Playa del Carmen’s energy shifts dramatically once the sun dips below the Caribbean horizon. While the beaches empty out and the souvenir shops dim their lights, a parallel universe of basslines, strobe lights, and clinking glasses awakens. The city’s nightlife is a vibrant ecosystem, ranging from massive superclubs that rival Ibiza to intimate underground bars where locals gather for mezcal and house music.
Finding the right venue for your specific vibe is crucial to having a memorable night. A bachelorette party looking for bottle service and confetti cannons will have very different needs than a solo traveler seeking a gritty techno basement. Fortunately, Playa del Carmen is compact and walkable, meaning you can easily bar-hop between the famous Calle 12 corridor and the beachfront venues without needing a taxi.
However, the sheer density of options can be overwhelming. The strip is saturated with promoters shouting about drink specials, and it is easy to get pulled into a tourist trap with watered-down cocktails. To truly experience the best of the Riviera Maya nightlife, you need to know where the sound systems are crisp, the DJs are talented, and the security is professional.
The best clubs in Playa del Carmen are not just about dancing; they are about atmosphere. Whether you prefer an open-air rooftop under the stars or a cavernous dark room with a fog machine, the city has a space for you. The top venues invest heavily in visual production, from LED walls to fire performers, ensuring your night is a sensory experience.
This guide cuts through the noise to highlight the venues that consistently deliver exceptional experiences. We have evaluated them based on music quality, crowd energy, safety, and overall value. It is time to trade your flip-flops for dancing shoes and discover where the party truly starts.
Below is a curated list of the venues currently defining Playa del Carmen’s after-dark scene. Each one offers a distinct flavor, ensuring that whether you are a VIP high-roller or a backpacker on a budget, you will find your rhythm.
Clandestino RoofTop

| Address | 5ta Av. con Calle 10 Norte lote 5, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Tuesday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Wednesday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Thursday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Friday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Saturday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Sunday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | 984 463 4874 |
Natalia De Los Santos★★★★★
I highly recommend this establishment. I came here with my girlfriends and they took great care of us. Andres was so helpful and attentive . As a newyorker, it’s hard to find a place with good music and a fun and welcoming environment and this place did just that. DJ was on point!!! I’ll definitely return when I’m back in the area.
Michael Super★★★★★
EDUARDO Was amazing! Everytime I needed a drink he was there. Made me feel like a king! Thanks for a great time my friend. I’ll be back!
Pedro Ferreira★★☆☆☆
Thursday at 11pm it was dead quiet. You can’t enter to look, you need to buy a drink to enter, and then realise it’s empty
Lexy McCauley★★★★★
Great experience here! Pablo had sueño service!!! Came for the week but would definitely come back!
Anne O'Dell★★★★★
If you want a good rooftop club - this Is perfect for those who want to dance or people watch. Fun dance floor and upper level, VIP option for bottle service and hookah if you want.
Carlos and José were the best servers! They made the experience so great and danced and joked with us all night! Carlos was super nice and attentive. Jose taught my friend to salsa and they never let our drinks get low. The very best!
Coco Bongo

| Address | Calle 12 Norte, esquina con Av. 10 Norte, Col. Centro, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Wednesday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Thursday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Friday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Saturday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Sunday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | 800 841 4636 |
Marko Nadjevic★★★★★
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A world-class spectacle that is not to be missed!
An absolutely fantastic experience! Coco Bongo is way more than just a nightclub—it is a highly professional, top-tier production on par with the world’s best shows.
The choreography, sound system, visual effects, and overall energy are unmatched. Every single performer, acrobat, and dancer is incredibly talented; they didn’t just meet my high expectations, they completely exceeded them. The sheer momentum of the show keeps you captivated from start to finish.
Professionalism at its finest and excellent organization throughout the night. Definitely an experience that is worth every penny and a absolute must-visit. Highly recommended!
Kam G★★★★★
I’ve never seen a venue combine a show and a nightclub quite like this. From around 9 PM until 2 AM, there was nonstop entertainment—performances, music, and high-energy shows the entire time.
