"Cafe Cito is the kind of place you're supposed to find in the Caribbean," said one customer. "It's one of those semi-legendary, ex-pat hangouts where you never know who you're going to meet... great food at reasonable prices... music that's a welcome change from the rah-rah resort scene."

Jazz, blues, vintage rock & roll... steaks and lobster, burgers and wings... and Puerto Plata's only 'try before you buy' cigar bar where you can buy cigars by the box at factory prices...

Cafe Cito has been has been rated among the two top spots for a night out in Puerto Plata by The Lonely Planet Guide and the Rough Guide. And we're proudest of the fact that scores of clients have taken the time to write in and describe their experience way up there on the Richter scale of good vacation times...

So, if you're planning on coming to the north coast of the Dominican Republic... please pay us a visit!

• Address: Plaza Isabela • Km 3 1/2 Puerto Plata - Sosua Highway, Located 1/4 mile west of Playa Dorada Main Gate, Phone/Fax 1 809 586-7923, OPEN Noon to Midnight 7 days a week, VISA • Master Card • Amex
• CafeCito Website

The rough-hewn character of this place stands in stark contrast to the manicured exterior of the shopping center that contains it. Inside, you'll find a dark and shadowy plank-sheathed bar and grill, dotted with accessories you might have found on a pier in Key West. We can just imagine Papa himself digging into the succulent pastas, fajitas, quesadillas, meal-size salads, burgers, and huge New York steaks, while downing one of the "Floridita" cocktails. After around 9pm, a karaoke machine cranks out romantic or rock 'n' roll favorites.

• Address: Playa Dorada Plaza, Around Town
• Phone: 809/320-2230
• Open: Daily noon-2am

This Swiss-run restaurant, a tradition here since 1990, resembles a European trattoria with its tiles, cloth-draped tables, and use of wood. Sliding windows are pulled back to take in views of the ocean. The food is fresh and well prepared, although some of the dishes might be a little heavy for the Tropics. You can order such dishes as filet of pork in a mushroom sauce, or three different medallions of meat in a wine sauce. The best item we recently enjoyed on the menu is the freshly caught fish filet of the day in garlic sauce. Many famous international dishes are offered as well, including tasty shish kabob, chicken curries, and a thick beef stroganoff.

• Address: Ave. Circunvalación Norte 13A
• Phone: 809/586-9564
• Open: Daily 11am-11pm, Closed 3 weeks in July

This is an unusual but charming restaurant set on a hillside in a residential neighborhood about 5km (3 miles) south of Puerto Plata. The expatriate German owner, Thomas Ackermann, manages to combine aspects of the Black Forest with merengue music. The best way to start a meal here is with a caipirinha (a Brazilian cocktail) at the bar beneath the cane-frond ceiling. Later, within an open-sided pavilion overlooking a forest, you'll be presented with a menu that's divided into categories that feature different preparations of pork, chicken, beef, seafood, rabbit, and even vegetarian offerings. Enduring favorites include fettuccine with lobster; "pirate" kabobs with shrimp, tenderloin of beef, and vegetables; an especially worthy chicken stuffed with shrimp and served with saffron sauce; and a four-fisted version of chateaubriand that's only prepared for two.

• Address: Villas Cofresi, Around Town
• Phone: 809/970-7640
• Open: Tues-Sun 6-10:30pm

The gringo and gringa expats have made Sam's their favorite dive since way back in 1970, when it was first established. In the center of town, only a block and a half from the central park and the Malecón, it lies in a Victorian building from 1896. Marilyn Monroe photographs and caricatures by local artists form the decor. Here is where you can order a plate of meatloaf like your mama made, or that eternal favorite, steak and eggs. The cook does a tasty filet of beefsteak or something more ambitious, like chicken cordon bleu. Come here for the memories, the good times, and, of course, the good-tasting food. You can start your day with fluffy pancakes, or later enjoy freshly made soups, salads, and sandwiches for lunch along with hot dishes.

• Address: Calle José del Carmen Ariza 34
• Phone: 809/586-7267
• Open: Daily 7am-11pm