PLAYA DEL CARMEN RESTAURANTS

Insider Tip
Only a block away from the obvious 5th Avenida tourist traps, this quiet little restaurant serves great Mexican food and beer until the early morning hours.

Address
12th Calle between 1st and 5th Avenida

Hours
9am - 5am

Barely more than a stove and a few chairs, Las Lupitas is one of those authentic, low-budget little restaurants run by locals that most tourists never hear about. Las Lupitas serves food better than you can find on 5th Avenida for less than half the price. The restaurant is located in the midst of the bars and clubs, and while they are open during the day, the majority of their business comes from the late night partygoers on their way home.

The service here is fantastic, much better than you will receive at the busy restaurants on 5th. We recommend that you talk to Jorge, the manager. He advises tourists that they get extra credit for trying to speak Spanish, no matter how bad! Tourists who do generally receive preferential treatment everywhere in Playa.

Las Lupitas specializes in quick and easy Mexican food of the greasy variety, so don't come here expecting a gourmet sit-down meal. You should also be aware that like most restaurants in Playa, they serve Mexican-style tacos by default, so make sure you ask for American-style if that's your preference.