El Fogon

Wait time on a Sunday afternoon was about 15 minutes. Service once sat was fast. We ordered a torta de pastor. The bread was honestly the best torta bread I’ve ever had. We also got two gringas de sirloin and the queso fundido con chorizo. The tacos were ok but the cheese was delicious. Mexican coke and a lemonade. Came out to $500 pesos, about $30 usd.

This is the place if you care about amazing food quality. Unassuming, quick place for delicious food. The place is bustling. You wouldn't guess this was a Michelin star place based on the appearance but the food will confirm why it deserves that spot. We went on a Thursday around 9 and it was super busy with many local patrons with food being moved fast - but we didn't have to wait for a table. We had pastor, sirloin tacos and skirt steak tortas. While all food items were great, the arrachera (skirt steak) stood out as the best. The meat was very tender - melt in your mouth. We had to order another item with that meat. Happy that we ordered ice cream. It was pretty good and came in an actual pineapple (our flavor). Also pretty good with some real fruit pineapple taste. The drinks were good and strong. The big Margarita bowl is pretty big Again the food was delicious. We've had many many local Mexican meals in many cities. This was definitely one of the best. They also had a person come to sing and play guitar. The prices are very reasonable for the quality and quantity. Much better value than the 5th Avenue restaurants. Edit: we went there the very next night because the food was just that good. We wanted to have it once more before we leave PDC. Had alambres des arrachera (skirt steak) - the hit meat from last time, chuleta ahumada (smoked pork chop) - one of their specials, and 2 pastor tacos, because why not. Accompanied by a Pina colada and pineapple water. Pina colada was delicious and fresh. The aqua de pina also had fresh fruit taste. Food was delicious as last time. The smoked meat was also deserving of top status. This time we ordered coconut ice cream and it had a rich mature coconut flavour and came in a dry coconut bowl. Kinda sad leaving this town. If we are ever back in PDC, I know where to go.

Went to El Fogón twice during our trip to Playa Del Carmen. Both times were amazing! I love their tacos al pastor, chorizo tacos, and sirloin tacos. They also have really good alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and their flan for dessert is great! They are a 2024 Michelin Guide restaurant, but are very affordable. World highly recommend to anyone visiting Playa!

Wanna get great Mexican food? Well then you’ve got to eat here. There are multiple locations in PDC, but this is one we hit up multiple times. The Taco Loco is big and great. The Al Pastor tacos are wonderful. The Arrachera Especial is fantastic. Gotta go! And the cervesa is cold!

After having this place recommended by two separate taxi drivers we decided to give it a try. A true locals place with legitimate great atmosphere we could not have been more pleased. We were delighted to see that it is a Michelin rated restaurant in 2024 but two months ago they received a new recommendation for 2025. The prices are super reasonable and the quality is excellent in both service and food..... Gents: Warning. The toilet (water closet) does not have a seat. Ladies: while we were there, being a naturally curious person I took time to check the ladies room and you are awarded a seat! I was with my wife and son's girlfriend who actually asked me to check the conditions. Both restrooms were actually very clean so no real worries. Oh, and gents. We have a urinal...adding ammunition to the "seat up or seatl down dilemma. We will be returning. No doubt about it. You owe it to yourself to give it a try. Also NOTE. There is more than one location in town.

Great restaurant with excellent customer service and very delicious food. Not as busy as the other location and this one has an upper floor. Loved the food and drinks. Highly recommended spot for a great quick meal.

If you’re into real, no-fuss Mexican food, El Fogón hits the spot. Tacos al pastor are next level and the portions are generous. It’s always buzzing, which is a good sign, and the prices are super fair. Not fancy, just seriously tasty.

This is our second time back at El Fogon! The place is always bustling, even in the early afternoon when most restaurants are still quiet. There was a lineup, but we got a table pretty quickly. Our server was super friendly. Last time we had tacos, so this time we tried their BBQ. It came with a small charcoal burner to keep the meat warm — such a nice touch! The flavor was great, but I found the pork chop a bit dry and the steak cooked well-done (I prefer medium-rare). Overall, we still enjoyed our meal — the atmosphere here is always awesome. Next time, we’ll probably try something a little less dry.