Playa del Carmen is a gorgeous, fast-growing city in Mexico, right on the Caribbean Sea. It has stunning beaches, a vibrant culture and nightlife, and tons of great spots for digital nomads to work. Here, we’ll highlight some of the best cafes in Playa del Carmen to post up with your laptop.
I had the great pleasure of living in this glorious beach town for five months and was lucky enough to explore many of Playa del Carmen’s best cafes. Keep reading to learn about my top choices.
Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Playa del Carmen
After living in and sipping my way around Playa del Carmen for nearly half a year, I compiled this list of my favorite cafes and coffee shops in the city based on the quality of the coffee, food, service, location, my personal opinion, and customer reviews. I visited more cafes than listed here, but I’ve narrowed them down to my favorite 10 cafes based on the above criteria.
1. Marley Coffee – Best Cafe in Playa del Carmen Overall
There’s so much to love about Marley Coffee; it’s without a doubt one of the best cafes in Playa del Carmen. It’s located at the end of 5th Avenue, so it’s outside of the “busy” area. It has fast WiFi, yummy drinks, and tasty snacks.
Located on the ground floor of The Fives Hotel Downtown, the shop is relaxed and has plenty of spots to pull out your laptop for a day’s work. As well as the great coffee on offer, there are also plenty of outlets to keep you fully charged.
You’ll find classic coffee drinks like Americanos and lattes, in addition to frappes, smoothies, and more. If you’re hungry, enjoy a freshly baked pastry or a croissant sandwich.
Marley Coffee Information
Address: 10 Avenida Nte. & Calle 2 Nte Local 2C, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Phone: +529842065500
Operating Hours: 7 am-10 pm every day
Must-Try Items: Hot Americano, bagel con queso crema, roll de canela
Average Cost: $3-$5 per latte, $5-7 per sandwich, $2-4 for pastries
Website: Marley Coffee
2. Ah Cacao –Best for Cenral Location
Ah Cacao has a few locations scattered throughout the city, however, the downtown location is by far the most popular and most centrally located. It’s a hot spot for digital nomads and has some incredible chocolate-themed drinks and food, as well as coffee.
The WiFi is known to be super fast, and there are plenty of seats for online workers. The downsides to this busy cafe are that it can become quite crowded and pretty loud, and there’s a lack of power outlets.
They specialize in all things chocolate, so I’d definitely recommend a mocha or frappe alongside a chocolate croissant. But their traditional coffee drinks are fantastic as well.
Ah Cacao Information
Address: 5ta Avenida con Calle 2 Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Operating Hours: 7 am-11:15 pm every day
Must-Try Items: Chocolate frio, chocolate brownie, chocolate tamale
Average Cost: $4-$5 per latte, $4-6 per main, $2-4 for desserts
Website: Ah Cacao
3. Choux Choux Cafe – Best for Food
If you talk to any digital nomad in the area, they’ll tell you the Choux Choux Cafe is one of the coolest cafes in Playa del Carmen. Endearingly known as “The Choux,” I personally love this spot for work because of its amazing food – it also has lots of vegan options.
The WiFi is always strong and reliable, and the tables are spacious enough for a workspace. The biggest downside about Choux Choux is that it can get very busy and loud, and the servers don’t love it if you stay longer than a couple of hours.
Grab a table and order a freshly squeezed juice, protein shake, or doppio espresso. They also have different coffee styles such as pour-overs and Chemex. If you’re hungry, go for the mushroom eggs Benedict – it’s to die for.
Choux Choux Cafe Information
Address: Av. 20 Calle 24 Norte con, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Operating Hours: 7 am-5:30 pm every day
Must-Try Items: Vanilla sky protein shake, mushroom eggs Benedict, brie tartine
Average Cost: $4-$6 per latte, $7-11 per main, $3-6 for desserts/pastries
Website: Choux Choux Cafe
4. Basic Foodie – Best for Outdoor Tables
Basic Foodie stands out as a favored spot among digital nomads, known for its vibrant outdoor space and welcoming ambiance. While it’s currently a fairly well-kept secret in the nomadic community, its popularity is on the rise.
