A vibrant spot near Green Lake with outdoor seating serving up delicious Caribbean and Cuban dishes, it's the perfect hangout for families and food lovers alike.
"This Caribbean restaurant renovated their beach-like patio, and all the sand that once filled it is pretty much gone. We were upset at first, but honestly, we don’t miss the stuff. The new-and-improved island deck atmosphere actually makes Bongos feel even more like the party it is, with increased room for picnic tables, coconut-blasted piñas on the rocks, spicy shrimp plates, and cheese-stuffed yucca balls that might be one of the best fried snacks in town. After a summertime Green Lake lap, just try to resist a sunset sandwich among the upbeat music and abundance of cute dogs. You can’t." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley, gabe guarente
"People come to Bongos for two reasons. One is the Caribbean food is some of the most affordable in the whole city — there aren’t too many places where $15 gets you a whole bowl of marinated pork, rice and beans, and delightful little spicy peppers. The second reason is that though the restaurant is in the middle of Aurora, it feels like a beach. There’s no more literal sand, but the brightly colored tables and decor can trick you into thinking you’re no longer in Seattle." - Harry Cheadle
"Maybe you thought it would be fun to bring your dog to the coast, but you found out quickly that they like to howl at the waves. That’s not great for overall sandcastle productivity. Eating at Bongos, however, is a fantastic consolation prize, because it feels like an oceanfront patio beach party. Your dog gets all of the fun of a beach without any open water or washed-up jellyfish blobs. And you get to eat delicious Caribbean food like spicy shrimp, tostones, and pulled pork sandwiches." - aimee rizzo, gabe guarente
"You know that part of the lap around the lake when it starts to smell like pork and you can’t figure out where it’s coming from? We’re here to tell you that it’s wafting over from across the highway at Bongos. Make a mental note to return there after your lap, where a very fun patio deck awaits. The Caribbean food at this renovated gas station is delicious, by way of spicy shrimp plates with rice and beans, pork and aioli sandwiches that almost rival Un Bien’s. Add a coconut-blasted piñas and some cheese-stuffed yucca bites, and your afternoon’s set." - aimee rizzo
"If you'd like to feel like you're on an island, you could hop a ferry to the San Juans. Or just head to Bongos with your dog and some imagination. It's a colorful renovated gas station on Green Lake complete with a deck patio that's primed for a party. Walk, jog, or walk-jog a lap around the lake, and then have at the delicious Caribbean menu by way of excellent spicy red shrimp with Cuban rice and beans or a tangy roasted pork sandwich. Make sure the fried cheese-stuffed yucca bites hit the table." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley
