Restaurants and bar not in resorts in Punta

Sassy · #1 01-01-2002, 09:30 PM

I have heard that there is a restaurant called Captain Cooks (?) that is not assosiated with resorts in Punta Cana and I was wondering if anyone has been there. Also, I have heard about a bar called Hurican (sp?) in Punta also that is off of the resorts. Has anyone been there? I guess I am looking to get off the resort to mingle with the locals. I understand that by bike riding during the day one may be able to find local joints to go to. Any info would be appreciated!

Tor · #2 01-02-2002, 05:26 AM

Sorry can't help you. But it seems that you have done the wrong choice. You should have gone to an non inclusive hotel in Sosua.

dulce · #3 01-02-2002, 07:50 AM

Captain Cooks is a popular resturant which if you are in the area you should be able to get a boat ride to it. I advise you to check with workers at your resort for prices first. The Hurrican is a good place to check out also. As far as riding a bike to get around, that could prove to be a little risky. Bikers and pedestrians DO NOT have the right away on any road in the DR. If you wish to ride a bike please do it with a Dominican to start with so they can teach you the safe way to do so. If you are interested in mixing with the local people simply get friendly with a resort worker and they will show you around. It is best if you travel with a group. It would be polite to buy them a drink or pay them a little money to be your guide.

AmyG · #4 01-02-2002, 10:27 AM

good advice from Dulce. I befriended resort employees on my first trip to the Dominican Republic and that is what lead me to better places "off the beaten path" etc. Capt. Cooks has great food, but it is a bit pricey - a popular tourist spot in Bavaro.

Beatriz · #5 01-02-2002, 06:58 PM

Nothing more to say about Capitan Cook. If you want to prove it, don't buy the package that your tour operator will try to sell you. I think it's much better to go there in their free boat and try what you like (lobster is good, also fish.. and Presidente, of course).
Huracan Cafe (in spanish) is a bar on the beach, a good place at night, because it's also a kind of disco .... not really, I mean everybody dance on the sand... (really different from other places, try it...).
As the others posters have said, ask people of your resort, they all know where to go, and "when" (important fact...).

If you want to have a dominican experience, try to catch the public bus (guagua) and travel to Higuey, the nearest village to Bavaro. The cost of the trip is 20 pesos (cheap, isn't it?). Higuey is not a very special village, but at least, you will have the opportunity to have a Presidente in a Colmado, and to walk around. Be prepared to have many locals offering their services to you. A polite "no" is enough for them to leave you alone.. (what about your spanish?? some words are neccesary...)

Feel free to email me if you need more info. And if you want to see some photos of the area (higuey included), you can visit my web site: www.beatrizweb.com

Sassy · #6 01-02-2002, 07:53 PM

Thanks everyone for your help! This board is awesome and have found the people here very helpful! I will definately check out the bar on the beach as well as hook up with a resort personnel to show us around a bit.....when I travel I like to get out and about even though I know it is risky (been there)! The feel of the culture is what makes the trip worthwhile! I am hoping schools will be in session the week of March 24th as I am a teacher and would like to view the educational system. I have done this other places and it broadens my perspective. Plus I have supplies that I have gathered to donate.

John, El único · #7 01-09-2002, 07:47 PM

Capitan cook is the best grilled rest. in the area. it is located directly in the cortesito beach and there is a free boat ride from your hotel. prices are expensives for a beach grill, but the food is great. lobster are sold for pounds. 1lb=250.00 pesos. I always need 2 pounds.
Cafe Huracán is a great place for dance and hang out. they open just on thursday and saturdays. it is located also in the beach, between H10 and Melia Caribe. prices are also expensives for a beach. 50 pesos for a 6 oz plastic glass of cuba libre.
Mangu, is the best club in the area.

Dominican Dream · #8 01-14-2002, 02:41 AM

The restaurant you are asking for is closed to Cortesito (???)!
The restaurant is very good. If you want to go there with a group of person, you should call them and make a reservation. For two or three you don’t need a reservation!

More information and some pictures you could find on the following homepage (travel tip section):
www.dominican-dreams.de/english.htm

If you have further question please don’t hesitate to contact me directly!

Enjoy your trip!

DRW · #9 01-23-2002, 01:44 PM

This message is for Sassy:

My husband, myself and another couple will be staying at the Allegro Bavaro Resort from the 23rd - the 30th. I see you are going to be there at the same time. My friend who is coming with us is a fellow teacher.

Have you heard anything about tour and motorized water sport restrictions during the time of our stay because it is Holy Week?

Sassy · #10 01-23-2002, 06:27 PM

Hello DRW,

From what I can gather the motorized sports and tours stop on the Thursday before Good Friday.....so that gives a a few days to get out and see the country! I am planning on going on the Safari outing on the open truck. Looks like you guys will be right next door to us....hooking up for a drink at the Hurrican or elsewhere would be a blast! Have fun in Punta~