My Favorite Places in Playa del Carmen

My favorite places by Brian Burriss

I am often asked about my favorite spots in Playa del Carmen. It’s one of my favorite questions to answer, so I’ve put together this guide from the perspective of my condo’s location to help you explore the best the area has to offer.

Quick Favorites (near to the condo)

• El Patio De La Milanesa Restaurante Argentino: I absolutely love their empanadas and they also service the Swim up bar so you don’t even have to leave the pool.
• Roxy’s Little Fish Shack aka Roots Jamaican kitchen: Best fish tacos in town but known for their fried chicken. Just 1 street up on 1st from Calle 28, turn left, just past Reef 28

Breakfast Spots

• Bistro Playa: Next to Roxy’s, perfect for an Acai bowl (only open in the morning)
• Cez Celine: Amazing breakfast and lunch on 5th past Calle 32
• Labrioche de Plaza: My top breakfast spot at the corner of 5th and Calle 38.

Willing to go a bit further? (North on 5th Avenue, Calle 50)

• Capitan Sandwich some of the best pancakes and waffles anywhere
• 50 Brunch (just past Calle 50)
• Somos Crisol (another favorite, a bit further past Calle 56)

Morning Walks (A favorite activity is to walk the beach to find the perfect spot to watch the sunrise.)

• Playa 72 (aka Dog Beach): From 5th Avenue and Calle 72, turn right for beach access. It’s my go-to every morning for sunrises and dog watching.
• Playa Punta Esmeralda (Best local beach, great facilities) It is a good bit further on 5th Av just past Calle 112th. (Past Paradisus and turn right on Esmeralda) You could grab a bike from BiciPlaya on CTM and drop it off by Paradisus or I just walk the beach from Playa 72

Great Dining Near the Condo

• Aldea Corazon: Located on 5th near Calle 14. The small front hides a huge interior with a cenote—perfect for photos.
• Ictio Fish House: A Caribbean Seafood restaurant, probably the best in Playa del Carmen
• El Fogon: A local favorite on 30th Ave, with several locations around town.
• Don Mario: On 10th Ave and Calle 8, the best Italian food—a must-visit!
• La Vagabunda: This is a local chain, you will see a few throughout Playa del Carmen however, I am always happy with our meal at any location. They have a large menu selection. The close one is on 5th Av and Calle 26 and my favorite location is on Calle 38 by the beach.

Essentials

• Super Chedraui: The best grocery store in Playa, with a great liquor selection. North on 10th Ave past Calle 34. https://maps.app.goo.gl/HunvkARNeNBdbyQA6
• MEGA Soriana: A little further, about a 18 min walk, has everything, similar to a Walmart (which is just down the street from there) but better https://maps.app.goo.gl/oJjFTZoHTWbBCYYg8
• Convenience Stores: Seems like there is one every 10 steps
• OXXO is on the corner of the building to the right of the entrance
• 7-eleven, is on the corner of Calle 28 and Cozumel to the left of the entrance
• Liquor Store: La Europea for a large selection of spirits is in Quinta Alegría Shopping Mall and they deliver

My favorites Restaurants on the famous Calle 38 (you really can't go wrong at any on that street)

• Amate 38: A great example of Yucatecan cuisine with an artistic flair.
• Papaya Slice: My favorite pizza in the world—NY style that even beat a pizza I had in Long Island, NY!
• Taquería Sánchez: It's not hard to find a Mexican restaurant in Mexico but this is a great one. This is more about the art of making great Mexican dishes and amazing drinks.
• Xoila: A brand new restaurant cooking with fire. While the food is great the drinks are even better.

Evening Activities

• 5th Avenue Walks: I love walking the length of 5th Ave every night to enjoy street entertainment and art displays. Make it all the way south to Portal Maya for authentic, cultural entertainment.
• Wildlife Viewing: Just past Calle 10 on 5th Ave, there's a small storefront with tigers and leopards. You can pay to hold and pet them, but I prefer just to watch.

Street Food Adventure

• Municipal Center Street Food: For the adventurous, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Take 5th Ave to Calle 10 Nte, turn west, and head to 20th Ave. Street vendors line up with the best food—it’s a fun experience I love.

