the atmosphere there is nice. Maybe we'll just stop in for drinks.

 

[UncleKyle]

I went there a few times when I was a CM. Never liked the service but love the atmosphere. I agree the food had no flavor. My friend that went with me was Cuban and she thought it was ok. But hey, to each his own

 

[eeyore65]

Hmmm - I live in South Florida and I think the food is very authentic cuban. I love masa de puerco and they make it very good here. I also enjoy the mojitos and plantains and black beans and rice. I think some may expect it to be spicy or more mexican - but that is not authentic cuban - it is garlicky depending on what you order. The flan is also delicious.

We usually go at lunch or early evening and I have not had the service problems others describe.

 

[NotUrsula]

All in all, I prefer Columbia over in Celebration. Much less expensive, and IME, the service is impeccable. Makes for a nice quiet break.

 

[ghidorah97]

I too have seen mixed reviews here -- some people love Bongos. Our last experience there, however, was awful. The service was not good at all and I found the food to be rather bland.

I for one would not recommend it.

 

[ducklite]

We had a great meal there this past February. It wasn't the best Cuban I've ever had, but it was tasty. We found the service to be fine--friendly and efficient.

Anne

 

[beachbunny]

I've been there once and will never return. I really think this is the worst restaurant on property. The food was bland (I had some sort of steak - it was cut thin and pan fried - almost no flavor; the plantains were just o.k. - I've had better); service was slow and our server surly; and the place was very loud (they had live music and you couldn't hold a conversation). Visually, the restaurant is quite nice. Just not worth the price of admission.

 

[AspiringCindy]

We have never had a service problem at Bongos and always enjoy the food. As far as the food being authentic, it is authentic but with a commercial flair. I am half Puerto Rican and can cook Cuban/Puerto Rican food myself and have eaten authentic in Puerto Rico, but none-the-less, the food is good. Very garlicey-just the wayI like it!

 

[Castillo Mom]

I suppose they make the food more commercial due to many folks not being used to eating food that is highly seasoned and garlicy. Some lechon sure sounds good right now!

 

[Rhonda]

The service at Bongos is horrible! I can't even tell you if our food was good, because all we could think about was what terrible service we were getting, and we couldn't wait to get out of there! From the host, to the waiter, even the people who cleared our table - they were all downright rude to us! We will not go back.

 

[Tiggery]

I agree that the service was horrible ,the food seemed bland and salty, I wont be going back. Strangly tho I really enjoy the food from there window Go figure.

 

[PieInYourEye]

But the after hours dancing there is great fun!

 

[DISNEYBIGGDOGG]

The service was horrible and the food was not much better. The waiter was not very friendly and there were some items on the menu that they did not have. I will be going back in a couple of weeks with a manager of the local Bongo's, hopefully things will be better.

 

[sgtdisney]

My wife is Cuban and I have taken her and the inlaws there before. They weren't overly impressed. It may have more to do with the fact that they cook all that at home and it doesn't cost 18.00 a plate. You know how that goes..

I will say, that the Cuban food I have had in South Florida is better. It seems that they have slightly Americanized the food at Bongos lately. It was fairly authentic and much more reasonable when it first opened. I would go back personally. I enjoy the tostones and the Cuban Sandwich at lunch. I doubt I will get my wife back there for a while..