The co-owners of Mambo Nando’s – Nando and Jamie Diaz – say opening a restaurant in Keansburg was a no-brainer. In fact, it was hardly a decision at all. “The town chose us,” says Jamie, who manages the spot while Nando leads the kitchen. The eatery serves authentic Puerto Rican cuisine as well as other favorites with a Puerto Rican twist.
“It’s been a dream of ours for years to open our own restaurant,” Jamie adds. After moving to Keansburg a few years ago with their children, Jamie and Nando became well-known for their cooking. “We noticed a lot of locals had a strong desire for authentic Puerto Rican food,” she says; which was the spark they needed to turn their dream into a reality.
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Food, Family, & Fun
The 700-square-foot Mambo Nando’s has a fun story behind its name. “A friend of mine years ago used to call me ‘Mambo Nando,’” says Nando. “Mambo” pays homage to Tito Puente, the King of Mambo and one of Nando’s favorite Puerto Rican musicians. “The name feels fun and energetic, much like what I love about my Puerto Rican culture,” Nando explains.
Of course, Mambo Nando’s aims to celebrate Puerto Rico and its culture. “The inside is our kitchen, and the vibe is like my aunt’s during the holidays; a tight space where everyone’s busy making food but enjoying time together as a family,” Nando says. The restaurant’s seating is exclusively outdoors, with front and side counters, sidewalk seating, and a back patio. The patio is planned to fit 30 to 40 guests once finished (later this summer). “It’s perfect for our boardwalk location and really allows us to give people a beachy, island experience,” Jamie says. In fact, Mambo Nando’s is right across from the Keansburg Amusement Park and Runaway Rapids Waterpark.
Puerto Rican Favorites & More
Popular menu items at Mambo Nando’s include the mofongo, bacalaítos, and beef empanadas. “These recipes have been passed down from generation to generation throughout my family,” Nando says. The Rican Cuban sandwich is also a hit. Instead of using ham like a traditional Cuban sandwich they use Pernil, a traditional Puerto Rican dish. “Some much love, culture, and family are in this food,” he adds.
The Diaz family has plenty of restaurant experience. Jamie has been in the restaurant business since she was 17, and Nando has been cooking since 19. His mother – who is also involved in the restaurant – taught him to cook.
Visit Mambo Nando’s at 293 Beachway Ave in Keansburg. Look for them online to learn more.
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Mambo Nando’s FAQs
No, they do not accept reservations.
There are Gluten-free options, yes.
Yes, all their side orders are vegetarian.
They offer takeout, yes.
Mambo Nando’s does not yet offer delivery. (But will via popular apps soon.)
They do not currently have a liquor license, no.
Yes, there is a kids’ menu at Mambo Nando’s.
All Photos: © Mambo Nando’s
