Real Life and Times in the Dominican Republic
Local 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.
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
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
A new sandwich place in the Zone! 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.
Colmado El Arca
In this local Colmado they now sell the famous Dominican hamburger. Go in and ask for a chimichurri or just a chimi and you can enjoy this typical Dominican version on the hamburger cooked fresh. They also have some of the best beer prices around the Zone.
Contact: 809-685-3698
Location: 19 de Marzo between the Malecon and Jose Gabriel Garcia in front of the park.
