Restaurants summary

[lostgirlfound]

We are only staying there for our last 3 days. The rest of the time in Tulum we are at Posada Yum Kin where breaky is not included. We can order it there but we like to try different places as well.

[beachreader]

Ah, si, thanks for the clarification. Sorry for the hijack!

To me, the cheapest breakfast is bought at the supermarket. If they'll let you keep a cooler at Yum Kin, you can buy yogurt and all kinds of stuff at the store and have it whenever you like. Coffee is more of a challenge if there's no stove to heat water, but there are ways around that.

But yeah, for the real local experience, nothing like brekkie in town. I like tacos and tamales for breakfast, and there are stands all over the place in the mornings.

[Zapatista]

Is Tacoqueto exclusively a breakfast place, or does it serve lunch and dinner as well? It looks absolutely fabulous!

[TheWindyCity]

Is Tacoqueto exclusively a breakfast place, or does it serve lunch and dinner as well? It looks absolutely fabulous!

Definitely for lunch, don't know about dinner (but most likely.)

Hey Zapatista...which part of Chicago are you from? Have you ever eaten at your namesake, Zapatista (http://zapatistamexicangrill.com/index.php?section=1), in the South Loop? Great place, great food!

[Zapatista]

Definitely for lunch, don't know about dinner (but most likely.)

Hey Zapatista...which part of Chicago are you from? Have you ever eaten at your namesake, Zapatista (http://zapatistamexicangrill.com/index.php?section=1), in the South Loop? Great place, great food!

:wave:

Hi, Windy City. No, I haven't been to Zapatista yet, but am interested in going. I live on the far north side of the city in Rogers Park, so I go to Mixteco quite a bit and like it a lot. My condo is a few blocks away from some pretty good cheap Mexican places like Dona Lolis--home of the huitlacoche quesadilla--and Tamales lo Mejor de Guerrero, which has a very nice pork and salsa verde tamale. I'm also a big fan of the steak tacos at Supermercado Chappala. In any event, thanks for the info about Tacoqueto. Your photos are amazing!

[itsjustme]

Never got a chance in March to check the restaurants between the ruins and coba road into town. Stephanie compiled a GREAT list of the restaurants above.

Are these places still open? I know at one time a few of them had closed because of the Political BS.

:)

[lostgirlfound]

So when is this infamous "Happy Hour"? It comes up alot but don't know if I've seen the times.

[mehitabel]

Steppanie - I went to print out your awesome map today but the link seems to be broken / map not there. Could you possibly email it to me?

[solman2]

Ditto here, went to the link and nothing!! Just a wrong re-direct. We are staying in the pueblo for 9 nights and will find most of these places, but would love to have the map for starters. Thanks in advance if you can forward it, or repaste the link.

Tom

[Stephanie]

Ah, sorry, the original map was Mayaflya's, I just compiled the text.

[LuvCityLivin]

Hi Stephanie - just wanted to say thank you for this amazing list! I'm printing it out now.

[eliza899vt]

Deleting duplicate post (oops!).... :)

[eliza899vt]

Hola! We're back to Nueva Vida next week and would greatly appreciate any thoughts from the past few months re: good places along the beach (or a top place or 2 in the pueblo). Have added a few comments from our 3/2009 trip to the excellent listing below....

Thanks!! :)


Okay, I am now officially obsessed. We are only going to be near the pueblo/beach area for 3 days! :rolleyes: I pulled from this thread and several others, and matched most of the pueblo spots to the map.

BEACH ROAD (North to South)


Don Cafeto's - highly recommended - another (slightly cheaper) branch in town. Not sure if any price difference between the two but the pubelo one will give you a more local feel.
El Mariachi beach location - actually ON the beach (tiny, though, like 4 tables).
La Vita e Bella - Italian place, lovely sand floor candlelit beach palapa. Excellent Caipirinhas.
Mezzanine - nice setting. Thai food. Parties on a Friday worth going to. Bookings good idea on Fridays. Good breakfasts...usually not crowded for breakfast...pretty laid back then.
Nachos/Mayan Grill - CLOSED - reasonable, highly recommended Mexican better for lunch or especially dinner than breakfast
Trece Lunas - north of beach road. Bargainous. Good breakfast.
Zahra - Economical food, great happy hour 2/1 with free appetizers.
Luna Maya - good seafood romantic in a rustic way - nice wine list, appetizers, soups, and desserts - nice fusion type stuff. Food was ok... might return or might not. Piped in music was frenetic Spanish show tunes that drive me nuts by the time dinner was done. Live latin jazz band thankfully took over just as we finished.

Zamas - nice pizza, some say its overrated but most really like it. Breakfast looks great. Breakfast was pretty mediocre and service was poor. View is okay but the road runs right by it. Good banana pancakes.
Pez restaurant - between Zamas and Maya Tulum, good food, very cool vibe and design.
El Tabano - on beach road across from Hemingway. Very fresh, light food, fresh juices, palapa dining (wear bug spray).
Posada Margerita - Italian, recommended as a ‘must go’ by everyone. Need to book in advance. No menu - explained verbally. Great pasta. A bit pricey. Great appetizers included in $50 meal. Our meal (two adults) was under $90 and included a bottle of wine. Service was at first attentive but fell off as the restaurant got more crowded. Not a keeper. Food was inconsistent and overpriced IMHO. Liz's veggies were way overcooked (which fortunately she likes), and the prices were about twice other places with nearly similar food.