The cafe offers a menu of comforting, straightforward dishes complemented by robust and reasonably priced coffee. Plus, it caters to the needs of remote workers with several power outlets to connect to inside and fast WiFi. The outdoor space is so serene and tranquil – it’s ideal the ideal place to knuckle down and get through some work in peace.
My favorite items on the menu include their straight-up latte with soy milk, any of their baked goods, and the avocado grilled cheese.
Basic Foodie Information
Address: 25 Avenida Nte entre Calle 26 y calle 28N, Hollywood, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Phone: +529841825772
Operating Hours: 7:30 am-8 pm, Mon-Fri and 7:30 am-3 pm Sat-Sun
Must-Try Items: Flavored latte with soy milk, avocado grilled cheese, oatmeal chocolate chip cookie
Average Cost: $2-$4 per latte, $6-10 per main, $3 for desserts (example)
Website: Basic Foodie
5. Bajo Cafe/Mercado 30 – Best for Quiet Workspace
Bajo Cafe, nestled just a stone’s throw from Choux Choux mentioned above, quickly became my go-to spot for a productive afternoon of work in Playa del Carmen. Its tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for focusing on tasks. It’s also more of a spot for locals than tourists, which means it’s often quieter than other locations.
The cafe has a steady, reliable WiFi connection, though it can occasionally fluctuate during busy periods. Their menu is lovely, with classic coffee options, teas, smoothies, and fresh juices. If you’re hungry, they offer everything from enchiladas and pasta to breakfast sandwiches and egg dishes.
The staff is amazingly friendly and will happily provide an extension cord for your table if you’re not seated near a power outlet, which I really appreciated, on more than one occasion.
Bajo Cafe/Mercado 30 Information
Address: Calle 30 Nte LB, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Phone: +529841305116
Operating Hours: 8 am-10 pm, Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
Must-Try Items: Chilaquiles, crema poblano pasta, espresso
Average Cost: $2-$4 per latte, $5-9 per main, $2-3 for desserts
Website: Bajo Cafe
6. Bio Natural – Best for Healthy Options
If you’re looking for a laptop-friendly cafe with lots of healthy food options to choose from, Bio Natural is a prime spot for digital nomads. Its central location, combined with a chill environment, makes it perfect for work, and a relaxing place to spend the day.
Known for its healthy food and drink options including maca coffee and nutritious bowls, I loved coming here when I needed a nutrition blast. With a menu bursting with organic, vegan, and gluten-free choices, it’s truly a paradise for the health-conscious.
Beyond being a cafe, Bio Natural serves as a vibrant community hub. It regularly hosts wellness and sustainability events, making it a great place for nomads to connect and engage.
Bio Natural Information
Address: 10 Avenida Nte., Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Phone: +529841888982
Operating Hours: 8 am-11 pm every day
Must-Try Items: Peanut butter maca coffee, fitness breakfast, vegan nachos
Average Cost: $4-$7 per latte, $6-12 per main, $6-10 for desserts (example)
Website: Bio Natural
7. MiDogo – Best for Lattes
Although I only worked here a couple of times, MiDogo is a comfy spot known for its exceptionally tasty lattes, alongside a variety of coffee, milkshakes, and matcha. The baristas are super welcoming, and the atmosphere is really comforting, ideal for those settling in with a laptop.
The WiFi is generally reliable for basic internet use and browsing, but it might not be the best for big uploads or downloads. Another thing to keep in mind is that outlets are limited unless you snag a spot near the wall.
The highlight of the cafe for me was their creative lattes and impressively yummy food. The red velvet latte was insanely good and the enchiladas tasted like grandma made them.
MiDogo Information
Address: Avenida 10 entre calle 14 norte y, C. 14 Nte. Bis, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Operating Hours: 8 am-10 pm every day
Must-Try Items: Red velvet latte, orange coffee, enchiladas rojas
Average Cost: $2-$5 per latte, $5-10 per main, $3-5 for desserts
Website: MiDogo
8. Fresco Hábito – Best for Environment and Vibes
Fresco stands out as a top choice for unique cafes in Playa del Carmen. Its prime location near the main beach and 5th Avenue makes it ultra-convenient, especially for those staying in the bustling tourist area.
