If you’re looking for a taste of Cuba State-side, look no further than Bongos Cuban Cafe at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World! You can’t miss this restaurant shaped like a giant pineapple, so grab a seat on the breezy patio or inside with the lively music, and sail away to Havana for a couple of hours!
Bongos is the creation of singer Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio. It serves table service lunch and dinner, acts as a nightclub, and even has a walk-up window where you can get a quick service Cuban fix!
Photo by Mom Maven
About Bongos
The food is authentically Cuban, but what really sends this restaurant over the top is how much it feels like you’re stepped onto a beach in Cuba. Stonework, stenciling, and colorful textiles all lend a very Miami beach feel, and it’s hard not to get swept away between the energetic music and delicious aromas wafting in the air.
With two levels of seating and options indoors and outdoors, this restaurant is huge! Relax in a lounge chair on the patio overlooking Lake Buena Vista, curl up in a cozy main dining space – either way you’ll feel transported to another space and time!
Location
You’ll find Bongos Cuban Cafe in the Westside at Disney Springs, towards the back near Wolfgang Puck Cafe and across from AMC Theaters. If you’re using Walt Disney World transportation, hop off at the Westside bus stop, pass the Planet Hollywood, and take a left – you can’t miss it, trust me.
Dad’s Disney Springs page
History
When Gloria and Emilio Estefan set out to create Bongos, they were searching to blend Cuban food with the culture of 1950’s Havana and the glamour of Miami’s South Beach. Working with renowned architect Bernardo Fort Brescia and designer Luciano Franchi, their dream came to life with authentic adobe, conga drum bar stools, incredible murals, and – of course, a flavorful menu of Cuban specialties! You can also visit Bongos Cuban Café at their 4 other locations in Florida.
Menu
Lunch (11am-4pm)
Pressed Sandwiches are available at lunch in addition to the full dinner menu, served with fries they cost $8-12.
Dinner
Soups and Salads
Various Soups ($6)
Salads – Bongos, Avocado, Currasco, Ceasar, Tomato, or Fruit ($7-17)
Appetizers
Pork Tamale, Stuffed Yuca Cups, Fried Plantains, Ham Croquettes, Fried Pork ($7-10)
Ceviche, Calamari($12-20)
Entrees
Roast Pork, Skirt Steak, Shredded Beef/Chicken, Grilled Chicken Breast, Fried Pork/Beef/Chicken Bites ($30-14)
Cuban Paella (market price)
Vegetarian Platter ($14)
Cuban style Fried Rice ($14-17)
Seafood Skillet, Seafood Medley, Sauteed Shrimp, Grilled Fish, Fried Fish ($16-40)
Sides ($4-7)
Black Beans, Fried Plantains, Rice, Fries, Cassava, Plantain Chips, Mixed Vegetables
Kids ($6-7)
Steak, Hamburger, Chicken Nuggets, Grilled Chicken, Pizza
Desserts ($3-12)
Mini Desserts, Churros Platter
Walk-Up Window
Pressed Sandwiches with Fries ($9-12)
Salads and Soup ($6-$8.50)
Pork Bites, Ham Croquettes, Fried Stuffed Potatoes, beef and chicken turnovers ($1.75-8.50)
Shredded Beef, Roasted Chicken, Chicken and Rice ($14-17)
Kids mini Cuban or Steak Sandwiches, Pizza ($5-8)
Drinks
Bottled Soda, Coffee, Café con Leche, Water, Milk, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Juice $2.50-3.75)
Smoothies ($4.50-7.50)
Reservations
Reservations are recommended at Bongos Cuban Cafe, but as with many Disney Springs Locations, it may be possible to get a table if you simply walk up. Find out how to make an Advanced Dining Reservation up to 180 days in advance at Dad’s Walt Disney World Advanced Dining Reservations Page.
Check out the other Disney Springs Restaurants
Disney Dining Plan
Bongos Cuban Cafe does accept Disney Dining Plan Table Service credits – the menu is quite large and can be unusual for those not familiar with Cuban food, so it’s a great place to experiment with Dining Credits instead of paying out of pocket.
Dad’s Bottom Line
This place is just a bunch of fun and it’s an interesting place to grab a bite especially when the music gets fired up. Join in with your friends and play along on the bongo chairs.