Maya Tulum - good but slightly pricey breakfast buffet.
Kin-Ha - open fire grill at night.
Playa Azul hotel restaurant - between Los Arrecifes and Puerta del Cielo.
Ana y Jose - a bit upscale. Nice ceviche.
Cabanas Tulum
Los Lirios - Excellent grilled seafood platter for two. Large specialty drink list. Regional dishes on the menu.
Tita Tulum - small, ‘lovely’, better value than some. Nice brekkie. Has a nice outside deck. Not sure value was all that good and atmosphere was just okay as you're surrounded by cabanas with a distant view of the ocean. Good not great. Good, not great sums it up ok. (I'd say on the low end of 'good'... food was very plain... decent, but uninspired and priced similarly to other places with much better food like Le Zebra and Casa Violeta.
Casa Banana at Nueva Vida - north of beach road. Good brekkies On the west side of the road (the "non-ocean side). A bit overrated. Agreed. A bit expensive.
Sirenas - On the beach just past Nueva Vida de Ramiro. This place has the freshest seafood and steaks in Tulum. Very laid back and reasonably priced. Jan goes out of her way to make you feel at home. The cheeseburgers have to be the best in all Mexico.
La Zebra - They have the salsa party on Sunday nights. A real fun night and be sure to stay for the show of salsa dancers!! Really some of the best ceviche around, a variety of salsas (conventional pico de gallo to greek tzaziki with pineapple!) come with every meal, refreshing ice cold chaya juice, perfectly crispy but soft inside empanadas, fresh tamales. Excellent place. We'll surely return to try some more of their chow.
Amansala
Casa Violeta - Italian. Has spa too. Superb. Our favorite by a wide margin. GREAT food, and a bargain. Nice service. Ate dinner here 3 nights. Great interesting food like tuna tartare app w/ chopped olives and capers, perfectly cooked fish, veggies, fall-apart beef, etc.. etc...
Om - The chef is very sweet (and talented!). We ate there twice and the food was wonderful! The atmosphere, the people that work there, the prices were good. I can't say enough about their food. It was just wonderful! Also good - on a par with Le Zebra.
Las Ranitas CLOSED - Good food, nice outdoor area. Try the Mayan fish preparation called Tikin Xic, a white fish cooked in banana leaves seasoned with achiote, garlic, onion, in a tomato sauce.
Dos Ceibas - good chef and daily specials. Open fire grill. Looks very nice. Outdoor eating area but secluded from the ocean. You'll be surrounded by the office and other cabanas. Good 2x1 happy hour.
Hechizo - pricey (up to $100 total), gourmet, kinda posh. Booking needed (044 (984) 100-0710, or from the US, 0052 1 984 100 0710) Out of season only opens for bookings of 10 or more. Hechizo would get 5 stars in any major city in the world. Hechizo is down at the very south end of the beach road, in the Rancho San Eric development. Excellent food, but very, very expensive for the area. I'd opt for our other favorites for any 'regular' dinners at 30% of the price. We splurged & spent about $200US. (2 apps, 2 dinners, 1 dessert, 2 beers, 1 bottle of relatively inexpensive wine.) That said, we had great food, and the best service of any place I've been (anywhere... NYC, Tokyo, Geneva, yadda yadda....).


PUEBLO
Cheaper, more regional, local places. Taquerias generally v good. Best places are the ones with plastic chairs apparently!

MAP (http://aycu23.webshots.com/image/50262/2005733116878305715_rs.jpg)

