Food in Cabarete - Those "gems"??

Moxie · #1 02-07-2006, 12:45 PM

Okay, so I've read on other threads about were NOT to eat, places to avoid, and some of the tourist traps/ripoffs in Cabarete. Coming from a North American tourist meca (Niagara Falls) we have our share of those over-priced, lousy service, tourist traps that we wouldn't even consider stepping foot in and if anyone is planning to vist the area, I can steer you clear of them.

Several posters have mentioned that Cabarete still has some "gems" out there but no specifics as to names & locations. Can someone please give us the inside scoop on decent places to eat, that give good value and service, suitable for families? We will be in the area the week of March 4-11, staying at the Ocean Manor Resort (we hope!).

Thanks in advance for any help!

Moxie

Tamborista · #2 02-07-2006, 12:47 PM

Pappie's Caseta is a must for shrimp.

Moxie · #3 02-07-2006, 01:04 PM

Thanks Tamborista - can you give me an idea as to where Pappie's Casita is located? I have a couple of maps from activecabarete.com which have many of the hotels/resorts & restaurants on it.

twhitehead · #4 02-07-2006, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tamborista

Pappie's Caseta is a must for shrimp.

Pappies shrimp and Lobster dishes are to die for. Best that I have ever had. For Dominican food Sandra's on the main drag is good and also affordable. Tropicoco all you can eat barbque is also a pretty decent deal. The German place (Halloween type decor) on the main drag also has a great pizza for 300 pesos....All just my opinions of course...Tom

oriole100 · #5 02-07-2006, 01:10 PM

In the little village of La Lomma, which is just off the road there are a number of good less exp. rest. It's just off the main road right near you hotel, right as you get into town from the airport. About 50 yard in is the Steak house. Run by Chris. Good food. La Tigre is a little further into town. Good local food and cheap. But they don't speak much english. If you know any spanish you'll be ok with the menue. Everything is very safe. Many Gringo's live in the town. You can walk around at night and noonee will bother you. But watch out for the hookers down town at night.

Moxie · #6 02-07-2006, 03:05 PM

Thanks for the replies! Pappie's looks like a must do. Is it the same as "La Casita" as on the activecabarete.com site, on the beach, near to Onno's bar??

Oriole100 thanks for the tip about the Steak House, the boys always appreciate a good slab of red meat. (and we'll be sure to keep them away from the centre of town at night!)

On the maps I have, there is a pizzeria at the east end of town, near to where we are staying. Anyone know it's name, opinion on pizza, prices?? We have two kids (10 & 13) on this trip who may end up living on pizza for the week.

Tamborista · #7 02-07-2006, 03:09 PM

La Casita is Pappie's, and The pizza right next door is pretty good although overpriced. The Pizza at Hexenkeshel is better and cheaper. Don't waste your time eating steak anywhere in the country. Bring a Florscheim if you want the same effect as Dominican Steak.

twhitehead · #8 02-07-2006, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tamborista

La Casita is Pappie's, and The pizza right next door is pretty good although overpriced. The Pizza at Hexenkeshel is better and cheaper. Don't waste your time eating steak anywhere in the country. Bring a Florscheim if you want the same effect as Dominican Steak.

Hexenkeshel is the name I was looking for(German Halloween place) - did it change owners? Noticed it was for sale last year. Good pizza though - tons of toppings (some pretty funky) Had a great steak at Rocky's on New years and another at the waterfront in Sosua on same trip. Both very good steaks - tender, rare etc. Most dominican steaks are like hocky pucks...tom

megamania · #9 02-07-2006, 03:34 PM

Hi there.
Kudos to Hexenkessel - great schnitzel and sauerkraut. Had a hard time getting them to understand sauerkraut (they spell it sour kraut) but even then,,,,they said they had none, and all of a sudden.....voila! we had a full platter of it.

The steaks - I agree,,,,do not even order it. Maybe in Sosua, as I have heard that before, but steak, beef, in general, not even close to what we are used to.
Most of it is from Brama cattle, and it just ain't the same as Canadian Beef!!

Ocean Taste - don't bother wasting your money! Unless you like French Onion Soup. However, I did hear that their breakfast brunch is very nice, they make the omelettes for you, etc.

We enjoyed the Chinese food at Chino's?? Just down the street from Hexenkessel. Excellent, and let me tell you, we were very skeptical. Pleasant surprise!!

Bon apetite!!
Meg
(p.s. envious of everyone in D.R. lapping up the sun, as we just had our worst winter storm yet - no hydro for 3 days, literally like living on Little House on the Prairie !!! Enjoy you lucky people!!!)

Chris · #10 02-07-2006, 05:42 PM

I always enjoy breakfast at Dicks - it is a little crazy, too many people, too many tables, too few waitstaff, but for peoplewatching, it is great. And the food's good too. You can never be too sure whether you're going to get the pate with the french breakfast or not, or the marmelade with the english breakfast and if things like that really worry you, don't go there. But if you want a good cup of coffee, (ask for a coffee to take away, but then, don't take it away) a good look-out on Cabarete main street in the morning, and a great atmosphere to while away the breakfast hour, that's the place...

Also a visit to Cabarete must have a visit to Lax somewhere in there - again nice for lunch. The waitresses are sometimes a little High on the Spirit of Life, it takes a long time to actually get service and it takes forever to get your food, but be sure to order a pitcher of barflys first... and sit back, relax and enjoy. The food will eventually come and its usually good.

For a real tourist exprience, go to Jose O'Sheas - overcharges and underdeliveries, but you'll feel like a proper tourist. Watch you bill like a hawk! Their food usually is good too.

If you go to La Cassita, go sit upstairs... a wonderful view over the bay and a little seperate from the maddening crowds.