The cafe gets quite busy around lunchtime, so grabbing a table can be challenging unless you arrive early. If you do, though, you’ll immediately fall in love with the tropical-meets-bohemian vibes.
I was blown away by their fresh and creative menu. You can expect to find items like housemade almond milk, spiced coffee, matcha waffles, ceviche, and Buddha bowls.
Fresco Habito Information
Address: Calle 1 Nte. S/N, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Phone: +529841474529
Operating Hours: 8 am-6 pm, Mon-Fri, 8 am-6:30 pm Sat, and 9 am-6 pm Sun
Must-Try Items: Spiced coffee, agua magica, matcha waffles
Average Cost: $3-$6 per latte, $6-12 per main, $4-7 for desserts
Website: Fresco Hábito
9. Ojo de Agua – Best for Variety
This place is more of a restaurant than it is a coffee shop or cafe, but Ojo de Agua is an awesome workplace during its quieter hours. They have screaming-fast WiFi and plenty of seating, including a wonderful patio, making it an ideal spot for digital workers.
I love this restaurant because their menu variety is so fantastic, and the chilaquiles are arguably the best in the city. If you visit post-brunch in the early afternoon, this might just become your new favorite workspace.
Ojo de Agua Information
Address: Av. CTM 20, Zazil-ha, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Phone: +529842315186
Operating Hours: 7:30 am-6 pm, Mon-Sat and 7:30 am-5 pm Sun
Must-Try Items: Fresh guava juice, strawberry horchata, salmon tacos
Average Cost: $2-$5 per latte/juice, $6-10 per main, $3-6 for desserts
Website: Ojo de Agua
10. Starbucks – Best for Reliability
Alright, I know, you can get Starbucks practically anywhere around the world, but let’s face it – they’re consistent and reliable. No matter where I am, including Playa del Carmen, I can count on the WiFi and a perfect frappuccino from Starbucks.
There are multiple locations in Playa, but I like the one on 5th Avenue because of its window seating that allows for people-watching in between screen time. They also have power outlets, so recharging isn’t an issue.
My go-to beverage is a vanilla sweet cream cold brew with a birthday cake pop. It’s the perfect little treat while getting my work done.
Starbucks Information
Address: Quinta Avenida S/N, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Phone: +528002880888
Operating Hours: 7 am-10:30 pm every day
Must-Try Items: Java chip frappuccino, birthday cake pop, grilled cheese
Average Cost: $3-$5 per latte, $4-7 per main, $2-5 for desserts/pastries
Website: Starbucks
Playa del Carmen Cafes and Coffee Shops FAQs
Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about the best cafes in Playa del Carmen:
The best cafes in Playa del Carmen are Marley Coffee, Ah Cacao, and Choux Choux Cafe.
Yes, it’s customary to tip 15-20% in Playa del Carmen.
The neighborhood with the best cafes in Playa del Carmen is the central/downtown area, especially along and off 5th Avenue.
Yes! Playa del Carmen has excellent coffee, both local and imported, in many varieties and preparations.
The average coffee in Playa del Carmen is around $3-$5, depending on the cafe and the complexity of the beverage.
Yes! Coffee and coffee shops are very popular and plentiful in Playa del Carmen.
The most popular coffee shops in Playa del Carmen are Choux Choux Cafe and Ah Cacao.
The least crowded coffee shop in Playa del Carmen is Bajo Cafe.
To Summarize
There’s no question that Playa del Carmen is quickly becoming a haven for digital nomads. From my personal experience, I can see why. It’s breathtakingly gorgeous, the weather is perfect, the people are welcoming, and laptop-friendly cafes are abundant.
From bustling to serene and everything in between, you’re sure to find your next favorite work spot with delicious coffee no matter where you’re located in town.
