Where do all of the locals eat?

[pocodinero]

What are some good, off the beaten path, "mom and pop" restaurants (or other types of places to eat) in Cancun? Could be any type of cuisine. Any favorites out there and what is the best item to order?

[CancunCanuck]

Tacos Rigos is a fave, we eat there a lot. They've got "comida corrida" at lunch time with soup, main plate and dessert (jello, haha) and drink included, I think the price is 53 pesos. I like the cochinita tortas at "Tortas Tulum" at the bull ring, we'll often go there for Sunday breakfast. There's a place on Andres Qroo kind of kiddy corner to the Walmart out there, I don't think it has a name, just a big sign that says "cemitas" and we eat, well, cemitas (a special sandwich from Puebla, hubby is Poblano and says they're pretty authentic). There is a place across from Soriana, I think it's just called "Borregos" (never remember the names of little places, sorry!), they've got great barbacoa and lechon.

Mmm, hungry.....

[RiverGirl]

We like Los de Pescado...it's a fish taco place, there's one on Tulum in SM20 just a bit south of Novedades, and one around the other side of SM20 at the intersection of Labna and Yaxchilan.

[gbchayctca]

I typically would just find the "mom and pop" places in each neighborhood I lived in, and every other neighborhood would have a similar selection, so not really worth getting into. But my two favorite places for comida corrida have been around for years and both were open when I lived in SM 27, 32, and then going back for visits. One is Luz Maria, which is at the corner of Ave Xpuhil and Av Palenque. And the other is some lady's house near the OXXO and Apple Vacations on Av Palenque. She sells food out of her house, which is one of those that's in a connected line of tiny houses and it borders that large park. Been going to both those places for years. Both do eat in and take out (but at the lady's house, sometimes you have to eat in her living room).

Yeah, I don't know names of places either, but when I'd visit my husband's apartment in Puesta del Sol on Av Konhunlich pretty close to La Luna, there were the following places right across from his house: a seafood restaurant, a place to buy pollo rostizado, and another for carnitas...and at night there was also a place to get great hamburgers.

[lambert13]

Originally Posted by CancunCanuck

I like the cochinita tortas at "Tortas Tulum"

My god. That sounds so so so good right now. I just ate an apple and yogurt for my lunch here in cold NY. I would much rather eat tortas until I am uncomfortably full.

[T.J.]

Ty Coz on Tulum by Comecial,


Super Carnes on Coba by Elektra at corner of Palenque,

Cocteleria (fish and shrimp tacos, etc) ok Kinik, a block south of Andres Quintana Roo,

Pozeleria Castillo (Thur- Sun) off Lopez Portillo, near Palenque, down the side street left of that Pemex. It is one way the wrong way if driving so turn on CTM, then 2 more rights to get there by car,

Bundy's house.

[kathy_caribe]

the tamal lady who hangs out at the Soriana near the City Club complex.

[RiverGirl]

Fredy's Empanadas on Ave La Luna are great. Fredy has a stand outside a little convenience store, right next to a Farmacia Ahorro. His stand is in SM48. He's there Mon-Fri from about 7 pm to 10 pm. Expect a line, people love his empanadas.

[T.J.]

I have more.

La Troje - On Acanceh behind Sports City. Great, creative, tasty, healthy salads. Not so heathy pastas and crepas but yummy.

Next door to the right is La Trojita. You can get the same menu items as from La Troje plus Empandas that are wonnnnnnnderful and 2x1 on Wednesdays. A smaller and quieter venue if you crave and Ensalada Margarita or the like from La Troje and they are full of customers.

[RiverGirl]

I love La Troje, but damn do they ever have slow service. Last time we went it took hours just to get fed, and that wasn't the first time that I'd had slow service there. I just don't have that kind of time.

[CancunCanuck]

Forgot to mention Byblos on Palenque and Tacos Israel for tacos arabes.

Now I have a craving.

[TraceyUk]

Cheesters- for really excellent pasta and salads- good prices and huge servings.
Tracey

[rawkus]

Have only had ONE, looong wait in La Troje, but that was in New Years

Absolutely fantastic food though - yummy!



@Tracey: Do you have the location of "Cheesters"?

[Steve]

I eat at home usually, apart from weekly takeaways from the kebab place on Kabah and occasional trips to the Indian, plus McDonalds / Burger King every now and again for kids do's.

Must say I am not that impressed with the range and quality of restaurants here.

[elleboogs]

La Troje for me too!! Ate there tonight...take-out so I can't comment on the wait time!!

El Emporio de Empanadas - corner of Calle Granadillo and Calle Luceirnaga (sp?). We love it

[RiverGirl]

We love Cheester's too. They just get better and better there.

[Susan in Cancun]

I love Ty-Coz, Pescadito's, Los Arcos, La Creperia (although service is HORRIBLE), and La Farola (but find menu to be a bit limited).

I also like Cheester's and La Troje too.

[StorageLady]

Are there any recommended places in the hotel zone? We are tourists who make it into downtown frequently - but were wondering if there was anything closer for a quick bite in the afternoon..

Also - where will we find the the best traditional margaritas?? (downtown or hotel zone)

Thanks..

[RiverGirl]

The best margaritas I've ever had were in the US (specifically at the Rio in Bouder, CO). Hate to say it. I've never had a really good one in Mexico. But I have had some really expensive ones here.

But then margaritas are a drink made popular by American women, it's not a drink that is traditional in Mexico, except in tourist areas frequented by gringas.

[T.J.]

