Everyone needs a lively Dominican restaurant in their lives, and Baldwin's Casita RD is the place on Long Island. The small space is a splash of color with its tropical aesthetic and deep couches full of people drinking fruity cocktails.

Casita RD

Range of entrees: $15-$60

Handicapped accessibility: No steps, individual bathroom.

Attributes: Good for date night, Celebrations, Family-friendly

Reservations: No

866 Merrick Rd., Baldwin

casitard.com | 516-600-9079

The name translates to "little house," with the RD referring to República Dominicana. But the inviting spot is more of a fusion playground for chef Stephen Rodriguez, an Instagram-famous chef who experiments with the Japanese, Italian and Mexican flavors he grew up eating in Queens. He teamed up with Massiel Medina, op

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