Our recent dining experiences in PDC

scar · 03-29-2012

Here is a look at 8 nights of dining with our family of 4 (kids are 16 and 19) We stayed in the Chac-ha Condos across the road from the Reef Club in Playa Car. Had full use of the Reef Clubs beach, chairs, pools, weight room and facilities. Great trip!

CARBONCITOS - so good we broke a rule and did it twice in a 7 night stay! We went our first night with our 16 year old daughter (pickiest eater ever!) and 19 year old son. Margaritas are outstanding! Strong! Great meals - I had the arrachera steak with sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions and cream sauce peppers and it was so good I had it the second time! Wife had bruschetta shrimp and she said the bacony taste the shrimp had was too good to be true. i was lucky to get a taste and I agreed. Son had fajitas and loved them and our picky eater ended up liking a chicken quesadia. 13 of us came back 6 nights later and all had great meals and loved the margaritas! cheesy sombreros to get your pic after the meal and great prices . Our meals for 4 the 1st night with drinks and a tip was $65!!!

EL FOGON - It is located near wal mart so off of 5th a few blocks. Illuminated by neon lights at night and really stick out. Upon arriving we were usherd to the upstairs open air dining area. When we got to the top of the stairs and looked out at the dining area we were reluctant to follow as it was very smokey up there as the food is cooked in an open air grill area right on the second floor. Sure glad we stayed though as after we passed the grill and got to a railing area table smoke was no longer a problem. Our meals were truely outstanding and our family of 4 was able to eat and have drinks and leave a 15% tip for just $60. No way could we get a meal/chips salsa and drinks as good as this for any where near that price back home!! My son and I had arrachera steak topped with chorizo sausage topped with melted cheese! Wow ! Never ate anything this tasty before! Included on the plate are peppers in a cream sauce, grilled onions and 1/2 a baked potato smothered in sour cream. Wife had steak Fajitas and they melted in her mouth. Unbelievably picky 16 year old Daughter had chicken Qesadeas and loved them. Said the cheese reminded her of melted cheese curds! (you can tell we are from Wisconsin now) Salsa,chips and guac was exceelent. Biggest regret is we only goth there 1 time during our week long stay in Playa. Would consider this place and Carboncitos as must eats when visiting!

LA VAGABUNDA - Had read on this forum many great reviews for Buddies Cantina. Well since this was our second long walk from the ferry pier up 5th to try Buddies and it wasn't open for the 2nd night in a row!!!!!! we noticed La Vagabunda on our way and quicky decided if no Buddies we would try LV. No Buddies again! neighboring business said they "had some trouble" Glad we ate at LV! Huge menu that even our picky teen daughter was content with. 2 of us had southwestern burrito wraps and 1 had steak fajitas and 1 chicken fajitas. We all shared a little of every thing and liked each dinner but our favorite were the sw burrito wraps. We had very good service at a very crowded time. Our table was right on the street on 5th and we really enjoyed the carnival atmosphere, great food and drinks. Cleanest bathrooms we have ever seen in PDC!

UTIL PASTA COMPANY - Went with our family of 4 and had a good meal. A little off the beaten path but if you like authentic italian you will love this place and its quirky owner Papa Charlie. The restaurant features plastic tables that sit on a white gravel and is completely open air. We let Papa Charlie order for us and we were 2 for 4 with our "likes" I got the cannaloni and it was good but so rich I was unable to eat all of it. It comes completely covered with melted cheese that Charlie comes out and browns with a blow torch! Yes a blow torch! Wife had the best meal - a mushroom ravaoli that was pretty darn good. Son had lasagna that was kind of starchy/pasty tasting and daughter ended up getting the wrong meal but when she actually got hers she did not like it and either did I - not sure what it was but was red sauce with a bacon flavor. Son was given a cigar by Papa Charlie and crew and lots of photos taken. Boom box 70's music was kind of strange for an italian eatery.

IL BARETTO - Wow! Was this ever a great place.....right on 5th and calle 8 and our table for 9 was right on the street. I have never had good pizza in Mexico until now. we ordered 3 different kinds and all were excellent. crisp with tons of cheese and toppings that made for a quite thick pizza. The two calzones could feed 3 or 4 people and a serving of lasagna was huge and delicious. We had so much food everyone had enough for lunch the next day. This is a must eat place if you get sick of the mexican fare!

