Bongos Bar & Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Florence

I had a really disappointing experience here. My friend and I both called in separate to-go orders. She ordered a kids chicken nachos with beans and a small cheese dip, and I ordered two sides of beans and rice plus a large cheese dip. When we went to pick up our food, the man at the counter gave us the wrong orders. Luckily, we knew each other and figured it out after leaving.

When I got home, I realized I only received one side of rice and beans even though my receipt clearly showed I paid for two. I went back to the restaurant, and instead of simply giving me the item I paid for, the same man told me I couldn’t have my rice and beans unless my friend returned her beans that came with her kids’ meal. He said he would “get in trouble” for giving me the food I paid for, which makes no sense. Having worked in restaurants myself, I know a simple side of beans could have easily been fixed or comped without issue.

To make matters worse, as I walked out to go get the beans, the staff started laughing at me. Only after I returned my friend’s beans did they finally give me what I originally ordered and paid for.

This was extremely unprofessional, embarrassing, and left a really bad impression. A customer should never be laughed at or made to jump through hoops to get something they were...

Noticed this place opened up recently and being an afficionado of Mexican food, I decided to check it out. I was greeted politely when I entered. The menu has a large variety of food, and the music is great. There's also a nice selection of drinks and they have the capability to make anything else you request.

I ordered an appetizer for my colleague and me of a large cheese sticks. It was pretty hefty... $10 for 9 mozzarella sticks that seemed to have been microwaved with a side of ranch. We waited about 15-20 minutes for the mozzarella sticks. I would have liked a side of marinara rather than ranch. I also ordered an al pastor street taco plate for approximately $12 to go. When I opened the box, each taco was individually wrapped, but a lot of the meat + garnish had spilled. It didn't help that there weren't any napkins provided, and I received silverware (for tacos). The combination of red and green chili sauce with the al pastor was quite tasty. The meal had a side of salsa plus chips.

I wanted to like this place so if I give it another try, I'd like to come back...

Bongos Bar & Mexican Grill is some of the best Mexican food I've ever had! The food is cooked to perfection and made with the freshest ingredients. The steak taco salad was chef's kiss The portions are generous. I couldn't eat it all, but it was so delicious that I sure wanted to! My husband was very impressed with the street tacos. The salsa is amazing, too! I had my first Caipirnha cocktail, and I'm obsessed. The drink was light and refreshing, but it definitely packed a punch. My daughter and I shared the brownie and ice cream since it was my birthday. It was the best brownie I've ever had..hands down! I love the atmosphere and the colorful artwork that adorns the walls. There's a huge bar with several TVs. The staff is friendly and efficient. It's a vibe, and I can't wait to go back. I should have tried it sooner. Go!! You won't...