The Best Cheap Eats in Playa del Carmen (2025): Delicious Food That Won’t Break the Bank

Playa del Carmen may be famous for turquoise water and stunning beaches — but its budget food scene is one of its best-kept secrets. Step away from the tourist-packed parts of 5th Avenue and you’ll discover some of the most flavorful, authentic, and affordable food in the Mexican Caribbean.

Whether you’re a backpacker, digital nomad, or simply a traveler who loves good food at good prices, here are the best cheap eats in Playa del Carmen for 2025.

🌮 1. El Fogón

What to order: tacos al pastor, alambres, arrachera
Price range: $2–$3 USD per taco

El Fogón is the classic Playa del Carmen taquería — busy, loud, delicious, and incredibly affordable. Their tacos al pastor are iconic, and the portions are big for the price. If you’re hungry, get an alambre, a sizzling mix of meat, peppers, cheese, and tortillas.

Best for: a filling dinner without spending more than $8–$12 total.

Address: Calle 6 Bis Nte & 30, Col. Centro, Playa del Carmen, 77710

Mapa: Google Maps – El Fogón

🌯 2. Taquería El Ñero

What to order: suadero tacos, gringas, quesadillas
Price range: $1–$2 USD

A local favorite that’s open late and known for authentic Mexico City–style tacos. The suadero is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the gringas (cheese + meat on a flour tortilla) are budget heaven.

Best for: late-night eats on a budget.

Address: Av. Benito Juárez S/N, Col. Centro, Playa del Carmen, QR, 77710

Mapa: Google Maps – Taquerías El Ñero

🍗 3. Pollo Feliz

What to order: whole roast chicken with sides
Price range: $7–$12 USD for a full meal

This chain is beloved across Mexico — and for good reason. You can feed one hungry traveler (or two light eaters) with a whole roasted chicken, tortillas, rice, salsa, and pickled onions. It’s reliably good and extremely wallet-friendly.

Best for: takeout meals that last you more than one sitting.

Address: 100 Avenida Pte., Ejidal, 77712 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.

Mapa: Google Maps – Pollo Feliz

🥙 4. Falafel Nessya

What to order: falafel pita, hummus plate
Price range: $5–$7 USD

If you’re vegetarian or want to change things up from tacos, Nessya hits the spot. Fresh, fluffy falafel and generous portions make this one of Playa’s most affordable healthy options.

Best for: quick, satisfying lunches.

Address: Calle 6 Nte., Col. Centro, Playa del Carmen, 77710

Mapa: Google Maps – Falafel Nessya

🥟 5. Ah Cacao (for budget breakfasts & snacks)

What to order: pastries, chocolate drinks, Mayan coffee
Price range: $2–$5 USD

Ah Cacao isn’t the cheapest spot in the city, but for travelers on a budget, it’s a great place to grab a pastry, smoothie, or traditional chocolate drink for under $5. And the Wi-Fi and AC make it a favorite among digital nomads.

Best for: cheap breakfast + a work-friendly atmosphere.

Address: Various locations all over Playa, including 5th Avenue and 30th Street and 5th and Constituyentes

Mapa: Ah Cacao’s various locations

🧆 6. Las Quekas

What to order: quesadillas stuffed with squash blossom or chorizo
Price range: $1–$2 USD each

Las Quekas is as simple as it gets: handmade quesadillas, tons of fillings, and prices you’ll love. It’s not fancy — but it’s fast, tasty, and truly local.

Best for: grab-and-go bites or a super cheap lunch.

Address: Av. Benito Juárez & Corner of Av. 35, Playa del Carmen, QR, Mexico

Mapa: Google Maps – Las Quekas

🌮 7. Taquería El Pastorcito

What to order: tacos de pastor, chicken and beef
Price range: $1–$2.50 USD

A low-key spot with some of the best pastor, chicken and beef tacos in town.

Best for: flavorful tacos off the tourist path.

Address: C. Diag. 75 sur, Ejidal, 77712 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Mapa: El Pastorcito map

🍶 8. El Pirata (Seafood on a Budget)

What to order: cocktails, whole fish

Price range: $3–$5 USD

Seafood doesn’t have to be expensive. El Pirata serves fresh seafood at incredibly good prices. Bright, tangy, and perfect on a hot day.

Best for: cheap seafood lunch with local vibes.

Address: Calle 40 5, Zazil-ha, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Mapa: El Pirata map

🍝 9. La Famiglia (Budget-Friendly Italian)

What to order: pasta carbonara, pizza slices
Price range: $6–$10 USD

If you need a break from Mexican food, La Famiglia offers generous portions of pasta and pizza at surprisingly low prices for the area. Great for carb-loading after a beach day.

Best for: big portions at fair prices.

Address: 10 Avenida Nte. 10, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Mapa: La Famiglia map

💡 Tips for Eating Cheap in Playa del Carmen

To stretch your food budget even further:

✔ Walk a few blocks away from 5th Avenue

Prices drop dramatically just a block or two away.

✔ Look for “Menú del Día”

Many local restaurants offer lunch specials (soup + main dish + drink) for $5–$8 USD.

✔ Street food is your friend

Tacos, marquesitas, elotes — all delicious and cheap.

✔ Go where locals go

If it’s full of locals, chances are it’s cheap and good.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Cheap Eats Are One of Playa’s Biggest Strengths

Playa del Carmen offers some of the best food value in the Mexican Caribbean. From late-night tacos to fresh seafood, big chicken meals, and international dishes under $10, you’ll eat incredibly well here on almost any budget.

If you’re planning to visit Playa in 2025, be prepared: eating cheap might become your favorite part of the trip.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.

From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.

Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.

North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
🌐 www.nasplaya.com 🔑 Rentals: rentals@nasplaya.com
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