Enjoying the Nightlife in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen is in the heart of Mexico's Riviera Maya. While it is a relaxing village during the day, it really comes alive after sunset. Known as Playa to its residents, this town has a worldly feel to it because travelers flock to this part of the Mexican Caribbean from all over the world. Large groups of foreign residents living close by add to this interesting cultural mix. This international ambiance is enjoyed in eateries, lounges and other entertainment venues throughout the town.

Enjoy a long siesta after a day sunning on the beach or hitting the shops. Early evening is not the time for dinner and drinks in Playa del Carmen. Late night is when dining and drinking really begin. And, the fun doesn't stop until dawn is seen on the horizon.

No time for a siesta? Then get your caffeine fix at Café SastaorCafé Corazon. Café Corazon is rumored to have the best cappuccino in town and their baked goods and sandwiches are very good. Sometimes the service is a bit slow. It's located between Calles 28 and 30 on 5^th Avenue. At Café Sasta you'll find a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, as well as baked goods and freshly ground coffee sold by the pound. Café Sasta is also on 5^th Avenue, between Calles 8 and 10. If you'll be in town for several days, try El Cafe de la Esquina, which features free wireless internet. It's across from the ferry pier and 1^st Avenue. And, inevitably, there is also a Starbucks in Playa.

Wander through the northern part of 5^th Avenue, Little Italy, which features restaurants from cafes and pizza stalls to full-service restaurants. Cool off with a refreshing gelato, or snack on a slice of pizza (try Renzo's Authentic Italian Pizzaat Calle 24). Il Pescatore Ristorante Italiano specializes in dishes with fresh seafood and homemade pastas, and it's only a block from 5^th Avenue at Calle 24 and 10^th Avenue. Il Barettooffers pastas and paninis and you'll find it at Calle 26 on 5^th.

There are also eateries offering Argentinian fare on 5^th Avenue. This type of cuisine is well represented in Playa because there is a large group of residents from Argentina who call Playa home. Enjoy superb cuts of meats at Parilla Arracheraslocated at Calle 30. And La Parillaon 5th avenue at Calle 6 is fun with mariachis. Playa also has restaurants featuring a good choice of Chinese, Mediterranean, Swedish and Thai cuisine along with traditional Mexican dishes.

Stop for a glass of wine and an appetizer or two at the Glass Bar, which has re-opened at a new site. An old favorite with both tourists and locals, their new location is on Calle 10 next to Starbucks. The Glass Bar offers one of the lengthiest wine lists in town.

Next, try Alux for a drink and perhaps some appetizers - the food is only so-so and you might not want to eat dinner there. However, it's located in a real cave and the experience is well worth a short visit. They also have dancing. Alux is located on Juarez Avenue past Highway 307.

Order a mojito while you're at the very cool lounge on the rooftop of the Hotel Basico, a boutique hotel just blocks from Playa del Carmen's main beach. Sit in cabanas made from old truck beds that has concrete tanks that are actually plunge pools.

Anytime after 10 p.m. is the time to check out the Bali Club; they open nightly at 10 p.m. The Bali Club is a popular dance club with acts of fire, water and balloons and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. They can handle up to 1,200 people so expect a crowd. It's located between 5th and 10th Avenues on Calle 12.

Later in the evening, visit the Om Hotel and Lounge Bar to try a special tequila, or perhaps a signature drink. Enjoy candlelight with Buddha statues and a tropical backdrop until the party gets going after midnight. As the music gets wilder and louder, so does the dancing. This party usually continues past the wee morning hours.

For more regional entertainment, you'll also find plenty of night clubs and beach bars offering traditional Mexican music and/or entertainment.

Learn more about Playa del Carmen by visiting these websites:

www.locogringo.com (info about Playa del Carmen)

www.iloveplaya.com (nightlife details about Playa)