restaurants with approximate coordinates

F7 - Casa Del Buen Pan - great bakery. Looks almost hidden by a tree. Try to take small change. Not too hard to find...head west on Calle Alfa (it's just north of the ADO bus station) for two blocks. It will be at the intersection of Alfa and Calle Sagitario. They have a nice courtyard in back or you can just take it to go.
G4 - Cetli - On Polar at Calle Orion. It's BYO, which means we can save some money on booze, always a plus. Cetli is the real deal. The sign on the wall says "Mexican haute cuisine", and Cetli delivers. I wish we had tried it earlier in the week, so we could have eaten there more than once, it was that good!
G6 - Los Pepe’s - on the corner of Polar and Osiris. Stellar reputation as a seafood place. It's a locals place with a great shrimp cocktail and other great food. One block west of Tulum Av. across from HSBC Bank. Open 11 AM - 8 PM, daily.
G8 - El Huinic de Tulum - located behind the bus station on Calle Polar. We ate there several times last May, and EVERYTHING, was yummy....and cheap. We watched one of the women make fresh tortillas in the kitchen...great shrimp tacos, too.
H3 - Don Cafetos - a favorite. Mexican. On 307. Get a seat on the sidewalk or by the TV during a soccer game. Quality food at a reasonable price, with good service. Just the simple, basic foods are taken over the top.
H4 - Cafe Calipso Maya Cuisine - Specializing in Maya cuisine and seafood. Location: Calle Orion Sur and Av. Tulum. Does not accept credit cards. Open 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, daily.
H5- il Basilico - on 307 in the pueblo. Upstairs dining - Italian, and decent wine. You can look out over the town in open-air setting. Don't worry, the downstairs will look deserted, upstairs will not.
H5 - Buenos Aires - great steaks and wine list but you'll pay for the quality. It's on 307 and Calle Beta.
H5 - El Bronco Pollo - on Tulum avenue at Beta Sur. Very cheap very tasty grilled chicken. Like $35 pesos for 2 people. The best value in Tulum for lunch. No beer/wine sales but you can bring your own. Agreed - a fantastic bargain. Excellent plain BBQ chicken w/ tortillas, slaw and salsas. We'll be back here for sure. (actually called 'Pollo Bronco' if memory serves)
H5 - La Nave - Italian café. Nice coffee. Pasta for 75 pesos and pizza for 70. Fish for 100. La Nave also gives you a basket of fresh breads.
H5 - Pan de Carmen - great pastries. More selection than Casa del Buen Pan but not as good and the atmosphere is rather sterile.
H8 - Rico! - literal table-in-an-alleyway-entrance immediately north of the bus station - one mean cochinita pibil. Only open on Saturday and Sunday (7 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
H10 - El Tacoqueto - 4 buildings north of the corner of Tulum ave. and Acuario sur. This place is amazing - $10 for a meal for two - and the best meals we had while in Tulum. If you don't speak Spanish they take you back to the kitchen and take the lids off the pots and show you what they've got - four or five different dishes every night; no set menu....if you're brave enough, you'll love it. Don't count on anyone speaking English though!
H10 - Just south of El Tacoqueto is a cart with Salbutes. It's a little puffy fried thing topped with chicken and avocado and radishes and escabeche pickled onions. These little things were amazing and about 3/dollar. They seemed to open later in the day like maybe around 5 or so. I think the cart had a blue and white awning.
H10 - Pescaderia El Chino is in the south end of town...a fish market where they will cook your selection or send it home with you to cook for yourself.
H10 -Taqueria la Poblano at the far end of Tulum Ave on the left hand side (next to El Tacoqueta, see next entry). You might have to wait a bit since the guy takes his time turning the tortillas in the oil the meat is cooked in, and everyone in town is coming to eat there. But sit it out - the tacos are terrific.
H11 (?)- Charlies - Bit touristy but people like it Saturday night entertainment during busy season. Nice artwork and open backyard courtyard area to eat in. Charlie's is south of the fish market on Tulum Ave.
H11 (?)- La Picadi a Jarocha which is located just off the main street on Jupiter (N 20 d 12' 36.1" : W 87 d 27' 56.1" ). Wow, the food was excellent and insanely cheap


no coordinates available


Don Karonte - Nice folks, good service, atmosphere a bit claustrophobic.
El Mariachis - 1/2 locals, 1/2 tourists. Great service and authentic, affordable fare. The Margaritas were the best I had all trip, and the cheapest.
Gelato Italiano by Super Mar Caribbe Supermarket. This is hands down the best Ice cream on the planet (and maybe the most beautiful as well).
Habana Cafe - For drinks at night! The best Mojitos and Caiparinhas!
Oasis - Excellent fresh seafood, amazing refried beans, very reasonable prices. Not that hard to find, just take a right at El Mariachi and go down about 4 blocks, it's on the right in a residential area. Not touristy, no English spoken when we went.
Restaurante HC de Monterrey - on 307 after the speed bumps where it goes back to 2 lane on the South side of town. A butcher shop and restaurant known for their amazing arrachera meals (incredibly cooked arrachera with your choice of baked potato or onion, half an avocado, jalapeno peppers, salsa, and homemade tortillas) for roughly $8USD.
Urge Tacos - Terrific fish tacos. On the West (right) side as you enter Tulum, well before San Francisco market. It is the first building/Palapa/business you see as you start to near Tulum Pueblo. 300m north of light.


COBA


El Bocadito - After visiting the Coba ruins, pull out of the road and turn left and within a mile you pass the restaurant. Pull in for a great (aka authentic) experience with great Mayan food...if they're not open you can also try the Nicte-Ha restaurant about a block over.
La Pirimide - at the junction right before you turn left into the Coba ruins parking lot. The Huevos Moltulenos were great.

[alexihnen]

What map do the coordinates refer to? The link appears to be dead.

[Mr Five]

Pollo Bronco in the pueblo was great. The salsa they gave us wasn't spicy enough for me and when I tried to ask for hotter using my terrible Spanish they thought I meant it was too hot. Girlfriend cleared it up and the guy went in back, I heard a blender, and a small bowl of wicked hot green salsa was presented. I had to cut it with the milder salsa but it was awesome.

Don Cafetos in the pueblo - great breakfasts each time (3 or 4 days?)

Some little cart for pork tortas in the morning. Exit Don Cafetos and take a right, walking north. About 2 blocks, maybe 3, the cart is to your right on the corner. There were 2 stands there each day, the 2nd one is the one I ate at. Awesome. Don't know the name of the street. They seemed excited to have tourists eating at their cart.

[diseñador]

Satelite. The one with the roundabout. That pibil cart rocks; they often sell out by noon though. After that, there's a pibil vendor about two blocks towards the beach on that street, on the corner.

Mmmmmm....conchinita pibil...

[Jorge&Marcia]

Posada Margherita and El Tacoqueto are in this month's Food & Wine. May be worth a try...

See link below:
http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/where-to-go-next-anguilla-barbados-and-mexico

[jlooneyb]

Has anyone heard of La Bamba Joracha in Tulum?? There is one in Playa off 30th Ave. but I heard there was one in Tulum but can get no info about it. It is a seafood place. Thanks.

[beachreader]

La Bamba Jarocha is on the east side of 307, near the northern roundabout, I think it's north of it. I'm not sure if I've been there (Sue, was that where we had lunch that last day?), but I've seen the signs.

