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Several other VT tips recommend this as a good local place off the beaten path - which is how we found it (thanks Dabs). What none of them mention is that this place has the best damn Guacamole in the universe. I am a huge Guac fan, must have tried it in a dozen places in Playa, and this was the best.
Also not to be missed for great local ambience where you can see the food cooked on a grill right in the restaurant. While we were there, a two-piece turned up and started singing Mexican rock tunes, a very welcome change from the Mariachis on 5th Ave.
Great value in a place like this goes without saying. For US$10 you can get more than you can eat, and then wash it down with cold beer at 17 pesos a pop. Theme: LocalPrice: less than US$10 » Currency ConverterComparison: less expensive than averageAddress: 30th Ave at approx Calle 8Directions: About 5 minutes easy stroll from 5th Ave
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You walk down the steps, and the cavern opens up as you enter the lounge area. It is hard to imagine whats above as you tour the various rooms. There is a small waterfall in the main dining area which runs into a small pond. I cant begin to describe the setting. Deffinately a must see when in Playa. We did not dine the evening we were there because the wife and I had just finished a 2 1/2 pound lobster tail elsewhere. We did enjoy sitting in the lounge with an excellent "capi", my all time favorite drink when made correctly, and they did an excellent job. Leave a Comment
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From 2004
When you are looking for local, go where the locals go. We came here a year ago and could not wait to get back. This is the place to do it cheap.
I HIGHLY recommend the Tacos Al Pastor, at 35 cents each, 50 with cheese, you can eat a ton of them with one of the three great salsas on the table and fill your self up. We also had carne asada which was good and cheap, but it's the al pastor that keeps us coming back. We went twice this year when we needed t get away from the growing crowds on 5th and when our cash was running low for the day. They speak very little english here.
One night we had two orders of guacamole, 8 tacos al pastor, two tacos carne asada, and order of nopales and three margaritas. Our bill was 21 dollars.
For lunch with tacos, a beer, a soda, guacamole it was about 7.50, total.
By the way there is plenty of street parking and the cheapest high speed internet we could find right across the street. One hour, one dollar.
Updated 2007..still as good! Still as cheap!
Al Pastor. You can see the guy putting your tacos together. The come with the tiniest slice of grilled pineapple on them, something i've never seen anywhere else. They also serve cactus. Although one night their "nopales" was just a lot of green peppers with some cactus thrown in there. Leave a Comment Theme: LocalPrice: less than US$10 » Currency ConverterComparison: least expensiveAddress: 30th near Calle 6Directions: The blocks are numbered by 5's. So you go from 5th to 10th to 15th, not 1st to 2nd to 3rd. So 30th sound far, but it's only a few blocks. Still we always took the car.
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This place was so cool! Driving back to our resort from Tulum, Hubby, Mr. Sideroad, took a detour into the town of Akumal. On the way, we passed this restaurant with what looked like shark teeth jutting out from the stairs. Of course, we had to turn around and check it out - what a place! It was literally 'on the beach' as there was no floor - your toes were in the sand at the bar. Rather than bar stools, they had bar swings and some were large enough for 2. Down the beach a ways was a tall 'crowsnest', like you'd see on a pirate ship. One could climb up to the top (my 5 year old did - yikes) and have drinks brought up in a bucket on a pulley!! Honestly, you'd expect Jimmy Buffett any minute.
Its definitely a must-see!!
Ok, we didn't actually eat there, as we had brought along box-lunches from the resort. But the cervezas and margaritas were fabulous, and the ceviche looked very tempting. Leave a Comment Theme: LocalDirections: In Akumal, right on the beach.
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Last visit December 2005, was still open in December 2006 but we didn't have a chance to stop in
We didn't see our first choice for shrimp tacos, La Floresta, as we were driving down the highway (not sure it's still there) and our second choice, El Oasis, which was recommended on the playadelcarmeninfo.com website was closed for renovation so we asked the guys at the Policia stand on 5th Avenue where to go and they sent us to Dr. Taco.
Dr. Taco is a hip open air eatery, with reggae music playing, frequented by some pretty funky looking folks. There are a few booths to sit at and also a bar area next to the grill which is where we sat to watch our food being prepared.
On our second visit, the doctor/owner was in the house helping to serve up and prepare the food. According to the playadelcarmeninfo.com website Dr. Taco really is a doctor who came from Guadalajara where he ran a medical clinic.
Here's a review with some more pictures
http://www.playamayanews.com/article254.html
Shrimp tacos were made with breaded and deep fried shrimp with a large array of sauces and salsas to put on them. The staff warned us away from the really hot sauces on both visits. An order of 3 shrimp tacos was 33 pesos (about $3US) and was pretty darn tasty. On the second visit I also tried the calamari taco but preferred the shrimp tacos.