Storage Lady - What kind of food are you searching for in the HZ? There are many options and price ranges. I rarely go to the HZ to eat, as it is expensive compared to downtown and the drive is a hassle> But if you have kids you will love Chocolate City. Great Italian place called Madonna in Plaza la Isla. Cheap and many locals go the Fish Trittanga. From Plaza la Isla go toward the airport. You will quickly pass a tall office building and just past is a Dominos. It is around km 12 but before 13. Walk down toward the lagoon from the right side of the building where Domino's. I now always ask for Eduardo and he speaks good English. Always get good service from him. Things are like fish and shrimp tacos, empanadas, guacamole, cold beer, etc. Totally casual overlooking the lagoon.

BEST MARGARITAS - No question and I am a professional at this. Los Guanatos at the bull ring. Inside and outside seating and absolutely the best margs in town. The sign is green. The bullfights are on Wed so avoid that day or night. If you have never been there, the restaurants are on the outside of the building, on Bonampak, left at the first light after km 0 and down maybe 1/2 mile on the left.

RG - I eat at La Troje maybe 3 x per month. Mothers' Day was a pain one year but I am used to excellent service. Hey, it's Mexico and it's not like you have to punch a time clock. But I never feel less than satisfied with the service. Suggest that if you are in a hurry that you try La Trojita where you can get the same items and it is rarely busy.

[CancunCanuck]

We don't get out to the hotel zone much, but if we do head out there we go to Fish Fritanga. Once in a blue moon we'll hit El Mocambo as it's nice to eat on the sea and there aren't many options for that. Food court at Plaza Kukulkan.

[SCMcons]

I don't know where you are staying in the HZ for a quick bite in the afternoon. There is a Tycos across from the El Presidente. There are also a few little places in the same strip that are fairly local and reasonably priced for the HZ. Also Choc and Tere's near KM 9. Ther is a torta place in Coral Negro. Sorry I can't remember names, but all are good at reasonable prices.

[TraceyUk]

Los de pescado on the hotel zone- next to Ty coz. My favourite restaurant is La Palapa Belga- not cheap but really good food. Its on the road behind Los de Pescado and Ty coz- called Quetzals at the back of a small hotel(Imperial laguna). Its certainly not fancy but the food is excellent. Mussels and french fries ( a belgian tradition) and the best Creme Brulee I have ever tasted.

I also like the Italian Dolce Mente right on the sea - next to the Hotel Casa Maya.

TJ Chocolate City has closed to make way for a HUGE Liverpool on the top floor of Plaza Kulkukan- the bowling has also gone. I beleive Chocolate City has plans to re open in La Isla.
Tracey
x

[mixz1]

Originally Posted by RiverGirl

The best margaritas I've ever had were in the US (specifically at the Rio in Bouder, CO). Hate to say it. I've never had a really good one in Mexico. But I have had some really expensive ones here.

But then margaritas are a drink made popular by American women, it's not a drink that is traditional in Mexico, except in tourist areas frequented by gringas.

Alleged home of the margarita: Los Dos Republicas - Restaurants Matamoros
Story of the margarita's creation:
A toast to Marguerite

I usually agree with almost everything RG says, but I've had the best margaritas I've ever tasted here in Mexico and definitely not in the US. I make a pretty good one myself.

[gueri]

We have lived here for 8 years and I have to agree with many of the posts that Troje is great, if you are a salad love, and I am. There is also a great alternative in the same area on tulum called SALADABLE. It is mainly a day time thing in that it closes at 6:00. The salads are made to order from a big selection of ingreadients and are acomplete meal and very reasonable. The also have great tortas on wonderful bagets. So I go for El Troje at night and Saladable for lunch. Oh, by the way the great lady that owns Saladable ran the marathon in December in 3:52. So the food must be healthy!

[gueri]

I forgot to mention that Saladable is in that sort of food court in the block just south of Novedades and before the Casino.

[matkirk]

I've got to agree with Tracey La Palapa Belga is great. I went the other week and really enjoyed it - very reasonable prices for the Hotel Zone as well. (The bread they serve is delicious!)

La Troje for salads

Luna Rossa for Italian (opposite the bullring) or Dolce Mente in HZ

Piomonte yaxichilan for tacos de pastor

la taberna for chicken wings

HC carnes de Monterrey for a Steak (next to the kebab place on kabah)

Kebab place for a kebab! seriously you have to try them! Everyone who goes loves them (they taste a bit healthier than the ones in England)

Los de Pescado for fishy tacos

That hamburger place on La Luna in the front of a house for burgers or the place at mercado 28 next to la bon.

Sadly nowhere to get a full english breakfast (except maybe Steves house but he's a bit tight with his bacon and sausages)

And still reckon a decent Indian is needed and a decent Chinese and a carvery on a sunday and I'm dreaming now...

[StorageLady]

TJ - we are looking primarily for Mexican food - tortas, tacos al pastor, ceviche...

We will be at the Royal Sands which is just past Plaza Kukulkan.

I think we found a little torta place on the lagoon kind of across the street the last time we were there. Can't remember the name - but it was very pleasant sitting at the end of a pier looking at the water while eating.

So, the best margaritas are at LAs Guanatos. Though we have been to Cancun 12 times - we have NEVER been to the bull ring. So, do I understand that there is food to be had there even when there's not a bullfight? That sounds promising...

Glad that CancunCanuck directed me to this site! You are all a wealth of knowledge! If you ever get to Maryland...I'll share MY tips on where to eat!

[StorageLady]

BTW - I saw on Chowhound some people recommending the following places and I wonder what you "locals" have to say about them:

Checandole
La Placita
La Habichuela
El Cejas
El Poblano
El Asador
La Cueva del Pescador in Akumal

[RiverGirl]

Los Guanatos

TJ - You ARE going to mention what a total DIVE that place is, aren't you? You wouldn't send some poor unsuspecting tourist there without properly vetting that place now would you?