Six Unforgettable Places to Eat and Drink in Playa del Carmen

If you’re looking at vacation rentals in Playa del Carmen, you might be wondering what sort of places there are to dine and drink at. The city has an amazing food scene, many of which you don’t have to leave the tourist area of 5th Avenue to try. But there are also plenty of delicious options if you’re wanting to venture out beyond the main tourist area. Below, we’ll cover some of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen to dine at for a variety of different options and budgets.

Best Tacos: El Fogon

If you’re in town long enough, it’s likely that one of the locals will recommend that you visit El Fogon for some authentic Mexican food. You’ll have to leave the typical tourist area of 5th Avenue but it’s worth the trip: El Fogon is regarded as one of the best places in town to get tacos.

The menu is only in Spanish but you really can’t go wrong with anything on it. You’ll definitely want to give the al pastor tacos a try; the meat is carved fresh from off of a heated, spinning cone and served up in homemade tortillas. For appetizers, be sure to sample the chorizo cheese dip and the guacamole, as it’s some of the best that can be had in the city.

Best Atmosphere: Alux

If you’re looking for unparalleled atmosphere, you’ll want to be looking downwards to the highly unique and ambient Alux. Alux is a high-end restaurant that resides inside of a cave that’s over 10,000 years old. The cave is massive and the restaurant can seat over 250 people; there are even private areas of the caves that can be rented for a more intimate and private experience. Reservations of at least a few days in advance are required to dine here, but you can also visit the cave without dining and have a cocktail at one of the two bars that are deep inside its corridors.

The menu at Alux is of Mayan descent. The menu itself isn’t large, but each dish is carefully crafted to perfection. The Land and Sea dish is amazing, and if you’re in the mood for dessert, the Poblano Chile Cheesecake is to die for.

Best Margaritas: Bip Bip

Bip Bip is a quaint little restaurant located right off of 5th Avenue and just a few minutes from the beach. The food is good, but nothing to write home about. What makes this place shine is its location and — more importantly — the margaritas!

During happy hour, you can grab margaritas here two for one, which makes them about 35 pesos each. You won’t find any other place with margaritas this cheap on 5th Avenue. Not only are they cheap, but they’re absolutely delicious too.

Stop at Bip Bip for some tangy margaritas, relax in the shade of their veranda while people watching, and then head on to Don Chendo for some delicious pizza.

Best Pizza: Don Chendo

This may sound like a strange place to eat while you’re perusing vacation rentals in Playa del Carmen and looking for some authentic Mexican experiences, but Don Chendo is one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen. It’s located on Avenue 30 and their specialty is Chicago deep-dish style pizza.

The pizza is amazing and it’s just like what you’d find in Chicago: thick, browned crust loaded with enormous amounts of cheese and toppings. Everything here is homemade and fresh and it truly is one of the best places in town to eat at.

Best Desserts: Chez Celine

If you’re looking for something to appease your sweet tooth, then look no further than Chez Celine. It’s right on 4th Avenue and you can’t miss it — the patio is always loaded with tourists and locals alike.

During breakfast, they serve an assortment of various desserts, along with crepes and croissants. If you want a quick, cheap meal, grab a croissant and an espresso for about $1.50. If it’s later in the day, you can check out their tasty salad and sandwich menu.

Best Beer: Club de la Cerveza

If you’re in the mood for a nice, cold beer, head to Club de la Cerveza. This place has an enormous selection of beers ranging from local microbrews to beers from all around the world. Be sure to also check the draught list often, as it’s rotational.

The prices here can vary since there is such a huge selection of beers but generally it’s quite reasonable, with many beers starting at 35 pesos. Stop here and have a few drinks before you head out to explore the city’s exotic nightlife.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for something on the main drag of 5th Avenue, or you’re wanting to try some authentic Mexican cuisine, Playa del Carmen has it all. This list is only a tiny sample of the variety that the town has to offer. Keep these delicious spots in mind, but be sure to venture out and explore the other options and really soak in all that Playa del Carmen has to offer when you’re on your next vacation here.