Local Dominican Eateries

When your in Dominican Republic why not try eating in a little locally owned and operated place. These places usually are not all lush and beautiful. A cafeteria can be found on almost every street and they are very easy to pass by as most are very non-descrite. They are usually very basic and cozy. Lunch normally consists of beans, rice, meat and a salad called La Bandera Dominicana/ The Dominican Flag, which it the everyday Dominican lunch. The typical Dominican cannot survive without this daily meal. (recipe and description of La Bandera, opens in new window), Sancocho (recipe opens in new window), which is the dish of the country. You should try some of these local cafeteria style eateries. The food is good, the price is right, and the locals are plenty.

There are also some places that open in the evening to sell some good sandwiches, fritas (fried meats), and other various types of foods. Great for an evening snack. Many of these places are set up in peoples front rooms of their homes, in front of a Colmado, or on on a street corner.

Try eating in a Colmado/ local corner store. Get a piece of bread called pan de auga (a crusty roll type bread, very tasty even just eaten alone or with some butter), a slice of ham and some cheese and make your own sandwich. Some Colmados even have a little grill where they can make you a hot sandwich.

How about buying a locally grown avocado/ aguacate and limon and make a sandwich with these. Have a pineapple or strawberry soda, fresh squeezed juice made by the locals or a bien fria/ ice cold beer (to read about Dominican beer, opens in new window) and enjoy (how does a Dominican enjoy their beer? new window) the surroundings.

Go on...give it a try

picture/image mobil cafeteria street vendor in dominican republic

picture/image eating aguacate sandwich in a colmado

Eating an Agucate/Avocado sandwich in a Colmado..yummm

tipping and more about eating out

Cafeteria on wheels. A local street vendor can make juice, a sandwich and a few other typical Dominican goodies

National Geographic's Store has great gift ideas.

Search for and Rent Hotels and Resorts in Dominican Republic at Hotels Combined.com

Eat some good barbecue!

There is a Colmado in Colonial Zone that cooks barbecue in front on the street in a real old fashioned smoker. From noon to midnight everyday you can get chicken (by the piece or whole) and beef fresh and hot. They serve this with yucca or banana. The price starts at about $100 pesos and is worth every centavo. You will smell the wonderful aromas before you see this small Colmado. Sit outside on the sidewalk while partaking of this typical Dominican foods and maybe you can watch a Domino game at the same time being played in front of the business. The owner, Moreno, is the cook and he does a great job. I highly recommend passing by and enjoying. The place does not look like much, in fact you may be a bit timid to try because it is not a restaurant setting. It is just like eating barbecue in your own back yard without all the work.

Location: Calle Piña and Canela #216 A few blocks from Parque Independencia and the Malecon.

+click picture to enlarge

Chimmi, Hot Dogs and Pork Sandwiches

This is a little place in a small room. The owner, Yhoeny (pronounced like Johnny) cooks up some pretty good Dominican style Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Pork Sandwiches and more. It is very clean and they cook the food up fresh when you order. Pass by some evening and get yourself a good burger.

Contact: 809-835-8363

Location: Pina #206, Cuidad Nueva, just a few blocks from the Malecon.

Omeroliza D'Comer

This little unassuming spot is one of the traditional cafeterias and more. They make the traditional Bandera (beans, rice and meat) and their Mangu is very good. The place has tables for dining and is very comfortable. The place and bathrooms are very clean. They also specialize in buffets for parties and weddings. The owners and staff are very friendly and always greet you with a big smile.

Hours: 10:30AM to 9PM

Location: Arzobispo Nouel # 301, 1 block from Calle El Conde, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo

Father Son - El Rinconcito del Sabor

They have the basic sandwiches with chicken, beef, tuna and ham and cheese at great prices. They also make hamburgers and cheese burgers. They sell beer and fresh juices. Delivery is available. They are open in the evenings.

Contact: 809-989-8829 and 809-318-4968

Location: Calle Isabel la Catolica #2 across from the Parque de los Poetas.

Empanadas Alberto

Get some of the freshest Empanadas made to order. They are stuffed full with many different fillings available. Order ahead for a party or event. Tell him you saw his information here.

Hours: Monday thru Saturday 8AM to 9PM.

Location: Calle Arzobispo Portes #162 between 19 de Marzo and Callelon Regina, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo.

Contact: Alberto 809-981-7057

La Parrillada

Get some great Shish Kabobs known here as Pinchos cooked fresh on the grill. This little typical place sells fresh salads and vegetables also which are not easy to find in the Dominican Republic street foods. There is a wide variety of dishes including Hamburgers, Sandwiches, Pork Chops and mush more. A great place to go after a night of partying. I highly recommend this place for a great meal at a very reasonable price

Hours: opens at 6 PM. Closes at 1 PM weekdays and at 3 PM on the weekends. Closed Mondays.

Location: Joes Reyes and Arz. Nouel, Colonial Zone

Local Eateries

Barbeque at Rinconcito

Get some fresh barbeque Chicken, Pork and Beef all cooked over a charcoal flame. They serve tasty sandwiches also. Delivery and catering is also available. 829-290-0195

Location: Outside the Colmado Rinconcito in front of the San Francisco Ruins (Ruinas del Monasterio de San Francisco information), Colonial Zone

Hours: Wed. thru Sunday 6PM to 12 midnight

D'Comer Colonial

Get some typical Dominican food everyday that will not hurt the pocketbook. They prepare the midday meal daily with prices starting at $100 pesos. They also have Sancocho, Monfongo, tacos, fresh juices, cold beer and more. Sit inside or walk across the street to sit in the park. They also offer delivery service incase you do not want to leave home or office.

Contact - 809-682-1210

Location - Calle Arz. Portez #2 and Isabel la Católica, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo