Carboncitos was a really enjoyable experience overall. The food was genuinely delicious. I started with the chicken soup, which had great flavor, but the portion was pretty small. For my entrée, I had the skirt steak, and it was tender, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The sweet potato with honey and cinnamon was absolutely delicious. My only real complaint is the portion sizes on a couple of items. The salad was very small, and I would have loved a more generous serving. I also ordered an amaretto sour. It was a little weak at first, so I asked for more amaretto, which made it better, but it still wasn't quite as strong as I prefer. The service was phenomenal. The staff was attentive, kind, and genuinely friendly throughout the entire experience. I felt well taken care of and truly enjoyed myself. I would definitely return. read more

*** They accept credit card !!!! This is the boyfriend of the Yelp account owner but I had to write a review at how dope this place truly is. My girlfriend takes food very seriously so it's hard to find good spots and this place really impressed her. We came back two days in a row to try different plates and they all slapped. (Chile Rellenos, quesadillas, salsa wheel, tacos, ceviche). The drinks were amazing as well. (Pina Colada, margarita - they have happy hour 4pm- 6pm) All of the above would be enough in itself but the staff was really friendly and accommodating without doing too much. I.e They don't come across as fake. Anyways, if you are looking for a spot to try in Playa Del Carmen, eat here at least once and see what's up. read more

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Found this place on Yelp and my goodness was it good! My boyfriend had the chicken verdè enchiladas that were super flavorful. My friends had the penne and fish tacos...which they both loved! I had the coconut shrimp which were huge and delicious. The drinks were cold and tasty and the service was impeccable! Totally great experience...oh, and they now accept credit cards and are open at 8AM for breakfast too! read more

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Fish tacos in Mexico by the beach... cant go wrong. Beers were nice and cold. Service was great friendly and fast. The octopus was so soft. Definitely recommend. They have a nice outdoor seating where performers came and danced. Dinner and a show. read more

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Servers are very nice and funny! They gave recommendations. The place was family friendly with two babies and eight year old, and the food was delicious! I got the Shrimp flambé al chipotle. The margaritas were also good and the server stacked them on his head. I would come back if we had more days in Mexico. read more

The food the service the location what's not to like. The location is near the Hard Rock for a point of reference as to wear Calle 4 Norte. We walked in and were created. The menu is extensive. I had a grilled octopus. It was unbelievable. They served four types of sauces. The habanero was excellent nice heat. This place only takes cash. They do take dollars or pesos.l We also enjoyed a calamari that was sautéed in olive oil, garlic and lemon. It was very tender. They have a good drink menu and overall the cost was about 20 a person give it a shot if you want to try something different. read more

Carboncitos - Octopus - Mexican Near Me - Playa del Carmen, ROO

Ambience: Great! Right off the Quinta Avenida (5th Ave). Service & food we're phenomenal. High quality dining. I highly recommend this place. They only accept cash, no CC's - so be prepared. read more

Carboncitos - Catch of the day - Mexican Near Me - Playa del Carmen, ROO

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Excellent service Fresh food Great salsa and chips Tried the Chile relleno with meat and cheese Delicious flavor Well balanced margaritas which are hard to find Beautiful restaurant.. I want my house to look like this read more

Carboncitos - Relleno with meat and cheese - Mexican Near Me - Playa del Carmen, ROO

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This is in the main tourist trap area of Playa Del Carmen filled with Senor Frogs and similar but this spot is an outlier. This would be genuinely good food and service anywhere. The menu is small but the food was very high quality and beautifully put together and I thoroughly enjoyed it. read more

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This place is a little pricey but the people and the food are worth it. Plus it's right on 5th so you can shop after read more

Carboncitos - ! - Mexican Near Me - Playa del Carmen, ROO

Absolutely phenomenal food and experience!!! This group loves what they do The food was absolutely to die for! The margaritas huge and terrific! My husband had a Mayan Pork dish that was out of this world! My adult son had a Mayan fish dish he said was incredible! Our daughter has Flambé penne shrimp pasta that was not only an INCREDIBLE Experience, but so delicious! I was the boring one that had steak fajitas... they were great! We celebrated my 55th birthday there at last minute! They had balloons and went all out for me! They love to work here and it shows! Only regret.... It's not back home!!! read more

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Carboncitos has probably been my husband and I least favorite restaurant so far. It's very commercialized and the food wasn't authentic at all. The service was also a tad bit slow for it not to be crowded. This is a cash only place, so they don't accept credit cards. Seating is first come, first serve. Our server was entertaining and talented. He often was seen sprinting with margaritas on the top of his head. We started off with bottled water and two Herradura margaritas. They were decent but not great. For appetizers, we ordered ceviche and it was probably the worst ceviche we've ever had. The shrimp tasted rubbery and the overall taste was bland. For entrees, we ordered the surf and turf fajitas and they were lukewarm and not a very big portion. We asked for a side of rice and it came out cold. None of this food was memorable and I definitely don't recommend dining at this restaurant. There are much better options to select from. This area is very touristy, so people are constantly coming up to you sell you items while you're eating, which makes the dining experience disruptive. If you're looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant, this is not the place to go! read more

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Service was friendly, and location is in a walk-friendly tourist area. The food was decent, but nothing special, IMO. They have basic meals for kids (burger / tenders and fries). Stars are really for the service, speed and ambience. Food only would be average...3 stats read more

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The short version: Food was average and over priced. Service was great though. There is better elsewhere in the city. Also they are cash only...hope you have lots of pesos since the conversion for usd isn't very good. I could have gotten the same food and equal quality or better back home in la. And for less money. The server was great and saved this from being any lower rating wise. There is better out there. And probably cheaper. read more

Carboncitos - Mexican Near Me - Playa del Carmen, ROO

They don't take Credit cards, Just charge more or a fee, come on, if you are an international destination you Must take credit cards Food is really good, I had to walk six blocks to get cash out to pay after eating, it did sour the experience. read more

On a recent family vacation to the area we found Carboncitos via social media reviews. Our family of 6 had such a great time and experience the 1st visit that we came a 2nd time during our stay. The staff was awesome. Some of the drinks are brought to you balanced on the server's head. It made for fun experiences as well as photo ops. One night there was a musician and I was worried the loudness/sound would be too much as we were fairly close. The sound level was just right as was the music . The 2nd visit the staff knew rain was coming so they sat us inside. The restaurant isn't huge but it has indoor and outdoor patio seating. During our 2 visits we had enchiladas, pasta (presented at the table), ceviche, burritos and Chile relleno. Everything was delicioso! All of agree this is a go to if we are ever in the area again and i'd definitely recommend. read more

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Ok place off 5th Avenue. I ordered a margarita which I don't believe had any tequila in it. It was watery. I ordered calamari which was sad. It was a very small order of rings which were soggy. I ordered the cheese stuffed poblano pepper which was amazing. It can be ordered stuffed with either steak or cheese. I asked if I could have it stuffed with both but was told no. I was disappointed that they could not accommodate me. The waiter was amazing and funny. Great atmosphere. Would still recommend. read more

Carboncitos - Mexican Near Me - Playa del Carmen, ROO

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YUM! This was our one 'fancy' night out in Playa del Carmen (our other nights just consisted of eating tacos hehe). I agree with how one of the reviews below mentions how the decor is simple and elegant. The servers here were also very enthusiastic about creating a show and helping us take fun pictures with sombreros, fake rifles, and cowboy legs haha! We ordered the salsa wheel (only really like the green and red salsa, so would probably skip this last time), grilled octopus, shrimp stuffed with crab, and chili rellenos. The drinks were also FABULOUS. I wish I had gotten to try the flambes (especially the lobster) but I wasn't feeling that fancy haha. Come here for a good time in Playa! This place deserves all the stars for its service and delicious food. read more

Carboncitos - Mexican Near Me - Playa del Carmen, ROO

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I tried to come here multiple times, and it was either booked or too late... I'm so glad we made a point to get there on time because the food was fantastic! The service was amazing we really enjoy just sitting and watching the foot traffic while enjoying a delicious meal. We will definitely be back. As appetizers we got: FISH, OCTUPUS, SHRIMP OR MIXED CEVICHE: Traditionally prepared with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, onion, dash of olive oil, served with avocado and tortilla chips. And...AVOCADO STUFFED WITH CEVICHE Ceviche filled avocado halves stuffed with shrimp,fish, onion, seasoned with lemon juice, salt and a touch of mango. We were going to get two orders of ceviche so figured we would try both... I preferred the avocado stuffed because of the mango, but they were both perfection read more

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Delicious! Some of the best Mexican food we have ever eaten. The salsa wheel was so unique. The burnt habanero salsa tasted like a spicy espresso and the pumpkin seed (pepita) salsa reminded us of a Thai peanut sauce. They were unexpected and excellent. The vegetarian chili relleno was delicious. It is stuffed with grilled vegetables instead of cheese. So good. My husband and son ordered the fajitas and couldn't stop raving. The service was amazing as well. read more

Food is delicious we got fish tacos with this Amazon spicy habanero sauce it was nice crispy spicy delicious read more

Carboncitos - Fish tacos - Mexican Near Me - Playa del Carmen, ROO

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Wonderful place. Great food and great service. Not a bad spot to get out of the sun and enjoy a tasty lunch. read more

Carboncitos - Margarita and horchata con rum - Mexican Near Me - Playa del Carmen, ROO

The food was excellent my son had a hamburger which he da I'd was the best he ever had, I had the steak which was the best I had in s long time read more

The guy's working here at great! Impeccable service I only came because of the octopus / pulpo. They have a wide variety of selections for everyone's taste and even a kids menu. Ambience is great for a date/romantic/cozy setting! read more

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This restaurant was one of the highlights of our vacation in Mexico! Truly amazing staff and delicious food with a great central location in Playa del Carmen. I ordered the coconut shrimp, calamari and a chicken burrito. I kid you not I still think about this burrito all the time. Full of perfectly marinated chicken, rice, refried beans and cheese. Nothing at home compares! If you are in Playa del Carmen you need to add Carboncitos to your dining destinations! We can't wait to go back! read more

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Chicken enchiladas in green sauce were delicious! Frozen mango drink was very good and so was the melted cheese appetizer. The steak tacos could have been better seasoned and more tender. read more

A day trip to 5th Avenue in Playa Del Carmen led us to Carboncitos. The Yelp reviews looked great, and the setting was awesome. We had to give it a try. We had the Shrimp, Bacon, and Veggies with guacamole plate and the Shrimp covered with real crab meat plate. Both items were excellent with plenty of shrimp. We also had the two for one mango margaritas, which were excellent. I also added on a couple of beers. Regarding the staff, our server was excellent, and he could balance large heavy drinks on top of his head. He used this technique as his delivery system to the table; pretty cool. As indicated above, the setting was awesome. The interior was clean, modern, but it still had a Mexico feel. We sat outside in front of the business, which was great for people watching. There are also music acts that walk up and down the street and will stop and play music for tips. Please note that Carboncitos takes cash only; however, they are associated with a small hotel next door. As a result, you can pay at the hotel for a few dollar service charge. Our total bill was about $45 dollars, which was not bad for the quality meals and four drinks. If you are in Playa Del Carmen, you won't go wrong eating at Carboncitos. read more

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I came to Play del Carmen for my Bachelor party. We saw some reviews about this place and ate here on my last night. Boy did I screw up, I would have down this every other day. Service 10/10. Food10/10. Atmosphere 10/10. I live in NYC and am an extremely picky eater,. I can confidently say that this was a better meal than anything I could have found in Manhatten. Go. Forget the steak houses and other BS. . Try this spot. read more

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We were looking for some good easy tacos and a ceviche. Got both here, excellent quality. We even were serenaded by a very excellent duo singing trova. Highly recommended. read more

Such a great restaurant. One of our favorites. Our waiters Francisco & Fernando was so pleasant. The restaurant is beautiful and the food authentic Mayan. Great ceviche. read more

this place was delicious. cute...but hidden.....so definitly make sure you find it. everything about this place is what you would see in a movie about doing lunch as a tourist. their bathroom....their set up...the servers...everything. super friendly. excellent choices in food & beer. & they even offered to give us recommendations to places to visit (sight seeing) read more

