Bokaguá

Located on a lively stretch of Riverdale Ave., Bokaguá’ is a high-ceilinged, sun-soaked restaurant that wouldn’t feel out of place in Miami, with fake vines hanging from the ceiling, and colorful cocktails. The menu creatively (and occasionally successfully) remixes Dominican and Asian cuisines in dishes like stewed oxtail samosas with a garlicky mango banilejo salsa served over a bright yellow curry, or grilled shrimp with pineapple adobo and mojo. We thought we'd tried every carb-on-carb combo that existed, but the mofongo-stuffed dumplings—which benefit greatly from the pickled onions and crispy pork belly they come with—challenged our assumptions. If you're in the area, check this place out for a casual dinner date and enjoy a few boozy cocktails. We liked the Forest Fire, a smoky mix of mezcal, chile ancho liquor, and lychee.