We got tickets that included entrance, the shows, a premium open bar, and a snack (choice of a mini hamburger, hot dog, fries, or nachos), which was a great value for the experience.
Our server, Miguel, was amazing—he truly became part of the party and made the night even more enjoyable. It was fantastic to see how much the staff seemed to enjoy themselves as well; they weren’t just working, they were part of the show.
Drinks kept coming all night, and anything we asked for was brought quickly, even with the large crowd. The crowd management was also very well handled, which made the whole experience feel smooth and organized despite how busy it was.
Maddison Daniels★★★★★
Came here with my husband and oh my God! This is our first time ever coming to a place like this! So much fun! Fun music! Comedy sketches with the mask and Beetlejuice! Such a great time for all the young folks and groups!
The service is so friendly and top notch!
Maria Butzki★★☆☆☆
⭐ 2/5 – Outstanding show ruined by terrible Gold Ticket experience
The entertainment at Cocobongo Playa del Carmen was excellent — the dancers and performances were truly second to none and the highlight of the night.
However, the Gold Ticket service was an absolute disappointment and not worth the high price at all. We were let in at the very last minute and forced to stand in a long queue. Once inside, we were shoved right at the back, on the top level, with an extremely poor view of the stage. We could barely see anything.
The so-called “included” food was pathetic — a dry hot dog in bread with cold chips — and we had to chase staff down to even get it while others were being served. To make matters worse, we were constantly pressured to buy more expensive drinks after already paying a premium for the ticket.
Warning: Seating appears to be based on how you look. If you’re not young, dressed up, or “camera-ready,” expect to be hidden at the back. Do yourself a favour and request a good seat in advance if you buy Gold — or just skip the upgrade entirely. The Gold package is misleading and poor value.
Fantastic show, but the Gold Ticket experience was frustrating and disappointing. Manage your expectations or avoid the upgrade.
Joanne L★★★★★
Salvador is an amazing waiter! Very good looking, full of energy and is just all around vibes. He’s also very attentive. This place is a fun time. Definitely worth checking out.
Mandala Playa del Carmen

| Address | 1 Avenida Nte., Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Tuesday: 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Wednesday: 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Thursday: 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Friday: 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Saturday: 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Sunday: 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | 56 4980 2193 |
Margarita castro★★★★☆
We had so much fun here!! We booked a bronze table for my bachelorette. The drink service was very fast and I appreciated the servers pouring our drinks so that the alcohol was shared evenly and no one received too much alcohol. Unfortunately our group members just started grabbing the alcohol and going a little too crazy so a few of us drank more than we should have.
I’m mainly giving 4 stars instead of 5 because of the booth placement. We were on the second level and it was so fun be up higher than the main floor but there was no railing next to the booth so one of our girls fell off the stairs because we danced too close to the end of our booth.
Can’t wait to come back!
Michelle Duran★★★★★
Went here on a Wednesday night and this was the only place popping besides Coco Bongo. Our server Francisco was so much fun. My sister and I had a blast, drinks and tequila shots on point, DJ plays all types of music good enough to keep the crowd going wild. This place is my go to when I come back to PDC.
Ingrid★★☆☆☆
As someone who visits Playa del Carmen regularly and was out with a local friend, this was one of the most uncomfortable nightlife experiences I've had.
At the entrance, we were initially quoted a high cover charge, only to later find that different cover charges were being quoted to different groups. The inconsistency was confusing from the start.
Once inside, we ordered two Cuba Libres. Almost immediately, we were pressured to purchase a bottle instead. We repeatedly declined and explained that we preferred ordering drinks individually. Both my friend's local ID and my New York State ID were requested. Despite that, the pressure continued throughout the evening.
What stood out most was that conversations about money started before any meaningful service was provided. Our drinks arrived without straws or napkins, yet we were already being asked about gratuity. We were brought the card terminal for payment and told that 10% was not enough. Gratuity is optional and should be based on service received, not something guests are pressured into before they have even had a chance to enjoy their experience.
To avoid further awkward discussions, I ultimately left approximately 20% gratuity hoping the repeated conversations about money would stop and we could simply enjoy the rest of the night. Unfortunately, the focus on money never stopped.
