Sosua Reports

[TomJackin]

While the thread is consumed with food, I can only remember my favorite places to eat!

[Wrx2005]

Very helpful. Thanks much!

I am a fish person and one of my pet peeve going to an island is not finding fresh fish that is cooked right on the beach, typically over a charcoal fire. In Sosua, I have not found a good fish place so far so thanks again. That you know, can they do anything else other than frying. I am thinking steamed fish in perhaps a garlic sauce or the Creole kind. The problem with frying is that the freshness cannot be discerned even though if the fish is fresh, it should have a taste and a flavor.

And on that note, is Aris, the best bet among the listed?

Aris #64, Mofongo King #74, and Jorge Mayra restaurant #64 are all on the same level IMO as far as the taste of their cooked fish. I lean towards Aris because I like the presentation and weve had a business relationship for awhile. Plus I always bring my friends there to dine, and he appreciates that. Sometimes he'll arrange for me to get 2 for one when they have small fish under 1 lb. Not often, but it happens.

The salads are usually a real green salad, not just shredded cabbage. So the other day that I mentioned here, we each had a 1 lb fish, yellow rice (no beans), a separate plate of steamed veggies, and a small green salad on the plate with the fish. So that's 4 items.

Most of the OTHER restaurants provide only 3. The fish of course, and your choice of two items. 1. Rice (yellow or white w / beans or not) 2. Partial green salad (often shredded cabbage mostly), 3. French fries, or 4. Veggies. Two of those listed. So yeah I rate Aris high on the list. The food from the kitchen is consistent, and Aris corrects errors if any. He's a 40 something Dominican., that also speaks perfect English. His aunt works there too. And a couple of wait staff.

Yesterday the same buddies of mine had red snapper at The Tree House #112. One said Aris was better. The other said he liked TTH red snapper a little more. He let me taste it. I agreed it tasted good. Not necessarily better. But I noted that it seemed more flavorful because it was a little more salty. He admitted that may have been what made the fish appear to be better for him. He said he is a salt junky.

Aris fish is not bland in the least. It's flavorful. But it gives you options in case you want to enhance the flavor with a dash of hot sauce, melted butter (which they gave us upon request) or even that garlic sauce. Or nothing at all. The fish tastes delicious without adding anything.

With any of those restaurants. The ones I mentioned or any others, it's best to ask them to show you the fish they intend to cook for you. My "salt loving friend" was charged only 500 pesos (usually it costs 650 pesos for a 1 lb) at TTH for that red snapper. They brought the fish out, and brought it to his attention that it was under 1 lb. If you don't look at the fish before hand, a person may get charged the regular price as if the fish was 1 lb.

When Aris offers me the 2 for one, I don't bother to look at the fish. In fact, I never look at the fish before hand. With Aris, I'm usually good. I do recommend any new customers let Aris show you the fish before cooking it. And lastly, Aris he's on whatsapp. He offers delivery in the area, which I think adds 60 to 100 pesos to the bill. If one is inclined they can give the driver a small propina, although Aris has the driver covered already.

Aris is almost never closed, even most holidays. So on one of those rainy days, and a person cant come out to the beach, they can still have a fish meal delivered to their hotel/apt. Just allow sufficient time. It aint coming in 20 minutes. Be mindful for every 1/2 lb above the 1 lb, add 300 pesos to your fish meal. For instance, a 1 1/2 lb fish meal will be 900 pesos, not the usual 600 pesos for a 1lb fish meal. 2lb fish will be 1200 pesos. Plus the standard 10% service charge.

[Tempoecorto]

I used to rent cars from something called Nelly which has gone terribly down the hill. I never bought insurance (my credit card has plenty) but the last time the suckers doubled down on that and I said no to the rental and got an Uber.

Question to those that rent regularly (at Santiago in particular): which is a reliable and not too pricey car rental company for you folks?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions.

[Tempoecorto]

Yeah I should have added that tidbit of info. The restaurants I listed are all places I'd get a fish meal from specifically.

Very helpful. Thanks much!

I am a fish person and one of my pet peeve going to an island is not finding fresh fish that is cooked right on the beach, typically over a charcoal fire. In Sosua, I have not found a good fish place so far so thanks again. That you know, can they do anything else other than frying. I am thinking steamed fish in perhaps a garlic sauce or the Creole kind. The problem with frying is that the freshness cannot be discerned even though if the fish is fresh, it should have a taste and a flavor.

And on that note, is Aris, the best bet among the listed?

