Nightlife in Cancun
Nightlife in Cancun
NIGHTLIFE
Nightlife as it’s known in Cancún today was kicked off some years back by American and Canadian college kids who were seeking a “south of the border” alternative to Spring Break in South Florida. A number of hangout spots in Cancún virtually made their names in catering to such partygoers. Nowadays, there are nightclubs and bars not only for the Spring Break set, but for other (more mature) vacationers as well.
Paloma Bonita
Paloma Bonita
Paloma Bonita (Dreams Cancún Resort & Spa, Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 9, Punta Cancún, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) — This is one of the best places in the Hotel Zone to get real Mexican cuisine. Traditional items like moles enchiladas (stuffed corn tortillas covered with thick chocolate and chile sauce) is admired here. For those unfamiliar with Mexican cuisine, the waiters will explain the different chiles used in many of the dishes. Another delicacy served here is the Queso Fundido Oaxaca — a specialty of bubbling cheese dripping from a stone pot onto handmade tortillas. The glass-enclosed patio with its water view is a great place to linger over tequila or a tamarindo margarita. To add atmosphere, there’s a Norteño band playing live music – a reminder that Cancún is indeed in Mexico.
Labná
Labna
Labna (Av. Margaritas 29, Sm 22, El Centro, Cancún) — Yucatecan cuisine reaches new and exotic heights at this Mayan-themed restaurant, with fabulous dishes prepared by chef Elviro Pol. The papadzules (tortillas stuffed with eggs and covered with pumpkin sauce) are a delicious starter; for an entrée, try the poc chuc (tender pork loin in a sour orange sauce) or longaniza de Valladolid (traditional sausage from the village of Valladolid). Finish off your meal with some maja blanco (white pudding), and Xtabentun-infused Mayan coffee. You may want to linger and enjoy the trio that performs traditional Mexican music Friday through Sunday evenings. Owned by the same team as La Habichuela, this spot serves the most authentic food.
Bulldog Café
Bulldog Café
Bulldog Café (Krystal Cancún hotel, Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 9, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) – the very name of this place is very deceptive. It sounds like a British-themed sports bar. It’s not – it’s a large nightclub that appears to hold at least 2,000 people (maybe more!!). They regularly book DJs from the U.S. and elsewhere like DJ Skribble and DJ Finesse (who spin Hip Hop, R&B, Reggaeton and some House music), along with occasional Electro House DJs like Wolfgang Gartner, and live Rap shows by artists like Lloyd Banks. This club stands out for its large jacuzzi – which is perched over the dance floor, and provides a panoramic view of the entire club.
Yamamoto
Yamamoto
Yamamoto (Av. Uxmal 31, Sm 3, El Centro, Cancún) — As the oldest Japanese restaurant in Cancún, Yamamoto has some of the best sushi in downtown Cancun. In addition to sashimi, there’s a menu of traditional Japanese dishes like chicken teriyaki and tempura for those who prefer their food cooked. Large groups can order combination platters of sushi, sashimi, kushikatsu, and gyoza. The dining room is tranquil, with Japanese art and bamboo accents, but you can also call for delivery to your hotel room.
Thai Lounge
Thai Lounge
Thai Lounge (Plaza la Isla shopping center, Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 12.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) –– Expect a truly unique dining experience from the moment you walk into this garden oasis. After all, not many restaurants have a dolphin aquarium in the bar area. The individual huts with thatch roofs provide an intimate setting to sample spicy Thai dishes like roasted duck in coconut red curry, and the house favorite, a deep-fried fish fillet prepared with ginger, garlic, and a tamarind chile sauce. The bill of fare also features such traditional dishes as shrimp curry, Thai salad, and spicy chicken soup. Call ahead to reserve one of the palapa casitas perched over the water on stilts for an unbeatable Cancun dining experience.
Puerto Madero
Puerto Madero
Puerto Madero (Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 14.1, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) — Modeled after the dock warehouses that have been converted into modern restaurants in the famed Argentine port city Puerto Madero, this steak-and-seafood house gets rave reviews from locals. It’s the small touches that make this an unforgettable dining experience, like fresh bread served in leather baskets and martini reserves chilled in miniature ice buckets. The grilled octopus bathed in olive oil is exceptional, and the Big Rib Eye generously serves two people. The Alaskan halibut steak, also a crowd pleaser, is prepared with white wine, shallots, and fresh pepper. No matter what you order, be sure to request a side of papas infladas (potatoes fried until they’re puffed)—bite down and they crackle on your tongue. Adding to the cosmopolitan ambience is a fun-loving staff, most of whom have been there over 15 years. If the restaurant is too loud inside, ask for a table outside on the patio overlooking the lagoon. Reservations are recommended on weekends.
Perico’s
Perico’s
Perico’s (Av. Yaxchilán 61, Sm 25, El Centro, Cancún) – this is a restaurant for those wanting a Mexican partying vibe. Waiters dressed as banditos serve flaming drinks and desserts, while mariachi and marimba bands play in the background. With a standard Mexican menu of tacos, fajitas, kebabs and seafood, patrons still come here to party (and eat afterwards).
Locanda Paolo
Locanda Paolo
Locanda Paolo (Av. Bonampak 145, on corner of Calle Jurel, Sm 3, El Centro, Cancún) –– Flowers and artwork lend warmth to this sophisticated restaurant, and the staff’s attentive without being fussy. The Italian cuisine includes linguine with lobster and angel hair pasta with seafood, and a list of meat and fish specials. Despite the formal setting, the staff is laid-back and seems to know everyone who walks in the door, most of whom are locals who’ve been dining at the restaurant for more than 20 years. On any given night, many of Chef Paolo Ceravolo’s dishes are specials that do not appear on the menu; most are colorful and innovative, such as hot, coiled bread rolls interlaced with piquant mushrooms and eggplant. The international wines are a major draw for locals, as are the specialty lasagnas, which are revised regularly.
La Troje
La Troje
La Troje (Av. Acanceh, Sm 15, Mz 3, Lote 3, El Centro, Cancún) — From the moment you enter the garden patio, you’ll feel as if you’ve stumbled onto a local hideaway. Potted ferns hang from wooden beams in this charming setting that’s fashioned around oak trees that pierce through the bamboo roof. A brick staircase leads into the main dining area, where Chef Ana Cano and her two daughters prepare homemade pastas, pizzas, baguettes, and crepes, as well as chicken and beef dishes. The vast, colorful menu melds French, Italian and Mexican flavors and features 21 different salads, all with the distinctive flavors of fruits, nuts, cheeses, and tangy dressings. For a local favorite, try the grilled chicken stuffed with spinach, apricots, and cream cheese; or one of the many pasta specials. Early birds can enjoy the full breakfast menu, which includes blended smoothies and fresh-squeezed juices.
