Updating the PDC Restaurant list

[JAH]

As I was reading the restaurant list thread on the general forum I realized that the original list was posted over two years ago. Since many on that list were from my original list, I thought it was time to update it. What I would like all of you to do is add your experiences. Please try to give exact locations. 'Somewhere off 5th Ave' is way too general!! After an undetermined amount of time I will attempt to gather all the suggestions into a cohesive whole and post it as such.

Here we go!!

There are numerous restaurants in Playa, many of them on the beach or on 5th Ave or close thereto. The better ones are not cheap. Almost all of them have trilingual menus – Spanish, English, and Italian. Many of the waiters speak broken English perfectly. The local ones where almost no one speaks English are often located up on Ave 30 or off the beaten track. Do make sure to always check your bill for accuracy, as you would anywhere. Also check to see if the tip (propina or servicio) has been included. If it has not been added, 15% is adequate unless the service was special.

Here are a few of our favorites (or not, as the case may be):

Coctelería el Paisano Veracruz – West of the federal highway on Benito Juarez in a bright yellow and blue building on the north side of the street. They specialize in shrimp. The shrimp ceviche is delicious and a meal in and of itself, as is the shrimp al mojo del ajo. The seafood soup is also supposed to be good. The best time to go is early afternoon. By evening, their supplies are running out and sometimes they are simply closed. It will cost between 60 and 80 pesos each. I don’t know if anyone speaks English or not. Cash only

The guidebooks all recommend Da Gabi on 12th Street between 5th Ave and the beach. We have eaten there three times. Once it was very good, and twice it was very mediocre. Each time it was very expensive. Our son says the pizza is good.

El Faisán y El Venado -- Located out on the federal highway (#307) close to Ave. Benito Juarez. This is where the locals eat lunch around 1 or 2 in the afternoon. It is very good and much less expensive than the 5th Ave restaurants. We recommend the Panuchos with cochinita for an appetizer and the Carne Ahumada – their specialty. I’ve heard the Poc Chuc is excellent also. The place is clean and the service excellent.

El Fogón – On 30th Ave around 26th or 28th Street. The food is very Mexican and very inexpensive. For 45 pesos you can have fresh radishes and cucumbers with lime and salt, great ham and bean soup with chips, nopales, 3 smoked pork chops, guacamole, melted cheese with chile strips (rajas), and grilled whole onions. It’s smoky and busy and muy mexicano!

El Oasis – On 12th Street between 5th and 10th Aves, this a good place to get those shrimp tacos for 10 pesos each – every bit as good as those at La Floresta. There is also a branch out on the highway north of La Floresta.

El Tacolote – Traditional Mexican food with good musicians. The flan is worth eating, but nothing else is. Located at the Plaza between the beach and 5th Ave.

Hot! – A little place that was started by Americans. It is now owned by a young couple. He is from Spain and she from Mexico. Open from 7A to 7P. They have fresh cinnamon rolls, huge fruit muffins, whole wheat bread, homemade bagels, omelets, sandwiches, and excellent coffee. Located between 5th and 10th Aves in Plaza Corazon and on Street 10. On weekends they serve Eggs Benedict on homemade English muffins. American type prices for American type food. Cash only.

La Casa de Piedra has opened a new branch smack in the middle of town, on Calle 6 between 5th and 10th Avenue. They serve the same good Comida Corrida as their old location, as well as some a la carte. Their original location on Avenida 35 btw Calle 30 and 32 is still there, if you want an off-the-beaten-path experience, but the one in town is so convenient. I had soup, beans, rice, 2 pork chops and fruit drink – all for 35 pesos. No complaints here.

La Floresta – This is a little palapa-covered place on the west side of the federal highway (Hwy 307) next to the electrical station. They serve only fish and seafood. The shrimp tacos are not to be missed and are 10 pesos each. Not open in the evenings. Highly recommended. Cash only.

La Parrilla – Very tourist/Mexican with mediocre mariachis every night. The food is okay and the place is busy. Lots of tableside cooking, specializing in grilled meats and seafood. It’s noisy and fun. I have found that it’s best to go on nights when Tomás is the maitre d’. The other one runs a much tighter ship and causes hurried service, nervous waiters, tips added to the bill, order errors, etc. Moderately expensive. Located on the corner of 5th Ave and 8th Street. Takes credit cards.

