Profile

A block from the George Washington Bridge, Típico Dominicano Restaurant whips up satisfying Dominican, Caribbean, and Latin fare 24/7. Equally attended by Spanish-speaking locals and United Palace Theater concertgoers, the beige dining room has salmon-hued marble floors and maroon tablecloths to set a formal tone, as well as flat screen TVs and folksy paintings to lighten it up with an informal one. Above, the recessed ceiling is ablaze with psychedelic depictions of flowers. The mostly Dominican menu blends Spanish and native Taíno Indian influences in its belly-filling stews and grilled dishes. Spicing is decidedly mild, with oregano, onions, coriander, and garlic used sparingly. The paella típica Dominicana is a tasty mélange of deep-fried hacked chicken, pork chops, and sausage dotting a small mountain of yellow rice. Whole shrimp, squid rings, and clams add a nice seafood dimension, though the rock lobster tails and halved crabs provide more eye candy than flavor. Another good choice is mofongo de chicharrones, a Puerto Rican classic that entombs shredded roast pork within a mound of mashed, fried plantain; a vibrant brown gravy adds moisture and meaty zest. Típico Dominicano doesn’t just tantalize your taste buds; it overwhelms them with heartiness. — Michael Anstendig

Half pollo a la parrilla, $7; mofongo de chicharrones, $8.95; paella típica Dominicana, $18.95

Related Stories

Featured In

• Go North: A Neighborhood Guide to Washington Heights (5/28/07)