Food Delivery

• Punta 30: Argentinian food delivered! I love love love their empanadas! They are very quick with the delivery as well. To order, send a message through WhatsApp to +52 984 876 6177 Ask for the menu
• Food Deliver App: Rappi is the main food delivery app. You will see motorcycles with large food warmer bags on the back. They are quick and easy. With that said, most restaurants also offer delivery, just look them up, find their # and send them a message on WhatsApp.

Thrift Shopping Bonus

• Sunday Flea Market: Head to 10th Ave around Calle 54. It stretches a few blocks north and all the way to 30th Ave. My daughter introduced me to it, and though I’m not a thrift shopper, I enjoyed it—especially the street food and drinks. I discovered I love horchata!

Extra Activities

• Catamaran Rides: Always a favorite, there are sunset cruises, snorkel cruises, cruises to Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.
• Localbird: For all tours, check out https://localbird.io/partner/sol-vista-retreats/ ts/
• Day Trip to Cozumel: Head to the ferry boats at the south end of Playa del Carmen and buy a ticket for a quick island adventure. www.ultramarferry.com or https://winjet.mx/
• Mamita’s or Tata Beach Clubs: At the end of Calle 28 turn left or right and enjoy the day on the beach with service.
• Day passes to resorts: The Reef Coco Beach, Paradisus and Maromabeach.com all provide the option to pay for the day of All Inclusive Food and drink. about $100 per person but prices vary, times are usually 9am to 5pm. I have had an amazing time at all 3; The Reef is just past CTM (not the Reef that is next door), Paradisus is very nice, great food and drink and I love Maroma for the beautiful beach and excursions.

Rental Services

• Playa Bike Rentals: https://www.playabikerentals.com.mx/rent-umbrellas-beach-chairs/ while they offer bike rentals, what I find handy is they also rent umbrellas and beach chairs at 200 pesos per day for one chair or umbrella, and 500 pesos per day for two chairs and one umbrella. Delivery is available for rentals of three days or more. Contact them via WhatsApp at +52 (984) 142-1638.
• Biciplaya: For convenient bike rentals Biciplaya is a public bike-sharing system offering various rental plans, including a one-day pass with unlimited 30-minute rides. Ideal for short trips around the city. There is a handy station at Calle 38th and 5th Ave as well as CTM and 5th Ave. You can ride it to many destinations and drop off the bike and pickup another. Download the app for Apple or Android

Tours and Experiences

Parks: Offering everything from beachfront strolls and cultural performances to underground rivers, jungle ziplines, snorkeling lagoons, and cave explorations. Whether you're seeking relaxation or high-adrenaline adventure, these natural and eco-friendly attractions provide an unforgettable way to experience the region’s beauty and heritage. Xel ha, Xplor Park Xplor Fuego. Follow the link for more information vi.me/vFTNH

Catamaran: The perfect blend of relaxation and adventure on the Caribbean Sea. sail along the stunning coastline, snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, swim in crystal-clear waters, or simply lounge on deck with a drink in hand. Many tours include open bars, fresh meals, and music, creating a laid-back, festive vibe ideal for couples, families, or groups looking to enjoy the beauty of the Riviera Maya from the water. Isla Mujeres vs Cozumel. Both are great locations and fun to visit. For Isla Mujeres most tours take you to MUSA, the underwater museum and Cozumel trips take you to some of the best locations for sea life and closer with only a ferry ride away. Follow the link for more information vi.me/HMGdq

Ruins: Tours to the nearby ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Maya world. Explore iconic sites like Tulum and Chichen Itza, where stone temples rise above jungle canopies and sea cliffs, revealing centuries of rich history, culture, and stunning views. The great part about these tours is they include a cenote and transportation. For Tulum, you have the added bonus of swimming with turtles. Follow the link for more information vi.me/18QNs

Bonus Ruins: The ruins located in Playacar. The only free Mayan ruin site in Mexico, thought to be one of the first Mayan communities visited by the Spanish. The original community has eight groups of buildings, only three remain and are labeled Groups C, E and F. These ruins can be viewed in Playacar Phase One and Playacar Phase Two. Group E and F is one mile from the entrance to Playacar Phase Two. Visitors can walk Paseo Xaman Ha to the south. The ruins can be viewed from the roadway but do allow visitors to walk through the ancient grounds. Group C can also be accessed off Paseo Xaman Ha (a sign will direct you) through a small jungle path. The ruins can be viewed from the road, and approached on foot.