Going to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic? Ditch the all-inclusive hotels, American chain restaurants and top 40 club beats and head to the ‘calle’ to party Dominican style.
You can’t deny it. The Caribbean is full of tourist traps that can make any country look a lot like every other town on the coast of Florida. But here is a place where you can actually get your groove on with the locals.
The Spot: ‘Aquel Lado’ is a section of town on La Avenida Venezuela, a street in Santo Domingo, where you can join the rest of the capitaleños (the name for people from the capital city of Santo Domingo) for an extreme ‘barrio’ party.
Why We Dig it: Forget the red velvet ropes and over-priced VIP tables that you would find in the more popular tourist places, ‘Aquel Lado’ is where Dominicans actually go for nightlife and where you can actually afford to party like your favorite rapper. Everything is cheap, loud and authentically Dominican. It is located only 15 minutes east of the city center but it is where most of the action takes place at night. After the sun goes down, the streets are so filled with people making there way from bars to clubs and back again that cars and cabs have a hell of a time passing through. And as with most Caribbean countries, the locals are warm and welcoming. So crack open a ‘presidente’, hit the streets and get ready to party all night to the rhythms of reggaetón, salsa and, of course, merengue!
Where to go: There are more than enough clubs and bars here to find some place to drink and dance. Follow your ear (guys can just follow the girls) to find a place that appeals to you. Or you can just jot down theses places- ‘Eclipse’, a club that doesn’t close until the wee, and I mean wee, hours in the morning,’House Drink’ or ‘La Barrica’ are good places to have a drink and shake it too.
When To Go: Anytime of the year- especially in February during carnival season.
