Looking for the best Tacos in Playa del Carmen?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered from breakfast to dinner, with my list of the top places to eat the best tacos in Playa del Carmen, and what tacos to order.
Tacos are a staple of the Mexican diet and culture. They’re so popular that there are hundreds of different types of tacos—from tacos al pastor to tacos de tripa to tacos de cabeza (which are made from cow’s head meat).
When it comes to finding the best tacos in Playa del Carmen, you’re going to find that there is no shortage of options. Tacos can be found everywhere, from street vendors to restaurants, and there are even some that are specific to the city.
You’ll also find that each one is unique in terms of taste and style, so you’ll have a lot of fun trying out different types as you explore the city.
Here are our 10 best tacos in Playa del Carmen in 2023!
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best Tacos in Playa del Carmen
1. El Chuleton
Located in a modest commercial center off 5th Avenue, this is a hidden gem for real Mexican cuisine. El Chuleton is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys Al Pastor tacos. Al Pastor Tacos are a Mexican specialty, and the name literally means “shepherd’s style.”
They consist of pork cooked on a spit and served with pineapple. The meat is often marinated in orange juice and other spices, which gives it its unique flavor.
El Chuleton serves their pastor tacos with no grilled pineapple and provides salsas and toppings on the side for you to add to your tacos. Other authentic delectable Mexican mainstays on the menu include guacamole and a few other desayunos.
2. El Fogon
Tacos al pastor are the specialty of El Fogon, a renowned open-air Mexican restaurant with two outlets. Delicious tacos, regional favorites like quesadillas, tortas (sandwiches), alambres, and quesos fundidos, as well as cortados, horchata, and smoothies, are all served here. This restaurant elevates grilled meats above the typical offerings of taquerias; the chefs here make excellent sirloins, chorizo, and steak tacos.
3. Don Sirloin
Steak tacos are one of the most popular types of tacos in Mexico. They are made with grilled steak seasoned with lime juice, salt and pepper, onions and cilantro on top of a corn tortilla shell.
As highlighted by the restaurant’s name, Don Sirloin serves excellent steak tacos, which can be ordered with or without cheese and on either corn or flour tortillas. They provide the finest sirloin in a variety of presentations, allowing you to savor this flavorful beef dish while it is paired with numerous sauces and toppings. In addition to tacos, their large menu also offers all the classic options, including nachos, burritos, quesadillas, and even fajitas.
4. La Cochi Loka
The best cochinita pibil in town can be found at La Cochi Loka, a small, unassuming kiosk just off 5th Avenue. Slow-roasted pork which is being prepared with a mixture of Yucatan spices is served over freshly made tortillas and topped with pickled pink onions. Pork is cooked by being wrapped in banana leaves, marinated in sour orange and “achiote,” and then baked for many hours in a barbeque pit that was excavated by hand in the ground.
The name “cochinita pibil” comes from the Mayan word “pib” which means “to cook slowly over low heat.” This method was used by the ancient Mayans.
5. Los Aguachiles Playa del Carmen
The name of this Playa del Carmen restaurant derives from the aguachile dish, which is a chili-marinated shrimp dish with lime juice, salt, coriander, and onion slices. Here, you can get some of the best fish tacos and a nice, refreshing local craft beer. Upon sitting, your table will be served salsa and tortilla chips with a wonderful variety of sauces, including a sweet tamarind sauce, cilantro sauce, chipotle sauce, and the always spicy habanero salsa.
6. Taquerias el Ñero Juarez
Taquerias el Ñero Juarez serves low-cost flame-grilled tacos with tripe, chorizo, pork, and cheese. This is among the top spots in Playa del Carmen to find unusual tacos for individuals who like to eat things out of the ordinary. Here, you can find tacos made from beef tongue, nose, head, and a variety of other odd meat parts. When looking for an authentic meal, the fact that the restaurant is largely frequented by locals is simply a good indicator.
7. Birria de la 30
Birria tacos are, without a doubt, the most popular street food in Mexico. Birria is a traditional Mexican dish made with goat meat that has been cooked for hours in an aromatic broth, then shredded and placed on a tortilla. It’s served with salsa and guacamole—and sometimes onions and cilantro as well—and it’s often eaten with a spoon!
The tastiest birria tacos in Playa del Carmen are served to you at Birria de la 30, which is a welcome departure from the pastor. This quaint restaurant serves delicious birria, a spicy, slow-cooked beef stew that may be eaten as a soup, with tacos, corn tortillas, or even Mexican rice. They provide a variety of toppings to accompany your meal, including 3–4 different salsas; pickled onions; cactus strips; lime; and refried beans.
8. Las De Asada
You may savor some Mexican food at Las de Asada, a picturesque but laid-back café. They have the concept of three businesses all in one: grilled meats, seafood, and alcoholic beverages. They provide ten distinct kinds of fresh, on-site-grilled tacos. The roast pizzas and the poc chuc with melted cheese and Temozón sausage were highly praised by the majority of the diners. Additionally, it’s a great outdoor space with a playground for kids.
9. Tacos Don Chava
The ideal fusion of contemporary and traditional cuisine is Tacos Don Chava. While many patrons come for the ambiance, the majority stay for the delectable array of freshly grilled tacos. They are known for their expertise in four different types of tacos: carne asada (beef), longaniza (sausage), bistec cerdo (pork steak), and al pastor (grilled pork). For an unforgettable taco experience, they make their own salsas, make their own spice blends, and roast their meats slowly according to tradition.
10. Chela de Playa
They are famed not just for their creative and innovative Mexican cuisine, but also for offering all of their very own beers on tap! Chela de Playa produces its own Kölsch, IPA, and Porter beers, which are made nearby at Playa del Carmen Brewery. They all pair well with any of their tacos. Chela de Playa offers more than just tacos and beer; it also offers burgers, desserts, and a range of appetizers that can be shared.
A trip to Playa del Carmen will give you access not only to some of the best Mexican beaches, but also the best tacos in the country.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some friends and head down to any of these restaurants for an afternoon of delicious tacos and great company.
