A new Dominican spot has debuted in Beverly. Called Punta Cana Dominican Grill, the fresh addition is located at 342 Rantoul St.
Founded by Horell and Lisa Cruz, who also own the barber shop across the street, this Dominican spot's menu includes meat plates like pollo guisado (Dominican braised chicken), carne frita (fried beef) and pernil (roast pork shoulder), all served with rice and beans. Diners can also enjoy fried pastelitos and plantains, washed down with a fresh guava or passionfruit juice.
The interior of the eatery is filled with Dominican-inspired artwork, and televisions display beach scenes.
Punta Cana Dominican Grill has gotten off to an uneven start thus far, with a three-star rating out of two reviews on Yelp.
Taylor R., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on June 15, wrote, "So happy to have this place in the neighborhood! Amazing, friendly and bilingual service. The food is delicious and very nostalgic!"
But Yelper Dawn L. added, “Disappointing experience with this newly opened restaurant. My Dominican friend drove from Maine so that we could celebrate her birthday. Another friend drove from New Hampshire, and seven of us ventured over for an authentic Dominican dinner at this new restaurant, with posted hours until 9pm. We arrived just before 7:30pm ... chairs on tables, lights off, no sign."
Swing on by to take a peek for yourself: Punta Cana Dominican Grill is open from 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. on Monday-Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