And Jorge/Maria, thanks for that link! Funny putting Posada Margerita and Tacoqueto in the same article.

[diseñador]

I was just introduced to Banda Jarocha by some friends from Indiana who live down here part of the year, and have gone back a couple of times since. General Veracruz style fish joint; everything I've had was pretty good, but the stand-out on the menu for me are this seafood soups...one is simply called Sopa de Mariscos, and the other is something like Caldazo de Mariscos, which has the (brilliant) addition of cheese. Nice people. Also, try the special regional cocktail, which is made with peanuts and some sort of Veracruzano cane liquor. Kinda like tasty, peanutty eggnog. But tasty.

[CoconutShrimp]

Okay Y'all now's the time to get in your two cents...:twocents:

We will be in Tulum for 5 days at NVR and I am trying to compile a Top 10 for restaurants...
:taco:
If you could have a top 10 what would it be... can you narrow it down to a top 5 anyone??:o

Already on my list so far in no particular order..


Mezzanine
OM
La Zebra
Don Cafetos

Let me know what all think...

Thanks!:)

[jlooneyb]

Thanks disenador! 2 and 1/2 weeks til we get to be there again! I loved that soup also and we also loved the shrimp tostada's piled high with the best and freshest shrimp for less than $5. We have only been to the one in PDC so this will be neat to try.

[NWCreoleLady]

I was just introduced to Banda Jarocha by some friends from Indiana who live down here part of the year, and have gone back a couple of times since. General Veracruz style fish joint; everything I've had was pretty good, but the stand-out on the menu for me are this seafood soups...one is simply called Sopa de Mariscos, and the other is something like Caldazo de Mariscos, which has the (brilliant) addition of cheese. Nice people. Also, try the special regional cocktail, which is made with peanuts and some sort of Veracruzano cane liquor. Kinda like tasty, peanutty eggnog. But tasty.

diseñado - sounds yummy! Did I just read a review from you on TripAdvisor? The reviews were really good! I've added it to my list to try.

[Bullitt5135]

What map do the coordinates refer to? The link appears to be dead.

Bump... can somebody repost the map? The link is dead.

[Mexotic]

603

[pepper]

deleted incorrect info

[jeniferdesauza]

I was there last June. Long pants and closed shoes were not a requirement in any of the restaurants. Things may have changed since then.

[beachreader]

I was there last June. Long pants and closed shoes were not a requirement in any of the restaurants. Things may have changed since then.


You were where last June? There are no restaurant dress codes in Tulum. Are you referring to an all-inclusive?



Editing to say sorry, I see from another post that you were in downtown Tulum, and perhaps you were just posting this information to be helpful to people who might wonder about dress codes, though I'm not sure why anyone would wonder.

In fact, I think we should post that there ARE dress codes, including one that says you will be pointed at if women show up wearing high heels, slinky dress and "done" hair and makeup. And if a man wears long pants and closed shoes, the temperature is probably below 60. :D

[Yep]

Am I the only one who clicks on the map image and it's still too small to read?

Just got back and tried several of these places. Had a good meal for a good price at El Tabano. Thought the food at El Mariachi was average and the margarita was OK tasting but wow that is one heck of a strong drink. I'll go back there to try them again. Had good food at Cafeto in the pueblo. El Tacoqueto and Habana were both on my list, but alas I didn't get to try them. Sadly.. One of the best places I found was a small tamale booth. I think it was on Calle Centauro, just west of the main road. He's only open after 4pm.

[heenan]

Blog entry on Flor de Michoacan (paletas):

Tulum, Mexico: Dreamy Paletas from Flor de Michoacan
http://eastsidefoodbites.com/2011/01/14/tulum-mexico-dreamy-paletas-from-flor-de-michoacan/

Looks great!

[maple]

Wow, heenan! Those look delicious!!
Quick ?? for you all; I've tried searching here and Google for any current info on Sirenas, which appears to be just North of La Zebra, and not having any luck. Are they still open? New owners/name? Gracias!

[beachreader]

I don't think Sirenas has ever been open since I looked for it first back in 2006 or so. Is it still showing up on maps?

There is a new restaurant near La Zebra on the jungle side of the road called Heartwood, but it's brand-new. I'll post about it when I get home.

[Westybchbum]

I don't think Sirenas has ever been open since I looked for it first back in 2006 or so. Is it still showing up on maps?

There is a new restaurant near La Zebra on the jungle side of the road called Heartwood, but it's brand-new. I'll post about it when I get home.

We saw that place, BR.... looked interesting but unfortunately we ran out of time to visit it. Can't wait to hear your report!

[minniemex]

I don't think Sirenas has ever been open since I looked for it first back in 2006 or so. Is it still showing up on maps?

I too searched high and low for this place in 2006 and never found it.

[mayaflya]

I've looked for Sirenas as well. I found a sign in 2008:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5366903729_14216c3dc7_b.jpg

The building with the sign was located about a half block east of the main drag on Calle Centauro, but the shutters on the building were drawn. This was in the morning, so I don't know if the place was open or not.


I too searched high and low for this place in 2006 and never found it.

[beachreader]

The Sirenas I'd heard of was on the beach, or at least the beach road. Trying to remember now where I first heard of it, but the comment was something like "best burgers ever", so it was maybe a map with commentary, like Mapchick, but I don't think they went down that far that long ago.

