One of the greatest highlights of travel for me, is discovering new flavors or even regional spins on some beloved classics. I worked in the food and wine industry for a reason- I love food and wine, I love service and I love finding awesome places to recommend for friends. Another thing I love? Finding great value for money, low-cost options for travelers. We are definitely budget conscious and look hard for spots that are not only affordable but have great quality offerings.
Isla Mujeres offers some really good variety when it comes to dining out. You will find plenty of tacos and Mexican fare, but whether you desire pizza, pasta, sushi, vegetarian or steaks if you want it you will likely be able to find it on the island. The exception to this seems to be tamales. We were in Isla Mujeres throughout the Christmas season and nowhere could I find tamales on a menu. I am a South Texan. Christmas without tamales seems…wrong. Tamales are a gift from the Mayans and here I was in the Mayan homeland and yet, no tamales on the menu. But I digress.
Here are my favorite Isla Mujeres Cheap Eats…
Rooster- My favorite place for breakfast. They have a variety of breakfast offerings, delicious fresh bread and muffins, solid lattes, fast and free wifi and an amazing front of house staff. I visited several times and every single time I had great service. Calle Miguel Hidalgo 16
Xantolo- I thought their menu was a little overpriced for what you received but I did have the most perfectly made Mojito I have ever had and that my friends, is worth a mention. Service was on slow side, but did I mention the best Mojito ever? On a hot day there are few better cocktail choices. Their guacamole was also particularly good. Calle Miguel Hidalgo @ Matamoros
Dulzura Argenta- Blink and you’ll miss the stairs leading up to Dulzura Argenta. I was hoping to get some of their Argentinian empanadas, but they were sold out. I opted for a coffee and alfajores and am I glad I did! The crumbly texture and lightly sweet almond flavor was a real treat and paired perfectly with my cappuccino. The friendly owners who bake everything on site were so gracious and had so much information to offer on Argentinian cuisine, their conversation was treat as well! Super affordable and a hidden gem. Av Juarez SMz14
Aroma Isla- On the higher side pricewise, but they do make a really lovely latte and have loads of vegetarian offerings. Calle Hidalgo 20
Churros and Coffee-I’m a fan of savory crepes and they have a really solid chicken and mushroom crepe and a decent cup of coffee. Salads, sandwiches and croissants are available for a delicious brunch. If you have a sweet tooth, try the mini churros with cajeta. The almond filled criossant is either a decadent breakfast or a sinful dessert. Not sure which but man it was good because, Nutella. Calle Miguel Hidalgo across the street from Rooster’s.
Compadre’s- Mark and I kept coming back to this spot. The fish tacos are really, really good. Seasoned well and with a little spicy kick these were our favorite fish tacos. It wasn’t just Compadre’s tacos that stood out. They make a really lovely jalapeno margarita that is just the perfect amount of heat with the delicious sour and sweet lime base. These would warrant a visit, but what kept us coming back was the outstanding service we received. Calle Miguel Hidalgo 14
Rolandi’s- They are on the high end of a “cheap eats” recommendation, but their pizza was possibly my favorite I had while on the Island. They have a very respectable crust which can be difficult to find In Isla. Lot’s of places do pizza, but this was my favorite crust on the island.
El Milagro Taco Stand- This is the ultimate cheap eats recommendation in Isla. Tacos, burritos, memelos, quesadilla- all your favorite quick bits at a super low price but fantastic flavor. I judge all taco stands by 3 things- the tortilla, pork and salsa. They make the tortillas by hand to order. Their pork is deliciously tender with a little bit of heat and plenty of aromatics and herbs. Their salsa will numb your lips. You know its good when the locals are queued up to order and they keep having to bring fresh fillings out as they are so busy. The ladies of El Milagro are fast, efficient and friendly. Incredible value for money- On the corner of Calle Hildago and Calle Bravo.
Skull’s Landing is located mid island and is the go-to spot for sailors. There are two very good reasons for this- Happy. Hour. Skull’s is home to the very tastiest margarita I have ever had- the Hibiscus Margarita. With the smoky mescal contrasting the herbaceous flavor of the fleur de Jamaica base and rimmed with smoked black salt, it is D. Licious. My favorite dish here, the crispy shrimp tacos. Crispy, not oily at all and with a good amount of delicious slaw. Perfect.- Av Rueda Medina
Soggy Peso- Next door to Skull’s Landing, wind your way through the alley back to the bar itself and make sure you get there for lunch on hamburger day for a real Cheap Eats treat. For only $5 US you get possibly the best hamburger on the island. It is a straight up American style burger with no added pork or soy fillers. Get there early as they typically sell out. – Av Rueda Medina
Kash Keken Chuc-As you make your way up Av Rueda Medina through the Colonias, before you get to Chedraui you will find Kash Keken. Look for the billows of smoke and follow the scent of delicious, barbecued meats from the bright pink building and bingo! You’ve found it. If you are dining with a crowd, order the half or whole chicken that comes with everything you need to make your own incredible tacos. They also offer beef and pork but its the chicken that steals the show. The have single plates for those of you not feeding an army. Av Rueda Medina
There are a ton of other restaurants but alas, we were only in Isla a little over 5 weeks and could not try them all.
