Punta Cana Bar & Lounge

I am not ashamed to say that I have been here for four separate meals since being introduced to this restaurant only three days ago. The food is that good.
Ever since visiting Dominican takeout restaurants in Harlem, this is the type of Latin American food experience I’ve been looking for in Albany. It’s authentic. So authentic, your 12 years of grade school Spanish will come in handy, if you want to get fancy with your requests. It is operated by a woman and her son who have lived most of their lives in the Dominican Republic with stints in Albany, only returning recently, to open this restaurant.
I’ll recommend what I’ve had so far, since it was all delicious. The chicharrónes de pollo are Dominican fried chicken thighs that are super crispy and flavorful, served with tostones (smashed, lightly salted fried green plantains), and a garlickly cilantro mayo dipping sauce that I couldn’t get enough of. I also had perfectly cooked rice and beans, and the best arroz con pollo (rice with chicken) you can get around here. The son, who waits on you then yells back your order in Spanish to his chef mom, tells me the reason Caribbean cuisine is so good, because it uses the best of its African, Taino, Indian, and Spanish influences. He’s absolutely correct.
Punta Cana loses a half star because of the décor, which may be a work in progress; a contractor was hammering away at the floorboards during lunch the other day. It seemed like I was in someone’s house. I think I may love that about this place, so I’ll round that 4 ½ stars back up to 5.
I will be back, again, and again, and again. I love you, Punta Cana. Te amo.

This is an Albany hidden gem! I’ve dined here twice and can confidently say that it is a SOLID 5 stars.
The place looks a bit run down, but all of the employees (3 of them) will treat you like family. There was an issue with their credit card machine and it was looking like we weren’t going to be able to pay the first time we were there. «No problem» they said, «Come by tomorrow». What, what? That was then proceeded by a, «this is like your house», and it honestly felt like I was being fed by abuela (grandma).
The food is everything I would expect from a Dominican restaurant, and you can taste the love the cook put into it. The cook is very proud of her food and she has every right to be! It is hands down delicious!
The wait time is appropriate for the food as it comes out very fresh. The cooks checks in to make sure everything is fine. I had a little bit of meat left and they insisted I take it to go as they would give me rice to take with it (!!).
I can honestly say this has turned into my favorite spot. The employees treat you very well and value your patronage. Anything they can do to make your experience better, they will. I’ve heard this is a good place after 9p to have drinks and dance. I’ll have to experience this and give an update.