Carboncitos - Mexican Near Me - Playa del Carmen, ROO

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Fantastic little gem for authentic Mexican food at a great price!! Our waiter, Fernando was amazing!! We had such a fun time, we came back the next day for a second round of great tacos and drinks! Next time we are in Playa, we will visit again. Thanks Carboncitos!! read more

Carboncitos - Fantastic service!! - Mexican Near Me - Playa del Carmen, ROO

I found this place on yelp and decided to try it based on reviews. The food was AMAZINGLY tasty!! I got the chili relleno stuffed with steak and cheese - it was a huge portion and so delicious. They put a little ranchero type sauce on top too - super tasty. The staff was wonderful and Francisco my waiter was a sweet man who was very helpful! You must try this place while in Playa - it's light years above all the touristy places. And I'm a true foodie haven't eaten all over the world. That chili relleno will be a memory for sure!!! Ask for Francisco - he's the best!!! read more

Amazing find after searching many many many places on fifth Avenue in Playa. I'll admit we don't know all the hidden gems as we've barely been in playa but looked into many places on or near the strip to find one that looked good, had good reviews, and wasn't overpriced. A very nice ambience, friendly wait staff, good specials and really good location just off the strip. The waiter brought out 2 for 1 margaritas on his head to start. They were very patient as our kids were figuring out what to order. We got the guacamole, and the cheese with tortillas as an appetizer (what can I say we are from the Midwest). They made the three cheese Penne pasta at the table, which was nice. Just be warned that they put Roquefort cheese in it so not your normal cheese sauce. Calamari with chipotle mayo was really good, and Pork tacos were amongst the best dish we had all week. read more

Carboncitos - Pork Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Playa del Carmen, ROO

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We had been to Playa before but it was our first time to this restaurant. Our first meal on this trip was an absolute winner. This place serves outstanding food. We happened to arrive during happy hour so drinks were 2 for 1. We got margaritas of course and they were simply excellent. So we had to order more than one round! For the app we had guacamole and it was good but needed salt. Oddly, it was the weakest part of our dinner. For entrees, I ordered the Chile rellano stuffed with beef. The Chile has some heat. It was not deep fried which is why I got it. The meat was tender and flavorful. Best Chile rellano in my life hands down. Superb. The wife ordered stuffed chicken breast with mushrooms and it was a spectacular success. They use truffles and I could taste garlic. It was simply delicious. The service is great. You can see one waiter balance multiple layers of drinks on his head as he walks to a table. Another server was making dressing for Caesar salad table side and then hand dressed each piece of lettuce. It's all quite a show. And not at the expense of food quality. I hope we have time to return during this trip. I can hardly wait. read more

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Food was excellent. Our waiter arrived with cocktails balanced on his head! Cool. Couple of guacamoles to start. To follow we went the seafood route. Octopus tacos, shrimp tacos, my son had a whole fish dish (good!), other kids had a penne w shrimp and stuffed shrimp. Service was super fast too. We were starving from a long day in Tulum. Layout and lighting tasteful and authentic. read more

What a great find - the food and service were top-notch! Just a couple of steps away of the main promenade, this place is a true gem. The food was flavorful, and plates were huge. Drinks were weak, and a lot of regulars were drinking wine. The Mexican wine list is impressive to say the least. Make sure you check out the restrooms read more

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We ordered the plate for 2 and it was perfect servings for us. The burrito and chile relleno were delicious. The rice was cold and a tiny amount. They liquefy the beans, as all others in this area, they were ok. My Margarita was not very tasty. The green salsa was very bland. Friendly service. The mesero who balances the Margaritas on his head was amazing!! read more

Fantastic service Food was amazing! made fresh at my table, very entertaining! 5 star review Thank you Francisco for a delicious meal! read more

Cute restaurant in the heart of Playa del Carmen! Very good for larger groups (we were 15) that want a night out in town. The margaritas were large, with many options spanning very spicy (habanero) to very sweet (strawberry). The food was good - loved the cochinita pibil and the flambéed shrimp the best! Thank you to Carboncitos for adding to the festivities of the night through balancing drinks on the bartenders head, letting us play with some sombreros and queue music! read more