[Confiable]

Likewise. Baileys has a few items on the menu I like. One I get from time to time is a breaded fish sandwich on a long bun. Comes with lettuce, tomato and onion with tartar sauce. Fries comes with it, I think? I also like Bailey's pizza.

Someone said their salad bar is a joke, and I concur. The cost of beverages there can run the bill up significantly. I'm a stickler against 80 to 120 peso juice or soft drinks that come with a glass full of ice. You get 3 good sips and you are done.

I agree with the fish sandwich and also the pizza for me.

[Brother P]

Likewise. Baileys has a few items on the menu I like. One I get from time to time is a breaded fish sandwich on a long bun. Comes with lettuce, tomato and onion with tartar sauce. Fries comes with it, I think? I also like Bailey's pizza.

Someone said their salad bar is a joke, and I concur. The cost of beverages there can run the bill up significantly. I'm a stickler against 80 to 120 peso juice or soft drinks that come with a glass full of ice. You get 3 good sips and you are done.

The red elefante just pass the mamajuana bar is a fav. Good food and prices, very clean, one of the owners always present. Healthy options if you stay away from the pasta. Europa has a good kitchen. New cafe has a good breakfast. On the beach tree house has good food and great prices. Fast Freddie at 164 is also really good. Mofongo on the beach is good and clean. The german place just pass bourbon is always good. I pretty much stick to those places. Peace.

[Wrx2005]

I like Bailey's for certain foods. That goes for a lot of restaurants in Sosua. Everyone has their favorites for whatever reason and there are a lot of them to choose from. Explore and make your own conclusions.

Likewise. Baileys has a few items on the menu I like. One I get from time to time is a breaded fish sandwich on a long bun. Comes with lettuce, tomato and onion with tartar sauce. Fries comes with it, I think? I also like Bailey's pizza.

Someone said their salad bar is a joke, and I concur. The cost of beverages there can run the bill up significantly. I'm a stickler against 80 to 120 peso juice or soft drinks that come with a glass full of ice. You get 3 good sips and you are done.

[OldKool]

Baileys is top of the chart because it is consistency. Their pizza is my personal favorite follwed by their sea bass. Sinatras was a good option but I think he is under financial stress and the quality of product has slipped. He is looking for a partner never a good thing. Flip Flop is good a option for a quicky. I have not fouund anything on the beach that I trust. For me sanititaion is a issue. Hand washing, keeping produce stable are concerns. The beach could have a renasaiance with day time action moving there. There is nowhere else to go for day time fun but the beach. When the girls figure that out it could be a big time win for everyone.

Vcx nfd67 il;;liuytre321.

That would be Sinatra's, on Pedro, on your left before you turn down to the beach. Lots of flags!

Steve has specials on lobster and steak, 2 for 1 price Wednesdays and Saturdays. Decent food, decent price, but much better service than Baileys. He's from my home town in the U. K.

At night he sings, too! Lol

[Wrx2005]

You are right! I visited that spot. Up the hill on the other side of the traffic light, a few years back, for a couple of times. The fish has no taste and I found out why. Most fishes, cotorra (or parrot fish) and Tilapia are frozen stiff in the freezer, who knows from which year.

I am told there is a place beyond cabarete, where they have a fish tank and live fish to serve but I have never been there. May be next time, but it is far. In the meantime, it is good to know the beachside Sosua places that you listed, I presume all of them have fish?

Thanks.

Yeah I should have added that tidbit of info. The restaurants I listed are all places I'd get a fish meal from specifically. FYI, I had a 1 lb fried grouper yesterday from Aris restaurant on the beach #67, and my two buddies each had a 1 lb fried red snapper. We each had yellow rice, steamed veggies, and a tiny green salad (not shredded cabbage).

A little garlic sauce on the side. Each meal was 600 pesos, plus a 10% service fee. The bill was 2992 with the inclusion of beverages. 2 small cokes, 2 rum punches , 3 shots of mamajuana , and 1 bottle of water. That averages out to almost 1000 pesos a customer. Three guys.

IMO, a lot of these restaurants make a killing with the cost of beverages. So if one is inclined to do so, they can bring their own ice cold soft drinks or booze. Or they can buy at least one beverage from the establishment, and supplement with their own.

Aris has his own seating inside and just outside of his place. But if you want to set up on the sand (near the walk path , so one can see the chicks nearby ) he'll set up a table over there. Aris's crew or him personally can provide your service, or any of the lounge chair guys will offer you service to Aris restaurant. They get a cut off the bill. Or just let Aris service you, you don't need the lounge chair guys. I just happen to know a few of them, so I let one of them serve me (sometimes) and tip them.

