Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Seattle Restaurant: Bongos

What: Bongos
Where: 6501 Aurora Ave N, Seattle
When: Sun-Thurs 11am-9am, Fri & Sat 11am-10pm
Honeys Heart: Trinidad Steak Plate

When I drive back to Portland from Whidbey (where I grew up) I try to stop in Seattle and see Jen and Michael. Due to the dogs that typically involves a walk around Green Lake, but with Jen and Michael's recent move and projects (aka lack of working stove) Jen did some research for restaurants that welcome doggies so we could grab dinner instead.


We settled on Bongos, a Cuban cafe with ample outdoor seating- perfect for the dogs and the warm summer evening! After an older woman talked to us about her love of dachshunds for 10 minutes because she "has dachshunds, one that is 17 and one that is fat..." we explored the chalkboard menu comprised of sandwiches, plates, and beer, finally deciding to share two plates.

We went for the Spicy Shrimp ($10.99) with chili sauce shrimp, long gran white rice, Cuban black beans, mango agave slaw, and a maduro and the Trinidad Steak Plate ($10.99) with Caribbean marinated hanger steak served with Cuban black beans, long grain white rice, mango agave slaw, caramelized onions, and a maduro.


So much food! We could have easily shared one, but it was more fun to try both and Michael got leftovers (he didn't join- too busy reflooring the house). The shrimp was very spicy and the steak was perfectly cooked. Both are dishes I would order again, though we agreed it would be fun to try one of the sandwiches next time. 


The patio ended up being great for the dogs- who only cried every time Jen or I walked away- and the food was flavorful and filling. I would definitely return on another trip south!