Popular Dominican Restaurant Opening In New Washington Heights Hotel

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — A popular Dominican restaurant is opening its first location in the United States within Washington Height's newest hotel.

Jalao, which had previously only served customers in Santo Domingo since 2016, will open later in August inside the Radio Hotel at 2420 Amsterdam Ave. (between 180th and 181st streets).

"A destination unto itself, the New York restaurant is an escapist experience for diners to taste and enjoy authentic Dominican cuisine with a menu and space that reflects the Dominican Republic (vibrant, joyful, and full of flavor) and the distinct blend of Taiìno, African, and Spanish cultures," reads a news release about its opening.

A section about Jalao on the Radio Hotel website says that the chef creates traditional Dominican cuisine with added elements of Mexican heritage and a Latin American spin.

The restaurant's hotel page also makes the bold claim of already being "the best food in Washington Heights."

The menu is not yet released, but it will feature favorites from the Dominican Republic restaurant, along with new options.

The menu from the Santo Domingo eatery included croquettes, calamari and shrimp fritters, cativias in cassava dough, Dominican style "tamal-like" food with a plantain base stuffed with chicken or beef, chicharrons, sausages, taquitos, pastas, and more.

There will also be a bar and outdoor seating options in the new Washington Heights location.

You can find out more about the new restaurant on its page within the hotel website.