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    Pancho's Backyard

    4.2 (144 reviews)
    ModerateBars, Mexican, Seafood
    Closed 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Pancho's Backyard Photos

    PANCHO'S BACKYARD ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Live music
    Casual
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Pancho's Backyard

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    Reviews With Photos - Pancho's Backyard

    Ambiance
    Macey M.

    Ambiance: Mexican restaurant with beautiful views of the cruise ships/ocean with an upscale traditional/rustic style atmosphere. Their margaritas are large and hit the spot! The guacamole is a must order. We shared a few traditional Mexican meals - all were delicious! They offer free wi-fi and have an entire shop attached where you can get souvenirs and more. Friendly and fast service! Clean bathrooms and clean space. Great for tourists, families, and enjoying a nice meal in Cozumel.

    Good Sangria, no straw,no fruit what kind of place is this... not gonna come again‼
    Joan H.

    A few years back we were here before we truly enjoyed it then... that's why we came back and brought our friends.. the decor is pretty indoor and out with local musicians playing outside . My sangria was great but here it comes the but... the menu had very few happy hour choices the choices were meals... actually it wasn't happy hour prices it was very pricey for happy hour drinks and chips and salsa. I don't blame the service they were very kind and attentive it was ownership I'm embarrassed that I recommended it to all. We won't be back.

    Gregg P.

    Wife spoke highly of ponchos backyard. We got there when they opened up Got a cpl margaritas, honestly expected for them to be stronger. Food was good , reasonably priced, remember they convert your bull to US Dollars so no trying to figure things out. Its more of a touristy spot in my opinion worth a store to shop attached to it.Service was good though and the atmosphere was good the chairs we sat it were made from leather and sticks really good craftsmanship. I wish i took a pictures of the table and chairs, very unique.

    Meh Margarita - sour tasting.
    Diane D.

    Awful margaritas!! Sour and drinkable! We were told this place had the best margaritas. NO THEY DON'T! The margaritas here are awful! The guacamole wasn't anything to write home about either. $43 bucks for a crappy experience.

    Cheers with a delicious pina colada
    Crystal O.

    This is now our lunch spot every time we pull into port in Cozumel- we have been numerous times now and simply meander the port and enjoy a delicious pina colada, wonderful local lunch and enjoy gorgeous views of the water. Service is always attentive- the place has a very laid back, you are on vacation vibe. I also LOVE the shop attached and the musicians playing the steel drums are always a treat. We laughed that our first time eating here (we've been 3x now) one of our friends told us this was his favorite place to eat lunch- haha, us too!!! Highly recommend.

    Chips and guacamole and habanero salsa.
    Chuck M.

    What a delightful time in Cozumel. This was our last port on our Princess Cruise November 2024. A dear friend of mine lives in Cancun. She took the ferry over to spend the day with us. After my wife and her shopping, we were all tired and it was time to take a refreshing break. Of course, I checked Yelp for some recommendations and Pancho's Backyard was highly rated and we were all staring at it. What wonderful service and food we experienced while we were there. we were seated on the patio; it was a beautiful day. Right across the walkway on the ocean side, there were two locals serenading us with beautiful tunes and Christmas Carols on the xylophone. They were so skillful and the music wafting over the whole area completed a picture-perfect day. It was a day in paradise. We ordered chips and guacamole to start. Wow, phenomenal guac and chips, some of the best I've had in a long time. Our friend ordered a plate of handmade tamales, my wife ordered the chicken quesadillas, and I opted for the sampler platter which gave me a taste of everything. It had chicken quesadilla, taquitos, grilled chicken with peppers and onions, refried beans and rice. Our server was so friendly and explained everything on the menu. Let's not forget the round of margaritas. The perfect addition to our meal. Everything was so delicious. All of entrees were delicious. We had a great time afterwards browsing their attached store for knickknacks to remind us of the wonderful time we had in Cozumel.