December 2005 update-we stopped here again on our recent trip and the shrimp tacos are still yummy! We also tried a chicken quesadilla which was very tasty. Leave a Comment
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After a day of swimming and lying around on the beach, I loved grabbing a slice of pizza from Pizza Banana on the way back to my hotel. The slices were really cheap, only about 10 pesos, but they're the best pizza I think I've ever had. The restaurant itself isn't very much to look at, very clean inside--but what they cook is seriously close to being holy. My mouth waters whenever I think about it.
I've recently learned that Pizza Banana was in the top 3 finalists for best pizza in Playa according to Playa Maya News.
Vegetarian pizza with tomatoes and black olives. Leave a Comment Theme: PizzaPrice: less than US$10 » Currency ConverterComparison: least expensiveAddress: Col. ColosioPhone: 803-1249Directions: I'll write down better directions as soon as I figure them out.
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This is an italian restaurant, but they serve a mix of italian, mexican and international dishes. They always have good offers, and the food is delicious. Their breakfast menu is large and varied, you can have everything from a croissant and coffee to a full american breakfast. And of course, traditional mexican breakfasts. The prices are quite good and the staff is very nice. Leave a Comment Theme: OtherPhone: +52 (984) 873-0114Directions: 5ta Avenida Norte, between calles 4 y 6 NorteWebsite: www.lasmananitas.com Other Contact: info@lasmananitas.com
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Alux (pronounced "a-loosh") is a restaurant and nightclub located in a cenote (a cave formed by underground rivers). The entrance is impressive; you descend a great rock staircase surrounded by tiki torches to the reception area. (It looks a lot like the "Tribal Council" area on Survivor.)
Candelabras, coloured lights, and flowing water adorn places throughout the cave. The dining area is dark enough that despite all the lamps, the waiters use flashlights and may have to lend you one so that you can read the menu.
The waiter we had was very quick--he seemed very concerned that we were being taken care of at all times. There's also live entertainment during the meal. We were treated to a fire juggler and a bellydancer.
Filete Mil Alux (fillet mignon in a roquefort wine sauce wrapped in serrano ham with parmesan cheese) served with vegetables and baked potato. Wash it down with red wine. This steak must have been an inch thick! The meal was fantastic and unbelievably filling. Leave a Comment Theme: LocalPrice: US$31-40 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: Avenida Juarez, Mz. 12 Lote 13A, Col. EjidalDirections: Alux is not located near 5th Avenue, but is on the opposite side of the highway at Avenida Juarez several blocks down. Take a taxi (about 60 pesos) and don't try to walk from 5th.Website: http://www.alux-restaurantlounge.com
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For only 10 pesos ($1 USD) a cup, the women in traditional Mayan dresses working in the main square of Playa Del Carmen will sell you a large cup of fresh fruit. It doesn't look like much, but it's filling enough to be a meal in itself. The fruit is fresh, juicy, and tastes fantastic. Almost a half of pineapple in one glass! The coconut tasted sweet too--without a hint of soapiness.
Pineapple, papaya, coconut, mango, and watermelon. Leave a Comment Theme: Street VendorPrice: less than US$10 » Currency ConverterComparison: least expensiveDirections: Zocalo (the main square) on Juarez Ave. near the beach and the ferry terminal.
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If you look at the photo, you can see the kitchen. This woman makes everything right there. Sopas, Tortas, Hurrachas, Tostadas which are just great. This place is so cheap you almost feel guilty. We had one of each, plus a soda and a beer and our bill was around 10 dollars.
No english spoken here!
The bbq pork on anything. Watch out for the fresh Habanero Salsa served on the side. Incredibly hot and incredibly good! Leave a Comment Theme: LocalPrice: less than US$10 » Currency ConverterComparison: least expensiveAddress: If we remember right, it's at the end of 20th.Directions: This little place is south of Playa Del Carmen's main area. A few blocks up from the area around Xaman-Ha condos and the Continental hotel near Playacar.
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Av. 34 Norte s/n 5a Av. y Zona Federal Maritima, Playa del Carmen - Mosquito Beach Hotel
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5 Avenida entre calle 26 y 28, Playa del Carmen - Fiesta Banana
5A Avenida Esquina Calle 32, Playa del Carmen - Paradise Hotel
Av 10 norte entre calles 20 y 22, Playa del Carmen - Sandos Playacar All-Inclusive Beach Resort
Paseo Xaman-Ha Manzana 1, Lote 1 Fracc Playacar, Playa del Carmen - Aventura Spa Palace All Inclusive
Km 72, Carretera Cancun-Chetumal Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen - Blue Beach Hotel
12th Street North and 1st Avenue North, Playa del Carmen - BLUE BAY GRAND ESMERALDA
380 Seaview Court, Playa del Carmen - Hotel Kinbe (Calle 10 Norte Entre 1A Y 5A Playa Del Carmen Qu)
Calle 10 norte entre 1 y 5 Avenida, Playa del Carmen - Hotel Riviera Caribe Maya
10th Avenue North, Corner of 30th Street North, Playa del Carmen
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