Pancho's Backyard, at the northern end of town in the Los Cinque Solos shopping center, is a good place for non-shopping husbands to wile away a couple of hours while their partner looks for bargains. It has a nice atmosphere, good drinks, and food in large portions. Make sure that you walk past all the shops to the back; a small coffee-type shop is in the front, but the lovely casual restaurant, with the plants and ceiling fans, is in the back of the shopping center. It's decorated in typical Mexican decor, has an outdoor patio area, and experienced waiters that are fun.

Senor Frogs and Carlos and Charlies are popular hangouts for the cruise ship vacationers. In the late afternoon, after a day at the beach and shopping, these bars are really crowded; those tequila shots can make even the quiet ones a little rowdy. Most cruise ships leave by 6pm, when these bars quiet down until later at night. Las Palmeras is a popular spot, but a quieter restaurant and bar near the ferry in the center of town, overlooking the water and pier. The large shuttered windows give it a real open-air feeling. The hours are from the early morning ‘til late at night. It’s a good spot if you have a few minutes to wait until your ferry departs. Breakfast and coffee early in the morning soon changes to snacks and margaritas, many times even before noon. Nighttime can be romantic with the lights from Playa del Carmen across the bay and the subdued lighting in the restaurant itself.