By the way, anyone remember Nacho's before it was Nacho's? Wasn't that the original Gringo Dave's? I thought I'd heard that he'd moved up to Puerto Aventuras, and when I was out in Colorado for Xmas, my sister said that a friend of hers has just bought it. Is it easy to find in PA? I might have to swing by there and say hello.


The two new places I'm planning to try this trip are Heartwood and Slowteria. Will probably check out Mateo's, though I know that's not exactly new, and hope to try a few places in the pueblo, either new or just new to me. I'm really trying not to panic that I don't have nearly enough dinners to eat everywhere I want to, so I'm trying to just say I'll eat at those two places and everything else will fall where it may.

But of course, secretly I'm panicking that I won't get to eat everywhere I want to. :rolleyes:

[beachreader]

Oh, and then, if I ever can find the time, I want to re-do this list and start this whole thread over again. No one is ever going to wade through 15 pages of posts.

[maple]

Oh, and then, if I ever can find the time, I want to re-do this list and start this whole thread over again. No one is ever going to wade through 15 pages of posts.

AMEN!! Hehehehe!!

[maple]

This restaurant was on that list of places along the beachroad and I did see that comment about "the best cheeseburgers" (also, "freshest seafood and beef"), that's why I was inquiring. I saw Heartwood mentioned over on LG....

"A great new place just opened last week on jungle side across from Parayso (just north of La Zebra). Its called HEARTWOOD and it rocks. Its run by a young couple from NYC who seem intent on bringing a whole new level of dining experience to Tulum. The open kitchen is warm and inviting looking almost like a stage setting. Most dishes are prepared either in the gorgeous brick oven or over open wood burning coals and hot dishes are served in iron skillets. Everything we ordered was outstanding from the roasted asparagus, grilled octopus salad, whole grilled fish, roasted eggplant, and yummy pear/fig cobbler with ice cream. We left with BIG smiles on our faces."

I think we'll give this place a try or two...:p :)

[minniemex]

I want to re-do this list and start this whole thread over again.

Whoo hoo!! Go for it!!

(Great editing on my part! :wave:)

[NWCreoleLady]

Oh, and then, if I ever can find the time, I want to re-do this list and start this whole thread over again. No one is ever going to wade through 15 pages of posts.

That would be awesome, but wait until after you ahad all those dinners BR! :) Seriously, I know what you mean.....there's never enough time to try all the good food that is to be found! I haven't been to Gringo Dave's but I hear some of the folks from Chan Chemuyil have enjoyed it. My friend, Michelle's husband has recently DJ'd up there.

[Solbound]

That would be awesome, but wait until after you ahad all those dinners BR! :) Seriously, I know what you mean.....there's never enough time to try all the good food that is to be found! I haven't been to Gringo Dave's but I hear some of the folks from Chan Chemuyil have enjoyed it. My friend, Michelle's husband has recently DJ'd up there.

We stayed in PA in '07 and went to Gringo Dave's a few times.....great food and a killer margarita! Oh and live entertainment.:cool:

[beachreader]

Hmm. I wonder if maybe I can just do that for a lunch trip? Anything else to see in PA? I like marinas, maybe it would be neat to just wander around up there. Haven't been to PA in a looong time. It's just north of Akumal, right? I'm sure the highway has big signs, just want to be sure I take the one that goes to the town and not some big resort.

[Ed Cevoli]

Oh, and then, if I ever can find the time, I want to re-do this list and start this whole thread over again. No one is ever going to wade through 15 pages of posts.

I just started looking at this thread and haven't got through too many pages. When I was in Tulum this past December I did a little restaurant scouting while the wife was lounging. I went into Hemingway resort and the restaurant looked really good. They didn't have a menu, just a board with the specials of the day. I didn't have time to actually eat there last trip but will check it out when I go back. Has anyone ever eaten there? BTW, their cabanas looked really nice.

[MadeInTexas]

I wanted to build an updated restaurant list so I've taken the great list of restaurants that was put together on this post and started updating it based on posts and trip report (but I haven't added anything from the recent "cheap eats" thread). It's in an excel spreadsheet, but I'm not sure how to post it here (it just shows up all jumbled). Hmmm.....

[beachreader]

Ooh, nice, I like spreadsheets. Would you mind sharing it with me via e-mail? I'll PM you my e-mail address. I really won't have time before I go down to update anything, but I'd love to see what you've got going.

Thanks!

[MadeInTexas]

Now I'm more intent on updating my restaurant list for Beachreader (and me - see my signature says only 27 DAYS!!!! It was 28 but I just changed my flight to give me one more day in paradise). Does anyone have info on Heartwood or Slowteria? I see them listed but with no specific info. Although Heartwood seems very close/similar to Casa Latino. Also looking for info on El Bistro. Any info/clarification is welcome!

[beachreader]

Heartwood and Slowteria are on my list, I'll have more info (and hopefully some pics) in a few weeks. El Bistro is the restaurant at Cabanas Tulum/Ziggy Beach Club. Three different businesses operating out of the same location.

There may also be an El Bistro in the pueblo (or is that one Le Bistro?).

[flyfishermandmc]

I would love to get a copy of your spreadsheet. We will be there for two weeks in May (can't wait!). We'll need to eat out a lot so your list will be helpful. Can I email you? Thanks!

[MadeInTexas]

I'm happy to share my spreadsheet, but you might want to wait to get it after I get back (woo hoo! check out my ticker!) and have a chance to update it with the latest and greatest info. I'm going to figure out how to post it here so we can start a new thread and everyone can share their reviews!

