Laid-back joint with outdoor seating offering Caribbean & Cuban plates & sandwiches.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 6501 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 420-8548
Website: http://bongosseattle.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
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Bongos Cafe
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Reviews
– Everything we ordered was so good. Love how many choices they have – from plates to sandwiches, sides, drinks, desserts, etc.
– Portions were generous and prices reasonable
– Service was very quick and friendly
– Seating was plentiful inside and outside
– Cleanliness was awesome
– Love that they have house made hot sauces to add even more kick to your food
Don’t miss out on this place! I can’t wait to try even more food here.
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!
We ordered the Bucco Plate and the West Indies Plate, and wow… both were absolutely delicious and full of flavor. The grilled chicken was cooked perfectly — juicy, tender, and not overdone (which is rare and so appreciated). The sides were not afterthoughts either. The black beans, white rice, slaw, and maduros were all flavorful and held their own. Nothing felt like filler; every bite felt intentional.
And then… the banana cheesecake. We shared a slice topped with rich butterscotch sauce, and it was the perfect sweet finish. Creamy, decadent, and worth saving room for.
We’re already looking forward to our next visit. What a gem! ✨
My only issue was that while sitting on the outdoor portion, I saw not one but three mice running around. It definitely took away from an otherwise great experience.
The food was amazingly delicious; however, what they said wasn’t spicy (and so we ordered it for our 6 year old) was too hot for her to eat.
My food too was supposedly “not spicy,” but my nose was running and my eyes were watering.
Super yummy, but spicy.
I recommend the west indies plate and the coconut cake. So fire. The shrimp plate is a good one too!!
Good value considering just half the sandwich is more than enough.
The food is really good. But it’s the value that will keep me coming back. The Desi Plate, for example, which as of January 2026 is $14, is enough for 2-3 meals, in my opinion. Or an extremely hungry person, I guess, but there’s no way I could finish that bowl, which must weigh a pound, in one go. My husband’s comment on this dish was: “I keep scooping down, expecting rice, and instead it’s just MORE pork!” The pork was juicy and tender, and we really liked the accompaniments, especially the mango slaw and pickled peppers. We also enjoyed the tostones and the Trini po’boy.
The place is also huge and would be great for a larger group dinner, which is rare in this part of town. The new fully enclosed and heated patio is very nice.
I also was intrigued by the extensive pastry case here, and can’t wait to come back soon to try some. They have so many great Caribbean sweets in addition to American dessert staples, both of which I look forward to trying.