    Yuca fries, duck confit empanada and lamb empanadas.
    Susan R.

    Delicious and interesting empanadas. Quick and friendly service in a clean atmosphere that felt like I was in a back yard in Argentina. Will definitely be back.

    Apryl M.

    During my recent travels to Cozumel, Mexico we decided to try this Mexican restaurant and it did not disappoint. It's a large venue and sort of upscale restaurant as is connected to a gift shop for tourist in the area which sells very nice clothing, silver jewelry and artisan artwork, etc. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor lush garden patio and it right across on the ocean front. I had high hopes and was supervised how good the food was as I know this place is more a tourist stop as the prices were higher than average. The margaritas were huge size and top notch flavors. This was one of our best meals we had during our vacation travels. We ordered the carne asada steak fajitas, fish tacos and table side guacamole and appetizers. The waiter was excellent and catering to our needs to ensure we have a good experience. I would got back to this place for sure next time I'm in Cozumel. So if you're getting off a cruise ship or vacations in the area feel free to try this place as it's really good. Also, the place is huge and can accommodate large groups and you can also so some shopping on your way out. The Best Foodie review!

    Time for some Mexican food!
    Kristi C F.

    What a great little restaurant here in Cozumel, Mexico. We were immediately greeted and got to sit right next to the ocean view we love so much. The food prices were decent for the area. I have Chicken Taquitos and my aunt ordered Mexican rice with cheese. Not a single bite went uneaten. We also got a few drinks and enjoyed the sound of a marimba duo performing for us. This is definitely a must stop place to grab a bite if you stop on this cruise port.

    Bohemia beer and tacos
    Jaynar S.

    Wow great ambiance inside and with being close to the port, it was accessible. The staff was awesome and catered to us despite they were closing in 30 mins. They even brought out their xylophone players to play your typical Caribbean music. My wife had the huge Strawberry Daiquiri and it was amazing! We also enjoyed the Tacos de Camaron, & the Burrito Senora. The Special Mexican Sampler was great! The chicken was marinated and was super tender. We also loved the fresh guacamole. Awesome drinks, food, service, and ambience. A bit of the pricier side, but worth it.

    Mike W.

    We came upon the place on the back side of a nice gift shop. Food was mediocre and expensive. Service was unresponsive and aloof. Not sure whyt this gets so many high reviews. It just wasn't that good.

    2 margaritas

    Food and service are always excellent, entertainment by the beach is a great touch! Will definitely come back.

    Shannon S.

    The food, the service and the atmosphere are are fantastic. They had two ladies playing Christmas music on a xylophone. What fun! The quac was killer. We also had the Mexican sampler. It was enough for two people. It had chicken quesadia, taquitos, grilled chicken with peppers and onions, refried beans and rice. The waiter was attentive and friendly. The attached store had so many nice souvenir ideas. It's a must try if you in the area.

    Hecho En Mexico

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    Way over rated. Food, nothing special, service abrupt and slow. $25 for fish tacos that were dry was too much!

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    El Mexicano - My sons dinner

    El Mexicano

    5.0(2 reviews)
    2.9 km

    Never ate at the El Mexicano, just because I thought why go there and just get tacos, right? Wrong…read more Way wrong..... We walked up to the restaurant when heading back to our room to have one large group being escorted in for dinner, so we asked the Headwaiter Nathander if there was any availability, since we didn't make reservations. He was kind enough to get us in after about 10 - 15 minutes, which is really good for not making a reservation. We were seated at a comfortable quiet table. Leonardo was our waiter who took care of us, and was on top of everything. We chose the items from the online menu - I had the Mar Y Pollo, which was a plate of divine chicken, shrimp and rice. It looked like a small portion initially, but I polished it off and was full. My son had some huge bowl of corn, steak and vegetable and boasted how good it was. All in all a very good dining experience. Very good food and very good service. We would eat here again on our next visit to Fiesta Americana!