[flyfishermandmc]

OK, will wait on it, Happy eating and everything in land of the Mayan sun!

[ByTheBay]

H10 - El Tacoqueto - 4 buildings north of the corner of Tulum ave. and Acuario sur. This place is amazing - $10 for a meal for two - and the best meals we had while in Tulum. If you don't speak Spanish they take you back to the kitchen and take the lids off the pots and show you what they've got - four or five different dishes every night; no set menu....if you're brave enough, you'll love it. Don't count on anyone speaking English though!

I am so glad to see this place on your list. Those big pots of various sauces, veggies, seafoods and meats make my mouth water every time. It's so hard to choose what to order! I'm a small guy, barely 130lbs with change in my pocket and I'm not a big eater but I always clean my plate at El Tacoqueto.

[purlucia]

Did we ever get a review of Heartwood or Slowteria? I'm heading down in a few weeks, and the brief descriptions sound like they're right up my alley! Thanks alll...

[beachreader]

Sorry, I didn't get to either one of them, but they both look really intriguing. Please do go and let us know what you think! Take pics!

[heenan]

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/border-crossing/

NY Times blog item on Hartwood Restaurant in Tulum with lots of pics.
There's hope for all of us who want to move to the dream of Tulum!

[ByTheBay]

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/border-crossing/

NY Times blog item on Hartwood Restaurant in Tulum with lots of pics.
There's hope for all of us who want to move to the dream of Tulum!



It looks and sounds wonderful. Does anyone know where the farmer's market mentioned in the audio and in the photo is located?

[beachreader]

Wow, those pictures are amazing, I'm so sorry I didn't get there last trip, but of course, just another reason to go next time! I'd also like to know where the "farmer's market" is if anyone knows.

[ByTheBay]

My friend in Tulum tells me that the farmer's market is in Felipe Carillo Puerto. I'm going to try to check it out on my next trip.



Wow, those pictures are amazing, I'm so sorry I didn't get there last trip, but of course, just another reason to go next time! I'd also like to know where the "farmer's market" is if anyone knows.

[sparklegem]

I would love to go too! Any idea what day the market is and where Felipe Carillo Puerto is?

[sparklegem]

Oh! Here is a great page about Felipe Carillo Puerto:
http://www.letsgo.com/18908-yucatan_peninsula-travel-guides-quintana_roo-felipe_carrillo_puerto-c

[Valentina]

Hi, I noticed that Heenan posted my Flor de Michoacan post a while back. I though you all might be interested in another Tulum post I did, listing my favorite places in the puebla. Pictures and everything: http://eastsidefoodbites.com/2011/04/27/food-focused-travelwhat-to-eat-in-tulum-mexico/

Hope you enjoy!

[minniemex]

Hi, I noticed that Heenan posted my Flor de Michoacan post a while back. I though you all might be interested in another Tulum post I did, listing my favorite places in the puebla. Pictures and everything: http://eastsidefoodbites.com/2011/04/27/food-focused-travelwhat-to-eat-in-tulum-mexico/

Hope you enjoy!

Great pictures!! Thanks for the link!!

[sparklegem]

Hey Valentina!! I am in LA, too! Terrific article, I can't wait to try 'em all!

[El Jefe]

Is the list on page 1 still current? It says it was lasted edit in 2007 and we all know how restaurants come and go. I'm heading down again in early June and would love to know what's still open, what's changed names/owners, etc. Thanks!

[gal4giants]

I haven't looked at the list but my suggestion is EL Camello Jr. on the east side of 307 at the very south end of the Pueblo. THE Best freshest Cocktail Mixto (Shrimp, Oyster & Octopus) & any other fish really. Went three times last week.



Is the list on page 1 still current? It says it was lasted edit in 2007 and we all know how restaurants come and go. I'm heading down again in early June and would love to know what's still open, what's changed names/owners, etc. Thanks!

[boby12]

e also enjoyed il Basilico, on 307 in the pueblo. Upstairs dining - italian, and decent wine. You can look out over the town in open air setting. Don't worry - the downstairs will look deserted - upstairs will not.hat's quite the piece of homework you've done. Think I'll print it off for us too, and we've been down once already. thank you

[Coconosh]

Hi everyone... Just registered because I came home and did a search on 'slowteria' and found a few mentions on this thread.. and i felt i needed to respond! I am staying in tulum with my mom and aunt and we have just eaten at this place - and we agreed that it was one of the best if not THE best meals of all time!! It is not located on the beach anymore but in town... Between alpha Norte and Jupiter Norte, behind the ado bus station. Hugo - the chef - is a true artist. He is very creative and passionate about food and makes it a point to describe the whole menu. The food was amazing - everything fresh and the produce grown right on location - we watched Hugo and co picking various herbs and veggies for our dishes. It very personal and unique experience... I could go on and on - but I'll just say this place is fantastic and a must-go for anyone looking for a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience.

[minniemex]

Thanks for that update Coconosh!

Feel free to share pictures too if you have them. Or anything else too!

[AMOC]

Hey, the hubby arrives tomorrow and wants something easy and with good margaritas. Since I've been more or less "roughing" it...going with cheap food, I haven't been to Charlie's yet. Does anyone know if it is open on Mondays??? Gracias!

[AMOC]

Hey, I'll do my best on updating the Pueblo part. I can't spend too much time and money at the beach, so I'll leave that for others.

