My 7 Fave Places to Co-Work + EAT in Playa del Carmen
So, I've been in Playa del Carmen just over a month now. And one of my immediate tasks was to figure out who has the good wifi and access to food and caffeine to fuel the workday. Most people here who work online will assure you that the wifi is trash. It's been my experience that most days are decent. With the exception of today-- my home signal has dropped more times than I can count at this point. But no worries... it always comes right back up (mostly). It's a good thing I'm spending most of my time writing today and not surfing, however. Aside from that... my studio apartment is very comfy and has literally everything that I need. So, it's easy to just stay in the house and work, but that's not why I'm here. I wanted to be immersed in the community and get to know people. Therefore, going out-- if only for a few hours daily is a must.
I've made my way around and here are a few jewels I've uncovered. Some of these places are already known, tried and true in the digital nomad community, others I kind of discovered on my own, not having seen any previous mention in the groups that I belong to.
HOT
Hot was recommended to me by a fellow traveler who was passing through. My new buddy Juanita said she passed through hot everyday for breakfast. And their menu selection does not disappoint. They are one of the few places I've been able to find that serves breakfast all day. On the menu, they have everything from waffles to omelettes to smoothies to bagel sammies. And that's just breakfast. I enjoy working at Hot because it's relatively chill They play a rotation of American pop (if you're into that sort of thing) which you don't get to hear everywhere. And they're not too busy during the week-- especially compared to the bustling in and out activity at some of the neighboring cafes. The only two downsides are that there seems to be a limited number of outlets indoors, and none on the patio. So, make sure you're charged up. Also, they are doing construction right across the way-- which is loud enough to possibly be a distraction for some (not me). But if you have to take calls, you'll definitely be confined to staying inside. Aside from that, I love that it's not over air conditioned inside and the staff is super pleasant and will leave you to your work.
Chou Chou
Chou Chou is a digital nomad favorite in the neighborhood, and for good reason. It's beautiful, the bakery case is lit, and the wifi is strong. During the week this is the perfect place to grab a bite or a fresh juice and tap away at your keyboard. The menu is mostly of the healthy variety, but has a decent selection at a great price. I typically spend only about 100-130 pesos for a meal and beverage. That's $5-6.50 USD for fresh juice and organic eats. Say whaaat?! Yes, boo. That's a steal. I try to have something different every time I go there... looking forward to that quiche the next time. It's been calling out to me. Stop and chat with Marie, one of the beautiful co-owners-- she has such warm and welcoming energy.
At Chou Chou, you'll find a decent amount of plugins, indoors and out, plus plenty of seating. The single con is that the restaurant closes early on Mondays. But, considering that they didn't used to be open at all on Monday, I guess a few hours is better than none.
The Little Teapot
The Little Teapot is one of the first happy surprises I found on the busy 5th Avenue strip. An avid tea drinker, I was drawn to it for obvious reasons. It's the only teahouse I've come across so far. It's quaint, with a large loose leaf tea selection, which they offer by the cup and to carry home. There are a couple of outlets on patio, which, by the way, is perfect spot for people watching. I especially like to chill there in the evening. The one con is that because there's only patio seating, if you go in the daytime, depending on the position of the sun, it can really heat up, even though they have an awning. And although they do not serve yerba mate (my personal fave), their selection of black blend teas (read, higher doses of caffeine) make up for it. And for this, I forgive them.
Ah Cacao, 38th
Ah Cacao is another spot frequented by digital nomads seeking delish coffee (so I hear). I know for a fact their chai tea is bangin' and if you have a sweet tooth, they have plenty of baked goods to satisfy your needs. Their prices are on par with Starbucks (which the locals consider to be expensive), and there are several locations on and near 5th Ave. The one that most locals, and people like myself who work remotely frequent is the one between 38th and 40th. It has a large interior and patio, plus additional seating upstairs for those seeking a little more quiet. Essentially everyone up there is working, so don't come around all chatty patty taking your conference calls in that section. The outlets are plentiful and that wifi is strong. The only con is that there was a rumor going around that after 90 minutes you've got to buy something else or hit the bricks. A fellow roaming worker friend of mines assured me that no one is going to kick you out. Although, your wifi will expire, you simply have to log back in using your initial code on your receipt. Problem solved.
Elemento Cocina Creativa
I came across this lovely, spacious delight with a gallery feel, following the tree shade, zig zagging through the residential area between my place and 5th. This spot definitely is definitely off the beaten tourist path. Yet, something about it feels a little Brooklyn hipster. Don't get me wrong, it's serene and beautiful. They serve breakfast all day (a win in my book), it's vegetarian friendly-- plus, it's attached to an actual co-working space-- so you know the wifi is goody. It's exactly the kind of place where I'd like to brunch. The only con is that it's not open on Sundays. Boooo! Aside from that, everything you need is right there for you-- including cute little boho chic throw pillows or an oversized handmade dreamcatcher that you might like to figure out how to pack up and take back home with you.
Be Roof
I finally got the chance to work here when my mom came to visit. I was looking for some place chill where she and I could both relax while I worked. This was the perfect place. We nabbed one of the queen-sized lounge beds in the shade and ordered a couple of caipirinhas. She watched TCM, while I typed. The weather was ideal-- not too hot and the space is pretty dope with a great view of Playa. There's a lounge pool on the opposite side of the bar. They play ambient house music-- which I can tolerate, the wifi was strong the entire time, and I was able to work undisturbed all afternoon. If you're not a drinker, I highly recommend the fresa agua. That's sweetened strawberry water-- soooo refreshing. A couple of cons to consider are: There aren't very many outlets around; so, make sure you're charged up. And, I hear that getting a good seat can be a challenge if the hotel below it is particularly busy. And me, I'm always thinking about exposure to the sun... and since this spot IS on top of a roof... you can see how that might be an issue. Bring your sunscreen, kids. On the upside, you're working on a rooftop with a pool and a bar... one can always just grab a beer and jump in the water to cool off. I think I like that trade-off.
Starbucks, Ultramar ferry terminal
Some Starbucks are busier that others in Playa, and there seems to be no less that 5 in the area. This one, is probably the least busy of all. I like that... all the comforts of Starbucks, with accessible outlets and plenty of seats... aaaand... overlooking the ocean. It makes the long walk (from my neighborhood) all the way down to the end of 5th to the ferry pier almost worth it. Now that I've discovered so many other places to work, this is no longer my number one go-to, but it is lovely nonetheless. I mean, just look at the view.
The legit con at this location, is having to pack up your stuff to go next door to use the public ferry bathroom. It's not the worst in terms of public restrooms, but definitely not cute. And when I say pack your stuff, please believe me. I walked away from a pair of sunglasses at a Starbucks just to go to the counter and order a shot of espresso and somebody got me for my sunnies. I was a little peeved, but it taught my a** a valuable lesson. Do not leave anything out or unattended. To be fair, it happened at a different Starbucks. But the point is that was only a 12 dollar loss... they could have clipped me for my wallet-- which I carelessly left in my bag at the table. Warning received; lesson learned.
So, that's all I have for now! If you're in or around Playa del Carmen and looking for a co-working spot hit one of these up... and maybe we'll run into each other. Work smart, not hard!