We were also asked to prepay drink credit rather than open a normal tab, and nobody clearly explained how the credit system worked or what would happen if we didn't use all of it. Throughout the night there were constant discussions about balances, credits, bottle service, gratuities, and payment methods. It genuinely felt like our table was being treated differently from many others around us who did not appear to have any drinks, let alone bottles, at their tables. My friend is a local, and whether intentional or not, the experience left us feeling judged before we had done anything wrong.
The situation became even more confusing because the information we received was inconsistent. When my friend mentioned feeling pressured to buy a bottle, the server later denied that pressure had occurred. It felt like we were receiving conflicting explanations throughout the night.
Near the end of the evening, after our table had already been cleared and we had decided to leave, we were told there was still a remaining balance of approximately 20 MXN (about $1 USD). At the same time, we were also told that we still had drink credit available. My friend had already left additional cash beyond the gratuity that had been charged, yet we were told that amount could not be applied because it had already been categorized as a tip.
One final issue was the handling of change from cash gratuity. After I left additional cash, there was hesitation in returning the remaining change, and I had to actively ask for it before it was finally returned.
The music was fine and the venue itself is attractive, but the constant pressure regarding cover charges, bottle service, prepaid drink credits, gratuity, and payment discussions completely overshadowed the experience.
My advice to other tourists: keep your receipts, ask questions before agreeing to prepaid drink credits, and carefully review all charges. The explanations we received changed multiple times throughout the evening.
Whether this was due to low season or internal sales expectations, the entire evening felt centered on maximizing spending rather than hospitality, which is not the experience I expect when visiting a nightclub in Playa del Carmen.
Si la gerencia está interesada en conversar sobre esta experiencia, con gusto puedo proporcionar más detalles. If management is interested in discussing this experience further, I would be happy to provide additional details.
Chef Menajem Peretz★★★★★
Really one of the most fu. Experience in a night club, very friend stuff, wash. To get a table and large options for bottle. Great Music, Superb vibes and a crazy party. This is the place to party in playa
Sal Galdamez★★★★★
We visited this place on a rainy Tuesday evening and it was going down! Dope music, decent priced bottles service and a/c controlled.
Soundset Beach Club

| Address | C. 4 Nte. Bis., norte, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 984 108 8023 |
David Adams★★★★★
The food was poorly cooked, most of our food was under cooked and had to be returned. The chicken wings were raw, and not cooked well at all. Not just once, but twice they had to be returned to be redone. And my burger was very under done, and still pink in side as could be. Not a good cook, at this place.
Ken Willis★★★★☆
Good food, good price considering the location on the beach. Only a few meters to the water. Been there multiple times for lunch because of the good food value. A bit noisy with the speakers for lunch, but probably good for dinner. However they automatically add 20% tip to the bill. That’s the only reason I give it four stars. I will go back.
Dennis Bauszus★★★★☆
We stopped for a single drink off 5th avenue as it was off season we could sit by the beach without a cover charge. The music was somewhat loud but not the worst selection of tunes. It's fairly cheap. Not quite a dive beach club but not classy neither.
Amy Sch★★★★★
Please note we came during the day. We had quite possibly the best day ever. I misunderstood when we sat down that the chairs were $25 (at the time of this post 1/25) but that was a food minimum. Girl math i just saved $100! Waiter was attentive. We were here from 11a-4p on a day that was supposed to rain. I wish I took a photo of the food. We got shrimp quesadilla, guacamole and nachos. The shrimp quesadilla was excellent! And everything was good! Note* don't go in the water right in front of the palm trees walk to the entrance of the lane next to or the hearts then go in. In front of the palm trees like a few feet in turns to lava rocks quicky.
Daniella Meijer★★★★★
Excellent place ! No fee for the beds and beach umbrella. Always lovely music. The staff is really friendly and make you feel at home special shout out to Armando and Floor. The New manager Pedro has fresh New ideas what will take the Soundset Beach Bar to the next level. Cant wait to come back !
