Mango's Tropical Cafe: A Tourist Trap Revisited

John Zur

Mango's wings

​If you live in Miami, you might have forgotten what it was like when you first moved here. You did, you know, tourist things such as enjoying a night out at Mango's Tropical Café. The Ocean Drive institution is known for its colorful cast of character patrons, shows, and scantily-clad staff. But how often is Mango's recommended for food?

John Zur

Sangria

​We began with a pitcher of a refreshing sangria ($34), while sitting on the loggia overlooking the stage below, where a reggae band was rocking. The lead singer groped at the air in front of a voluptuous female dancer on the bar.

The best part of the meal came in the form of the famous "Mango" Wings (8 Wings, $10.95). Eight, meaty pieces smothered in mango barbecue sauce arrives with a side of blue cheese dressing including modest chunks. The celery sticks are a little bonus. But not long after devouring the wings, with the sweet, yet spicy, taste still lingering, your taste buds are crying for more.

We chose the tilapia piccata ($20.95) and Mango's churrasco steak tacos ($18.95) as our entrees. The former is a filet of tilapia sautéed just right with tasteful garlic, white wine, lemon, and caper sauce. A generous serving of mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables as accompaniments were also welcome. The steak tacos were under-stuffed with superb-tasting churrasco. The two, slim soft tacos are served with soupy refried beans, yellow rice, sour cream, guacamole, and diced tomatoes.

John Zur

Steak tacos

​As we watched the Michael Jackson show, while the reggae band was on a self-proclaimed marijuana break, we indulged in a quite sweet Mango's hot fudge brownie sundae ($8.95), with warm brownie, vanilla ice cream, homemade caramel fudge, whipped cream, and chopped walnuts.

Our suggestion: To best enjoy Mango's, sip on some drinks while chowing down on some of the best wings South Beach has to offer.

Mango's Tropical Cafe
900 Ocean Drive, South Beach

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