Le Bistrot – Restaurant associated with Hotel Alhambra on the beach at 8th Street. Wonderful place to eat breakfast on the beach. They will even make Chilaquiles if you ask and/or insist. It’s not on the menu, but it’s one of the few places you can still get a traditional Mexican breakfast. Cost is about 75 pesos. Very good coffee. It’s a bit expensive, but the setting is perfect.

100% Natural – The food here is very good, particularly the soups and whole wheat bread. My favorite lunch is a bowl of chicken soup and some quesadillas with fresh salad. This is a good place to go if you are tired of greasy meat or if Montezuma’s revenge has hit you. Located on 5th Ave between Streets 10 and 12. Credit cards.

Palapa Hemingway – We have only eaten a couple of times. We thought the food was rather ordinary for the price, but the ambiance and the service is some of the best in Playa. I love their appetizer called Plátanos Caribeños – bananas coated with goat cheese, rolled in coconut and baked. I will go back just for that. Also, their salads are nice and fresh. July 2003 my aunt and I stopped here for the comida corrida around 2pm. We had a small, fresh salad, grilled fish and rice for 45 pesos. Beverages are extra. You can find it on 5th Ave between 12th and 14th, I believe.

Super Panaderia – On 5th Ave between 4th and 2nd Street, this little place is open early in the morning with great coffee and fresh pastries. We have stayed at the Hotel Vista Caribe nearby, and they have even been willing to fill our coffeepot from the kitchenette if we take it down there. There’s usually a street vendor not far away squeezing fresh oranges for juice.0th

Sur - 5th Ave and 12th Street. We thought they were a lot better when they were Buenos Aires over on 6th Street - and a whole lot less expensive!!

Tacos Arabe – Or it might be called Tacos Israel. Both names are on the building on the corner of Ave 15 and 10th Street. In my opinion, they have the best tacos al pastor I have tasted in Playa. Cash only.

Tacos Y Quesos el Sarape – Ave Benito Juarez near 20th Street. The cebollitas and nopalitos are very good. So are the brochetas. Good food. Very Mexican. Cash only.

Tango Taco – This small Argentinian grill is located on 10th Street between 10th and 15th Aves. The steaks are good and the tacos de arrachera are the best. The prices are better than any other similar place in town. Recommended. In October 2003 the ownership of this restaurant changed. It’s still good, but I don't think as good as previously.

Yax-Che – An upscale restaurant serving “traditional” Yucatecan specialties with flair. The food is good, as are the service and ambiance. Don’t miss the lobster appetizers. A bit too expensive for our tastes. Located between 5th and 10th Aves on Street 8. Credit Cards. http://www.mayacuisine.com/



I’ve read about the following, but we haven’t tried them yet. If you do or have, let me know what you think.

Check out the tacos de carne con guisados on 10th between 2nd and 4th.

The place for the best tacos in town is La Carreta on 30th Ave at 28th street. Homemade tortillas and really tasty meats.

Try Makech, right in the tourist zone on 1st street south (parallel to Juarez, one block south) near 10th. Pozole on Thursdays. Authentic lunches with rice, beans, main course, and a fresh fruit drink all for about 30 or 35 pesos. Courtesy of James

Las Cacerolas between 4th and 6th on 15th ave. Yummy homemade comida corrida.

Taqueria El Pastorcito on 30th Avenue, one block north of Constitutiones on the west side of the street. They open around nightfall and specialize in Tacos al Pastor and Tacos de Arrachera. We also had some GREAT marinated sweet onions that were blackened on the grill. For a party of seven with two rounds of beer and a full sampling of food, our tab was less than $30. Keep in mind it doesn’t open until 5 or 6pm Courtesy of Jimmy in MN

El Cejas has opened a big palapa restaurant between 24th and 26st Streets between 25th and 30th. They are no strangers to this business. Their original restaurant in the market "Mercado 28" in Cancun has been open for about 14 years. We had caldo de camaron and pargo a la Veracruzana yesterday and it was quite tasty. Look for ceviche, cocteles, whole fish, fillets, shrimp and seafood soups. BTW, El Cejas is the owner's nickname, which makes fun of his big, bushy eyebrows. By James

La Rucola – Great Italian and seafood, on 26th Street between 5th and 10th

There is a place called Los Originales on Juarez and the Highway. It appears to be strictly locals. They make the tastiest tacos dorados I have ever had. The tacos are made of shredded chicken and the tortilla is rolled up and deep-fried. The tacos are served with lettuce, onions, avocado and crema on top. A serving of three tacos costs a mere $29 pesos. They are worth the visit

The whole fish at Bip Bip was huge and only $7 for meal with rice and vegetable and 1 drink. Courtesy of mollyj