[Confiable]

I like Bailey's for certain foods. That goes for a lot of restaurants in Sosua. Everyone has their favorites for whatever reason and there are a lot of them to choose from. Explore and make your own conclusions.

[Oakie]

I have mentioned this before. There is a restaurant on the way to the beach on left. You cannot miss it. He has British flags outside. He have me almost 2 lb lobster and one big whole fried fish, few shrimps. All for 1300 pesos. Side of salad, potatoes etc included.

Baileys IMHO is overrated. Only thing I liked there is eggs Benedict.

That would be Sinatra's, on Pedro, on your left before you turn down to the beach. Lots of flags!

Steve has specials on lobster and steak, 2 for 1 price Wednesdays and Saturdays. Decent food, decent price, but much better service than Baileys. He's from my home town in the U. K.

At night he sings, too! Lol

[Tempoecorto]

The place across from Caribe Tours (that I believe you are referring to?) does indeed have good prices for fish meals.

You are right! I visited that spot. Up the hill on the other side of the traffic light, a few years back, for a couple of times. The fish has no taste and I found out why. Most fishes, cotorra (or parrot fish) and Tilapia are frozen stiff in the freezer, who knows from which year.

I am told there is a place beyond cabarete, where they have a fish tank and live fish to serve but I have never been there. May be next time, but it is far. In the meantime, it is good to know the beachside Sosua places that you listed, I presume all of them have fish?

Thanks.

[Wrx2005]

Always a heavy heart when leaving. Lost count of how many chicas I had. Most performed great. Only one sub par. Young haitian who was new to the game. Ehnvee does an excellent job of hosting. It gives you everything rumbas and classicos did but at a better venue. I like the new set up. Pedro clisante has a better look. I saw families walking the streets in the evenings. First in 9 years. The small bars that catered to europeans seemed to be doing much better. Ehnvees location and facilities work. IMHO the mayor has it right.

We can coexist. I loved classicos but it was hurting the towns image.

I was at super pola yesterday and witnessed a mother with 2 small children trying avoid a pro doing the walk of shame in black see threw spandex. I feel bad for business owners who were shut down but their time has run its course. A portion of sosua could not enjoy thier town due to the large numbers that flooded the streets. The current venues are fine. I think everyone is benefiting except the closed clubs but I can live with that.

Have you tried going to Ahnvee Resort Hotel? It's pretty good too.

[Wrx2005]

I have mentioned this before. There is a restaurant on the way to the beach on left. You cannot miss it. He has British flags outside. He have me almost 2 lb lobster and one big whole fried fish, few shrimps. All for 1300 pesos. Side of salad, potatoes etc included.

Baileys IMHO is overrated. Only thing I liked there is eggs Benedict.

On the way to the beach? Coming from where? I can think of 4 paths that are on the way to Sosua beach. Walking past Baileys make a quick left at the little park, you run into Sinatras which is on the way to the beach. Then you have Pedro Clisante a main street, and there are several restaurants there. One closed briefly because the owner died. It was called Brittania, I think it had British Flags. Now it's owned by Mateo from Midtown Restaurant. Not sure if any flags are still there. There is Jolly Rogers, but don't recall if they have British Flags outside. Thats funny you recall the flags but don't recall the name of the place, or the name of the street you ate at. BTW when were you there last?

[Wrx2005]

If you go across the street from Charamicos where the locals eat, it is like 400 pesos.

The place across from Caribe Tours (that I believe you are referring to?) does indeed have good prices for fish meals.

Unfortunately for me, the taste of their cooked fish does not appeal to my taste. I feel the same way about going to Maimon for fish. The fish they have indeed has great prices. But in my opinion and experience they don't taste the same cooked, like several restaurants I go to on Sosua beach. And for me, I'd rather pay 600 pesos for a meal I'm enjoying fully, rather than saving 200 pesos, but missing the flavor I like.

Also, I tend to like the option of having yellow rice (with beans if you want it) they serve with the fish on the beach. Whereas that restaurant across from CT I believe only serves white rice. With beans if you want it. I also like the garlic sauce I get from some of the kitchens on the beach. And the steamed veggies are available. Not just salad.

My favorites on the beach are Aris Restaurant #67, Mofongo King #74, Jorge Mayra Rest #64 , Fast Freddies #164 Bear in mind. Jorge / Mayra, Mofongo King, and Fast Freddies have their own kitchens. Whereas Aris, Joselito's Restaurants and a few others, share a kitchen that is located in the alley behind Aris Restaurant.