I was attending a Miami Heat game and it was recommended I have dinner before the game at Bongos. Everyone stresses it is owned by the Estefans. I was surprised on a game night that the restaurant was nearly empty. At the door I was ushered to the bar and told a table would be ready shortly. "Shortly" translated into about 20 minutes... after I had ordered a drink I had not planned to have. Seriously, I sat at the bar for a good 10 minutes not ordering a drink and after I ordered, got and paid for the drink, a table was ready! This was definitely a tactic to sell drinks.

Only two other tables had diners at this point. A waiter appeared immediately. Other waiters were standing around looking bored. I ordered a typical Cuban meal of marinated beef, plantains, beans and rice. The food was good, though it seemed to be prepared ahead and then reheated. The waiter only reappeared once.

When I got the check, I was a little shocked that it came to $85 for only 2 entrees and 2 non-alcoholic drinks. Obviously, the only patrons that evening were the ones who didn't know better. This was another tourist trap with the "we'll never see them again" attitude. Sad. It has a great location and could be so much better.