BABES NOODLE HOUSE - Food was very average. I think popular in PDC because it is the only place most people know of to get this kind of food and it's barely off of 5th. Probably not nearly as good as your favorite Thai back home. We had 4 different meals and only the Terriaki was good. Very disappointed about our bill!  Charged for 4 pina coladas(no way was there any alcohol in this) when our table only had one! How can a mistake like this happen? We did get it changed but forgot or did not notice and got back to our condo that we paid for 4 full portions when two of the orders were the half portions............ so I guess they "got us" Check your bill here!

DON SIRLOIN - We were disappointed to say the least especially after seeing so many great reviews. We went to the one close to 5th and it is white washed as we had read but so hot inside we almost did not stay and my wife and daughter are never too hot especially at night in March in PDC. I would compare DS to a US fast food cheap Mexican joint. Only thing we liked here were the prices. I Had arrachera steak covered with melted cheese and bits of ham? with warm torrtias. wife had steak tacos , son had steak fajitas and daughter had sirloin burger that was the worst burger we have ever tasted. Between the 4 of us we could not finish it. Badly frozen pre made patty that was awful!

jayjay · 03-29-2012

We went to Carboncitos last week, for the 1st time, and it was SO GOOD!!!!! My husband says it was his favorite place to eat, the whole trip! We also went to Mannie's (the tequila is awesome!!), and so was the meal, we also had Italian next door, at Romeo's. That was very good also! 1 breakfast & 1 lunch at La Cueva del Chango (always good!!), a breakfast at Hot Baking Company (excellent!) Snappy Sammy was the one that directed us to Romeo --- thanks for the recommendation Steve! Good choice! We spent 1 day in Puerto Morelos, and Kathy (from Diving Dog) recommended La Playita for lunch. It was excellent!!! So many good dining choices - so little time!!!

jayjay · 03-29-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayjay

We went to Carboncitos last week, for the 1st time, and it was SO GOOD!!!!! My husband says it was his favorite place to eat, the whole trip! We also went to Mannie's (the tequila is awesome!!), and so was the meal, we also had Italian next door, at Romeo's. That was very good also! 1 breakfast & 1 lunch at La Cueva del Chango (always good!!), a breakfast at Hot Baking Company (excellent!) Snappy Sammy was the one that directed us to Romeo --- thanks for the recommendation Steve! Good choice! We spent 1 day in Puerto Morelos, and Kathy (from Diving Dog) recommended La Playita for lunch. It was excellent!!! So many good dining choices - so little time!!!

I almost forgot about our favorite breakfast in PDC... pork tacos, fresh squeezed orange juice, and a cup of mixed fresh fruit from the food carts!!!

jrudq · 03-30-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by scar

BABES NOODLE HOUSE - Food was very average. I think popular in PDC because it is the only place most people know of to get this kind of food and it's barely off of 5th. Probably not nearly as good as your favorite Thai back home. We had 4 different meals and only the Terriaki was good. Very disappointed about our bill!  Charged for 4 pina coladas(no way was there any alcohol in this) when our table only had one! How can a mistake like this happen? We did get it changed but forgot or did not notice and got back to our condo that we paid for 4 full portions when two of the orders were the half portions............ so I guess they "got us" Check your bill

I have to agree 100% Overpriced and mediocre. Don't understand it's popularity at all.

Sue · 03-30-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by scar

DON SIRLOIN - We were disappointed to say the least especially after seeing so many great reviews. We went to the one close to 5th and it is white washed as we had read but so hot inside we almost did not stay and my wife and daughter are never too hot especially at night in March in PDC. I would compare DS to a US fast food cheap Mexican joint. Only thing we liked here were the prices. I Had arrachera steak covered with melted cheese and bits of ham? with warm torrtias. wife had steak tacos , son had steak fajitas and daughter had sirloin burger that was the worst burger we have ever tasted. Between the 4 of us we could not finish it. Badly frozen pre made patty that was awful!

I think maybe you didn't like Don Sirloin because it's not the Mexican food you're used to up north. Don Sirloin is not "fast food cheap Mexican." It's good, simple Mexican food. It just might not be "jazzed" up enough for you. I personally love their food.

And Util, while it is Italian style pasta, well...Charly is an Argentinian. Maybe that explains the music? ;-)

Trev · 03-30-2012

Great write-up scar. Your experiences echo mine very closely.
We love the food scene in PDC.

Route307 · 03-30-2012

I have to disagree with Don sirloin. I will not go back to Fogon after eating DS. This past trip, I ate there 5 times.

Util: It was OK, Not bad but not sure what everyone raves about. Maybe My standards are higher due to where I Live.

Babes: Agree with it being Average. again, maybe my standard are high due to having family members that are Thai

Carboncitos: Always a winner for me.

