5 Cafés you need to visit in Santo Domingo – is my suggestion of where you should go and get your morning coffee, a light lunch, do your remote work, journal, or read a good book, while you are spending time in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

To be honest I am not the biggest fan of Santo Domingo (SD) myself – so finding these places to breathe is very important to me. I always try to leave SD as quickly as possible, but I am now trying to embrace the wonders of the city.

I strive to visit the Dominican Republic once a year and these places are what make me feel slightly more at home while in SD – I hope they can work for you as well. If you want, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

In no specific order – these are some of my favorite cafés you need to visit in Santo Domingo:

• Corner café
• Affogato café
• Kahkow café
• Urban coffee bar
• Cafecito del parque

Corner café

Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

I was introduced to Corner Café by a woman I met at the Island Life hostel where I was staying, and where she was working. We became friends and met several times during my visits to the Dominican Republic.

Walking into the small plaza with the beautiful pink flowers, the old church, and the big tree, I knew I had found the small oasis of calm in the big buzzing city, I’d been looking for. I love that they have outdoor serving in this little nook in La Zona.

The Café is snuggled in off the side of Calle Padre Billini next to Iglesia Regina Angelorum. They serve coffee and croissants of many kinds as well as a bunch of different pastries. The service is chill, like most places in the Dominican Republic, so you shouldn’t go there if you are in a hurry – but honestly – that goes for anywhere there.

I often bring my book or journal and spend the waiting time reading or writing. Afterward, I would encourage you to go for a walk in the area. the street leading up to the Café has the prettiest flowers and such a cozy vibe.

You can also try out the lovely rooftop in the same building. Serving pizza under the flower trees.

Price: Cappuccino 110 DOP

Maps location

Affogato café

Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

I enjoy the vibe of this place. With their many different, cute, cups. Chill vibe and music. And motivational quotes on all walls. It almost brings me back to a cafe in Europe with a touch of the Caribbean. Although I don’t travel to find all that I can find at home, this café brings me the perfect mix of home and travel.

I remember one day I walked in and sat down to have some lunch before heading to the airport. A friend from the north coast walks in. He sits at my table, we chat for a bit until he recognizes the family sitting at the table next to us. They are also from the north coast. I suddenly realized that one of the people was someone I trained Brazilian Jiu-jitsu with a couple of weeks prior.
This gave me a feeling of small-town vibes – even in a city as big as Santo Domingo.

The last time I went, I spent two full days working on my laptop, in the café – as long as I made sure to order food and drinks there, they were completely fine with me working.

My favorite food to eat in this café would be their savory crepes! They are stuffed with goodness – and accompanied by a jugo de chinola (passionfruit juice), your lunch is set.
If you get there a bit early, their breakfast is, for sure, also worth a try. Personally, the French toast with strawberries is my go-to. And of course with a cappuccino on the side.

Kahkow café

Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

This is a café I came across in 2024. It is a place dedicated to learning more about cacao, and even getting to try and make it yourself!
We went there to have a look around their shop and bought some filled chocolates that were delicious. The cafe looked small, and I honestly didn’t try anything from the menu – but I wanted to include it in this post, as it is a place I will give a try the next time I visit – and I thought you might be curious about it too.

It is located on one of my favorite streets in SD. Wonderful place to go for a walk, checking out all the colonial buildings.

Price: Cappuccino Unknown

Maps location

Urban Coffee Bar

Evaristo Morales, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

This place is outside the normal tourist area, and except for the Blue Mall, I don’t think I would go to the area for anything else. But the café was so worth it. The options for both food and drinks were great, and it tasted amazing.

Once again, as long as I ordered food and drinks I could stay there and work from my laptop all day.

I wish I had brought a sweater, as the A/C was a bit too cold for my taste.

The place offers everything from breakfast to lunch, dinner, and drinks.

They do offer outdoor serving, but because of the noise, all the cars, and the not-so-inspiring surroundings, I wouldn’t sit outside. Also, Santo Domingo is known for people on motorbikes driving past you and grabbing any valuables they can – so, I wouldn’t feel comfortable with my laptop outside.

Price: Cappuccino 175 DOP

Maps location

Cafecito del parque

Parque Iberoamérica, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

This is such a gem! somewhere outside of the touristy area, you’ll find this small park full of life.
with playgrounds, workout areas, and nice roads/paths – this park is a small hideaway in the big city.

Right at the entrance you’ll find a tall white ‘doll’ house – this is Cafecito del parque.

Even though the food selection is not that great, the location is the selling point.

On the sign above where you order, you can see the famous lyrics from the Merengue song “Ojala Que Llueva Café” (I Wish that it rains coffee) by Juan Luis Guerra.

These are my suggestions for cafés you need to visit in Santo Domingo – Which one are you excited to visit? let me know in the comments! 🙂