La  Vita Notturna.

 La maggior parte della vita notturna di Boca Chica si svolge lungo la via Duarte, che è la strada che corre parallela alla spiaggia, un isolato più in dentro. I locali più popolari cambiano di stagione in stagione, ma una cosa è sicura, la vita notturna in Boca Chica ha due fasi, dalle sette alle undici di sera e dalle undici alle quattro di notte.

Già di prima sera (7-11pm) il centro della Duarte ha un'atmosfera molto piacevole. La via viene chiusa al traffico alle due estremità e diventa solo pedonale. Molti ristoranti sono completamente aperti sul lato strada e i loro tavolini occupano il marciapiede e parte della via. Tutta l'area è piena di gente che cena, beve un drink o passeggia per la via curiosando tra i negozi. Merengue e Bachata, due tipi di musica popolari nella repubblica dominicana, riempiono l'aria. In queste ore potrete vedere per lo più coppie di turisti, famiglie e bambini. Il tutto è assolutamente sicuro e divertente.

Come si avvicina la mezzanotte, la maggior parte dei ristoranti chiudono, i turisti meno giovani e le famiglie fanno ritorno nei loro alberghi e il popolo della notte fonda comincia a apparire. I bar, che dilagano sulla strada con sedie e tavolini, fanno assumere alla via l'aspetto e l'atmosfera di una festa di quartiere. La maggior parte dei bar sono piccoli locali completamente aperti sulla strada. Diversi di essi sono del tutto all'aperto. Il flusso del lavoro si sposta da uno all'altro per qualche isolato, ma soltanto pochi sembrano attrarre sempre un folto pubblico. Intorno alle due di notte, la maggior parte dei dominicani del posto, che lavorano nei vicini ristoranti o che abitano in città o nella vicina Andres, cominciano a apparire e la vita notturna di Boca Chica irrompe a pieni giri. Se volete vivere il contatto con la gentedi qui, questo è il posto in cui trovarsi. La folla tocca il culmine intorno alle tre di notte e comincia a diminuire intorno alle quattro.

Non c'è un codice per vestirsi, nei locali della passeggiata della Duarte di Boca Chica, l'abbigliamento varia dal "casual" all'elegante. L'ingresso ai minori non è consentito in diversi locali, ma l'applicazione della norma non è rigida ovunque.

Lo spettacolo della tarda notte in Boca Chica ha uno charme tutto suo. La molto particolare fusione e lo stretto contatto tra gente del luogo e turisti, fa sì che siano in molti a tornare, anno dopo anno, in questa cittadina di mare del tutto sicura e ben pattugliata dalla polizia.

Hamaca Disco.
For those that want a more controlled atmosphere, the Hamaca Resort has their own disco.  It is all-inclusive so guests entering pay one price (US$10) and that includes all domestic drinks once inside.  Imported drinks are extra.  This is a typical carpet, chrome, and mirror disco with a modern lighting and sound system.  The dress code here is "nice", and on some of the crowded nights during high season, entrance becomes restricted to hotel guests only.  Hotel guests are admitted free as part of their all-inclusive package.  This is the best place for couples or visitors that prefer not to venture out into the main street.  This bar has the nicest decor of any place in Boca Chica and non-guests of the hotel are admitted at the management's discretion.  

Austria.
This bar is for mingling, as the back bar is in a large circular shape.  In the front is a small area with tables and chairs and the main bar, which also services the tables and chairs set out onto the street.

Gelateria.

Isla Bonita.
Plaza Isla Bonita opened a new beach bar in August.  It is currently a quiet place to have a drink on the beach.  As of this writing, it is one of only two bars where patrons can party at night directly on the beach but the government has announced that soon the beach will get night lighting in hopes of keeping customers on the beach after sundown.

La Cueva.
Directly next to the soon-to-open Plaza Isla Bonita, La Cueva (the cave) is a narrow and long bar with a dance floor situated in the middle section.  The front section is flanked by a bar along the entire length of one wall and the back section is outfitted with tables for a more private atmosphere.  Most of this bar is outdoors, with the only roof being over the long bar and the dance floor.  This bar has lost popularity in the late part of 1999 and early part of 2000 but is expected to regain popularity as the new Laser disco starts drawing crowds to its end of the street and with the new opening of Plaza Isla Bonita.

Laser Disco.
The newest disco in Boca Chica opened in October 2000.  It has both indoor and outdoor areas and a modern lighting and sound system.  It is the only place on the main strip with air conditioning and its walls are painted with creative murals.  Top shelf liquor is available here and the Presidente beers are service ice cold.  

The Laser Disco outdoor seating area serves fresh barbecued pork the size of T-bone steaks, late into the night.

Madhouse.
A small bar owned by Germans who are every bit a part of the party.  This is the place to go with a small group of friends when you don't want to get lost in the crowds but still want good music and loud fun.  Classic Rock and Roll is played here and there is a raised dance floor for when the mood strikes. One can sit on stools inside or outside and there are usually several tables with chairs set up in the street as well.  This is my favorite place when I want to get away from the crowds, get some fresh air, and listen to great music.

Cosmos (formerly, La Noria, and prior to that, Alcatraz).
A warehouse style disco that attracts mostly singles and plays a variety of dance music.  Until the opening of the new Laser Disco, this was the most popular late night bar in Boca Chica.  As high season kicks in December 2000, this place should again be filled wall to wall, usually after 2am.



Le Bon.
Located on Calle Juan Bautista Vicini near the highway (next to Hotel Label), this disco is one of the few in Boca Chica that has air conditioning.  They frequently charge a small cover charge,  are rarely crowded, and are located about 6 blocks north of the main strip of Calle Duarte.  This disco has a nice decor and is mostly frequented by Dominicans.  This bar has been closed for the slow season but may reopen in November as tourism starts to pick up.

Route 66.
One of the most attractively decorated bars in Boca Chica, this place sports a theme of nostalgia from the famous Route 66 highway that runs across the middle of the USA.  Classic rock and roll is played here and occasionally there is a live band.  Drinks are a bit  more expensive here, commensurate with the atmosphere, and all top-shelf brands can be found.  This is a fun spot for couples and small groups of friends that aren't into getting overly rowdy.

Tuca Tuca.
Located directly on the beach at the end farthest from the Hamaca Beach Resort.  This outdoor bar is on the sand with palm hut style canopies over tables mounted to the canopy trunks.  This bar is mostly popular with tourist and Dominican couples.

Pequeña Suiza.

Zanzi Bar.
A small bar, next to the popular La Noria Disco and across the street from the La Criolla restaurant.  This is a great place for people watching, as the bar straddles the street with half of its seating being indoors and the other half in an open air section that expands across the sidewalk and street.  It's location next to one of the popular discos and across the street from the city's most popular late night eatery makes it a popular gathering place from 11pm until 1am.  Staffed with waitresses that give prompt, friendly, and at times animated service, this is a closing point for the early evening crowd and starting point for much of the late night crowd.  At Zanzi Bar, purchase fresh pastries, deserts, hot sandwiches, espresso, cappuccino, and every type of top shelf liquor.