I cant speak for the others but I will be trying Il Baretto next time.

LucyE · 03-30-2012

Thanks for posting Scar!

I love Carboncitos and El Fogon. I too did not care for Don Sirloin.

I also agree with Route307. We had dinner with him and his lovely wife at Babes back in November, and we also were dissapointed with the food. I wonder if its because they changed owners??

Michael · 03-30-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by LucyE

Babes changed owners??

When?

equinenut · 03-30-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael

When?

@ a year ago, as I recollect.

Same location, same decor, same menu, different owners. At least that's the last I remember and the way things change, that might be true or might not be true.

equinenut · 03-30-2012

[quote]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sue

I think maybe you didn't like Don Sirloin because it's not the Mexican food you're used to up north. Don Sirloin is not "fast food cheap Mexican." It's good, simple Mexican food. It just might not be "jazzed" up enough for you. I personally love their food.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route307

I have to disagree with Don sirloin. I will not go back to Fogon after eating DS. This past trip, I ate there 5 times.

To each his own, I was not terribly impressed with DS either but maybe I ordered the wrong thing. I thought the arrachera was tasty but awfully greasy.

Michael · 03-30-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by equinenut

@ a year ago, as I recollect.

Same location, same decor, same menu, different owners.

Yes I can see the location is the same, and the menu is much the same as I remember it. And so who owns Babe's now?

Sue · 03-30-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael

Yes I can see the location is the same, and the menu is much the same as I remember it. And so who owns Babe's now?

The same people still own it. I can't remember their names.....Lina and Per?

Michael · 03-30-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sue

Pia and her husband.

Pia Ekasala?

Sue · 03-30-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael

Pia Ekasala?

No..I edited that and you quoted before I could do it, damn it!

Per and Lina.

