Harry’s Steakhouse Playa del Carmen Review: Is It Worth the Splurge?

Harry's rib eye steak
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Harry’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar | Playa del Carmen

Quinta Avenida 1-Lote 8B, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
February 17, 2025 · Rating: 5/5

By Corey Gasman

Harry’s Steakhouse and Raw Bar is an excellent choice for a special-occasion dinner in Playa del Carmen, especially if you want an upscale dining experience right on Fifth Avenue. It delivers a classic American-style steakhouse experience with polished service, premium cocktails, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.

Hamachi sashimi at Harry’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar in Playa del Carmen

Hamachi sashimi to start the night at Harry’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar.


What We Ordered

We started the evening with cocktails and the Hamachi Sashimi, served with tamarind ponzu, crispy onions, and radish. The crispy onions added an unexpected but welcome layer of texture and flavor that complemented the fresh hamachi nicely.

For drinks, I ordered the Lychee Margarita made with Don Julio Blanco and requested a Tajín rim. The Tajín added a spicy, savory kick that worked far better than a traditional salt rim. The margarita was well balanced and not overly sweet, which I really appreciated. My wife enjoyed a classic martini that was crisp and well executed.

Golden Roca cauliflower at Harry’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar in Playa del Carmen

Golden Roca cauliflower, flavorful but heavier than expected.


For dinner, we ordered the Jack’s Creek Rib Eye, a fourteen-ounce cut served with truffle jus. The steak was cooked perfectly and delivered on flavor, though the quality of the meat felt average for the seventy-dollar price point. This was the most affordable option from their Australian steak selection, and next time I would likely upgrade to one of their higher-end cuts.

As a side, we ordered the Golden Roca Cauliflower from the appetizer menu. It featured tempura cauliflower with vegan sriracha, mayonnaise, and herbs. Unfortunately, the tempura batter was heavier than expected and lacked crispness. The cauliflower itself was cooked al dente, which helped save the dish, but it did not stand out compared to similar versions we have had elsewhere.


Birthday Touches and Dessert

For my birthday, the restaurant surprised us with a slice of chocolate cake topped with a sparkler, which was a thoughtful and festive touch. Like all guests, we were also treated to a large cotton candy presentation at the end of the meal, a fun and very Instagram-friendly moment.

To finish things off, I ordered an espresso martini with dessert. We also enjoyed three glasses of their Cabernet Sauvignon from Baja California, which paired well with the meal.


Final Verdict

The total cost came to about $200 USD, or roughly $250 USD with tip. While it is definitely a splurge, the high level of service, energetic atmosphere, and prime Fifth Avenue location make Harry’s Steakhouse and Raw Bar one of the best spots in Playa del Carmen for a memorable night out.

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Harry’s Steakhouse Playa del Carmen FAQs

If you are planning a visit, these quick answers cover the most common questions travelers ask before booking a table at Harry’s.

Is Harry’s Steakhouse in Playa del Carmen worth it?

Yes, if you want an upscale Fifth Avenue night out with polished service, strong cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. It is a splurge, but it delivers the special-occasion experience.

For starters, the Hamachi Sashimi is a great choice, especially if you like bright, tangy flavors with a bit of crunch. For cocktails, the Lychee Margarita with a Tajín rim is worth trying if you want something balanced and not overly sweet.

We ordered the Jack’s Creek Rib Eye (14 oz) with truffle jus. It was cooked perfectly and tasted great, but the meat quality felt average for the price. Next time, we would likely upgrade to a higher-end cut.

The Golden Roca Cauliflower had good flavor, but the tempura batter was heavier than expected and lacked crispness. The cauliflower was cooked al dente, which helped, but it did not stand out compared to similar versions we have had elsewhere.

Yes. For my birthday, they brought out a slice of chocolate cake with a sparkler and the cotton candy presentation at the end of the meal. It is festive and very Instagram-friendly.

Our total was about $200 USD, or roughly $250 USD with tip. Expect it to be a splurge compared to most Playa del Carmen restaurants, especially if you add wine or multiple cocktails.

Harry’s is on Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) in Playa del Carmen.

