Playa del Carmen is a taco lover’s paradise. No matter what kind of tacos you’re craving, you’ll find some options here. We’ve included some of our favorite taco spots for chicken, beef, pork, lamb, seafood, and vegetarian tacos. From classic street tacos to gourmet creations, Playa is packed with amazing spots to satisfy your taco cravings.
Let’s dive into the best places to grab a taco (or ten). First up, a couple of the more touristy favorites.
1. El Fogón – The Tourist Favorite
You can’t talk about tacos in Playa without mentioning El Fogón. This place is all over the internet as a must-visit spot, and for good reason. With multiple locations in the Centro area, El Fogón serves up some of the best pastor tacos in town. Tourists rave about them, and locals love them too.
Beyond pastor, the menu is stacked. You’ll find chicken tacos, beef tacos, enchiladas, guacamole, chicken plates and more. To be honest, I don’t really know what else is on the menu entirely as I always order tacos. It’s not the cheapest taco spot in town, but it won’t break the bank either. If you’re new to Playa and want a solid first taco experience, this is a great place to start. We went to El Fogón on our first visit, and when we moved to Playa we went back our very first night here!
2. Don Sirloin – The Best Sirloin Tacos
If sirloin tacos are your thing, Don Sirloin is your spot. They have several locations and are slightly more touristy in my opinion than El Fogón, but don’t let that stop you. Their sirloin tacos are so good, and their mango salsa is next level. I like to mix the mango salsa with the guacamole and put it on my tacos, but you do your thing.
You’ll find other tasty options here too like pastor tacos, guacamole, and solid drinks. It’s one of the pricier taco joints on this list, but at around 25 pesos per taco, it’s still a steal compared to some of the overpriced taco restaurants on La Quinta.
3. Los Hijos de la Birria – The Best Birria Tacos
If you’re in the mood for birria, a slow-cooked stew-like meat that’s perfect for tacos, Los Hijos de la Birria is the place to go. Birria tacos are more of a Mexico City thing, so you won’t find them everywhere in Playa, but these are worth seeking out.
They’re rich, flavorful, and a little on the heavier side, but oh man are they good. Perfect for a late-night bite or a filling meal after a beach day. Don’t expect to eat a bunch of these and go for a run or something as they can sit rather heavy!
4. El Ñero – My Favorite Pastor Spot
For the juiciest pastor tacos in Playa, head to El Ñero. It’s a simple, no-frills, late-night spot that’s all about the tacos. Their charred pastor is next-level, especially if you go later in the evening when the flavors really come alive.
Tacos here are around 22 pesos each, making it one of the more affordable options. And if you’re feeling adventurous, they serve traditional Mexican tacos like cabeza (beef cheek), tripa (intestines), ojos (eyes), and sesos (brain). Want a truly local experience? This is it.
5. El Gran Taco – The Best Guisado Tacos
Located just across the freeway from Centro Maya, El Gran Taco specializes in tacos de guisado—tacos filled with stewed meats and veggies. These tacos are bigger than your typical street tacos, so come hungry.
They have a great selection of vegetarian tacos, but the real star here is the carnitas. Order them with crispy chicharrón on top, and thank me later.
6. Un Taco Mas – Handmade Tortillas & Big Flavors
If you love handmade tortillas, you’ll love Un Taco Mas. Located near the freeway, this place has a similar setup to El Gran Taco, with all the fillings displayed right in front of you.
They serve everything from guisados to chicharrón to milanesa, plus a huge selection of salsas and drinks. Simple, delicious, and always fresh.
7. Plantivoros – The Vegan Taco Surprise
Vegan tacos? Yes, and they’re amazing. Plantivoros is a fully vegan taco spot that even meat lovers should check out.
Their vegan chicharrón and cochinita tacos are shockingly good, but the real standout is their KFC taco—a crispy, oat-breaded seitan creation that tastes like pure magic. They also serve loaded nachos, guacamole, and even a solid Caesar salad. If you’re skeptical about vegan tacos, this place will change your mind.
8. The Street Carts by Chedraui – Hidden Gems
Just south of Juarez, outside Chedraui grocery store, you’ll find a collection of street taco vendors serving up some of the best tacos in town.
Each vendor has their specialty, but if you spot the guy selling rib tacos, do yourself a favor and grab a few. Street tacos don’t get much better than this.
9. Wichoos – The Seafood Taco Revival
Wichoos was a beloved taco spot that shut down during the pandemic, but it’s back as of early 2025! Run by a lovely family from Veracruz, this place specializes in fish and seafood tacos.
Their grilled and breaded fish tacos are fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Pair them with a fresh cocktail and some guacamole, and you’ve got yourself a perfect meal.
10. El Pirata – The Ultimate Seafood Spot
Okay, El Pirata isn’t technically a taco joint, but their shrimp tacos are so good they have to be included.
Located at the northern end of 5th Avenue, this spot is a seafood lover’s dream. They serve shrimp taco plates, but you can also order camarón al ajo (garlic shrimp) and make your own tacos with the fresh tortillas they provide. Their guacamole is some of the best in town, and if you’re in the mood for something different, try their whole fried fish.
