Bongos Cuban Cafe



Bongos, a large vibrant restaurant in downtown Miami is located steps from Bayside Marketplace at the American Airlines Arena. Owned by Cuban-American singer, Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio, they serve authentic Cuban cuisine.

There’s always a party going on in this exciting, colorful restaurant/lounge. Bongos is decorated with a tropical flair and has multiple areas to dine, lounge and even dance. It’s a restaurant by day and dance club at night.

Although I love Cuban cuisine, nice, upscale Cuban restaurants are not common. Bongos breaks that mold. The restaurant is tastefully decorated and energetic. The large terrace outside is inviting and fantastic with views of the city and Biscayne Bay.

This place is huge with over 16,000 sq. ft. to enjoy. They can accommodate large groups, and host many international and special events.

The food’s good too! But a word of warning, avoid going on a day when there is an event at the American Airlines Arena, such as a Miami Heat basketball game (unless you are attending the event). They offer a special, extremely limited, overpriced menu on these days. They seem to have these “specials” prepared ahead of time so they can rush them out quickly. They also offer a buffet with more choices for $25.00 per person. 

We opted for meals from the menu. We ordered an appetizer of tostones rellenos (plantains stuffed with ground beef or shrimp) for our entrees we shared chicharrones de pollo (fried chicken) with rice and beans and maduros. I thought the chicharrones were delicious. My daughter had a different opinion. She is a very finicky eater and was not amused by the mojito they used to season it. For non-finicky eaters, it’s a wonderful choice.

                                                                                                                  

Try this fabulous restaurant/club you will love it!!!

http://www.bongoscubancafe.com/




 
Come back and comment on your experience…

The Spark of All Cuban Restaurants...Chispa!

Chispa (means spark in English) is an excellent Cuban restaurant in the heart of Coral Gables in the luxurious open-air mall called Merrick Park (4100 Ponce De Leon Blvd).  Chispa also refers to anyone that has that something something setting them apart from the rest of the crowd.  This is what the owners of Chispa make you feel as soon as you walk through the large double doors.

Inside you will find an elegantly decorated restaurant in dark wood tones and sleek cushioned booths and long benches.  There is even a table in a glass enclosed room with panoramic views of the kitchen.  The open bar in the front leads up to two private party areas.  The tall open ceilings give it a "cathedral" feel where the conversations carry and the music is heard in the background.  This is not a great place for kids unless you do lunch where there is less of a crowd.

They plan on opening a location in Doral right off of the Florida Turnpike.  Enjoy!