It only took a few days living in Guadalajara for me to become a torta ahogada junkie. Literally a drowned sandwich, the torta ahogada is roasted pork on a special, only made in Jalisco, crunchy roll, with onions and served in a bowl of tangy tomato sauce. Add a few spoons of picante sauce, and you are only missing a tequila to make you feel back home in Guadalajara. Well, they're tough to find outside of Jalisco, the home state of tequila. Rejoice! Now there's a place called El Santuario (the sanctuary) on 15th Avenue between 12th and 14th (across from the church). I just had one for lunch and it was as good as any I've ever had. If you are into authentic Mexican food, do not miss it... it's as real as it gets. I don't think the place gets much business; so hit it while it's still around. Courtesy of James

2nd at 20th (Asadero el Pollo Estilo Sinaloa) remains my favorite roast chicken place. It's more expensive, and worth it. The only pollo in town with the guarantee: "If your chicken isn't hot and juicy, send it back!" Courtesy of James

Recently, Gus and Monica of Posada Freud took over the space next door to La Rana Cansada, naming it La Adelita. They serve nothing but authentic local cuisine, prepared fresh, clean, and tasty! If you want a local experience, there's nothing like going to La Rana for a couple drinks, and ordering some chiles rellenos, or tacos de cochinita pibil with your draught beer. If you are a gringo and just don't know what to order, go next door to La Rana and ask anybody there what the deal is. Hopefully, they will soon add a gringo menu so everyone will be able to pick what they want. La Adelita is located on 10th Street between 5th and 10th avenues. Courtesy of James

[mindz]

We just got back, and trying new places as well as revisiting old ones is one of our favorite Playa pastimes.

first some comments on the previous posts:

DA GABI is at the moment (June 2004) closed for renovation. People we talked to seemed to think it would still be Da Gabi's but who knows.
Right across the street is KARTABAR, which advertises Mediterranean/Lebanese food. Didn't try it, though.

EL FOGON has a second location on 30th near calle 4.

El Faisan y el Venado - thank you JAH for pointing us towards this gem! They have more Yucatecan specialty dishes than Yaxche for less money. The relleno negro is an amazing dish. Imagine a bowl of pitch black soup, with chunks of turkey, chorizo, and hard boiled eggs, tasting of oregano and black pepper.

HC CARNES on calle 1 sur near 20th - the lunch deal was 70 pesos for more arrachera (or chicken, or chuletas (pork chops), or costillas (ribs) ) than we could eat in one sitting...plus tortillas, choice of roast onion or a baked potato, and a soft drink. We took most of our meat home, and they threw in more tortillas. Maybe because there is a tortillera across the street?

MAMA NATURA on 5th north of Constituyentes (just past Bip Bip) is a tiny place tucked in the trees with a waterfall fountain. This is where I went when I craved a big salad--and I was satisfied. Great fruit drinks too--try thier special lemonade.

If you find yourself down at Xpu Ha beach (one of my favorites), be sure to eat at CAFE DEL MAR. Exellent food with a healthy-fresh emphasis. I loved the empanadas de maiz con queso.

Friends who are locals kept telling us to try ULA GULA, on 5th upstairs from...hmm, near 10th I think? When the special of the day was snapper in my favorite cuitlacoche (corn fungus) sauce, I couldn't resist. This is not a changarro by any means--it is classy, "tall food." The night we were there the service was awfully slow, though...

I have to tell a story about Tacos Israel-Arabe. We arrived in town on the Saturday night of the big downpour. We'd missed a connection, got to Cancun long after dark, picked up our rental ATOS (from Avicar-fantastic service, BTW) and drove/floated down to Playa. It was scary. Once we felt the car rock when a bus turned off Lake Constuyentes and its wake hit us. We had to park the car a block away from our place on 1st because the street was flooded. Hardly worth putting on dry clothes, so we walked/waded up 10th and passed restaurants--closed on a Saturday night! Babe's bar was open, but kitchen closed. Tacos Israel was the first place we found that was open - Hurray! Tacos and beer never were so welcome.

[Susie Q Roo]

La Taberna on the corner of 10th and 4th is a favorite of mine for their coconut shrimp and pina coladas to die for. They have steaks, chicken, sandwiches, and other, more "local," food as well. It's enclosed and air-conditioned, though the cigarette smoke could get bad if it's crowded. There's a bar and pool tables. It's mostly local, not too pricey and I can't wait to get back!

