We recently vacationed in Playa and just had to make a stop at what has quickly become one of our…read morefavorite local restaurants. Especially when we were looking for a place to celebrate some very exciting family news! Rockas serves a delicious menu of food inspired by both Jamaican and Caribbean influences, with (of course) a dash of classic Mexican cuisine too. From their appies to our delicious meal, nothing disappointed. What put this latest experience over the top, though, was the kind and amazing service we received. When they found out our special occasion, they celebrated right along with us and brought out a special treat too. Simply amazing! And of course, you can't beat the Calle 38 jungle vibe and outdoor seating here. Definitely worthy of 5 stars or more!

While vacationing in Playa del Carmen to celebrate my sister's birthday, we decided to have dinner…read moreoutside of our resort. After reading some amazing reviews, we chose this restaurant. We called ahead to confirm if a reservation was necessary, but they assured us it wasn't. The place was charming, and we opted to sit outside. The service was great, and we started with drinks--a rum punch and a Long Island. Both were well-made, and the rum punch, crafted with Appleton rum, was good, though I've had better. Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to the hype. The honey BBQ jerk wings had a good flavor, but they were incredibly spicy--perfect if you love heat, but a bit much for me. We also ordered the lobster, which was extremely dry, tough, and rubbery. My sister couldn't eat it and was very disappointed. I ordered the oxtail, and while the portion was generous and the meat fell off the bone, the flavor was lacking. The rice was mushy--I prefer it more grainy--and it was missing seasoning. The salad was nice, though I wish there had been more avocado, and the plantain was served cold. They did surprise us with a birthday ice cream sandwich cake and song happy birthday. While they do have other menu options, I'd recommend anyone considering this place to decide for themselves. Would I return? Probably not--there are so many other dining options nearby to explore.

The food - incredible, sinfully good. The service - great,…read morethe bartender was out for some reason but they still managed to put some great drinks together for us. Ambiance - chill with some really good R and B playing. I wish we got to go back a second time during the trip but I'll never visit again without going here.

If I didn't taste it for myself, I wouldn't believe there was good Jamaican food in Mexico. The…read morepeople are so courteous and service with a smile! Price was reasonable and atmosphere relaxed. I went to bother locations - one in town and the other in the tourist strip. The one in the tourist area was well decorated and bright! Same delicious jerk chicken at both places! I can still remember the taste and I will not soon forget it! Btw, for some unknown reason Maps would not bring up the downtown location.

Super cute little local restaurant. I came to them on the day of the hurricane and I knew that the…read morepower was going to go out and they still serve me so that I could have food to take home since everything was closing down for the storm. I had the chicken platter and it was really juicy and great size portions. Such a home cook meal vibe.

If you're in Playa and looking for a nice inexpensive spot to grab something to eat stop by. It's…read morenot fancy and you won't be overwhelmed by the experience. It's very solid though. A great friend of mine lives in Playa and he always takes me to little spots that aren't so much for the tourist feel. This place just seems local and that always works for me. I would definitely recommend for anyone near that area. Life is Short.....Get In....Get Out...Enjoy.

Review for pez dorado…read more The was quite the surprising little restaurant. We found this place while on the hunt for food on 10th Avenue. It is located on 10th and 24th and is alluring because of the 4 course menu option for 200 pesos per person. The chief greeted us at the entrance and explain the menu in Spanish but was polite enough to repeat himself in English with explained that we don't speak Spanish. He also did not push us to come in side and eat. He stepped away to let us think and then thanked us for choosing his restaurant. He introduced us to our server and advised he'd be the one cooking our food. We were a little confused by the menu and had the server explain it to us once more. I had ceviche, artichoke and avocado salad, mango chicken with rice and beans, and coconut ice cream. My wife had ceviche, Balsamic salad, mahi-mahi with Mac n cheese, and lemon ice cream. The meal on both ends was delicious, service and atmosphere was awesome, and the price was just right! We wish we could come back soon but recommend this place! It's a must try

From the owner: Family owned restaurant, bringing back the original Caribbean Cooking flavors from around the…read moreworld. The real Caribbean food can be found in the small creole kitchens along the coasts and islands of the Caribbean. These kitchens are where people prepare tasty and hearty meals that reflect the unique mix of cultures of each region. The most important aspect of these meals are the use of fresh ingredients, as natives do in each creole kitchen where they are prepared.