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El Fogón Playa del Carmen Review | Best Al Pastor Tacos

El Fogon, Al Pastor Tacos
Home » Playa del Carmen restaurants

El Fogón Playa del Carmen Review: Legendary Al Pastor Tacos and Unbeatable Value

30 Avenida Nte. s/n, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
February 17, 2025 · Rating: 5/5

By Corey Gasman

El Fogón is hands down one of the best places to eat in Playa del Carmen, and it remains a must-visit for us every time we are in town. After visiting Playa del Carmen multiple times over the past twenty-five years, this spot continues to deliver some of the best al pastor tacos you will find anywhere.

For travelers wondering where to eat in Playa del Carmen, El Fogón is consistently one of the top-rated taco spots for locals and visitors alike.

Thanks to its popularity on Instagram and TikTok, El Fogón is no longer a hidden gem, so expect a short wait if you visit during dinner hours.

We waited about fifteen minutes, but the line moved quickly and the time passed easily thanks to a street musician playing bongos outside, which added to the fun local atmosphere.

Once seated, service was fast and friendly. Our waiter was genuinely happy to take care of us, setting the tone for an authentic and enjoyable Mexican dining experience. The energy here is lively without feeling rushed.

El Fogón Playa del Carmen al pastor tacos on the trompo

Tacos al pastor sliced straight from the trompo at El Fogón in Playa del Carmen.


What We Ordered

We ordered two classic al pastor tacos, a steak quesadilla, and I went all in with the Taco Loco.

The al pastor tacos were exactly what they are known for, juicy, flavorful, and perfectly char-grilled. The steak quesadilla featured tender arrachera skirt steak that was well seasoned and cooked just right.

The Taco Loco was a serious flavor bomb, essentially a burrito stuffed with a mix of their char-grilled meats and melted queso, topped with a thick slice of smoky bacon. If you are very hungry, this is the dish to order.

Taco Loco from El Fogón in Playa del Carmen

The Taco Loco at El Fogón, loaded with grilled meats, queso, and smoky bacon.


This review reflects our most recent visit, but El Fogón has been consistently excellent every time we have eaten here over the years.

Everything we tried was excellent, and it is hard to go wrong with anything on the menu. Two beers and all of our food came to about $26 USD, which is incredible value for the quality and portion sizes. We even had leftovers that made for a great lunch the next day.

El Fogón continues to be one of our favorite restaurants in Playa del Carmen year after year. If you are searching for authentic Mexican street food, legendary al pastor tacos, and great value, this place should be at the top of your list. ¡Buen provecho!

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At El Fogón in Playa del Carmen, you'll find a variety of fresh, flavorful salsas, including Salsa Verde (green), Salsa Roja (red), and Pico de Gallo, served with lime and cucumber to complement their popular tacos and Mexican dishes.


At El Fogón in Playa del Carmen, you will find a variety of fresh, flavorful salsas, including salsa verde, salsa roja, and pico de gallo, served with lime and cucumber to complement their tacos. You will also often see nopal (prickly pear cactus), a classic Mexican ingredient that adds texture and earthy flavor.


El Fogón Playa del Carmen FAQs

If you are planning a visit, these quick answers cover the most common questions travelers ask before eating at El Fogón.

Is El Fogón worth visiting in Playa del Carmen?

Yes. If you want classic tacos al pastor with bold flavor, fast service, and great value, El Fogón is one of the most reliable picks in Playa del Carmen. It is popular with both locals and visitors and consistently delivers.

Start with the al pastor tacos. They are the signature item and what most people come for. If you are hungry, the Taco Loco is a larger option. The steak quesadilla (arrachera) is also a solid choice if you want something beyond tacos.

Expect a short line during dinner hours, especially because El Fogón is popular on Instagram and TikTok. On our last visit, the wait was about 15 minutes, and the line moved quickly.

No. It is one of the best values in town for the portion sizes and quality. We ordered multiple items plus two beers and spent about $26 USD total.

See the menu image below and click to enlarge for pricing and options before visiting.

El Fogon Menu from 2026

El Fogón is located at 30 Avenida Nte. s/n, Centro in Playa del Carmen.

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