Copied from above:
Pueblo– cheaper, more regional, local places. Taquerias generally v good. Best places are the ones with plastic chairs apparently!
- Don Karonte - Have not seen this
- El Bronco Pollo – on main avenue. V cheap v tasty grilled chicken. Like $35 pesos for 2 people - Yes, still great, still cheap...highly recommended
- Charlies – has glass bottle wall. Bit touristy but people like it - only had drinks so far, but still there. Rumor has it might be closed on MOndays???
- El Mariachis- currently has had a Clausurado sign for a week.
- Don Cafetos – a favourite. Mexican. - good, nothing special, but good, nice, efficient, etc.
- La Nave – Italian café. Nice coffee - Terrible pasta carbonara, good pizza. Closed Sunday.
- Rico! – “literal table-in-an-alleyway-entrance of the building just north of the bus station - it's a guy from Merida and his grandma, and they make one mean cochinita pibil. They put it in the ground to roast at night and start serving at 6 am, and usually run out by noon or early afternoon”. That guy (literally right next door to the bus station - it says by "Tino") is only open on Saturday and Sunday (7 a.m. to 2 p.m.) - Something still exists here, but don't think it's the same name. Small, popular, odd hours.
- Taqueria la Poblano at the far end of town on the left hand side. - Not sure what this is, but there is an El Rincon Poblano on the southbound side of 307. Keep meaning to try it but haven't been. Looked popular last weekend.
- El Taquetto - or something like that “Best home cookin' (actually a crew from Chiapas), a few doors down. It's got "Cocina Economica" on the sign - this is the one on the left side of the street facing south, not the "cocina economica" on the right at the very end of the street. This place is amazing - $10 for a meal for two - and the best meals we had while in Tulum. The first time we went we had soup with shrimp and a beef dish that came with frijoles and rice and tortillas. Second time, chicken stewed in a chipotle sauce and pork in a verde sauce. If you don't speak Spanish they take you back to the kitchen and take the lids off the pots and show you what they've got - four or five different dishes every night; no set menu.” - I know I have problems with directions, but I keep looking for this and not finding it. I hear it is still around though.
- Casa Del Buen Pan – great bakery. Looks almost hidden by a tree in the pic. Try to take small change - I do not think there is anything by this name still around, but could have moved?
- Pan de Carmen – great pastries - still around. ok.
- Buenos Aires - Assuming this is Pequeno Buenos Aires...still around.
- La Pepe - ???? Not sure what or where this is
- Il Giardino di Toni e Simone. Avenida Satelite – Nice garden Italian ???
- Dona Tina - Close to Rancho Tranquillo, "we had the place to ourselves, food was very very good" - ???

[jlooneyb]

What happened to El Mariachi?

[AMOC]

Can't say for sure, but there's been a clausurado sign and all the stuff is packed up. I believe last time I rode by (on Friday) there was a for sale or rent sign on it.

[susan]

I hope it's short term I actually like that place.

[patmex]

As I have heard the story, the owner of El Mariachi up and fled town with upwards of $3 million in his pockets, leaving his employees unpaid and completely in the lurch. As of a week ago, the place was closed and deserted. I doubt that El Mariachi will be coming back to Tulum.

I just feel bad for all the employees.

[beachreader]

That's really sad. I kind of liked that place, and the staff always seemed really nice. Terrible they all got ripped off, hope someone tracks down that owner and gives him what for!

[Jorge&Marcia]

Read some really great things on Hartwood. Any idea where the restaurant is located? Website states it's on the jungle side of Tulum beach rd on 7.6 km marker? How far is that from NVR?

[beachreader]

Very near NVR, easy walk at any rate. It wasn't open last time I walked that part of the road, but I think it's kind of across from Playa Mambo? Vague memory there.

[sparklegem]

Slowteria is now closed. We were Hugo's very last diners on American Thanksgiving. Hugo is a fantastic guy and will be missed. He is off to partner restaurant in New York. He is very excited and believes this to be a wonderful opportunity. I will try to get the details in case any of the TI's from that part of the world would like to look him up.

[beachreader]

Oh, that makes me sad, but hopefully I'll get to see him in NY someday!

[NWCreoleLady]

What a horrible thing for all of the employees at El Mariachi! We were there in August one evening and it was terrible! It was our first time there, after walking by numerous times before and seeing the place packed. We figured it must be good, but I wish I would have followed my gut instinct as I saw others around us looking anxious and like they'd been waiting too long. After 1 hr. we finally got our food! And it wasn't what they'd advertised on the menu.

[Margoinmexico]

:wave:Hola! I heard that that rumor was not true....who knows what really happened, but Marriachi is back in the same location, same pretty much everything, but dif owners....

Is there a way we can make the main list we made a few months ago a little easier to find on this thread? I was going to go through it and see if I could update anything, so many changes but I can't even find it after looking on several pages......?

[jlooneyb]

We would love it and appreciate it if you did that Margo!

[dabears4]

Two of my favorites in the Pueblo are now closed down - The Cottage and Dolce Soppori

[Margoinmexico]

:wave:my favorite new restaurant just closed too...dang it! El Ritual is no more.

