Good restaurant/pubs near Playa

[RU4SKUBA]

I'll be in Playa for five weeks starting Oct 31 and am interested in some off-the-beaten-path restaurants and bars. I was specifically interested in any types of weekly buffet specials, drink specials at fun places, and where divers might gather at the end of a day of diving.

Anything you have would be appreciated, I'm also willing to use the public buses to extend my reach a bit... if you have ideas outside the tourist zones.

 

[browntrout]

We ate in Carboncitos a couple weeks ago. it's just above 5th avenue a few blocks south of the ferry. It was very good and very reasonable. Their sauces are very unique and worth the trip.

 

[RU4SKUBA]

I found the restaurants in Playa to be better than Isla Mujeres and Cancun, plus the service was usually much better.

 

[Geofish Dive in Playa]

I would recommend Carboncitos or El Fagon for great pork Pastor tacos. El Fagon's are a little bit cheaper. Also there is a great tostada place on 30th called Abuelita, the chicken tostadas and milanesa are great.

A couple great places to grab a brew after a dive are Beer Bucket on 10th st in between 10th and 5th ave and La Rana which is just across the street from the Beer Bucket. Cheap beers and good company. Hope this helps.

 

[Ed Hatfield]

There are 10,000 Italians living in Playa del Carmen and the surrounding area. There seems to be just as many Italian restaurants. My favorite is 'Cheesters' at 40th Avenue and 4th Street. It's still within walking distance from the main tourist areas of 5th. They don't have a liquor permit so they serve beer or wine in a cup so that the police driving by won't susect. You have to order it as a 'Chesster's Tea' or a 'Cheester's Coffee'. They are closed on Tuesday's I believe. The food is fantastic.

A great Italian Take Out is 'Util' on 26th Avenue near 30th Street. Home made pasta to go.

I stay away from the restaurants on 5th Avenue because I'm cheap/frugal.

El Hogar pizza on 30th Avenue near 30th Street has a 2 for 1 on Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday. For the month of May they extented the special to every day.

There are a number of good Mexican restaurants on 30th Ave once you pass the Mega Store going north. One of the El Fogons is in that area. All are reasonably priced. If you want real authentic Mexican look for the shops with the most locals eating.

 

[Ed Hatfield]

Quick note on the bus service in Playa.

The bus service isn't like in Cancun. The service in Playa is intended for the locals who travel to and from the core area for work. You would be better served taking a cab if you are not within walking distance. Usual fares range from 20 to 50 Pesos within the Playa area. More if they are parked at a 'designated' taxi stand because the taxis pay for an extra permit for the privilege of being there.

If you plan on travelling outside of town then use the ADO, which is the main bus line, or a collectivo.

If you want to rent a car then Easy Way www.easywayrentacar.com is the way to go. Rent it on-line, not at the local office. The price seemed to magically increase when I went into the office.