Santino Playa

| Address | Quinta Avenida entre calles 4 y 6, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Wednesday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Thursday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Friday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Saturday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Sunday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | 984 233 7001 |
Anton Liapin★★★★★
I've been to this club almost every night, and it's absolutely amazing. The main party really starts around 1 AM - that's when the place gets packed and the energy goes crazy. Great vibe, lots of people, cool atmosphere. Definitely worth visiting!
Rodolfo Martínez★★★★☆
Although my hatred for places such as this is plenty, I must admit there is a reason people like it. It's well decorated, spacious, specially the terrace, and drinks aren't ridiculously priced. Music was loud and droning, but I guess that's the whole point of an Argentinian Techno-nightclub. Might return if forced to do so again.
Gilbert Tremblay★☆☆☆☆
Avoid this place. Even as regular customers who purchased multiple bottles, we were aggressively confronted by security in the restroom and falsely accused of having drugs. It was completely unjustified and handled in a threatening manner.
What’s even more disturbing is that there are individuals openly offering drugs in the restroom, approaching customers almost every time you go in. Instead of addressing that obvious issue, security chose to target paying customers with false accusations.
On top of that, the table service is terrible. There’s no professionalism, no hospitality, and no respect for clients.
Very disappointing experience. I would not recommend this venue.
Yuval Carmel★★★★★
Santino Playa has one of the best vibes in Playa del Carmen if you’re into house and techno. The rooftop is a great spot with solid music and energy, and the drinks are reasonably priced. I liked the mix of locals and tourists
Nabil Wahed★★★★★
I was really craving to dance to some GOOD tech house and man did this place deliver. The venue gets crowded but I made my peace with that because any good club, anywhere, will get crowded. That's the sign of a good establishment, people want to be there. I danced at the rooftop section until my legs were jello. Both of the acts they had on were outstanding. Fluid transitions with minimal breaks, the beats per minute were maintained at the right level for maximum fun. Are you at Playa del Carmen and jonesing to get your dance on to some tech house? Go here. Find you a spot on the floor to get your boogie on and have an absolute blast like I did. If I'm back in PDC I will 100% go here again and I'll bring you too if your vibrations are good.
Other observations:
-I think we could have saved $100 pesos by buying a wristband on the street instead of paying $200 at the door but that was fine. Still outstanding value.
-The place does not have a fire exit so if there was an emergency, I think it would be trouble, something the venue should consider installing because there's only one way out for everyone. When exiting the rooftop you have to go down through the main floor club which was equally packed if not, more so than the rooftop (main floor plays reggaeton and when we were leaving at 2:05am there was early 2000s top 40 on so the ultra basic guys and gals on that floor were having the times of their lives, which was nice to see).
On Heaven

| Address | Quinta Avenida 152, entre Calle 6 Norte, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Thursday: 10:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Friday: 10:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Saturday: 11:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Sunday: 10:30 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
K K★★★★★
If you’re a fan of electronic music, this is the place to be. They always have fantastic DJs, and the sound system has a solid bass. They’re open from Thursday to Sunday, and they supposedly close at 3 AM, but sometimes they can go beyond that to 5:30 AM, depending on the energy of the crowd.
I’ve always had a great experience, it’s my favorite place in Playa. I know some people mention security, but I haven’t noticed any issues.
On Thursdays and Sundays, entry is usually free. However, on Fridays and Saturdays, there’s a cover charge, and the cover changes depending on the time of night and the club’s crowd. One tip is to get a bracelet. You can usually find people on the street giving out bracelets for Santino, which sometimes gives you a discount. Women can also get free drinks before 1 AM at Santino.
Santino is the Reggaeton club that you pass through on your way to On Heaven. They’re basically the same establishment.
Be respectful and kind, you will make great connections with your EDM family.
Marco Felix★★★★★
I had a really positive experience!
The music is for those who like Techno / Progressive house music. Its "serious". No one played any comercial track.
One good thing that they have another floor with pop kind music ( i just went thru it to get to the rooftop ). So, up there were people interested into listen and dance.
Toilets were very ok. They had alcohol , soap, paper.. everything tight. Also securities (male and female) at the restroom way in.
I've read older posts bellow talking about safety... for my experience, it was pretry nice. People were polity.
