Hôtel Catalonia Royal Tulum | Hôtel tout-inclus > Mexique

Mike, la plage est une des plus belle que j'ai vu à Riviera maya !!!

Je ne suis jamais allez manger à Playa del carmen mais il y a beaucoup de resto sur la 5ème avenue !

je te joint un document en anglais mais au moins tu pourras voir le nom des restaurants!!

Tacos and cheap eats

H & C Butcher Shop - Located on Calle 1 Sur (This is on the Playacar side of Ave. Juarez) between 20th and 25th. This is a real butcher shop with excellent meats to take home and cook. It also has excellent and cheap cooked arrechera and steak lunch and dinners. This place gets rave reviews from locals and deserves it. The menu is limited, mostly to arrechera. They close early (about 7 P.M.) so get there early. As of August, 2007, they have opened a new site on Calle 46, between 10th and 15th. Visitors report that the same high quality arrechera is available here as well. Playa Peeps on the North end of town are finally getting their own bragging rights!
Dona Mary- This is supposed to be the best place for a Mexican dinner. The women only speak Spanish and most of the food choices are made with chicken. They are only open for dinner. 7pm-12am. 30th Avenue and 28th Street. Taxi or moped accessible.
Pacos Tacos (Puerto Aventuras) - This is a little taco stand found at the first Pemex station south of Puerto Aventuras. It is very clean and sanitary and reported to have the best shrimp tacos in the area, as well as other excellent tacos fillings.
Taco del Rey – Located on 6th Street, opposite Chicago Don Jose, this good taco place has tortas and tacos of excellent quality.
Pizza Pazza - This place has awesome slices of pizza and seems to be popping up outlets all over town. Located next to El Oasis. 12th st between 5th and 10th ave. Also on 5th Avenue at 14th.
Aca Los Tacos- Tacos al pastor (herbed pork compressed on a spit and roasted and cut). Corner of 5th Ave and Constituyentes. Small tacos. Not bad. Many frequent visitors like them a lot, but they are not as flavorable as many other places.
La Carreta -30th Avenue at 28th Street. They have fresh tortillas and very good meat tacos
El Santuario - (The Sanctuary) – Located on 15th Ave between 12th and 14th, across from the church. This is the place for Torta Ahogada, a specialty from the town of Jalisco, which is a roast pork sandwich served on a toasty roll with onions in a bowl of tomatoey sauce. I have not been able to locate this place.
El Sarape- Tacos al pastor and other Mexican grub. Opens at noon. Located on Juarez, between 20th and 25th. This old standby looks like a tourist joint with garish yellow paint on the front and menus with pictures of the dishes, but the food is authentic and good. The posole is excellent and the tacos very tasty. Good brochetas and cebollitas. Inexpensive. Cash only.
Posoleria Mi Abuelita -This small and friendly posole househas a small menu but specializes in pork and chicken posole, which is quite tasty. It is accompanied by a three-tiered plate of chips and chiles and additions, and for $50 Pesos, is a very good bargain. Located on Avenida 30 between 20th and 22nd.
La Carmela - This small and friendly spot has replaced the local favorite “Bloody Chicas” which had to close because of health problems of the two lovely owners. Carmela has taken over and has at present a limited menu, but it is inexpensive and well prepared. Pasta, milanesas, tortas are all fresh. Found across from Mom’s Hotel on 4th Street between 25th and 30th.
El Asadero al Carbon -This out-of-the-way place has local charm galore. Located on 25th Avenue between 2nd and 4th. There is no space under cover, so this is only for fair weather dining, but the garden is comfortable and quiet. The food is fresh and mighty tasty, but the standout is the absolutely fresh tortillas that add an incredible taste to your food. If you never had fresh tacos off the griddle, you should pay a visit. Excellent low priced Mexican meals. Open 9 A.M. to 10 P.M.
El Tacamaron -Open until midnight on 10th Avenue at the corner of 32nd Street, this small place serves 6 kinds of rice with toppings of your choice. The tortillas are homemade and are delicious. Do not miss the huge shrimp taco, which is small shrimp with a tasty sofrito. Absolutely delicious! The rice dishes are huge and perfectly seasoned. This is one of the best values in Playa for a top-notch meal and a change from the basic Mexican menus. The owner, Samm, is a well-traveled local of serious culinary experience who has a large local following.
Makech -This joint is on 1st Street SOUTH (which is on the Playacar side of Juarez) near 10th Avenue. Good and cheap real Mexican lunches.
Cocteleria el Paisano Veracruz -Across the highway on Juarez in a bright yellow and bleu building on the north side. Excellent shrimp dishes and good seafood soup. Best for lunch, because they close when food runs low later in the afternoon. Cheap, cash only, no English.
El Fogon- Tacos al pastor. 3 locations: 30th Ave and 6th St and 30th Ave near 32nd St. Newly opened on Ave. Constituyentes between 25th and 30th, across from the new Mega. Fantastic!! Makes everyone’s favorite list for legitimate Mexican food at a good price. This reviewer thinks that the original location on 30th and 32nd is just a bit better than the new clones.
El Pastorcito – Grilled meats and tacos al pastor and arrechera. One of the best!! 30th Avenida and 28th Street. Wonderful frijoles charros (red bean soup). The mixed grill for two will feed 4 normal people. Not open until 5 P.M. it attracts a regular local croad Cash only.
Las Brasitas -On Constituyentes, just west of 30th Avenue, this is a good, inexpensive taqueria in the same vein as El Fogon.
La Portena -A hole-in-the-wall on Calle 38, just east of 10th Avenida (a few doors down from El Emporio), this Argentine mom-and-pop place has only 4 tables under a palapa. Very inexpensive, but good empanadas and Argentinian arrechera. Not fancy, but real good food. Try the Argentine sausage torta for the best hot dog you ever ate!
El Duro -This red awning meat taco place is on the west side of 30th Avenue at about 26th Street. It serves meat tacos and tortas. Good, inexpensive eats, but nothing fancy.
Tacos Israel- (Also known as Tacos Arabe) Awesome tacos. Tacos arrachera (flank steak) and tacos al pastor. There is a bright blue and white striped awning. Corner of 15th ave and 10th st. Possibly moved location recently.
La Casita de Los Guisos (formerly La Madrina)- I have heard great things about this place. Tamales Veracruz style on weekends, mole, etc. 20th Avenue between 4th and 6th Street. (look for red chairs) Closed Tuesdays. Lunch only.
Doctor Taco- Great tacos and vegetarian selections. 10th Avenue between 8th and 10th Street. Newly opened 2nd location on Calle 28, just off of Primera on the road down to Mamitas beach. Always reliable.
El Faisan y el Venado- Great Mexican and Yucatecan specialties. Lots of locals eat here, especially for lunch. On highway 307, north of Juarez. You will find many of the Yucatecan specialties here that are served at Yaxche, but much less expensive. Recommended are the carne ahumada and the panuchos cochinita. This is a large and clean place with excellent service.
Asadero el Pollo Estillo Sinaloa -Serves one of the best roasted chicken. Eat in or take out. Located on 20th Ave. at 2nd Street.
La Casa de Piedra -This long-lasting modest Mexican food place on Avenida 35, between Calles 30 and 32 has opened a 2nd location on Calle 6 between 5th and 10th. Good comida corrida and Mexican staples at honest prices.

