Isla Mujeres has so many great bars and restaurants, that I certainly can’t name them all. If you’ve never been, Isla Mujeres is an island off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. You can travel here by taking a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun. It’s a popular tourist destination, and Playa Norte (North Beach) is known as one of the best beaches in Mexico.
The downtown area known as El Centro is on the north part of the island and if you’re wondering where to go or what to do, here are a few of the best bars and best restaurants in this area for great tostadas, tacos, cocktails and more.
Tarzan Bar & Grill
Best Beach Bar to Watch the Sunset on Playa Norte
This small bar and beach club is right on Playa Norte (North Beach). It’s not fancy, but I love grabbing a few beers here and watching the sunset.
Lola Valentina
Best Brunch & Cocktails
I’d say hands down the best cocktail menu on the island. But prices are also higher than most other places. Although I didn’t include in this video, they also have some of the best brunch and dinner options too (the cochinita pibil eggs benedict and chili relleno are two of my favorites) www.tasteofisla.com/lolavalentina
Fish & Gin
Great Seafood Tostadas and Cocktails
I love this place for its great gin cocktails and seafood tostadas. The lobster tacos are also great… really everything is though. And thanks to Adam for letting me video him while making my drink! www.tasteofisla.com/fishgin
Olivia
Best Beach Mediterrannean Restaurant
With all the Mexican restaurant options around (FYI, there is also a lot of Italian) sometimes you want to mix it up. The Moroccan style fish and the chicken with olives are my two favorite dishes. I also suggest starting with the Moroccan Tapas (babaganush, tabule, Moroccan carrot salad, and matbuha) If you need a break from tacos, ceviche, or whatever else then come here. You shouldn’t be disappointed. www.olivia-isla-mujeres.com
Fredy's
Best Pork Chop
Fredy’s sign says they have a “world famous porkchop.” I can’t attest to how famous it is, but it’s definitely worth getting. If you start talking to him, don’t be surprised if Fredy will just pull up a chair at your table and start talking to you. There’s a god chance he’ll bust your chops a little bit too (there I go again with the terrible dad joke!)
Best Breakfast Restaurants
Cafe Mogagua
This is a very popular cafe with a large breakfast menu that includes American fare and also some local Mexican dishes like chilaquiles and molletes.
Q’Bravo
Right on 5th Ave and has live music most nights
Loncherias at the Mercado
The market on Av Guerrero has three loncherias that serve authentic breakfast and lunch.
North Garden
This is a nice setting just steps off North Beach. Great prices for brunch cocktails.
Best Bars for Live Music Bars in Isla Mujeres
El Patio
This is perhaps the most popular live music venue in Isla Mujeres. They will typically have an acoustic guitar or keyboard player on the roof before sunset, and then a full band downstairs at night.
Tres Mentiras
Usually a solo singer playing keyboard or guitar most nights
Fayne’s
Plenty of outside tables with rock music and salsa. Has a large area for dancing so it’s one of the liveliest spots at night
Xantolo
Great spot for happy hour and then live music later at night
Other Great Restaurants in Isla Mujeres
There are too many great restaurants on Isla Mujeres to name them all. Although the above are some of my favorites, I recommend you walk all around all of El Centro and explore. Don’t just stay on Hidalgo! You can find some of the best tacos at Los Tacos de Humo, a great dinner at Mahache, and churros at the street carts.
The island keeps growing in popularity, and so it changes often. To keep up, I highly recommend downloading the Map Chicks App before coming to Isla Mujeres. This app does a great job listing many bars and restaurants, their open hours, and even linking to menus when possible. Plus, it has other great information for tours, accommodations, and medical services.
