Bongos Cafe occupies a triangular lot on Aurora Avenue just off Green Lake, built inside a former 76 gas station. The old pump island has been converted into a sandpit with patio furniture, giving the place a beachy, playful setting that holds up even on gray days.
The menu sticks to Caribbean staples: jerk chicken served as a West Indies plate, a spicy shrimp plate, and stuffed sandwiches including the pork, onion, and jalapeño-loaded "Sammy" and the Desi Sandwich. Portions run generous and the vibe stays casual.
It's become a neighborhood fixture near Green Lake, drawing crowds on nice-weather days, and was named to Seattle Met's Best 2025 list.
The menu sticks to Caribbean staples: jerk chicken served as a West Indies plate, a spicy shrimp plate, and stuffed sandwiches including the pork, onion, and jalapeño-loaded "Sammy" and the Desi Sandwich. Portions run generous and the vibe stays casual.
It's become a neighborhood fixture near Green Lake, drawing crowds on nice-weather days, and was named to Seattle Met's Best 2025 list.