Los Burritos del Gordo – Avenida 15, between 10th and 12th at 10 bis. Great fish tacos and burritos. Owned and run by a Mexican who lived in California for 20 years and returned to Mexico. He ran out of money and sank everything he had into this small place and it is supposed to be excellent. He speaks perfect English. Look for red chairs and tables on the street.
La Floresta –On the highway by the electric station (before Ave. Juarez), this open air local place is only open through late lunch. Only tacos of shrimp and fish, but they are fantastic! For 10 pesos each you get fresh seafood and awesome hot sauce. Wash it down with a cerveza and head for the beach.
Tamales Flor de Lis -This is a branch of an established restaurant family that has been serving since 1926. Found on Avenue 30 at 38th Street, next to the Oxxo, it serves tamales with your choice of 12 sauces. They also have unique drinks to accompany them like strawberry atole and chocolate champurrado. Inexpensive and off the beaten track.
El Jurado (Mixiotes y Huaraches) -Across from the Mega on Constitutiones, and next door to the new branch of El Fogon, El Jurado is best spotted from their orange awning noting “Mixiotes y Huaraches”. Serves excellent huaraches, which is a thick tortilla, about a foot long and 5” wide, served open with a choice of toppings, usually cheese and meat. This is not a local Yucatecan dish, but it is very tasty. This is an excellent and inexpensive meal.
Taqueria Mamichi -Located in the colosio on 30th Avenue, about one kilometer north of 38th street, you will find it on the intersection with a large statue in the middle. It is open late and serves excellent empanadas, tacos and tortas. Another real deal in Mexico for not a lot of money. (You can get a toco with pork brains if you are man enough, but there are plenty of ‘normal’ choices to make anyone happy.
Las Quecas de Playa -For those who stay up late, this basic taco, torta and quesadilla place opens at 8:00 P.M. and stays open until 5 A.M. Located on Calle 6 between Avenidas 10 and 15, it is nothing to look at, but the food is good, especially if you need something to hold down those margaritas you should not have had during a long night on the town.
Las Portales -Located right next door to Las Quecas de Playa (just above) this is another late night choice for hamburgers and grilled chicken.