[ByTheBay]

Check out La Onda on the south end of the beach road (jungle side) for some great, locally inspired Italian food. Their brick pizza oven mimics the shape of the big pyramid at Chichen Itza (Chichen Pizza!) and there is a large replica of Chac Mool stationed out front to greet you. The owner, Mateo is a wonderful host and they have an excellent DJ who seemed to be able to read the crowd perfectly to keep the mood high without blasting you out of your seat with blaring music. They do amazing thin crust, brick oven pizzas, pastas and other dishes. Their cheese is hand made in Valladolid (I think he said it was Valladolid) and has a wonderful, mildly smoky flavor from the brick oven. My caesar salad dressing was delicious too. I'm definitely going back to try some of the pastas I saw on the menu.

[jlooneyb]

OOOOH, I wanna try that place. September I guess when we are back....I think.

[mariposa]

Is it sort of across-ish the beach road from Om? If so when we were staying at Playa Mambo the DJ thing was a drag for us. Maybe not on the early side (dinnertime) but after about 10:30 or so when all you can hear is the bass..sigh. We never ate there but must admit the food does sound good!

[beachreader]

The carbonara at La Onda was very good, so was our pizza and fried fish (though the fish was a bit overdone, I think it was a problem with losing the power for a while during the cooking process).

The DJ kind of cracked me up at first, a small restaurant with a real club-style DJ who was so serious, but he turned out to be really terrific.

[ByTheBay]

Is it sort of across-ish the beach road from Om? If so when we were staying at Playa Mambo the DJ thing was a drag for us. Maybe not on the early side (dinnertime) but after about 10:30 or so when all you can hear is the bass..sigh. We never ate there but must admit the food does sound good!

I think some nights they do a later cocktail lounge/club sort of thing so maybe that's what you heard if the music was louder. There was a flyer up for a Saturday night dance party when I was there. The place is still pretty new and the owner is trying some different things to bring in a variety of customers. I think he would be receptive to suggestions or comments from anyone who spends time in Tulum. The bass wasn't loud when I was there but it was earlier in the evening around 8:30p. I do not enjoy loud music at all as I like to be able to talk to the people I'm with when I'm out so that was one of the things that appealed to me about it. It was good music but he wasn't blasting me out of the place.

[beachreader]

We actually asked (gently) for the music to be turned down, which he did immediately. I think he gauged the music to our estimated ages--turned out to be a really fun 80s mix!

[mariposa]

We're slaves to brick oven pizza so next time we'll try it. The recent lack of quiet at night on the south end is not a welcome thing for us...Maybe we'll try to tell them what we think next time but this kind of thing makes me think we might have to find a new favorite place to go soon. And we've been going to Tulum since 1995.

[chakpek]

Ah, if you want a fantastic brick oven pizza in the pueblo, check out La Siesta; they are a block off of the main drag on Centauro Sur behind Panna e cioccolata. They have a great selection and a lovely location.

Also, for a different twist on seafood tacos, check out Las Aguachiles on the south end of town; they are delicious and creative. Wonderful ceviche, too.

cheers!

[cabañas tulum]

We want to share with you the specials that we have at El Bistro at Ziggy Beach (Cabañas Tulum):

TUESDAY

Tequila Night 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Try 3 different tequilas and 3 authentic margarita recipes
$20 usd per person

Delicious Mexican Dinner 6:00pm

Mango Margarita
*
Guacamole with Totopos
*
Tortilla soup with Epazote flavor
*
Grouper Filet with ajillo in borracha with chipotle & almond sauce
*
Arrachera al pastor with fried corn and cactus
*
Mexican waffle in vanilla sugar & hot chocolate
&
Crepes Flambe with Mayan Liquor

$30 usd per person

WEDNESDAY

Evening Grilled 7:00pm

Enjoy Delicious Grilled Lobster and Frutti di Mare (Sea Treasures)
Sangria
*
Mixed green Salad with passion fruit vinaigrette
*
Lobster, shrimp, fish
*
Mango Mousse

THURSDAY

Mexican Wine night 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Taste 3 different Mexican wine & Tapas
$ 20 usd per person

FRIDAY

Evening for our Guests (courtesy) 7:00pm

Cocktail on the beach with bonfire

SUNDAY

On the Beach 1:00pm

Performance of Ceviches with our chef & fresh Coco Locos choose the liquor of your preference
$10 usd per person

[ildipoo]

We want to share with you the specials that we have at El Bistro at Ziggy Beach (Cabañas Tulum):

TUESDAY

Tequila Night 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Try 3 different tequilas and 3 authentic margarita recipes
$20 usd per person

Delicious Mexican Dinner 6:00pm

Mango Margarita
*
Guacamole with Totopos
*
Tortilla soup with Epazote flavor
*
Grouper Filet with ajillo in borracha with chipotle & almond sauce
*
Arrachera al pastor with fried corn and cactus
*
Mexican waffle in vanilla sugar & hot chocolate
&
Crepes Flambe with Mayan Liquor

$30 usd per person

WEDNESDAY

Evening Grilled 7:00pm

Enjoy Delicious Grilled Lobster and Frutti di Mare (Sea Treasures)
Sangria
*
Mixed green Salad with passion fruit vinaigrette
*
Lobster, shrimp, fish
*
Mango Mousse

THURSDAY

Mexican Wine night 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Taste 3 different Mexican wine & Tapas
$ 20 usd per person

FRIDAY

Evening for our Guests (courtesy) 7:00pm

Cocktail on the beach with bonfire

SUNDAY

On the Beach 1:00pm

Performance of Ceviches with our chef & fresh Coco Locos choose the liquor of your preference
$10 usd per person

Is the grill every Wed night?