Early evening means surf's up at the High Wave Café and seating at this otherwise sparsely populated restaurant and bar is suddenly in short supply. Head indoors for a cool respite from balmy nights; swinging love seats on the front patio are best utilized for getting close, but arrive early to snag one.
Party central for the electronic music set. Saturdays are especially popular, with day-long beach parties featuring a stage, DJ, liquor and beer promotions. Visiting DJs from around the world spin off at monthly special events.
Deli Swiss, for wine aficionados, stocks the largest selection in the country and is the only cellar recognized by Wine Spectactor magazine.
When this laid-back restaurant-by-day clears away the tables and chairs, it becomes a popular spot where locals and visitors mix it up on weekend nights. On Fridays, hips sway (while arms and legs of the rhythmically-challenged.. flay) to merengue and bachata on the thatch-covered dance floor; al fresco seating and hammocks are perfect for getting close [...]
This upscale beachside venue sits on a private playa, its luxe setting supporting an ultra-cool beach experience. The necessary accoutrements include piped-in lounge music and an eclectic food and drink menu. Seating is available in King-sized cabanas with curtains that close for privacy and queen-sized chaises along the water’s edge, or above the water on bamboo [...]
This is the place to hang out in Barahona. A multi-level one-stop beer, food, and socializing complex that takes up a big chunk of an entire city block and is the most crowded place on the Malecón. The center of the action is the Macuta Terrace with its jungle gym-like setting (one table for six is [...]
After a seafood dinner at the restaurant attached to this hot spot, you may want to stick around for the merengue. Costa Sur is equipped with an enormous dance floor, which fills up late. Top rows of the multi-tiered seating surrounding the dance floor provide great views of all the action.
Boule Bar (Dominican for “Boulevard”) sits at the intersection of the most happening corner of the bar-lined Malecón. The most laid-back of all the hot spots on the strip, its small and elegant stone terrace is filled with locals couples cozying up to one another.
This country club-like compound is a favorite of local families. Enjoy a friendly game of billiards or ping-pong to jukebox tunes at the El Laurel Snack Bar or head over to the El Bambu Restaurant and sip on cocktails while admiring the roaring Yaque River below.
Most people forego the front sitting area with comfy pillows and art exhibits on the wall and head straight for the open-air back porch where the DJ spins whatever pleases the crowd at the moment; usually lounge, some Euro dance, even local, but always at the low tempo end of the spectrum. (Photos: Katie Kötting) [...]