FOOD AND DRINKS
A Note About 5th Avenue...
5th Avenue is a wild place, and you should check it out! It’s a great spot to people watch or grab a happy hour cocktail, but generally speaking you’re going to get much better food for less money a block or two away. Below you’ll find a few of our favorite places, but explore the side streets or pop over to 10th Avenue or thet beach and you really can’t wrong!
Breakfast and Brunch
Our personal favorite! Hipster takes on traditional Mexican breakfast dishes and brunch favorites. Check the back page for the menu for Combos that include an entrée, potatoes, pastry, juice, and specialty coffee for about $12. It’s about a 15 minute walk, but so worth it!
On Calle 38, side street lined with more upscale boutiques and restaurants. It feels a bit like you’re dining in a jungle, and there’s a small cenoté (a limestone sinkhole) next door. Some traditional brunch favorites and upscale Mexican, including a variety of chilaquiles options. Also a great spot for dinner or lunch!
A bit of a hike, but an awesome local spot for chilaquiles and more. If you feel like a morning stroll or are headed down to Playa 72 for the afternoon, stop for a bite on your way!
A popular French Café on 5th Avenue. Expect a wait, but the line usually moves pretty quickly (or you can pop inside for a pastry without waiting). Great spot for a crepe, croque madame, or omelette.
Looking for a quick bite? Check out this popular local spot right around the corner for cheap basic breakfast and lunch. CASH ONLY! 100 Pesos (about $5) will get you an assortment of Mexican or American classics!
Taquerias and Food Carts
One of Playa Del Carmen’s most popular taqueria’s with several locations. Grab a queso fundido or guacamole appetizer and some al pastor tacos and you’ll be a happy camper!
Ay Taco
A new favorite! We’re always fans of al pastor, but the Burrito Ay Taco is also worth trying.
They don’t serve alcohol, but you can BYOB if you’re so inclined!
It’s a hike, but if you’d like to try a proper Mexican Cantina this is the spot! It’s off the beaten path and not super tourist facing, but everyone is friendly and they’ll struggle through the language barrier with you. Order the platon garnachero for an assortment of regional specialties!
Food Carts
If you’d really like the full Mexico experience (and some of the best food in the city), head to Calle 12 or 14 between Avenida 20 and 30 for an assortment of small taco carts! Try El Compa for birria tacos, La Esquina de Nico for a torta, or look for a place where locals are eating and join them. For most taco carts you order your food, scarf it down, eat some more and then settle the bill when you’re finished.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat, hit up one of the many marquesita carts around town. They’re sort of a crispy crepe stuffed with your choice of fillings. The traditional combo is Edam (Dutch cheese) and Nutella or caramel…we promise it’s better than it sounds!
Most of these places are cash only and pesos are preferred, but US dollars are usually accepted.
Everything Else
A great catch all that does a bit of everything! It’s right on the beach and our host at Casa Central has postcards for 10% off your total bill. There’s live music most nights and lounge chairs on the water depending on the tide.
This is the spot for seafood! It inexplicably feels like you’re in a nightclub due to the nonstop bumping music, but it’s always packed with locals and you can escape to the second floor if you’re looking for something a little more quiet.
Sort of a beachy sports bar? Looking for a giant seafood tower and a plate of nachos? Also a place we’ve accidentally found ourselves in the middle of an international dating meetup? This is the spot.
It’s not Mexican, but I’m a sucker for an arepa. Get a Pabellón Arepa, an order of Tequeños, and thank me later!
Reportedly the best burger in Playa Del Carmen, but we have yet to go. Report back if you try it out!
Groceries and Snacks
If you haven’t been to an OXXO you haven’t even been to Mexico. You’ll see one every few blocks and they’re a great stop for snacks, drinks, ice, etc. Some of the 5th Avenue locations don’t have alcohol, but there’s one with drinks right up the block on 10th.
A short walk up Calle 8 will bring you to the Walmart Soriana, and Super Aki. Walmart in Mexico is pretty similar to in America, the Super Aki is sort of a giant Aldi, and Soriana is a touch more upscale. All three will have pretty much anything you need. The Chedraui Selecto is a bit further north, but is the nicest of the bunch!