Buche Perico
Buche Perico is a Zona Colonial bar with traditional Dominican drinks, casual atmosphere, and a focus on local culture. The name references a traditional Dominican phrase. The setup runs casual local bar format within the colonial setting.
Where to stay near Buche Perico
Hotels close to Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo.
What to Expect
A casual Zona Colonial bar with traditional Dominican drinks and local atmosphere.
Casual Dominican bar with local cultural focus.
Bachata, merengue, traditional Dominican music
Casual
Traditional Dominican drinking, casual evenings, and travelers seeking local atmosphere.
Cash preferred (DOP/USD), cards accepted
Price Range
Beer 150-300 DOP, cocktails 250-500 DOP, Dominican shots 100-250 DOP
Beer ~$2.40-5/~2.10-4.50 EUR, shots ~$1.60-4/~1.40-3.50 EUR
Hours
Daily 4 PM to midnight
Insider Tip
The Dominican shots program is genuinely interesting; ask staff for recommendations. Cash payment is preferred.
Full Review
Buche Perico occupies a small space in Zona Colonial with the layout running casual local bar format: a simple bar counter, basic seating, and the kind of unpretentious aesthetic that distinguishes it from the more polished Zona Colonial venues catering primarily to tourists.
The drinks program focuses on traditional Dominican drinks. Mama Juana, Brugal rum cocktails, Presidente beer, and various traditional Dominican spirits and aperitifs make up most of the menu. Pricing runs at the lower end of Zona Colonial: beer at 150-300 DOP, cocktails at 250-500 DOP, traditional shots at 100-250 DOP.
The atmosphere stays casual and locally-focused throughout the evening. Music plays at moderate volume with bachata, merengue, and traditional Dominican music dominating. The crowd is mixed Dominican locals and the more adventurous portion of the Zona Colonial tourist demographic. Service handles English alongside Spanish.
The Neighborhood
Zona Colonial is the historic colonial heart of Santo Domingo, a UNESCO-listed district with cobblestone streets, colonial-era architecture, and a developed bar and restaurant scene built into the preserved historical setting. Buche Perico sits in Zona Colonial among the casual bar cluster.
Getting There
Uber from anywhere in central Santo Domingo costs 200-400 DOP. The Zona Colonial is walkable end to end; most venues are within 5-10 minutes of each other on foot.
Address
Calle El Conde 53, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Other Venues in Zona Colonial
Onno's Bar
Longtime expat and backpacker fixture on Calle Hostos with cheap drinks and a rowdy late-night crowd. Cash only, minimal decor, maximum volume.
Pat'e Palo European Brasserie
Upscale bar and restaurant overlooking Plaza España with a rooftop terrace. Popular for sunset drinks before heading to louder venues nearby.
La Alpargatería
Trendy cocktail bar with exposed brick and creative drinks. Draws young Dominicans and visitors on weeknight outings in a more relaxed setting.
SOS Bar
No-frills drinking spot on Calle Arzobispo Meriño that fills up late with locals, expats, and tourists. Cheap beer and simple mixed drinks.
Parada 77
Eclectic neighborhood bar with rotating art on the walls and live DJs on weekends. Pulls an artsy, bohemian local crowd most evenings.
Jalao
Live merengue and bachata restaurant-bar facing Parque Colón, opened by the team behind Lulú and Pat'e Palo. Cover charge applies on weekend nights when the house band plays.