[Tyramania]

I haven't eaten at La Taberna, but on a hot day, it's a great place to go to use their computers. Nice to check your email while sipping on a cold beer in the AC!

- Tyra

[Sue]

Regarding the Alhambra restaurant - chilaquiles is on the breakfast menu. It's part of "The Mexican" option, which is coffee, juice, and chilaquiles. People must have been requesting them an awful lot!

[JAH]

That's so funny, Sue. I don't remember exactly which year it was - 2000 or 2001 - that we wandered down to the beach one morning looking for breakfast. We ended up at Le Bistrot and asked if the cook would make us some chilaquiles despite the fact that they were not on the menu. That morning we started a tradition. We've taken family and friends there over the years. And I added it to my list, which I have sent to people all over the world and posted on various forums. Glad to see the hotel has responded appropriately!!!

[Fernanda]

we just came back from PDC... and we went to VIVA LA VACA on 5 ave , alamost next to TGI Fridays....we had the best Arrachera EVER!!... the beef is so tender that almost melt in your mouth...for 18 usd all you can eat..the buffet includes empanadas Argentinas (with cheess or spinach), fries and diferent kinds of meat... but the arrachera is the best!!...

[cook4me]

My favorite for breakfast is Cueva de Chango. Absolutely the best!

[roni]

There are lots of people going to Playa over the next 6 months, including a whole bunch this winter. Maybe assignments could be given. After fulfilling our assignments, we could write short reviews and submit them

Ron the Volunteer

[SarahB]

Hi everyone! I just found this site a couple of days ago and I have now spent hours reading articles! It's great!

To add to your list...

El Marque (I definately may be spelling this wrong!) is a great local restaurant located around 15th and Juarez, give or take a few blocks. It recently moved to this new location, so I had to ask someone to find it. Prices are great...about 35 pesos for a meal. They have great specials...my favorite is the cactus stuffed with cheese.

Tropicalito is a small place located on 10th and around 8th or 10th street. It's a small torta shop owned by the brother of the owner of Tropical on 5th. A couple of weeks ago it looked to be totally under construction, but I was told that they are just increasing the space. Great tortas!

[fins]

Last year we discovered La Casa del Agua on 5th Avenue. Loved the ambience with all the wrought iron & candles, the open air feeling, excellent food & excellent service. We are going to be in PDC August 7th - 14, & also in November for two weeks & definitely plan to eat there. Also enjoyed Hot! enough to go there 3 mornings last year & will return there this time too!

[mcgpi]

Hello everyone! We will be in Playa August 19- 26. I am so excited to return to that area, that it is hard to contain myself. However, I have looked over the restaurant lists and was wondering if any were vegetarian friendly. ( even as far as cooking beans with bacon or lard and chicken broth for rice.) ...... but a worm in tequila will totally be acceptable!!! .

Fifteen days and counting till pdc!!!!
Thanks,

[NWCreoleLady]

We've only got 23 days left before we leave and my mouth is watering furiously over these restaurant posts. Thanks to everyone for their input!

I know there is a thread for this question, but the responses were few. Since you've all frequented many of these places mentioned, have any of you seen if any of the restaurants serve non-alcoholic beer? I know some probably wonder why bother, but there are a couple of good brands out there and many of the restaurants in the states do serve n/a beer now. Hubby doesn't drink anymore and it sure is convenient for me to always have a designated driver.

[mindz]

vegging options in Playa

Of course, it all depends on what kind you are - if you eat seafood, no problem. You'll be very happy. Ovo-lacto's should be ok, there are lots of good eats based on cheese (rajas con queso, chilaquiles) Vegans might need to do a little more detective work.
Many Italian restaurants have great options - marinara, puttanesco

Here are a few favorites:

la Cueva del Chango (listed under Playa deal Card)
Idea Pasta (5th near 14th)
Mama Natura (5th north of Constituyentes)
Babe's (see Playa Deal Card) - they will make any entree meatless if you ask

[pazoozoo1]

Hey everyone,
We just returned from our umpteenth trip to PDC a vew days ago and I have to rave about our new favorite Italian spot. It is called "Giallo Limone" and is loccated on La Quinta around 22nd. We tried La Rucola (sp) on 26th this summer and though the experience of each is different, really thought that Giallo Limone had far superior, more fresh food. It was also much cheaper and the service was impecable, friendly and warm. We ate their two days in a row, which is something I only usually do at the Oasis Anyway, give it a try if you are looking for some good Italian eats. Don't forget to try the specials...the ravioli in goganzola and walnuts was incredible as was the gnochhi in pesto.