Amazing live music and dancing! The food is good, drinks are exceptional! It can get packed at…read morenight, so arrive early. Overall an incredible vibe.

We had a great, fun time at Bodeguita. Perfect Music, live salsa band, delicious cocktails, I had…read moreMojito and cuba libre, and we got to dance and enjoy the ambiance. Service was okay. We didn't get to eat but i'll definitely be back to try the food.

Typical tourist trap. When we walked by the staff was doing a little impromptu karaoke. They lured…read moreus in and we got a seated at the bar with the chairs that have the women's bikini bottom. Made me chuckle. During our hour or so stay there we got a drink and they did a contest with the ladies where they had to blow up a balloon until it popped. The first person to do so won shots for their whole party. We won. It was a good time but not anything that you need to stop in for. Staff were friendly and engaging enough to get us to have a good time.

Went to this place totally blind...drawn into the restaurant by the amazing old recession club…read moremusic, eccentric decoration, and a hungry stomach. My friend's last experience coming here was when she was 8 years old...in the present expecting a family friendly restaurant. The staff only did their job, but part of their job is to make sexual innuendo balloon hats/name tags, and however much they interact with you is dependent on you as the customer. We did not expect any of this to happen and it dawned upon us when we got our drink in a penis shaped container. Food was great and notably the drinks were outstanding! We had appetizers of Costillitas de Elote, Carne Asada Tacos, Surf & Turf Tacos, and a Burrito. Generous portions I would say that we had trouble finishing. Overall adored the decoration and will cherish the silly memories made here.

Avoid this place. - Over priced. Small portions…read more - Food is ok. You can get tastier food a mile away (walking distance) - Weak service. They have one server and a assistant server. - You can see the kitchen, two cooks. The place was empty when we had bfast. Still took food 20min to arrive and it was cold. Let me tell you, you don't have that many choices for bfast. The place is very nice looking and fancy. I guess if your on VACA and don't care.....sure. However, if you want to enjoy the whole MX VACA and want to try the local flavors....go elsewhere.

Amazing. From beginning to end. Top shelf cocktails, an excellent wine list and high quality food…read moredelivered by dedicated and competent staff. Highly recommended. They've everything from Indian dishes (that are amazing), octopus that is likely the best in playa del carmen, local seafood, great steaks and pasta dishes. Something for everyone. We'll definitely be back.

Decided to try this place out as it was recommended by another website, particularly their…read moreburritos. This restaurant is situated in a hotel near greenery and a swimming pool. No AC but ceiling fans present. Completely empty when we went on a weekday so it was nice having the place to ourselves. Got the chicken burrito which was ok - wheat tortilla with chicken, rice, and cheese. Pico was good but thought the guacamole was just ok. Dipping sauce was very spicy. Large portion sizes were very filling. 2 burritos and 2 sodas cost $ 21 USD.

This was a great place to have dinner. Quiet , friendly plus…read moreoff the busy 5th Ave. The Chefs challenge was amazing. Reasonable prices and friendly staff

Great food! Here for a spring break trip. Saw this wasn't too far from our hotel and off the beaten…read morepath. Reviews are right. This place is great. My husband got sirloin tacos off the rotisserie. I got a pollo plate. So good! We also added on guac, chips and a potato taco. Everything was great. Will come again. Sorry forgot to take a pic before we dug in.

We loved El Fogón so much we came back twice during our trip and that says everything. For a spot…read morethat's Michelin Guide-recognized, it still feels authentic, unpretentious, and very local. No gimmicks, just seriously good tacos. The tacos were packed with flavor, perfectly seasoned, and served hot and fresh every time. You can taste the quality and the technique especially in the way the meat is cooked and carved. Everything felt simple but done right, which honestly is what makes a taco stand out. The atmosphere is lively and busy (for good reason), but service moves quickly and efficiently. It feels like the kind of place locals actually eat at, not just a tourist trap with hype. We fully intended to try different taco spots around Playa del Carmen... but after our first visit, we couldn't resist coming back. When a place makes you change your food itinerary, you know it's worth it. If you're in Playa and debating whether it lives up to the hype it does!!