At night, the beach in Cabarete is transformed into a stretch of seaside cafes with candlelit tables in the sand where you can enjoy a romantic dinner right by the breaking waves. After 10 p.m., the restaurants serve double duty as bars/discos featuring all kinds of music from hip/hop to merengue, salsa and bachata. There are several venues all grouped together in the center of Cabarete that are all worthy of exploration.

I have a personal favorite; Jose O’Shay’s. The owner, Frank, is a transplant from my hometown of Philadelphia. He also owns Molly Malones’s in St. Thomas. There is a nice large screen TV for watching those important games. Great food, drinks and nice staff. Live music is often featured from Wednesdays through Sunday evenings after 9 p.m.

The Casita de Don Alfredo is right on the beach and is by far the best place to go for a great shrimp dinner. Prepare to pay the price though, they are not cheap!

For a true Dominican nightlife experience; if you enjoy vibrant Latin rythyms, try the little bar next to the carwash at the end of the Villas Paraiso driveway. The beers are cheap (50 pesos for a Presidente pequeno (small) and 100 pesos for a Presidente grande (large). Their beverage offerings are limited to beer and rum. You buy the bottle of rum, get a plastic cup, sit down and enjoy the music. There will always be a few people there willing to teach you a few bachata, merenge or salsa dance steps….very fun, if you are in the right mood.