During renovations to open Pat’e Palo in 1998, a stone doorframe was found beneath the building facade with Taíno Indian carvings. Representatives from the National Patrimony confirmed the authenticity of the carvings. It was also confirmed that the building dated back to between 1502-1507 and was most likely used as a tavern and guesthouse for engineers of the Columbus Palace, just across the plaza.

Pat’e Palo or “peg leg” was a name chosen by owner Louis Brocker who has always been fascinated by pirate stories of centuries past. “They had total freedom,” says Brocker. They would come to these taverns after battle and have a hearty meal with a bottle of wine. Good food, never leave hungry and feel satisfied.”

For 11 years now, Pat’e Palo has been focused on just that. The restaurant promotes itself as a Euro- pean Brasserie with a base in French cuisine but Brocker points to influences from countries throughout the union and is quick to mention the restaurant’s head chef Saverio Stassi, who takes yearly trips to work in European Michelin star restaurants in order to bring cutting edge creations back to Santo Domingo. According to Brocker, 90% of the dishes you’ll find at Pat’e Palo cannot be found anywhere else in the capital.