Breakfast and Sandwich Shops

La Cueva Del Chango- A must! - This place is a little out of the way but well worth it. Generally regarded as Playa’s standout breakfast destination. Located on 38th Street, up one block from Shangri-La. Homemade granola served with fresh fruit and yogurt. Eggs with cheese and chaya (Mayan spinach) served with homemade tortillas. Fresh squeezed juices and great coffee. They are also open for lunch and dinner. 38th st between 5th ave and the beach. Hand-built by the owners with great funky style. Cool hippie-ish elegance. Perfect way to start the day. A recent visit shows an expanded menu, and they now have what we consider to be the best chillaquiles in Playa. Don’t miss them!
Java Joe’s- The best coffee in Playa and place to gossip with the locals. Breakfast and sandwiches. Bagels are flown in from Mexico City. If you have a Playa question, ask Joel or Ronnie and they will know the answer. Playa’s answer to Starbucks has better coffee and vibes than a chain house could ever have. Homemade grilled Italian sausage in the afternoons. 10th Street between 5th and 10th Avenues.
Hot Baking Company- Homemade breads and pastries, eggs and bacon, etc. Has two locations. (Calle Corazon) corner of 5th Avenue and 14 Street. 10th Street between 5th and 10th.
La Vagabunda – This attractive open air restaurant has been inconsistent for lunch and dinner, and seems to have lost its focus, but the breakfasts are hearty and good. Service can be disinterested and spotty. Located on 5th Avenue between 24th and 26th.
Food Carts at the Zocalo – Located on 5th Avenue and 2nd by the park across from the bus station. These carts are there in the morning and leave when they are sold out, usually before 11:00 A.M. Tacos and sandwiches (tortas) of pork, chicken, beef and shrimp, with great hot sauces. Go to the cart with the biggest crowd, telling you which is the best. Great breakfast for $2 to $3. And do not forget the fresh squeezed orange juice cart to wash them down. This is not to be missed. New visitors might shy away from this street food, but I have never heard of anyone getting ill from eating there and it is one of Playa’s best food experiences.
Baguiz- Sandwiches and probably breakfast. 20th ave between 6th and 8th st.
IL Mangiare- Delicatessen with sandwiches, bagels, coffee, etc. 5th Avenue between 28th and 30th.
Hole-in-the-Wall Deli Bar - A new arrival replacing the short-lived Schlongo’s opened up on Primera Ave between 12th and 14th serving a variety of great sandwiches and salads. Also impressive breakfasts. They open at 8 in the morning and stay up for the after party crowd until 1 A.M. Mon.– Sat.
Nativo - Constitucion and 30th. Local place with excellent Chilaquiles. Two places across the street from one another that have a health-food flair emphasizing healthy choices and natural foods. Huge smoothies and large portions at excellent prices. Well Recommended by locals. After lunch or breakfast, visit the excellent local fruit and vegetable market across the street.
La Casita de los Guisos – Avenida 20 between 4th and 6th. Also very high on the local recommendations for chilaquiles for breakfast.

