If you know where to look, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is filled with Caribbean culture. There are Cuban grocery stores, Dominican bakeries, cultural pride parades, and plenty of amazing Caribbean music, including an annual reggae festival each spring.
There are also a number of hidden-gem Caribbean restaurants serving everything from empanadas to jerk to mofongos. Some restaurants are so under-the-radar that they lack a major online presence, but that doesn’t stop in-the-know locals from pouring in. Whether you’re looking for a heaping plate of spiced shredded pork or salted cod, a great Cuban sandwich, or just a strong cup of café Cubano, let this list guide the way.
Doña Maria
At this airy Dominican restaurant with bright pink walls and a tropical vibe, start with a Morisoñada, loosely translated from Spanish as “to die dreaming”. It’s a creamy citrus drink served in a large metal cup with a colorful straw and plenty of ice, reminiscent of a Creamsicle. The menu features usual suspects like empanadas with six different fillings and Canasticas, plantain cups filled with chicken or seafood. But don’t sleep on the Camarones Criolla, shrimp with Creole tomato sauce; or the Boca Chica, fried Domincan-style fish. 8140 N. MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 130, Irving, donamariadominican.com
Aldeez Afribbean Restaurant & Lounge
Jerk chicken, slow-braised oxtail, whole snapper, and goat pepper soup are some of the staples at this Afro-Caribbean restaurant in Far North Dallas. Settle into a booth inside the colorful dining room, then sample a few other options, including suya, spiced grilled beef with fresh vegetables. The place gets lively in the evenings, especially on Reggae Wednesdays and Afribbean Fridays, when the space transitions into a lounge. Enjoy extended happy hour, music, and dancing. 3950 Rosemeade Pkwy., Ste. 100, Dallas, aldeez.com
Taste of the Islands
Head to this unassuming Caribbean restaurant and Jamaican grocery store in a Plano strip mall for a variety of patties, an integral part of island cuisine, featuring golden, flaky shells filled with spicy ground beef or curried chicken. Try the jerk chicken patties, stewed oxtail, and goat curry, then shop for ingredients to recreate the flavors at home. The store stocks Jamaican sodas, chips, and spices, along with meats and prepared foods. 909 W. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, tasteoftheislands.net
Havana Cafe-Mojito Bar
This East Dallas neighborhood favorite has been serving Cuban fare since 2012. From croquetas and Cuban tamales to sandwiches and traditional ropa vieja, the menu covers all the greatest hits and then some. The Havana Cafe Grilled Fish—white fish topped with tomatoes, capers, white wine, garlic, and onions—is somehow rich yet light, while the Havana Cafe Chicken (arroz con pollo) is sure to fill you up. Pair just about anything with a refreshing option from the mojito bar, including a 23-ounce Texas-size mojito.
1152 Buckner Blvd., Ste. J-126, Dallas, havanacafedallas.com
Caribbean Cuba
The sisters who run this Carrollton-based neighborhood gem sling homemade Cuban comfort food, including empanadas, croquetas, and papas rellenas, as well as hearty dishes like tender shredded beef simmered in a tomato-based sauce and made-to-order chicken fricassee. Cuban fricassee differs from French fricassee, in part because the sauce is wine-based rather than cream-based, making it more flavorful and less heavy. Don’t pass up a mojito. 1000 Webb Chapel Rd., Carrollton
The Empanada Joint
Fresh, housemade sauces are one of the selling points of this Puerto Rican street food spot in The Colony—besides the golden, flaky empanadas themselves, of course. The chimichurri, aioli, and cinnamon-sugar cream dip all boast that just-made freshness. Even the pique, a Puerto Rican hot sauce, is made in-house, and it packs some heat. Empanadas come in plenty of varieties, from spice-marinated pulled pork to spinach and cheese. When the weather cooperates, grab a spot on the outdoor patio with a cold beer and a couple of empanadas. 5804 Windhaven Pkwy., #100, The Colony, theempanadajoint.com
Sazón Tropical
This spot tucked into a strip mall in Grand Prairie serves Dominican and Honduran food in a casual setting. Line up at the counter and peruse the menu on the wall, point to what you want behind the glass, and let your server build a giant, “Tropi Bowl” with your choice of proteins, including fried pork skin, goat, pepper steak, and fried shrimp. Start with empanadas—not the baked turnovers often seen in Argentinian cuisine, but the deep-fried Dominican version. Transport yourself to the islands with the Pollo Guisado, a traditional braised chicken dish in a tomato-based sauce. It comes with salad, rice, or fried plantains. 830 Mayfield Rd., Grand Prairie, sazontropical.eu
Picadera X Trinity Cider
Picadera set up shop inside craft cider house Trinity Cider, delivering the rich flavors of the Dominican Republic with refreshing pairings. Go with a group and order an array of small plates to share: mozzarella-stuffed fried yuca balls, wings marinated in Dominican spices, and chimichurri sliders. As a nostalgic touch, the Chimi Burger comes served in a blue and white plastic baggie that the owner’s grandmother sends from the DR, because that’s how burgers are sold on the island streets. 2721 Main St., Dallas, picaderaxtrinitycider.com
Cuban Dulceria International Bakery
Grab a table at this family-owned bakery, open since 1979, where people flock for both sweet and savory Cuban treats—ropa vieja sandwiches, ham croquettes, and pastries you’re unlikely to find in most bakeries in the States. For example, “horns” (shaped as you’d expect) are somewhere between cannoli and Boston Cream donuts. Other hits include guava-cheese pastries, flan, and strong Cuban coffee. 2662 N. Josey Ln., Ste. 228, Carrollton, cubanbakerydfw.com
