Bric’s Top 8 Picks For Playa del Carmen Bars With The Best Atmosphere
02-01-2024
One of Playa del Carmen’s best features is that you can explore the vibrant beach town on foot. In fact, you can walk to beach clubs, grocery stores, museums, dive centers, the ADO bus depot, and the Cozumel ferry terminal from the majority of Bric’s vacation rentals. Furthermore, if you’re in a margarita mood or are a fan of live music and cold beer, you don’t have to wander far to find a cheerful pub.
In an effort to set you off in the right direction, we’ve created a list of our top picks. Here are 8 bustling bars in Playa del Carmen with the best atmospheres.
The Freaky Tiki Bar & Grill
Photo courtesy of The Freaky Tiki Bar & Grill
Whether you’re in Playa del Carmen for a week or a lifetime, this island-inspired watering hole is a hoot for visitors and expats alike. From Thursday to Sunday, listen to classic rock covers bands, easy-breezy Caribbean beats, and retro pop from the 60’s and 70’s. On Tuesdays through Fridays, enjoy food and beverage specials with national beers starting at $35 pesos.
Relax with a cold beverage in the air-conditioned bar area, or sip on signature cocktails on their leafy patio. For nibbles, a chipper wait staff serves typical pub fare including burgers, pizzas, ceviche, as well as a variety of tacos. Located in the San Pedro Hotel complex on 5th Avenue between Calle 34 and 38, fun is inevitable at Freaky Tiki.
Fusion Beach Bar & Cuisine
Propped on the white sand facing the Caribbean Sea, Fusion Beach is the ideal setting for drinks with new and old friends. Find your spot under a palm and enjoy the views for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Watch the paddle boarders head off onto the turquoise horizon by day, or the electrifying fire show by night. Without a doubt, there is never a dull moment at Fusion Beach Bar.
On the extensive menu, there is a dish for every desire. No matter if you crave a salad or seafood, a burger or a tender arrachera steak, pizza or pasta, the choices are endless. Indeed the acoustic, mid afternoon melodies add to the beach vibe. Later, when the sun goes down, the atmosphere picks up with top live musicians and DJs from around the country. Also, if Shisha entices you, this is the most scenic hookah lounge in the Riviera Maya.
Situated on Calle 6, Fusion is open from 8 a.m. until late.
IT Boutique Hotel
Photo courtesy of IT Boutique Hotel
Certainly one of the most chic roof bars in Playa del Carmen, IT Boutique offers a stylish tropical vibe. The open-air roof setting is the perfect space to stay cool courtesy of the breeze from the nearby sea.
Every week, IT Boutique plays host to an open mic comedy show featuring local stand-ups. In addition, you can sign up for dance lessons, listen to the beats of incredible DJs, as well as enjoy drink and food specials on various evenings. Plus be sure to inquire about seasonal parties that are always popular with the fashionable resident crowd.
Located on the north end of town on Calle 1A and Calle 44 Norte, IT is always a memorable night out!
Zenzi
A long-time local favorite, this lively beach club sits along the powdery-soft sand at Calle 10 near Playa del Carmen’s lighthouse. Zenzi is the perfect Mexican Caribbean hangout for imbibing tequila and meeting locals and other visitors.
Without a doubt, this is the place to be if you want to catch a highly anticipated UFC fight or cheer on your team. Along with the game, you’ll love the all-you-can-eat BBQ on Sundays. The atmosphere is always upbeat thanks to the fun-loving staff. Whether you’re sipping at the bar or at a table with your feet under the sand, you’ll appreciate the fantastic live music. Needless to say, Zenzi is a prime example of how good life is at the beach.
Dirty Martini
Beyond serving the best martinis in town, this sociable lounge never fails to bring good-natured tourists and neighbors together for a great time. For sports nuts, you can always see NFL games here. But if you’re in search of a chill, friendly outing with excellent live music, Dirty Martini Lounge marks the spot.
On Tuesdays, the lounge is open from 1 p.m. for their 2 for 1 martini special. Due to its central location on 1st Avenue between Calle 10 and 12, you don’t have to walk far to find the fun!
Fah
Photo courtesy of Fah Bar
There’s no way you can walk on 5th Avenue and miss Fah. It’s the place with the feel good crowd, packed dance floor, and exceptional live music spilling out onto the city’s most famous pedestrian thoroughfare.
Besides the sensational bands, Fah has a great happy hour everyday from 12:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. featuring 2 for 1 cocktails. What’s more, cold beer prices start at 30 pesos!
Despite being located in the heart of Playa del Carmen’s tourist hub, between Calle 8 and 10, the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are fairly priced. Also, it’s a great ambience for sports fans when there’s a big game. Regardless of which day you visit, you’ll always find a fiesta at Fah!
Pez Vela
Similarly to Fah, Pez Vela makes its home on the effervescent 5th Avenue at Calle 2. Since it directly faces La Quinta, the people-watching experience is a show in itself. Best of all, it features swings at the bar and provides the ultimate beach town atmosphere.
Along with their casual authentic favorites such as fajitas, guacamole, and tacos, a mezcal, tequila, or national beer make a complete Mexican meal. Apart from traditional plates, their menu includes ribeye steaks, ribs, seafood, salads, and vegan options.
Since it’s only a block and a half from the beach, it’s the perfect pit stop after a day in the sun and surf. It’s no wonder Pez Vela has been a staple for Playa del Carmen visitors for over a decade. Rain or shine, this thatched-roof bar is a breath of fresh, Caribbean air.
Coco Bongo
The list wouldn’t be complete without a Coco Bongo mention. Although the night club can be jam packed on busy nights, this is an experience unlike any other. From aerial silk performers to Brazilian Carnival beats to impeccable impersonators of music industry icons, the Vegas-style shows are unforgettable.
Just one block off of 5th on Calle 12 and 10th Avenue, you’ll be fascinated by the non-stop party atmosphere. Doors open nightly at 10 p.m.
Of course, the choices for piña coladas and Playa del Carmen pubs are seemingly endless. However, we hope this list offers some good starting points on your next beach vacation. Cheers!