There’s not a lot in the way of traditional Dominican food around metro Phoenix, but Mambo’s Dominican Kitchen in Chandler helps fill in the gap with a sprawling menu of Caribbean staples. Starters include meaty empanadas and deep-fried quipes (bulgur rolls inspired by Lebanese kibbeh). It would be a mistake to skip over the drink menu, which features a selection of frothy, traditional fruit drinks like Morir Soñando (“Die Dreaming”), a sweet and light blend of orange and milk. Of course, you’ll want to sample the bacon-spliced mofongo, a classic dish of cooked plantain smashed with ample amounts of garlic and onion. The deep-fried, grizzled pork nuggets called masita de cerdo are also quite good, and you definitely don’t want to miss the mangú tres golpes, a classic Dominican breakfast plate that revolves around mangú, a sort of porridge of chunky, mashed green plantains served with fried cheese, Dominican salami and a couple of eggs.
- Price: $, $$
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Outdoor seating: Open-air patio
- Alcohol: Full bar
- Reservations: Recommended
- Parking: Lot available
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Takeout
- Call restaurant to order/pay
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