Bongo's Cuban Cafe

Frommer's Review

Singer Gloria Estefan and her husband, Emilio, created this restaurant with high expectations. Its exterior, with a giant pineapple standing tall against the Downtown Disney skyline, is hard to miss. The interior is Art Deco with a Havana flavor and includes colorful tile mosaics and hand-painted wall murals of Cuba in its heyday. A Desi Arnaz impersonator gets things going every night as the restaurant fills with loud Latin music. Alas, while visually appealing, the food isn't great, though the prices say it ought to be. The churrasco (a thin, tenderized steak) can't match what you find in Rolando's. The ropa vieja (shredded beef) is tasty but dry, and the arroz con pollo (chicken with yellow rice) would be a highlight if the portion matched the price. The best bet: The Cuban sandwich -- thinly toasted bread with ham, pork, and cheese -- is safe and sanely priced. For a more relaxing experience, grab a drink at the bar (just know that the bongo-shaped barstools can be difficult to manage after more than a few drinks) or sit a spell out on the patio lounge upstairs.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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