Hello dear
Welcome to Mercado 174
Mercado 174, nestled in Playa del Carmen’s vibrant Centro, offers an inviting blend of authentic Mexican flavors and lively atmosphere. The highlight is the tableside-prepared guacamole—fresh, zesty, and crafted right before your eyes, setting the tone for a memorable meal. From crispy rib eye to savory flautas and molcajete entrees, each dish bursts with bold, genuine tastes. The attentive, friendly service enhances the experience, making every visit warm and welcoming. With a pleasant outdoor patio perfect for people-watching and a drink menu featuring imaginative options like cactus and parsley beverages, Mercado 174 captures the true spirit of Mexican dining with flair and authenticity.
Inspired Moments
Enjoy a mix of flavors and experiences
About the Place
Mercado 174
Mercado 174, nestled in the heart of Playa del Carmen at Quinta Avenida, stands out as a vibrant culinary gem where traditional Mexican flavors meet genuine hospitality. From the moment you arrive, the bar’s inviting atmosphere—with its shaded tables and refreshing airflow—creates a perfect setting to unwind and savor authentic dishes in comfort.
One of the true highlights here is the table-side guacamole, crafted fresh before your eyes. This interactive experience not only elevates the freshness but also enhances the connection between diner and dish. Paired with crispy rib eye or the perfectly seasoned sirloin tacos, the guacamole provides an unforgettable taste sensation that echoes the rich culinary heritage of the region.
The menu shines with a variety of well-prepared classics. The sopa de lima offers a warm, zesty embrace, while the generous Molcajete platter promises satisfying portions that invite sharing and lingering conversations. Complementing these dishes, vibrant drinks like the mango and strawberry margaritas or innovative non-alcoholic concoctions infused with cactus and parsley refresh the palate, showcasing Mercado 174’s commitment to creativity and quality.
Service here deserves special mention. Attentive, friendly servers like Roberto and Victor not only anticipate diners’ needs but also engage with heartfelt recommendations and even share local culinary secrets, such as making homemade Tapatío sauce. This level of care fosters a genuine connection, making each visit feel personalized and warm.
While prices reflect the tourist-friendly location, the value found in both food and service remains compelling. Mercado 174 strikes a balance between authenticity, atmosphere, and approachable sophistication. For those seeking a memorable slice of Mexican culture paired with delicious food and refreshing drinks, Mercado 174 is a destination you’ll want to return to again and again.
Stories & Reviews
Guestbook
“ Great vibes at this bar! We love the decorations and our table had plenty of shade and airflow. The service was excellent and the guacamole was prepared fresh in front of us. The waiter was very friendly. Recommend it! ”
“ Food was delicious! The table side guacamole with cripsy rib eye was amazing, I also ordered the flautas and sirloin tacos, they were DELICIOUS. The waiter was friendly and attentive. Great atmosphere! Would 100% come again! ”
“ You have to eat here. The guacamole is made right at your table and ohhhh sooo gooood. All the food I've tried is fabulous. The prices are great too, way better food and prices then Karen's. Just saying. ”
“ $40pp/$80/couple BUT INCLUDED: 1 mango margarita one strawberry margarita, two orders of guacamole made in front of us one sopa de Lima (hot soup which was delicious), and one very large entree called Molcajete, which we basically had to take most of it home since we were stuffed from all of the other food. ROBERTO WAS EXCELLENT, observing any need we may have had before we had to request it. The ambience is fun & upbeat, BUT WE GREATLY APPRECIATE THAT THEY SEATED US IN THE AIR CONDITIONED SECTION THAT WAS QUIET & made us feel like VIPs. It was wonderful & worth tasting. ”
“ On a very hot humid morning we stopped in for a cold drink. The waiter appeared instantly and helped us navigate the drink menu. My wife had a cold Americano and I had a nonalcoholic cactus and parsley drink that was absolutely amazing. In fact it was so good that I had another. We also ordered some nachos . Everything was brought very quickly and portions were more than enough. But the best experience of our visit was to be served by a server named Gustavo . His bright smile and friendly personality were amazing. Don’t know about the rest of the staff but when we go back i will be sure to sit in an area served by him. Thank You Gustavo you are the best serveR in all of PDC ”