A new Bongos Cuban Café was recently added to the growing restaurant portfolio of Miami power couple Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Their newest venture is in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. At 12,000 square feet, the new location is smaller than its 16,000-square-foot downtown Miami counterpart, but represents a different take on decor for the franchise, which has traditionally been defined by things like bright colors and giant pineapples—imagery traditionally associated with Latinos.
In an effort to “show how far the culture has come since the first Bongos opened [in 1997 in Orlando’s Downtown Disney area],” Emilio Estefan said the theme for the new Bongos Cuban Café is more Las Vegas than Old Havana, which makes sense considering the restaurant is on casino grounds—a first for the brand. (The Estefans are exploring the possibility of opening yet another Bongos, in Las Vegas.)
The decor at the Cuban restaurant consists of modern, design-conscious furniture and a mostly white and silver palette, broken up by dark mahogany panels. A three-tiered crystal chandelier hangs above a long dining table in the center of the 7,000 square-foot dining area, which is connected to a patio and mezzanine and can seat 280. Also within the main dining room, a 20-foot window allows guests to see into a vertical flame rotisserie.
As with the other Bongos locations, live entertainment—DJs alternate with Latin bands, depending on the night—is one of the components of the dining experience. A stage sits over the bar in the main dining room area, offering unobstructed views from any seat in the restaurant.
Twin glass elevators take guests to the rooftop, a 5,000 square-foot area with cabanas and lounge seating, which can hold 250. A separate V.I.P. section on the rooftop seats 40.
Though there are no private rooms (the layout is open), certain areas have the capability of being sectioned off for private events. Buyouts are available.