You have to buy the drinks for consumption. so, no problem about overcharging bills... because , well, you pay for each drink.
Just one funny thing though; there is a palm tree right at the best listening spot. 😃 still, the sound has good quality with a fat bass.
Thanks for the music and the experience guys!
Cheers
ED LZ★★★★★
Tech House Music Lover, this is your place in PDC. Caraïbean style jungles rooftop with DJ set. Good drink. Good price. The entrance door is difficult to find from outside because it's the same entry as the Santino club but on a different floor. It's a small club. Toilet is not so clean.
Oleksandr Gaivoronskyi★★★★★
I remember old On Heaven when they did not allow photos and videos. It's a little different vibe now...
If you love underground electronic music you eventually end up there. Atmosphere and music is on top.
Expect to dance with a bunch of dudes😀 Argentinian women are extremely hot, but there is a big competition....and you are already behind if you don't speak Spanish 😄
Marius★★★★★
Amazing place. Finally some good music in playa not only blasting latin and reggaeton music all over the city from all this commercial clubs. If you feel like you want to party but still be chill and hear good wuality music thats the place. House, melodic techno. Its in the 2nd floor of the other club you gotta go through the door.
Santito Tun Tun

| Address | Avenida 12 con, Calle 1 Nte., Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Tuesday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Wednesday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Thursday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Friday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Saturday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Sunday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | 984 803 0183 |
Santi Arrieta★☆☆☆☆
I went and asked for a drink and they overcharged me. When I asked the waitress why it was so expensive he was really rude and tell me to "chill out" and when I ended up paying he didn’t wanted to give me the receipt or take a photo of it. I ended up going to la vaquita and mandala and it was 100 times better.
Don’t go to Santino and if you go be careful with the waitress.
Ralph Madrid★☆☆☆☆
Severely Unsafe — PLEASE READ BEFORE VISITING Santito Tuntun (Playa del Carmen)
I witnessed staff at Santito Tuntun placing unknown substances into other patrons’ drinks at the bar. I raised my concerns with the venue’s security staff; rather than investigate or protect customers, security told me to leave the establishment. I then reported the incident to a nearby police officer, who did not assist or take a formal report.
I felt in immediate danger and left the area.
I am warning others because this behavior put me (and other patrons) at risk. Please exercise extreme caution — consider avoiding this venue until authorities investigate. If you plan to go, stay with trusted people, watch your drinks at all times, and report any suspicious activity to police in writing.
steph Morris★☆☆☆☆
DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU ARE BLACK! This lady is RACIST! When we got to the door she said the club was at capacity. She then proceeded to allow two separate groups of white peoples enter, followed by more people! When we asked her why we weren’t allowed in she called the POLICE and tried to get us arrested. Do not support this place
Andrea A★★★★☆
My cousins got a bucket and one beer was frozen over. It took a few times but they changed it out. I don’t drink beer and my Paloma was good. 190 for a paloma.
Marcus Davis★☆☆☆☆
Do not come to this facility! They are scamming US citizens on vacation out of 💰. I bought a glass of rum and coke (less then 12 oz’s) that was supposed to be $20 and woke up to a $910 charge US dollars. I repeat do not come here, they are running a scam. If you read the reviews you will see this situation to be a common theme. I attached my complaint with the institution below. Please stay away, it is NOT SAFE HERE!!! They also do not pick or respond to clients about billing whatsoever. Place is a scam, and it is unsafe…RUN AWAY AND RUN AWAY FAST! This place is UNSAFE!
The Roof Bar Playa del Carmen Quinta Avenida

| Address | Quinta Avenida 156, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Tuesday: 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Wednesday: 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Thursday: 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Friday: 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Saturday: 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Sunday: 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Luis Villanueva★★★★☆
All the other bars and clubs were pretty much dead with pushy waiters and staff. We stumbled upon this bar that’s above a bowling alley. Great music great vibes. OK drinks good prices. The only thing we didn’t enjoy was that it got too packed and you could barely move. Would definitely visit again
Cécile Delli Zotti★★★☆☆
Nice place and the drinks are affordable. The other customers looked really nice, the ambiance was cool.
