There is no doubt that the most famous street in Playa del Carmen is the Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), where most of the city’s restaurants, bars and shops are concentrated. And although it is very beautiful and full of life, there is one street, much smaller and quieter than the saturated La Quinta: Calle 38.
Why is it my favorite?
First of all, because it is very beautiful and has a “jungle” vibe, with huge trees and open-air restaurants that have respected the beach style that used to characterize the region (a wave similar to Tulum). Since it is much less congested, Calle 38 is like a respite from the hustle and bustle of the Quinta, and it is also very central.
It is not a pedestrian street, but it ends at Shangri-La Beach, where the Mahekal Beach Resort is located (one of my favorite hotels). But mostly, the reason why I prefer Calle 38, is because it concentrates delicious restaurants, where you can take a gastronomic journey through Mexico and the world, without leaving this 350-meter stretch.
Starting from the corner of La Quinta and Calle 38, you have El Punto, The Venezuelan Corner, where you can eat delicious arepas, Mae Thai, a Thai restaurant that has managed to survive for years, Labrioche, a French bakery where you can have breakfast and next to it the legendary PIOLA, which has been in Playa for years offering very tasty pizzas and salads -I love it for a last drink of the night-.
On this street, you will also find one of the favorite restaurants of Playa, La Cueva del Chango, in my opinion the best place to have breakfast, especially for its chilaquiles. And if we are about to take a culinary tour of Mexico, you will find Amate 38 right opposite from it, which serves very tasty Yucatecan food. From there, we continue to Oaxaca with the flavors of La Perla Pixan Cuisine & Mezcal Store (my favorite restaurant), which now combines meat dishes with La Carbonería. Right next to it is Trujillo’s Cantina de Selva, another excellent Mexican option, but more chic.
If you have a craving for something more exotic or want to take a break from Mexican food, you can find Lebanese food at Tahini or Greek food at Milos.
To end -or start the night-, there are also places to have a snack, a beer or a cocktail, such as Chela de Playa with its craft beers and Oyster Mixología de Mar.
You will surely find more options, because places are constantly opening up on this street. The ones that I recommend here (in addition to the fact that some are my favorites), are the ones that have managed to survive for several years, because Playa del Carmen is a place that has changed a lot and where restaurants open, change and close constantly.
But it is definitely worth leaving La Quinta, even if only for one night, and walk down Calle 38 on your next trip to Playa del Carmen. I assure you that you will love it!
If you want to travel to Playa del Carmen and would like me to organize your trip 100% customized through our travel agency Tripdreaming, please contact me at silvia.lucero@tripdreaming.com.