Places for Dinner or Big Lunch

Media Luna- Newly redone, this place has a good reputation. All types of food: vegetarian, pasta, seafood. They also have great juices, drinks and sangria. 5th avenue between 12th and 14st.
BabesNoodleBar-An old standby on 10th Street between 5th and 10th Avenues. Also a new location on 5th Avenue between 28th and 30th. Many regulars swear by this Thai noodle bar, but after eating there three times, I find the food to be inedible and by far the worst Thai food I have ever eaten. They do have good mojitos, which may explain the different reviews by customers. The good reviews seem to indicate that the branch on 10th Street seems to have superior food to the newer one on 5th and 30th.
Chicago Don Jose – Very popular, but extremely pricy for Playa. Known for their excellent steaks (all imported USA beef), Chicago ribs, Lithuanian ravioli (I do not know what that is, but it garners raves). Located on 6th Street between 5th Ave. and 10th Ave.
La Palette - This French newcomer has the ambiance of the Riviera and a menu that harkens to Paris or the south of Provence. What is it doing in Playa? Well, it is giving you another choice for a special treat. It is pretty pricy, as French cuisine requires a bit more preparation than other local cuisines, but it appears legitimate and cozy, but be prepared to spend a good $40 plus per person. Located on 8th Street between 5th Avenue and the beach.
Tango Taco – Is really much more than tacos. This Argentine meat place on Calle 10 between Ave 10 and 15 has tasty grilled meats served many ways. Tacos and empanadas are great, but so are the dinner platters.
Glass Bar – This is a white tablecloth fairly expensive restaurant that is worth the price. It sits on the corner of 5th Avenue and 12th Street with very inviting tables outside. Great for people watching and the octopus ceviche is to die for. Very extensive wine cellar for oenophiles. Reservations a must.
100% Natural - Now with two locations, both on 5th Avenue. The original is at 12th Street and the new one took over the huge space previously run by the folks at La Parilla on 24th Street. This is an excellent choice for the vegetarians amongst us, with lots of fresh juices and veggies. Their menu has expanded to have something for everyone. Service can be slow.
Yaxche- (ya-shay) One of the nicest restaurants in town. Real Mayan restaurant with gourmet Mayan food. This is the only place in Playa where you will see many of their Mayan specialties. This place has won a bunch of awards. Check out their romantic garden in the rear. It may not prove to be your favorite, depending on your choices, but you will be glad that you tried something different and authentic. 8th Street between 5th and 10th.
Manne’s Biergarten- German pub. Wednesday night is rib night and Friday’s is pork roast. Closed Tuesdays. 4th st between 10th and 15 Ave. A full menu of Mexican and German favorites, Manne’s has been a regular favorite of the Playa regulars for years. Friendly with good beer.
Playa Maya-This excellent boutique hotel on the beach between 6th and 8th is also a great place for breakfast or lunch. Fresh seafood, coconut shrimp, great guacamole and ceviche. Playa Maya Hotel is also the consensus favorite small hotel on the beach.
La Parilla- This is a really fun place to eat. They have Mariachis singing from 8-10. Good Mexican food. Many regulars eat dinner here their first night in town. 5th Avenue on the corner of 8th Street. Prices can be on the high side and they get very busy, so check your bill carefully for mistakes.
Sol Food- New restaurant that is supposed to be very good. Vegetarian, meat, pasta, seafood. 8th St. between 5th and the beach. Also has a location on 5th Avenue at 22nd. Pricy.
John Gray’s Kitchen- A must for that “special” dinner! - This small restaurant is located in Puerto Morelos, about 25 minutes north of playa. Take a taxi or car. John Gray, the owner, was formerly a chef at the Ritz Carlton in California. The food is wonderful and the setting is romantic. Hours are Monday-Saturday 6-10 pm. You can call for reservations, but not a must. 998-871-0665. A new location opened in Playa in 2005 off of 5th Avenue on Calle Corozon. Pricy but excellent.
Ah Cacaos- This is the place that serves only chocolate and ice cream. Located on the corner of 5th Ave and Constituyentes. Best brownies ever!!!
IL Duca- This restaurant is a transport from Rome (Frommer’s top 10 restaurants in Rome). Mussels flown in on weekends. 10th Street between 1st and 5th Avenues.
La Taberna - Located on the corner of 10th Avenue and 4th Street, this newer large place looks like a sports bar, which is part of its charm. They have large screen T.V.s and a pool table as well as internet computers. The food is pretty decent at reasonable prices and they have air conditioning, which makes it the perfect place on a hot night.
Giallo Limone - is a pretty decent Italian restaurant on 5th Avenue at 22nd Street. It has a very inviting tablecloth atmosphere with fine service at prices that are fairly reasonable. Pasta specials are always very good and the servings are substantial. A 4 course meal goes for $20.
100% Natural - This is a good choice for vegetarians and those wanting a respite from meat and chicken. Lots of good salads and fresh juices and soups as well as a host of nice entrees. Just opened their new and very large location on 5th at 22nd, with the original found at 5th between 10th and 12th Streets. Credit cards taken.
Papa Hemingway - A nice atmosphere, right on 5th Avenue between 12th and 14th with good service. The food can be hit or miss, but it is not too expensive and great for people watching.
Le Bistrot - Located at the Alhambra Hotel on the beach at 8th Street, this lovely beachfront restaurant serves a first-rate Mexican breakfast with good chilaquiles. The prices are a bit higher, but, hey, you are paying for the water view.
La Tarraya – On the beach between 2nd and 4th Streets, this reliable restaurant gets consistent good reviews from the regular visitors who like the well prepared food overlooking the beach. The location is a great help, as it is right by the zocalo, so you are in the middle of everything.