However, they charged us for drinks we never ordered twice. Also, they automatically added the tips without telling us so at the end, they got 2 of them. That's not really honest and they should be more transparent regarding this.
Sam Gable★★★★★
I don't know why I didn't try them sooner. Last night in Playa del Carmen and we went there. Cocktails were perfect, and they really used alcohol, in others bars, I didn't feel any alcohol just juice.
The waiter told us that if you order with me, I charged you 10%, or you can go directly to bartender and do it. So we didn't pay any service fee that other bars and restaurants in that area charged you by force.
They have 1 liter of cocktails, and it was perfect with a really good price.
Wiktoria Wieczorek★☆☆☆☆
I orderd 3 times mojito i never feñt any alcohol in drinks, they promised us 2 shots tequila on the house but was adfed to the bill, i like the music tho but changes every 30 second
Tammy★☆☆☆☆
I was recommended to this place , but service was poor , they added mandatory tip which was awful . Two dudes and a girl standing outside doesn't know how to there job . Unfortunately crazy American tip culture has been embedded in Mexican restaurants, not good . I would highly not recommend this place. Stay away
Deck 5 Pool and Skybar

| Address | Calle 8 Nte 876, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 984 125 9589 |
rebecca carriere★★★★★
First time at Deck 5 and we had a wonderful experience! We got here early and scored a bed by the pool. Abraham took care of us and the service was excellent, he is super friendly and knowledgeable:) This place is definitely a vibe
YourGuide★★★★★
Small rooftop bar with a small pool that faces sweeping ocean views. Very friendly and helpful service with great music. Shaded area near bar and many sections with views in the small rooftop. Service was excellent and not pushy with no crazy minimum consumption or cover charge during the day ( April). Great experience!!
Karen Lizeth★★★★★
the best roof top in Playa del Carmen, they have a great view. private beach if you wanted to swim in salty water, they have a great pool, great music, super cool djs, amazing drinks, food is pretty decent and service is very good. very recommended! once in a while they also host parties. You pay a fee to get in but you can use it to eat and drink.
Irina Kuznetcova★★★★★
Came here in the early afternoon on Sunday. Carefully with their hours - they open at 12 pm, not 11 am like Google says! The pool was too cold for me but the views were great. I don't drink so we got some smoothies and they were good. They said they won't have any food this week so they let us order from other places. To enter this place, go inside theCarmen hotel and pay 600 pesos (per person) at the reception. You can get drinks to reclaim those 600 pesos. Both the reception and the bar accept cards.
Sonia Sarangdhar LeDuc★★★★★
We definitely recommend! Great view, great drinks, pool is the perfect amount of people without overcrowding. Lots of different seating options. Plus we loved the music! It’s a 500 peso minimum per person but they also have food so not too hard to meet.
La Vaquita Playa Del Carmen

| Address | PRIVADA NORTE, Calle 12 Nte, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 8:30 PM – 2:00 AM
Friday: 8:30 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 8:30 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 8:30 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | 56 4980 2193 |
lolo bautista★☆☆☆☆
The music, drinks and atmosphere were great, but my server Andrea was slow and found it was hard to get her attention. We were a big group of people and our vibes were great but she was very pushy and insisted we spend more than we wanted
Paula P★☆☆☆☆
If I could give negative stars I would! I did not enjoy this place at all. Servers didn't care AND they gave me less change than I should have gotten. Shady! I paid with US dollars and got less $ back than I should have. Also food had NO flavor..not even salt and pepper. My drink dis not have one ounce of alcohol.
Jason Vincent★☆☆☆☆
this place is a full out SCAM. i have travelled the world, including many other cities in mexico and extensively as cabin crew on 6 continents, and i’ve never experienced worse service than i have here. the waiter was not so bad, he was at least polite, but he was in on the scam. the bartenders, and the management at the front door were awful. we were promised free shots for coming in their bar, and after almost waiting an hour for the shots, they brought some, and it was literally just sparkling water with a spritz of lime in the shot glass. la vaquita is a horrible tourist trap in playa del carmen. it’s only open on weekends. do not fall victim to this establishment.