    Another stop for the week at a restaurant located in the Fiesta Americana all inclusive. This is a…read morelovely authentic Mexican restaurant upstairs with an outdoor patio. It's low key and like all the others, dress is casual. I ordered the salmon and avocado salad to start. It was very minimal and very tasty. Everything on the plate was chilled-including the batter fried avocado. The salmon was moist and it was a perfect size for a starter. For dinner I ordered the chicken with poblano mole sauce. Omg. It was delish!! The mole had just the right amount of spice and was not too rich or heavy. It was accompanied by a small side of rice and some veggies. Dessert was awesome. I had the Mexican chocolate mousse. It had a few bits of blue cheese in it-an odd combo that worked well. It was topped with a dice of fig and a raspberry. I walked away from dinner happy and not overstuffed!

    Photos
    El Mexicano - Mar Y Polo

    Mar Y Polo

    El Mexicano - Menu back

    Menu back

    El Mexicano - Menu front

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    Menu front

    El Fogón

    El Fogón

    4.6(1.3k reviews)
    20.0 kmCentro
    $

    After visiting all three El Fogón locations in Playa del Carmen, I can confidently say they're all…read morefantastic. The service is quick, the prices are incredibly reasonable, and the food is consistently delicious. Before your meal even arrives, you're served a plate of fresh radishes, cucumber, and lime wedges, plus a selection of toppings including tomatoes, onions, and both a green and red salsa. Unfortunately this location didn't give us the cactus like the other locations did. The red salsa was my favourite, it paired perfectly with the tacos and had just the right amount of heat and flavour. The standout for me was the al pastor taco. The meat was incredibly flavourful with crispy edges, a smoky char, and the perfect balance of savoury spice and sweet pineapple. It was easily one of the best al pastor tacos I had in Playa del Carmen. I also tried the sirloin taco and the chicken breast plate, both of which were excellent. The portions were generous, everything tasted fresh, and the quality was impressive, especially for the price. El Fogón absolutely lived up to the hype. If you're looking for authentic, delicious tacos and grilled meats that won't break the bank, this is a must visit. I loved it so much that I ended up eating at all three locations and every visit was just as good as the last.

    We had a fantastic meal at El Fogón in Playa del Carmen! The atmosphere was fun, lively, and felt…read morevery authentic. The service was outstanding, and everyone made us feel welcome. My wife and I shared the chicken fajitas, which were excellent. My friend ordered the al pastor fajitas, and his wife had the pork chops--everyone agreed the food was delicious. The guacamole was fresh and amazing, and every dish was flavorful and generously portioned. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food with excellent service and a great atmosphere, I highly recommend El Fogón. We would definitely come back!

    Photos
    El Fogón - View from interior towards the corner intersection.

    View from interior towards the corner intersection.

    El Fogón - Nopales

    Nopales

    El Fogón - Strawberries smoothie

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    Strawberries smoothie

    Kondesa - Octopus

    Kondesa

    4.6(279 reviews)
    4.0 km
    $$

    Kondesa is one of those places where the setting almost steals the show. Almost…read more The restaurant is tucked away from the main tourist strip, and walking in feels like discovering a hidden garden. At night, it really comes alive. Lanterns hang from the trees casting a warm amber glow, everything feels soft and intimate, and a live band playing low-key jazz ties it all together. It's cozy, a little romantic, and honestly one of the better dining atmospheres on the island. Hard to say how it translates during the day, but at night, it works. The Food The food holds its own, even if the setting gets most of the attention. By Cozumel standards, it's some of the better food we had on the island. The menu leans creative but still approachable. We tried a bit of everything. The Mexican dumplings were fine. Not bad, not memorable. The trio of guacamoles was a hit, especially the one with fruit and bacon, which sounds questionable but works really well. The queso was exactly what you expect. Good, comforting, not trying to reinvent anything. The standout surprise was the tortillas. Freshly made and easily one of the best parts of the meal. They elevated everything they touched. The meat tacos were also very solid, well-seasoned and satisfying. Dessert was the house specialty, a cornbread-based dish with ice cream and toppings. Don't remember the name, but I remember finishing it, which says enough. Service Service was good across the board. Friendly, efficient, nothing over the top but nothing missing either. Overall Kondesa is worth visiting for the atmosphere alone, but the food makes sure it's not just a pretty place. Come for dinner, take your time, and enjoy the setting. It's one of those meals where the environment does half the work and the food handles the rest.