Carboncitas: - 4th Street between 5th and 10th. Dishes are supposed to be excellent. Tacos al pastor and grilled meats. In the tourist zone but cool. This place seems to make many regular’s favorite lists.
Agora - Located on 10th Street between 12th and 14th, this comfortable restaurant is easy to overlook, but it serves fine Italian food and many Mexican dishes. Never a bad meal here, and all reports confirm that it is a sound choice for quiet service and reasonable food.
Madre Tierra - This is the most beautiful palapa restaurant on 5th Avenue (at 14ht Street), with a wide and inviting staircase into a lovely open air dining room. Unfortunately, the food is dreadful and the service is unctuously excessive and pretentious. This choice is mentioned here only to save the reader the disappointment of an expensive and totally unsatisfying experience. Stay away!
La Baretta (Barbara’s Place) – Located on the corner of 26th and 5th Avenue, this is a local gathering place for the Italian residents and passers-by with good pastas and breakfasts. Excellent coffee, with an Italian flavor.
El Asador de Manolo – This welcoming Argentinian grill is on 10th Street between 24th and 26th and serves delicious grilled meats, empanadas and Mexican and Argentinian specialties. The prices are reasonable and the service is good. Known for its great steaks, but do not miss the empanadas and the short ribs, and the fish filet in chile sauce is excellent. A favorite stop of this reviewer.
La Fragata – This little hole in the wall is on 24th Street between 5th Avenue and 1st Avenue. Many locals come here regularly for the good breakfast and fresh food. Special dishes made every night are always excellent. Only a few tables on the sidewalk, so it is very cozy.
Makkaroni - This very funky Italian restaurant looks like it should be a taco joint but reportedly serves good Italian food and friendly vibes. Found on 4th Street between 10th and 15th Aves, next to Manne’s Biergarten.
El Oasis – This once highly regarded shrimp taco institution, located on 12th Street between 5th and 10th used to be on everyone’s must-do list. But since Jaime sold the place last year and they expanded to twice the size, the service has become perfunctory and the food has become less than memorable. It is still not bad and is now notable mostly for their incredible hot green sauce and terrific tamarind sauce for the seafood tacos. (NOTE: a recent visit indicates that El Oasis might be rediscovering its prior excellence. The shrimp tacos had its old juicy zing. Try it again and report your thoughts.)
El Emporio – This is a Uruguayan parilla, in case you did not know that Uruguay has their own cuisine. I cannot tell it from an Argentine grill, but the food is delicious and the owners are friendly. Located on Calle 38 between 5th and 10th Avenues. The prices are very reasonable and the service personal.
Buenos Aires – Another excellent Argentine restaurant with tasty steaks and meats relocated on Calle 6 between 5th and 10th Avenues in newer and larger space. Lunch and dinner, but it is cash only. (984) 873-2751.
El 10 Comida Argentina - This new addition to the parilla scene just opened on the corner of 5th Avenue and 30th. It comes by way of Mexico City where they have tried to transform good Argentine food into a fast-food version for a cheaper price tag. The result is not so cheap and the food is poor with fatty meats and inferior preparations. Walk across 30th street for a much better parilla meal, or head back a few blocks to Manolo’s on 10th and 24th.
Il Pescatore - This attractive Italian / seafood restaurant on 10th Avenue at 24th Street is fairly pricey, but the homemade pastas are excellent. The name would indicate that it is primarily serving seafood, but this would be misleading. Except for the excellent seafood soup, the kitchen has no talent for making properly cooked seafood. Stick to the pastas and avoid the interior tables on a hot night, because the stoves are behind you and you will be very uncomfortable.
Romagna Mia Da Davide - Find this small but tasty Italian pasta house off of Calle 28 as you walk down to Mamitas beach from First Avenue. The first road on the left is Avenue Cozumel, in front of some new condos, and in the middle is this new restaurant, often overlooked because of its fairly inconspicuous location. The pasta is freshly made and prepared very well. The house wines by the glass are very reasonable and the service is excellent. A very satisfying and inexpensive evening.
Petite Marrakesh - The first full menu Morrocan restaurant comes to Calle Corazon (found near Calle 12) just off La Quinta. The food is authentic Morrocan with a French influence, and, while new to the scene, is getting very positive reviews from tourists and Playa regulars alike. Portions are large, so watch that you do not order too much. The chef/owner has very winning ways and is more than a little proud of his food. (984) 803-5623.
MakTub - Another new Moroccan restaurant on 5th Avenue between 28th and 30th, which has become a very lively block. Known for fresh salads and hummus and good kabobs. Hookahs are available for after dinner treats.
Gaia - Newly opened Moroccan restaurant on 5th Avenue on the corner of 28th Street serves excellent food, freshly and carefully prepared. Hookahs are offered for your pleasure, and the indoor back room is a Persian delight, especially for large parties. Do not miss the “salad bar”, listed as an appetizer. Enough to feed 4 for dinner, or appetizers for 6 or 8, you are presented with 8 plates of different cold vegetables, one more delicious than the other.
El Diablito (Cha-Cha-Cha) - On the corner of 12th Street and First Avenue, in the middle of the Blue Parrot corner Euro scene, this is a restaurant in the earlier hours that serves very good smaller plates of Japanese/Mexican fusion cuisine. Raw seafood dishes and fried rockfish standout, but they are all good, but a bit pricey, especially if accompanied by the $8 alcoholic drinks.