Alyssa L★☆☆☆☆
Worst music ever. DJRM was awful. The service was great until they wanted us to move or leave for not continuing to spend money
Joe Corzo - SolarQuest★★★★★
Doesn't start jumping till way after 11pm. Loud but fun, big party scene.
Mamita's Beach Club

| Address | Calle 28 Norte y la playa, Manzana 8 10, Lote, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 984 320 3532 |
Yves Kimbo★★★★★
The drinks here are expertly mixed, striking the perfect balance of flavors for a refreshing sip every time. You can enjoy them out on the expansive, impeccably clean patios, which are thoughtfully furnished with plush, comfortable chairs that invite you to settle in and truly unwind.
Beyond the excellent seating, the setting itself is absolutely beautiful. The patio offers a stunning, uninterrupted view of the beach. Sitting back with a perfectly crafted cocktail, feeling the gentle coastal breeze, and listening to the rhythmic, soothing sound of the waves rolling onto the shore creates an incredibly relaxing escape.
George M★★★★★
Place was very nice, I got a sun lounger right on the beachfront with my partner. Price was good and included a food and drink voucher. Nico was brilliant always checking in with us for drinks, not being overly attentive he always came at the perfect time! Spoke English there very well. Thank you and we will be back!
The Ninos Travel Journal★★★★★
We came here as part of our anniversary celebration. This place has a very nice family atmosphere. The food is very good. We ordered a ceviche, a seafood rice dish (similar to paella), and a shrimp cocktail, along with regular sodas.
Even with everything going on, the manager took some time to check on us. He was very nice and attentive. He even told us about the place and the famous "coconut eater"—a dog that loves eating coconuts (yes, isn't that cool?).
We will definitely come back next time!
Chris Cocek★★★★★
A great beach club in del Carmen. We were here on Dec 31 by 830 am and there was plenty of loungers to choose from however they were all gone by 930 so don’t delay. If you pay cash, there is a 100 peso reduction so only 1300 pesos for 2 people. 1000 pesos of your entry goes towards an F&B credit so really is a good value. Service was very attentive and beer was cold! Beach gets busy quickly and swim area was crammed into small area due to seaweed (but crew was very busy cleaning it up!). Bathrooms were clean and appreciated with beach club access. Would definitely go back!
Samantha Jones★★★★★
Came here to do some work by the beach and the atmosphere was great with the ocean view. Venue was clean, staff were friendly and food was awesome. My friend and I both got the shrimp tacos with sparkling lemonade!
Dominatrix

| Address | C.12 Nte Bis 440, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Friday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Saturday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Sunday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Racquel (RCQL)★★★★★
I’ve been to many shows and gay bars in my life and brought tears in my eyes to see the beautiful performances and a place with such class where everyone can be themself, express themselves and have a wonderful time while in a very friendly environment. From the management to the staff to the performances 10/10 feels like a home away from home.
Ben★☆☆☆☆
WARNING - any foreigners, please be alert they systematically seriously scam tourists! While the bar menu clearly states, a beer is MXN 44 pesos, when I tried to pay the bill when leaving having had two beers, they demanded $600. They literally held me hostage for over 90 minutes refusing to accept MXN 100 as payment. Another tourist from
Canada had a similar experience to me the same night
Cillian Murphy★★★★★
One of the best drag show’s I have EVER seen, such a beautiful array of performers! Such a hidden gem
stephen johannson★★★☆☆
This place is fun if you’re not planning to dance but only watch performances. Drinks are fairly priced BUT, beware of male exotic dancers. After their performances end, they are sent to talk to men at their tables and keep them company. Usually they’re nice and they talk to you a promise you things such as going together to the beach the next day blah blah blah, and at some point they ask you to buy them a “jar”. These so called jars (a glass about a liter big) of some drink are added to your bill for about $40!!!! We had two of them at our table and we saw plenty of others at other tables, we only bought 1 for one of them and when the other guy asked for another we refused. He said he was going to the bathroom and never came back. Shortly after we saw him drinking that jar with another innocent guy. Also check your bill. They added extra drinks to ours and luckily my partner was sober and he refused to pay those extra drinks and they said there was probably a mistake and they removed them. However most people would probably fall for that. The show is nice, good drags, mostly songs in Spanish but they have some fishy behaviors. Just be cautious. Smoking inside is allowed after 1am. Show goes on for as long as people stay in. Again, not the place to go if you wanna dance. Most couples and groups are on their tables. The nicest person here was the bathroom lady! She’s adorable. I’d probably go back but I’m going to be extra cautious with my bill and with these hot dances approaching me.