    I had high hopes for Kondesa and it absolutely lived up to the hype. First off, the restaurant is…read moreabsolutely stunning. The lush plants and decor really elevate the atmosphere--I felt like I was dining in the middle of a jungle. But not a stuffy jungle with bugs everywhere! Our server (I believe his name was Victor?) was phenomenal--attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience even better. As for the food, everything was incredible. We started with the fundido and lionfish cakes. I didn't try the fundido myself, but everyone at the table couldn't stop raving about it. The lionfish cakes were so good, I was honestly tempted to skip an entree and just order another round of those. For my main, I had the Yucatán fish and it was unbelievably good. I hadn't had red snapper in a while and didn't know what to expect, but it totally blew me away. I'm already looking forward to my next trip to Cozumel, and Kondesa is definitely at the top of my list of reasons to return.

    Photos
    Kondesa - Bar area

    Bar area

    Kondesa - Octopus pastor

    Octopus pastor

    Kondesa - Hibiscus cocktail

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    Hibiscus cocktail

    Cielito Lindo - Molcajete de Piedra Caliente Parrillada (regional dish; basically a mixed grill in a stew with tortillas?)

    Cielito Lindo

    4.5(95 reviews)
    4.3 km
    $$

    Terrific food, intimate vibes, just a couple of blocks off the main touristy beach road. It's not a…read morelarge restaurant, maybe 5-7 tables total, along with some outdoor seating if weather allows. That said, they weren't that busy when we arrived, and we were immediately seated. They have a couple of great regional Yucatan dishes here, like the Molcajete and the Cochinita. San Miguel de Cozumel is admittedly not the most beautiful or interesting Mexican city to do touristy stuff in, so it was a treat to find some great regional cuisine to try. I was with a group, so we ordered the Molcajete (basically, mixed grilled meats in a stew), ceviche, and cochinita (stewed pulled pork), along with tortillas. All of it was great. The sauces, from the salsa to the stew broths to the ceviche sauce, were all terrific. There was mention that they dishes were spicy, but in the end, none of the stuff was super-spicy. Furthermore, the spicy stuff was often a salsa served on the side, or a whole roasted pepper that wasn't integrated into the dish, so you could calibrate your spiciness to your taste. Bathrooms: Basic, but clean and functional.

    The service was outstanding! Both the server and the bartender were great and friendly. The chef…read morewasn't visible but the food was delicious! The Fajitas were amazing and everything was fresh, and my small group included two vegans. The restaurant staff did their best and created delicious vegan meals. The Spicy passion fruit Margaritas were Amazing! We only had one day in Cozumel since we were coming from a cruise ship and it was raining that day. So we got off the beaten path and enjoyed the food and drinks at this restaurant. It was only $2.50 pp to take a taxi from the cruise port. Be sure to negotiate your taxi fare. The music was good too and nobody seemed to mind that I got up to dance for a few minutes! Overall the experience was amazing! I definitely recommend the fajitas and the guacamole appetizers and the drinks!

    Photos
    Cielito Lindo - Cielito Mexican cuisine

    Cielito Mexican cuisine

    Cielito Lindo - Fajitas with beef, red and yellow peppers!

    Fajitas with beef, red and yellow peppers!

    Cielito Lindo - Spicy Passionfruit Margaritas

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    Spicy Passionfruit Margaritas

    Pancho's Backyard - bars - Updated July 2026

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