Bars, Clubs and People Watching
There are so many of these places-here are some favorites.

Blue Parrot- The most famous bar in Playa. Great Place for happy hour. I think that they have live music on Saturday afternoons. Good place to go a little later in the evening. Located on the beach at the end of Calle 12, they have taken to charging a cover charge at night. Often sited as one of the best bars in the world, which 10 years ago I might have agreed with. Connection to the ethically challenged management of the same-named condominiums nearby is unknown.
El Pirata – Located on the beach, next to the Blue Parrot in the Costa Maya Hotel between Calles 10 and 12, this is a Reggae bar with cheap beer and a good grill where you can hear your conversation over the music. Celebrating its 21st year in business, being one of the oldest in Playa (and still a goodie!).
Tequila Barrel- One of the most popular bars in Playa. Over 100 different kinds of tequila, great mojitos. 5th Ave. between 10th and 12thst. Great location makes it perfect for people watching on La Quinta.
Bourbon Street- Live music, great drinks. 5th ave between 6th and 8th st.
Mil Un Alux – (Aloosh)! A must! This place is unlike anything that you have ever seen. It’s a huge bar that is built into a natural cavern. Food gets mixed reviews, but for a drink and appetizers, I know you have never seen any place like this. Very cool!! Juarez across from 307. Taxi. (tell the cave bar)
Deseo- The bed bar. This place is awesome. Located on the rooftop of Deseo hotel. (look for a set of stairs with a huge screen playing black and white videos) 5th Avenue between 10th and 12 st.
Beer Bucket- Good piped music, this local joint is popular with the locals. In the middle of Calle 10 between 5th and 10th Avenues.
La Ranita – Located on Calle 10 between 5th and 10th, this mellow and attractive bar is a regular hangout for locals. Intimate and friendly place for a drink and to catch up on the local gossip.
DJ’s Bar – A newer small local hangout with inexpensive drinks and T.V.’s. Located on 12th Street between 5th and 10th Avenues.
O’Barzhino Carpirinha Bar - Upstairs from the Magic Blue Hotel on the corner of 12th Street and 10th Avenue is this Brazilian themed bar and club. Open late. Waiting for a review or two before giving this new place a thumbs-up.
El Inicio - This open air bar on 5th Avenue is in the new Alux condo/retail complex between 36th and 38th. It is beautiful and quiet. A lovely place for a romantic drink.
Om – Located at the bottom of 12th Street by the beach, and across the street from the Blue Parrot, this stunning Euro-bar deserves mention for beautiful style and terrific people watching. Hookah water pipes and Persian rugs add a whole bunch of atmosphere.
El Diablito (Cha-Cha-Cha) - On the corner of Calle 12 and First Avenue, in the middle of the trendy Euro-slick zone, this surprisingly interesting restaurant (see food review above) turns into a bar / dico scene in the later hours. Drinks are good, but at $8 apiece it can get pricey.
End Zone Sports Bar – Large new large format television sports bar on 5th Avenue at 14th across from Calle Corozon. Lots of screens and snacks. A great place to watch your favorite sporting match.
Bad Boys on the Beach – Sometimes also called Captain Dave’s because of the same ownership as above, but this is just a great beach bar between 2nd and 4th. Live music Thursdays and Saturdays between 4 and 8. You will know you are in the right place by the skull and crossbones in front.
Santanera – On Calle 12 between 5th and 10th, this late night D.J. club is for the young and beautiful. Cover charge.
Bali – The newest club as of 2006, it is across the street from Santanera on 12th, between 5th and 10th. Very hip, and very expensive for Playa with a $25 cover charge. Starts late and goes till the sun shines.
Mambo Café – On Calle 6 between 5th and 10th, this large cavernous dance club has D.J.’s and live music every night. Good music and salsa dancing till the morning comes.
Skyybar - Just opened on 5th Avenue at 20th, this is Mambo Café’s new idea for the north end. A walk up the stairway entrance puts you into a large room that could have a lot of energy with a full crowd. The best part is the large outside deck with super-large T.V. projection on the wall and comfortable seating under the stars. Kind of slick, but comfortable and friendly at the same time.
La Bodeguita del Medio – run by the same name club in Havana, this salsa place is in the Plaza Paseo at the very south end of La Quinta. Live music and a Cuban restaurant. Large, noisy and fun, with great mojitos.