Joshua Calhoun★☆☆☆☆
I went on a Friday night and Sunday night and paid the cover $100 mxn charge(i think it was $200 mxn on Friday-can’t remember). Although not expensive but walk in and it’s dead. I gave it the benefit of the doubt since on Friday i went kinda early around 9:30. But on Sunday around 12am-1am same result. Male dancers was cute but at least dance in your underwear like every other male dancers in a gay club wear. Ask the waiter for a margarita(pointed at it on the menu and used translate) and he said they couldn’t do it-reason unknown. But goes to the bartender using translate and got it with no problem. Overall experience not the best.
Essential Tips for Navigating Playa del Carmen Nightlife
While the energy in Playa del Carmen is infectious, a little local knowledge goes a long way in ensuring your night is both safe and spectacular. The dynamics of the strip change nightly, and understanding the "rules of the game" will save you money and frustration. Here is how to party like a savvy local rather than an unprepared tourist.
Understand the Door Policies and Guest Lists
Unlike many US cities, paying full price at the door is often unnecessary in Playa del Carmen. Promoters line the streets every night offering wristbands for free entry or heavily discounted cover charges. However, these deals often come with a catch, such as a mandatory drink purchase or a limited time window for entry. If you are planning a big night with a group, contact the club via social media a day in advance to negotiate a table or bottle service package. This often works out cheaper than buying individual drinks all night.
Dress to Impress, but Stay Comfortable
The dress code in Playa del Carmen is generally "upscale beach chic." While flip-flops are acceptable during the day, most upscale venues and rooftop bars will deny entry to men wearing sleeveless shirts, swimwear, or open-toed sandals after 9 PM. Women typically wear stylish summer dresses or heels. However, keep in mind that you will likely be walking on cobblestone streets and dancing for hours; wedges or stylish sneakers are often a better choice than stilettos.
Watch Your Drink and Tab
Like any major tourist nightlife destination, petty theft and drink spiking can occur. Always keep your drink in your hand and never leave it unattended. When you start a tab, keep a mental note of what you are ordering. It is common practice in some busy clubs to add a "service charge" or accidentally include a drink you did not order. Paying in cash per round is often the safest way to avoid a surprise bill at the end of the night.
Plan Your Transportation Ahead of Time
While the main club district is walkable, walking home late at night on quieter side streets is not recommended. Do not wait until 3 AM to figure out how to get back to your hotel. Agree on a price with a taxi driver before getting in the car, as meters are rarely used at night. Alternatively, many locals and savvy visitors use the local radio taxi apps or arrange for a private driver if they know they will be drinking heavily.
Pace Yourself and Hydrate
The heat and humidity of the Riviera Maya can amplify the effects of alcohol significantly. You will be sweating on the dance floor, which leads to faster dehydration than you might expect. Alternate every alcoholic beverage with a bottle of water. Be extremely cautious with "bucket" deals and open-bar packages; they are designed to get you drunk quickly, which can ruin your next day on the beach.
The beauty of Playa del Carmen is that the party is exactly as big or as small as you want it to be. You can spend the night dancing under a laser show with a thousand strangers, or you can find a quiet corner in a speakeasy with a craft cocktail. The key is to match the venue to your energy and to stay aware of your surroundings.
As the night winds down and the sky begins to lighten over the ocean, you will understand why this coastal town has become a global hub for nightlife. Grab a late-night taco from a street cart, toast to the music, and rest up—because in Playa del Carmen, the party starts all over again tomorrow.
Mia Charlotte is a food journalist and certified Local Guide based in Brooklyn, New York. For over ten years, she has explored every corner of the city to discover hidden gems and the best places to visit.