Mezcalito defines itself as a “Jamaican Infused Mexican Kitchen” and is located on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic in beautiful Punta Cana. We stumbled upon it while exploring the area during a week-long stay and were drawn to its clean appearance and vibrant décor.
Being Island people, we are naturally drawn to establishments offering Island cuisine. The idea of a Jamaican/Mexican infusion brought on much anticipation in the tastebuds.
We expected the typical Dominican Republic hospitality and were not disappointed. As for the food, we thought “they’ll get the Mexican part right, …but let’s see about the Jamaican aspects.”
Location and Ambience
Mezcalito is right on the street’s edge and housed in a shopping complex style building with solid concrete walls. Inside you will find metal framed tables and chairs, walls decorated with Jamaican and Mexican art as well as decorative wooden touches to give an “island vibe” in what would otherwise feel plain.
It is very colorful, feels clean and is as welcoming and warm as the amazing staff. Heads-up, if you dine outside, be prepared to hear the noise of traffic (horns and engines), but it becomes easy to tune it out if you have good company.
Service
We were greeted by two gentlemen well before we even entered the space, but clearly heading in that direction. After getting ushered to seats of our choosing, a trip to the restroom was the next step to get those hands clean. The restroom is not located inside the restaurant but is centralized and shared with other tenants of the building. Nevertheless, it was well lit and very clean.
With less than a minute of wait, our server approached with the drink and food menus, and was ready to take our order. Never missing a beat with professionalism and prompt responses.
Food Quality
We leaned on the Jamaican side and went with “Stamp & Go” for appetizer, a fried batter of salted codfish, tomato, onion and pepper. Sounds like a simple preparation, but not everyone gets this right. We’ve had too many experiences to count where these were doughy, under-seasoned or did not have enough codfish. However, Mezcalito seems to have gotten it right. Bites of codfish were noticeable in a properly cooked, well flavored “dumpling” as we call it in the Caribbean.
Our entrees were Curry Goat with a side of Rice and (red) Peas and fried sweet (ripe) plantains. We also had Jerk Chicken with steamed cabbage.
The Curry Goat!
Let’s talk about that curry goat, feels like it deserves its own paragraph! The goat meat was tender and flavorful, swimming in a rich thick curry sauce that will take you back to your best experience with this dish. It was served on its own in a wooden bowl which sat on a ceramic plate next to a mountain of rice and peas. A portion that can be split for two people, but definitely a bellyful for one.
We often make note of the color of our curry when we order curry dishes, and at first glance, our eyes told our tastebuds what to expect and Mezcalito delivered in flavor what the presentation of the dish screamed.
A Passable Jerk Chicken
Jerk Chicken, stacked on a white ceramic plate beside a square bowl of fresh steamed veggies and flanked with a slaw on one side, jerk sauce on the other. It carried its weight, but we were not as impressed with it as we were with the curry goat.
Mostly drumsticks, tender and falling off the bone, but did not have a true authentic “jerk seasoned” taste. The portion was also sizable, but I would not expect to walk away feeling full if this were shared with another person.
Don’t let this deter you from ordering it – it was still an overall good meal, especially when coupled with the delectably seasoned steamed cabbage and carrots. This preparation of vegetables will appeal to anyone, even those who “hate” vegetables.
Drinks and Desert
We skipped desert, but accompanied our meal with “Passion fruit” and “Fireball” mojitos. The passion fruit is sourced locally and made fresh. “Fireball” is a Cinnamon flavored whiskey.
It was the Superbowl night, so we could choose nothing other than Presidente beers to enjoy the game on a projector which was set up on the outside.
Cost
You will not break the bank eating here. Our meal totaled $70 USD after appetizer, entre and several drinks. Well worth is.
Verdict?
We recommend Mezcalito for a good meal, good safe place to hang out with friends or meet new people in the Dominican Republic.
If you read this far, or any at all, thank you for allowing us to share the experience.
Find Them!
Social Media:
Phone:
1-809-959-3794
Address:
Garden Suites, Av Alemania, C. Marcio Maggiolo 10,
Punta Cana 23000,
Dominican Republic