Bongos?

[zima-cheryl]

DH & I are considering trying Bongos on our next trip.
What do folks think? I see it isn't on the Dining Plan, but is it worth trying even if we have to pay out of pocket?

Thanks!

 

[msujroot]

I've been curious about that place as well. Every time I think about going there I remember that Wolfgang's is next door, though.

Seriously, if anyone has been there, it would be great to hear a report. Thanks!

 

[rsbuxt]

Hi

We went there about 4 years ago & it wwas pretty average. The music was good, but the food was bland. My wife is Latin American & was not impressed.

Ric

 

[ScottJoseph]

Bongo's is, in a word, dreadful. It's an embarrassment, and the people involved in it, including Gloria Estefan, should be ashamed.
Because we're in Florida, so close to Cuba, we have many decent Cuban restaurants. I hate to think that so many people come here, try Bongos and leave thinking that's what Cuban food is all about.
We have a new restaurant in the area called Padrino's that is just wonderful, and I've just posted a full review of it on my Web site. If you get a chance, give it a try.

Scott
www.scottjosephorlando.com

 

[goNsoon2WDW]

We have been to Bongos a couple of times on our trips to Orlando. It is actually one of the places we make a point of visiting. The music and environment is very appealing to us and the service has been excellent, especially with regard to my kids. The servers have always been patient and attentive with prompt, pleasant service.

We have a couple of favorites that we order every time we go so I can not speak to the entire menu, but I really like the Cuban sandwich and my boys love the croquettas and tostones.

Previous posters have not enjoyed Bongos food indicating that it is a bit bland, but it is my understanding that Cuban food is not hot or intended to be spicy. It is not similiar to other types of food that one might thing would be similiar such as Mexican. The main dishes that come from Cuba are typically fairly simple meals with chicken, rice, and of course bananas.

If there are other Cuban restaurants in the Orlando area that are thought to be more authentic, I would be interested so we might visit it on our next trip.

 

[skellingtonfreak]

We like Bongos a lot. We order the standard fare, and their carnitas de puerco was pretty amazing to me. We eat Latin food often (as it is one of our faves), and we find Bongos fun and entertaining. As with any restaurant, it is subjective to what you think you will like. I would at least try it...

 

[AnnetteF]

The food was AWFUL! We are not picky eaters and this was one time where I could not even eat my food. I ordered some kind of shrimp dish in garlic sauce and it tasted and looked like they took cold shrimp cocktail and put the sauce over it and then threw it over rice. DH had mahi mahi and it was so dried out it was inedible. Even the salad was awful. One of those that are ice cold from the refrigerator with a bland, bottled type dressing on the side (and peas on top) .

We were staying at OKW and went back and went into Olivia's for something else to eat.

 

[RedOne3781]

I love Bongos. It's a must do for my family. Typically it is the only meal we pay OOP for each trip.
Their ropa veja is great. As are their sweet plantains.

It is a bit pricey, IMO, but to me it's worth it. The atmosphere is fun. The decor is lively.

 

[Tara922c]

I ate there a few years back, and remember it being very good. Although, I happen to love, love, love cuban food!! Maybe I should eat there too because we just don't have cuban food in Texas!!

 

[enchantingodin]

They have a walk up counter that I've gotten snacks at. (I used to live in Orlando in college and we'd often hit pleasure island.) The snack were always great - but it's been about 5 years, they may have gone down hill. So maybe go and try that instead.