Santo Domingo drinks Presidente beer and Brugal rum, and both are ubiquitous. The bar scene divides naturally between the Zona Colonial, which has the most atmospheric settings, and Piantini, which has the most polished cocktail bars.
In the Zona Colonial, the stretch of cafés and bars along Arzobispo Merino and the streets off Parque Colón have outdoor seating and live merengue or bachata most evenings. The atmosphere is easy and inclusive, and the drinks are inexpensive. On weekend nights the colonial streets are the social centre of the city.
Bachata — the plaintive guitar music of the Dominican countryside — originated in the bars of Santo Domingo and is now the most internationally famous Dominican music style. Merengue is more energetic and more traditional. Both are played everywhere; the Zona Colonial bars are the best places to hear them live without paying a cover charge.