The Feel:

Uno Mas is a sweet little spot that could fit in your grandma’s kitchen. It’s packed away on the beach side of the main road, over looking the street, not the beach, but you’re only a few steps away from the sand. The place is lively with a fresh tropical feel and colourfully chalk-decorated walls. They specialize in alcoholic fruit juices and smoothies hence their appropriately cheeky slogan “Chill the F@#% Out.”
Judging by all the writing on the wall, Uno Mas seems to be on the fence as to whether it loves its life or can’t wait for it to finally be over. The staff will lovingly blend you a west-coast-health-freak-standard smoothie, but you don’t need to ask them twice for them to pour a half pint of their home-mixed liquor they cheerfully dub “Gazoline.” (yes, the stuff actually is served out of a red gas can) The place is like a chain-smoking yogi dressed in bright pastel shades of Lululemon. A quote on one of the chalkboard walls sums it up better than I ever could: “This is a sunny place for shady people”

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The Food:

As for the food. I saw a pound of wings on the menu and didn’t bother reading the rest. Gabriel got quesadillas with a side of guac. The quesadillas were somewhat lacking and on the bland side, although the condiments accompanying them were pretty good (sour cream, salsa, guacamole.) The wings on the other hand were delicious and tasted just like the place felt… tangy enough to pep up your mood, but finger-lickin’ good enough to undeniably know they’re killing you softly. I had a Caesar to accompany my meal. Tim apologized profusely for the lack of bacon, but I was already impressed with the stuffed olives and pickle slices. I could have done with less ice and with a glass, not a styrofoam cup, but as a Caesar lover (which apparently Gabriel is not) I was very satisfied and quenched.

Tim apologized profusely for the lack of bacon, but I was already impressed with the stuffed olives and pickle slices.

The Staff:

The staff left us with a good first impression. Tim served us. Tim’s from Texas, we didn’t have time to ask because he was headed off to run some more errands–we got there kind of early (noon) and he still seemed slightly hungover from thursday night festivities–but we assume he’s from the Austin part of Texas. Tim’s got a sail boat moored in Luperon–safest harbour in the Caribbean, about 2 hours west–where he met the bar’s owner Eddie. Incidentally, that’s where my parents’ boat is moored, and that’s where I first met Eddie myself, and sang at his bar there, and proceeded to have a few caipirinhas, only to NOT recognize him just a few months later here in Cabarete, but my contextual amnesia is a story for another day.

The Whole:

Overall we like Uno Mas. We’ll have to spend an evening there to really taste its life force before we give you our final answer, but it seems quaint and fun. Prices are in the Tourist range, but that’s only fair when your location’s on the beach. Our meals and drink came out to a grand total of 900 pesos (including a 100 peso tip) According to goole that’s 21 US dollars and 69 cents (10bucks each) Food is tasty but not the best or most unique you’ll ever try, just good enough to stuff your face over tuesday trivia or between rounds on the shot wheel. Atmosphere is light, fun and welcoming. One day if they renovate I’ll suggest trading out their high-tables and stools for a multicoloured mechanical bull.

One day if they renovate I’ll suggest trading out their high-tables and stools for a multicoloured mechanical bull.

For a full look at their menu click here.

Have you been to Uno Mas? What did you think? if you haven’t, do we make you want to go?