03-29-2012	#1 (permalink)
scar toe in water Join Date: May 2009 Location: Northern Wisconsin Posts: 42	Our recent dining experiences in PDC Here is a look at 8 nights of dining with our family of 4 (kids are 16 and 19) We stayed in the Chac-ha Condos across the road from the Reef Club in Playa Car. Had full use of the Reef Clubs beach, chairs, pools, weight room and facilities. Great trip! CARBONCITOS - so good we broke a rule and did it twice in a 7 night stay! We went our first night with our 16 year old daughter (pickiest eater ever!) and 19 year old son. Margaritas are outstanding! Strong! Great meals - I had the arrachera steak with sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions and cream sauce peppers and it was so good I had it the second time! Wife had bruschetta shrimp and she said the bacony taste the shrimp had was too good to be true. i was lucky to get a taste and I agreed. Son had fajitas and loved them and our picky eater ended up liking a chicken quesadia. 13 of us came back 6 nights later and all had great meals and loved the margaritas! cheesy sombreros to get your pic after the meal and great prices . Our meals for 4 the 1st night with drinks and a tip was $65!!! EL FOGON - It is located near wal mart so off of 5th a few blocks. Illuminated by neon lights at night and really stick out. Upon arriving we were usherd to the upstairs open air dining area. When we got to the top of the stairs and looked out at the dining area we were reluctant to follow as it was very smokey up there as the food is cooked in an open air grill area right on the second floor. Sure glad we stayed though as after we passed the grill and got to a railing area table smoke was no longer a problem. Our meals were truely outstanding and our family of 4 was able to eat and have drinks and leave a 15% tip for just $60. No way could we get a meal/chips salsa and drinks as good as this for any where near that price back home!! My son and I had arrachera steak topped with chorizo sausage topped with melted cheese! Wow ! Never ate anything this tasty before! Included on the plate are peppers in a cream sauce, grilled onions and 1/2 a baked potato smothered in sour cream. Wife had steak Fajitas and they melted in her mouth. Unbelievably picky 16 year old Daughter had chicken Qesadeas and loved them. Said the cheese reminded her of melted cheese curds! (you can tell we are from Wisconsin now) Salsa,chips and guac was exceelent. Biggest regret is we only goth there 1 time during our week long stay in Playa. Would consider this place and Carboncitos as must eats when visiting! LA VAGABUNDA - Had read on this forum many great reviews for Buddies Cantina. Well since this was our second long walk from the ferry pier up 5th to try Buddies and it wasn't open for the 2nd night in a row!!!!!! we noticed La Vagabunda on our way and quicky decided if no Buddies we would try LV. No Buddies again! neighboring business said they "had some trouble" Glad we ate at LV! Huge menu that even our picky teen daughter was content with. 2 of us had southwestern burrito wraps and 1 had steak fajitas and 1 chicken fajitas. We all shared a little of every thing and liked each dinner but our favorite were the sw burrito wraps. We had very good service at a very crowded time. Our table was right on the street on 5th and we really enjoyed the carnival atmosphere, great food and drinks. Cleanest bathrooms we have ever seen in PDC! UTIL PASTA COMPANY - Went with our family of 4 and had a good meal. A little off the beaten path but if you like authentic italian you will love this place and its quirky owner Papa Charlie. The restaurant features plastic tables that sit on a white gravel and is completely open air. We let Papa Charlie order for us and we were 2 for 4 with our "likes" I got the cannaloni and it was good but so rich I was unable to eat all of it. It comes completely covered with melted cheese that Charlie comes out and browns with a blow torch! Yes a blow torch! Wife had the best meal - a mushroom ravaoli that was pretty darn good. Son had lasagna that was kind of starchy/pasty tasting and daughter ended up getting the wrong meal but when she actually got hers she did not like it and either did I - not sure what it was but was red sauce with a bacon flavor. Son was given a cigar by Papa Charlie and crew and lots of photos taken. Boom box 70's music was kind of strange for an italian eatery. IL BARETTO - Wow! Was this ever a great place.....right on 5th and calle 8 and our table for 9 was right on the street. I have never had good pizza in Mexico until now. we ordered 3 different kinds and all were excellent. crisp with tons of cheese and toppings that made for a quite thick pizza. The two calzones could feed 3 or 4 people and a serving of lasagna was huge and delicious. We had so much food everyone had enough for lunch the next day. This is a must eat place if you get sick of the mexican fare! BABES NOODLE HOUSE - Food was very average. I think popular in PDC because it is the only place most people know of to get this kind of food and it's barely off of 5th. Probably not nearly as good as your favorite Thai back home. We had 4 different meals and only the Terriaki was good. Very disappointed about our bill!  Charged for 4 pina coladas(no way was there any alcohol in this) when our table only had one! How can a mistake like this happen? We did get it changed but forgot or did not notice and got back to our condo that we paid for 4 full portions when two of the orders were the half portions............ so I guess they "got us" Check your bill here! DON SIRLOIN - We were disappointed to say the least especially after seeing so many great reviews. We went to the one close to 5th and it is white washed as we had read but so hot inside we almost did not stay and my wife and daughter are never too hot especially at night in March in PDC. I would compare DS to a US fast food cheap Mexican joint. Only thing we liked here were the prices. I Had arrachera steak covered with melted cheese and bits of ham? with warm torrtias. wife had steak tacos , son had steak fajitas and daughter had sirloin burger that was the worst burger we have ever tasted. Between the 4 of us we could not finish it. Badly frozen pre made patty that was awful!

03-30-2012	#7 (permalink)
Route307 GoGo LoCo Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 453	My 2 Cents I have to disagree with Don sirloin. I will not go back to Fogon after eating DS. This past trip, I ate there 5 times. Util: It was OK, Not bad but not sure what everyone raves about. Maybe My standards are higher due to where I Live. Babes: Agree with it being Average. again, maybe my standard are high due to having family members that are Thai Carboncitos: Always a winner for me. I cant speak for the others but I will be trying Il Baretto next time.

03-29-2012	#2 (permalink)
jayjay life=playa Join Date: May 2003 Location: wisconsin Posts: 640	We went to Carboncitos last week, for the 1st time, and it was SO GOOD!!!!! My husband says it was his favorite place to eat, the whole trip! We also went to Mannie's (the tequila is awesome!!), and so was the meal, we also had Italian next door, at Romeo's. That was very good also! 1 breakfast & 1 lunch at La Cueva del Chango (always good!!), a breakfast at Hot Baking Company (excellent!) Snappy Sammy was the one that directed us to Romeo --- thanks for the recommendation Steve! Good choice! We spent 1 day in Puerto Morelos, and Kathy (from Diving Dog) recommended La Playita for lunch. It was excellent!!! So many good dining choices - so little time!!!

03-30-2012	#6 (permalink)
Trev way into it Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: up north, eh. Posts: 217	Great write-up scar. Your experiences echo mine very closely. We love the food scene in PDC.

03-30-2012	#8 (permalink)
LucyE añejo Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 7,240	Thanks for posting Scar! I love Carboncitos and El Fogon. I too did not care for Don Sirloin. I also agree with Route307. We had dinner with him and his lovely wife at Babes back in November, and we also were dissapointed with the food. I wonder if its because they changed owners??

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