Seafood:

Oceano – Calle 34, half a block west of Avenida 30. A small fish market where you can buy your fish to take home and cook, or they will cook it for you to eat there or take home. A pescaderia.
Cocteleria El Pirata – Located on 40th Street between 5th and 10th Avenues. This is another pescaderia where the fish comes in fresh every day and it fills up around one in the afternoon. The menu is all seafood with the whole fried fish being very popular. The house specialty is salpicon, a fish stew full of shrimp, scallops and squid in a delicious red sauce. Reasonable prices and a true local flavor. Some waiters can speak English. They no longer have French fries which I like with my fish, but the point here is the excellent fish washed with very cold beer.
La Bamba Jarocha: Two Locations, both on 30th Avenue. One at Calle 22 and one at Calle 34. Low price with a large menu. Funky and really good seafood. Popular for lunch and dinner. Friendly and cheap. Great Find!!
Pesca – This seafood newcomer presents a huge surprise with outstandingly prepared fish at reasonable prices. The shrimp and seafood empanadas are revelatory and the fish and shrimp tacos excellent. The whole fried or grilled fish can easily feed 2 normal people. Across from the Mega on 30th near Constituyentes in an attractive, but spare thatched open dining room. Many regulars have newly found this gem and every review rates it exceptional.
Bip-Bip - This ridiculously named restaurant on 5th Avenue just north of Constituyentes is pretty average for most things and would not make this recommended list except for the excellent whole grilled fish that is always on the menu for a very reasonable price.
Mamitas Beach Club Restaurant – Located on the beach at 28th Street, this trendy and fun beach club has an excellent restaurant of fresh seafood and seviche. It’s great fun to sit and watch all of the pretty people or sit at a table on the beach and run your feet in the sand while you sip a cold one.
El Cejas – This is a large seafooder that had a long-standing presence in Cancun that lies between 24th and 26th Streets in the middle of the Ave. 25 and Ave 30 block. I have heard it is good and not expensive, but it was closed both times I went to check it out.
Los Tiburones - This seafood restaurant is found across the highway in the colosio on 125th Avenue between Juarez and Constitutiones. (Take Juarez all the way to the end where the Pemex station is. It turns into a dirt road. Go 2 blocks further and take a right on 125th and go 6 blocks down the wide dirt road. On the left with a large illuminated sign.) The Mexican seafood dishes are authentic and the atmosphere is welcoming. Do not be afraid of venturing off of 5th Avenue for this seafood treat. Stick to the many and varied basic seafood and stay away from the ‘house specials’, which tend to be overly rich and over-sauced for no real purpose. Many consider this to have the best seafood in Playa.