Playa Cofresí

Restaurant Los Dos (Villa Cofresí, tel. 809/970-7638, open from 6 p.m. Tues.–Sun., US$9–15) serves classic and fusion dishes and hosts special nights like Country Grill Night where they play country music galore and grill everything in sight. Or the All American Night, when the menu includes chicken wings, chili, and potato skins and American beers are on special. It’s a casual atmosphere and very friendly environment.

The open-air thatched-roof seaside restaurant Chris and Mady’s (Playa Cofresí, tel. 809/970-7502, www.chrisandmadys.com, US$4–30) is a popular hangout. Seafood is the best thing going here—it’s super fresh and cheap. Combine it with the equally good steak in a surf-and-turf, and you’re in meaty heaven. There are sandwiches and a good selection of international options like pizza and burgers. The vibe is low-key and welcoming, and it is no wonder this open-air restaurant has remained a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Oh, and take your laptop and take advantage of the free wireless! There is a barbecue every Sunday at 6 p.m.

Le Papillon (Villas Cofresí, 8 a.m.–11 p.m. Tues.–Sun., tel. 809/970-7640, www.lepapillon-puertoplata.com, US$15–30) is at Villas Cofresí, five kilometers south of the center of Puerto Plata. The German owner, Thomas, has mixed cultures into a culinary joy, with plates like chicken-stuffed shrimp. Here in this airy restaurant, fresh seafood prepared with local spices is a specialty, but they also serve steaks, chicken, and pork as well as some vegetarian entrées. If you are a turtle lover, and not as the main dish, then you will appreciate Thomas’s Turtle Rescue and Release Program. Eating here supports his efforts to save the turtles of the Dominican Republic.

At Los Tres Cocos (Las Rocas, tel. 809/993-4503, open for dinner Wed.–Mon., US$8–20), try something different from the Austrian-owned chef, Mickey, who has built himself quite the following in the area. Specialties include rack of lamb and duck breast in orange sauce. It is a romantic setting in an open-air restaurant.

Costambar

Jenny’s Market (Costambar, Calle Principal 4, tel. 809/970-7503, 8 a.m.–9:30 p.m. daily) is a good place to get a surprising array of supplies if you’re doing a short-term rental. It has a delivery service and an Internet café, postal service, call center, and fast food quick fix eatery adjacent to the market.

El Carey Beach Bar (Playa Costambar) is a phenomenal place to grab a burger or some grilled seafood and enjoy the vida de la playa—and that “life on the beach” is especially great when they host their very tasty barbecue Friday nights!

Bieke’s Bar (Costambar, Calle Principal, across from Jenny’s Market, open noon–10 p.m. daily) is famous for it’s Bieke Burger and fries combo (RD$160). Special of the day is always a good way to go.

© Ana Chavier Caamaño from Moon Dominican Republic, 4th edition