Playa del Carmen

[gerchak198]

Went to Playa last Jan. and noticed that many restaurants only last a couple of seasons. Would love to hear current recommendations for any type of place as long as it is tasty. Please do not give recs for Cancun, Cozumel, or Tulum--Playa del Carmen only, please!

[Dasha]

Have you ever tried H.C. de Monterrey (great arrachera) or El Fogon (tacos el pastor and charro beans), both with outposts on the same block of Constituyentes and 30th Ave? If not, go go go! El Jurado is also on the same block and has delicious huraches, too. I also really like Util Pasta Factory. Very tasty pasta prepared by Italian-Argentinians. They're on 25th Avenue between Calle 30 & 32.

[porker]

I believe theres a few El Fogons kicking around. Depending on who you speak to, some are better than others. Yeah, good al pastor.

[Veggo]

And there's a second (actually, the original) H.C. de Monterrey on 1st. (a block south of Juarez) between 20th and 25, for take out arrachera and roasted onions. Another good spot in that area is Veracruz, 10th Ave near 1st. st., for some of the best ceviche this side of Cozumel. They add a few fresh shucked small oysters to the ceviche mixto when it is served - a nice touch and flavor.

[porker]

As you read older posts, you might have come across some of my ravings on the street food at the base of Benito Juarez near the church. Not a restaurant, but food carts, they serve fantastic pork sandwiches (tortas) and tacos (only mornings).
I haven't been in awhile, but ask around, theres bound to be something current, street-wise on the other side of the 307.

I'm usually averse on going to a Walmart when away, but...although PDC doesn't have a whole lot of street food, a stop in the Walmart just for their food might be an idea. Kinda like street food brought indoors and jazzed up.

[Veggo]

And at the SE corner of the square with the church, the little ladies preparing fresh fruit cups in the shade of the banyan trees are worth a visit.

[Veggo]

Try La Mission on 10th Ave. near Juarez. It opened around February - same ownership as the old original in Cozumel. Very good seafood and service. The oldies that have withstood the test of time for good reasons are safe bets - La Tarraya, La Pesca, Pastorcita, Veracruz, La Floresta, Babes. Wickies is a newer, non- Mexican, but very pricey and not as good as it was when it first opened.

[porker]

Bamba Jarocha, a local seafood joint, not only a Playa favorite, but one of my favorite seafood restaurants period. When I was there last, it was on 30th, but I hear rumors theres now 2 locations. Maybe you can chime in Veggo?

[Veggo]

Good call. They are both on 30th Ave. The original is on Calle 36 and the newer one is on Calle 22.

[gerchak198]

Thank you, Veggo and Porker. Looked up some of your older posts, too. Anybody else?