Playa Del Carmen's Best Craft Beer: Where To Buy

If you're looking for craft beer in Playa Del Carmen, you're in luck! The town is home to a variety of bars, breweries, and stores offering a wide range of craft beers, both local and imported. From well-known spots like Club de la Cerveza on 5th Avenue to hidden gems like Chela de la Playa, there's something for every beer lover. Whether you're looking to sample local flavors or discover new international brews, Playa Del Carmen has you covered. In addition to craft beer bars, the town also offers large supermarkets and specialty stores like La Europea, providing a convenient option for those who prefer to drink at home. So, whether you're a local or a visitor, read on to discover the best places to buy craft beer in Playa Del Carmen.

Where to buy craft beer in Playa Del Carmen

Club de la Cerveza on 5th Avenue

The bar is owned and operated by Miguel, a passionate beer enthusiast who ensures that every guest feels right at home. The staff, including Alejandro and Diego, are incredibly knowledgeable and can offer recommendations for those overwhelmed by the impressive selection. They also provide excellent service, making the experience even more enjoyable.

In addition to its impressive beer list, Club de la Cerveza also offers a modest food menu to accompany your beverage of choice. While some patrons opt for the salted nuts as a snack, others rave about the shrimp rolls with sweet sauce, as well as the peanuts and popcorn. The bar also caters to families, offering sodas and lemonades for children.

With its diverse beer selection, welcoming atmosphere, and convenient location, Club de la Cerveza on 5th Avenue is a top choice for both locals and tourists seeking a refreshing craft beer experience in Playa Del Carmen.

Cervifrio stores

If you're looking for beer, there are plenty of "Cervifrio" stores dotted all over Playa Del Carmen. These stores specialize in beer and snacks, and they usually have ice too. You can find a wide selection of Mexican beers in these stores, from the well-known Corona, Tecate, Sol, and Dos Equis to other Mexican beers like Indio, Pacifico, Victoria, Montejo, Leon, Bohemia, Modelo, and Superior. These stores are usually small and easy to miss, but they are a great option if you're looking for a wide variety of beers to choose from.

One of the most popular Cervifrio stores is located on 30th Avenue and 22nd Street. This store has a wide selection of Mexican beers and is a great option if you're looking for something other than the typical "cerveza nacional" beers. Another great option is the Cervifrio store located on 5th Avenue, which also has a wide selection of beers and is convenient if you're already exploring the avenue's wine and craft beer bars.

In addition to Cervifrio stores, there are other places in Playa Del Carmen where you can buy craft beer. Club de la Cerveza on 5th Avenue is a popular bar that offers a large selection of beers from around the world, including many Mexican craft beers. They also have a food menu to accompany your drinks. Chela de la Playa, located on Fifth Avenue, is another great option. It's a quaint cerveceria with an outdoor seating area under a massive banyan tree, offering a unique ambiance for your craft beer experience. They offer their beers in pints and tasting portions, so you can try a sample before committing.

If you're looking for a more relaxed evening with friends, there are also brewery and wine bars in Playa Del Carmen that offer live music on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Off the Vine, located on Fifth Avenue, is a wine store where you can also drink, and their wine list is very accessible no matter your budget. Across the street is Colectivo Mexicano Cervecero, a craft beer bar with 8 beers on draft served ice-cold, and they also offer snacks and meals.

Walmart and Mega supermarkets

Walmart has two locations in Playa Del Carmen. The other is in a residential neighbourhood. It sells a little bit of everything, including souvenirs, snorkels, clothes, and groceries. It also has a good selection of light bulbs, including warm yellow bulbs and stark white bulbs. It has late closing hours (1:00 am) and competitive prices, with wine, tuna, hair dye, and cereal being cheaper than at other stores. It also has sushi, unlike other supermarkets. However, the lines at Walmart can be long.

Mega is a Mexican-owned supermarket chain, though it has recently been bought by Soriana, another supermarket in Playa Del Carmen. It has a similar offering to Walmart, though it does not sell souvenirs. It has a cafe where you can buy their blend of coffee, and a cafeteria at the front of the store. The meat and bakery sections are reportedly better than Walmart's.

Both Walmart and Mega sell alcohol, and while it is unclear whether they sell craft beer specifically, one source notes that craft beers are usually sold in singles at the bigger stores, so it is possible that they do.

La Europea

The store is highly regarded for its fantastic selection of wines and spirits from around the world. Customers can also purchase bread, which the staff will prepare for you in their oven. La Europea is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike, with many praising the great service and reasonable prices for liquor.

In addition to alcoholic beverages, La Europea offers a range of deli items. You can create your own sandwiches with a variety of fillings, including prosciutto and cheese. They also serve paella on Saturdays and Sundays.

If you are specifically seeking craft beer, there are other options in Playa del Carmen, such as Club de la Cerveza, which offers a wide range of Mexican craft beers and imported options. However, for a comprehensive selection of alcoholic beverages, La Europea is a great choice, and their commitment to offering normal prices instead of tourist prices is commendable.

Chela de la Playa

The bar offers its beers in pints and tasting portions, so you can sample before committing. The Kolsch is recommended as it is light and perfect for hot afternoons. The staff are well-trained and offer fast service, even on busy nights.

If you're looking to buy alcohol in Playa del Carmen, it's worth noting that not all stores sell beer, and there are restricted hours for alcohol sales. Most people buy alcohol from large supermarkets, with Mega and Walmart being the most popular downtown options. Soriana and Chedraui are also decent options, but you'll need a car to get there. For wine, La Europea is recommended for its longer opening hours and good selection.

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