Barahona (city): Good little-known information

[Matilda]

Originally Posted by London_Calling

Where can you get a decent strong cup of coffee in Barahona?

According to my wife people here like their coffee weak and I agree based on personal experience - is this true?

I have a finca in St Helena which is the mountain above Barahona. Go out of Barahona towards Pedernales. At the first check point with a little car park on the right go up the hill to St Helena. Takes 45 mins and a dreadful road!!! You need a 4 wheel drive. There is an old man there who made me coffee. He picked beans off the tree, roasted them over an open fire and did something with a sock. The most delicious coffee i have ever had in my life and certainly not weak!!! Took 2 hours but well worth the wait!!!

Matilda

[sabbathcrue]

If I want to move my hips, which Dancing Club in Barahona you recommend me?

[minerva_feliz]

For early evening to sip a beer and converse:
-Hielo Everest: (on the way out of town towards Pedernales, ask before you get to edge of town). Actually an ice factory, but also a favorite spot for locals. Also great place to prep your cooler before a trip to the beaches on the coast. They are building some new car-wash looking place, isn't finished.
-Migue's Bar Kafe: Just down the street from Pala Pizza/Pollo Rey. Brand new establishment, offers mixed drinks and snacks in a cozy environment. You can also sing karaoke! Owner Miguelina is very friendly.
-In the central park, buy a grande from the colmado "de los chinos" on the corner.

Where the action is:
-No doubt if you want noise and people watching, along with a parade of Barahona's finest Super Cubs and pasolas, you'll find it in the evening on the Malecon at any of several establishments.

To dance:
-Lotus disco located next to the park, people don't show till after 10 p.m. Either on Thursday or Friday, they have "strippers" (don't take it ALL off), can't remember which day.
-Atlantis (the kind of video place with a big screen that plays the music video), nice a/c and has karaoke on Thursday.
-There is another video, out by the Hielo Everest, but can't remember the name. Cold a/c, cold beer.

*Even if you are staying at Casa Bonita, Quemaito, or Playa Azul you can get to these places cheap in a taxi.

Other insights about city of Barahona:
BEST BREAD: There is a bakery 1/2 block past hospital on right side coming into town, reverse going out, that is painted blue with red/orange stripes. It has amazing "pan de mantequilla" (butter bread) that you can usually catch fresh from the oven. Only 10 pesos for a big piece, delicious buttery taste, pick some up and buy cheese/meat to make sandwiches for the beach.

Watch local baseball: There is a field where you can catch some casual play or amateur teams on the weekend evenings in Villa Central (Batey Central).

Running/walking: Malecon has a lot of runners/walkers in the morning, but there is also a track in the "Villa Olimpica" in Villa Central. You can also catch a pickup game of soccer or basketball in the evening. Also has decent kid's playground equipment that is surprisingly still functional.

Authentic campo souvenirs: On the street to get to the entrance of the market, half a block before on the side of the street there is a little wooden shack that sells some neat stuff, handmade, that is actually used in the campo. Like saddles, baskets, ropes, woven totes for collecting fruit, and various household items made from tin cans and oil cans.

On the corner, you can find a (botequin? I don't know what to call it) with items related to superstition and voodoo, such as colorful bottles of water to cure your ills and luck, framed pictures of various saints, papers with special prayers, candles and the occasional voodoo doll. The old man who own's it is hard of hearing, so make sure you yell!

[Marilyn]

My contribution:

•Best chicken cordon bleue: Restaurant Brisas del Mar, malecon towards the batey.

•Best mofongo/mondongo/pizza/BBQ meats: Restaurant Los Robles, Malecon

•Best breakfast: don’t know the name of the restaurant, but it is across from hotel Maria Montez and I think it belongs to the hotel, it is very upscale in a sort of typical way and it is not that expensive.

•Best home made food (fried fish, stew chicken, rice & beans): Restaurant Luz, Bahoruco (carretera Barahona – Paraiso), also cheap rooms (with very limited facilities, only for extreme adventurers).

[IslandDreaming]

Does anyone know the name of the hotel/casino on the malecon? I would guess the hotel is from 60's era

[Chirimoya]

It's the old state-owned hotel that has fallen into total disrepair. I think it was called Guarocuya.

[Marilyn]

Originally Posted by Chirimoya

It's the old state-owned hotel that has fallen into total disrepair. I think it was called Guarocuya.

Yes, a reminiscence of Trujillo's time

[destinationbarahona]

Hotel Guarocuya was the former Guest-House from Trujillo, which means: Far bevor the 60's. No doubt, the Hotel is not in best conditions, but: historical ambiente, best view to the beach. Big rooms, fully equiped: TV, Van, Aire, Warm water...
Fresh painted in May 2009!
If you are alone, Hotel Caribe (on the other side of the Malecon) is cheaper. Including a big and heavy breakfast (Mangu and eggs). If you are with 3 Persons, the Guaracuya will be more economic, but no breakfast included!

[Vacara]

Nice place to take a bath is river San Rafael, it's too cold even for gringos!

[IslandDreaming]

Originally Posted by Chirimoya

It's the old state-owned hotel that has fallen into total disrepair. I think it was called Guarocuya.

Thanks, that sounds like the one

It reminded me of the Hispaniola, likely the "State run" original purpose

Seems there was one lady who ran the place and most employees were family?