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La Vagabunda Restaurant Playa Del Carmen

Finding La Vagabunda

La Vagabunda is located right in the heart of Playa del Carmen, just a few blocks from the popular Quinta Avenida pedestrian street. Steve and I decided to walk there from our apartment so we could take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant beach town along the way.

The directions our friends gave us were simple: head down Calle 8, turn right on Calle 34, and look for the bright yellow building with the red door. Even without these instructions, I think we would have been able to locate La Vagabunda fairly easily – we just followed the enticing aromas of sizzling meat and tortillas!

The Exterior of the Restaurant

As we approached the intersection of Calle 34, the bright yellow walls of La Vagabunda immediately caught our eye. Vines cascaded down the sides of the buildings, purple bougainvillea flowers adding pops of color here and there. A hand-painted mural depicting traditional Mexican scenes graced the side of the restaurant facing the street.

Out front, several small metal tables were arranged under a striped awning, a handful of patrons chatting happily over beers and baskets of chips and salsa. Steve gave me a knowing glance – if the atmosphere outside was any indication, we were in for an excellent meal!

Stepping Inside

As soon as we stepped through the front door into the cozy interior, I knew we had chosen the right place for dinner. The warm lighting, colorful decor touches, and lively Latin music playing over the speakers gave La Vagabunda the perfect laid-back vibe.

Greeting from the Staff at La Vagabunda

We were immediately greeted by one of the hostesses, who welcomed us with a bright “Hola!” and led us to a small wooden table near the back of the dining room. She quickly rattled off a handful of the night’s specials, then asked if we’d like to start with some drinks or appetizers. Her friendliness and enthusiasm were contagious, setting the tone for the welcoming atmosphere we’d enjoy all evening.

Perusing the Drink Menu at La Vagabunda

As we settled into our seats, another server promptly arrived with menus and a wine list. I eagerly flipped to the drink section, my mouth watering as I read through the creative cocktail options like blood orange margaritas, hibiscus mojitos, and tamarind palomas.

Steve and I decided to share La Vagabunda’s signature margarita for two – made with premium tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur. Our server whisked away to prepare our cocktail, returning swiftly with the icy drink, its rim crusted in flaky sea salt.

The Signature Margarita at La Vagabunda

I eagerly took the first sip, the tangy citrus and smooth tequila blending perfectly on my tongue. “Mmm, that’s delicious!” I exclaimed. Steve grinned as he took a sip himself, clearly just as impressed with this refreshing house specialty. Over the next 30 minutes we slowly nursed our margarita, the bustling atmosphere of the restaurant washing over us.

Exploring the Menu at La Vagabunda

Once we had finished our cocktail, it was time to turn our attention to La Vagabunda’s extensive food offerings. Traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas, fajitas, and tacos shared menu space with more contemporary fare like ceviche, fish carpaccio, and chili-spiced ribeye.

Selecting Appetizers at La Vagabunda

Steve and I decided to start our meal by sharing a few smaller plates. We selected the fried cheese chicharrones, which our server enthusiastically recommended, along with a tuna tostada and some spicy crab and corn empanadas.

I was thrilled when our server brought out a heaping wooden platter filled with our appetizers just 10 minutes later. The golden brown chicharrones glistened under the lights, sprinkled with fresh cilantro. The vibrant yellow corn empanadas sat steaming, the thin pastry crispy and flaky.

Indulging in Appetizers

We dug in, our taste buds singing at the variety of flavors and textures. The melty interior of the chicharrones paired perfectly with the lime crema dipping sauce. The crisp tostada stacked with chunks of fresh tuna and avocado cream was so delicious I had to stop Steve from devouring the whole thing himself! And the little empanadas with their spiced filling and tangy tomato salsa were simply to die for.

Selecting Our Entrees at La Vagabunda

Though we were already satisfied from our starters and signature margarita, Steve and I couldn’t visit La Vagabunda without trying their famous tacos al pastor. These marinated pork tacos were another dish our local friends had raved about. Steve ordered a trio of the al pastor variety along with some carne asada tacos, while I selected the veggie tacos with portobello mushrooms.

Waiting in Anticipation at La Vagabunda

Given how quickly the appetizers had arrived, Steve and I were expecting our main courses fairly swiftly. But the restaurant had really filled up, with almost every table occupied and a line now trailing out the front door.

I didn’t mind the extra wait time – it gave me a chance to soak up more of the incredible atmosphere. I waved over our server to order another signature margarita, people-watching as lively conversation and laughter bounced off the close walls. The rich scent of simmering sauces and sizzling meats made my mouth water. Traditional Mexican tunes issuing from the speakers made me want to get up and dance!

Tacos Finally Arrive

At long last our server emerged from the bustling kitchen, expertly balancing four steaming plates along her arms. “The tacos have arrived!” she declared with a grin, placing the overflowing dishes before us with a flourish.

The presentation was beautiful, each petite corn tortilla cradling its spiced meat filling and heaped with cilantro, onions, lime wedges, and salsas. Steve promptly dug into one of his carne asada tacos, the grilled meat tearing easily under his fork, juices dripping down his hand.

“Oh man, that’s incredible,” he mumbled through a mouthful. I rolled my eyes in amusement before selecting one of my own portobello mushroom tacos. The earthy flavor of the marinated mushrooms mingled deliciously with the tangy Oaxaca cheese and smoky chili salsa. It was vegetarian perfection – even Steve reached over with his fork trying to sneak a bite!

Enjoying Every Last Bite at La Vagabunda

Steve and I slowly savored each and every taco, dipping crispy chips into the leftover juices and salsas once the petite tortillas had all been devoured. By the time we swallowed our last bite, leaning back in our chairs satisfied, our plates were clean enough to lick!

As our dining experience drew to a close, I found myself not wanting the night to end. Our evening at La Vagabunda had been absolutely delightful from start to finish. Incredible service, delightful ambiance, and of course the fabulous mole-style cuisine combined to create memories I know I’ll cherish for years to come.

Challenges We Faced at La Vagabunda

Of course, no dining experience is 100% perfect, and we did face a few minor challenges throughout the night. The main one was the long wait between appetizers and main courses due to the crowds. However, the excellent drinks and atmosphere helped mitigate any impatience.

Additionally, while fantastic overall, a couple items missed the mark ever so slightly – Steve found his carne asada tacos to be a tad oversalted, and my mushrooms were just slightly undercooked. But these were fairly small critiques of an otherwise incredible meal.

Tips for Dining at La Vagabunda

After reflecting on my experience at La Vagabunda, I have a few tips for anyone planning a meal there themselves:

Arrive early – By getting there right at opening time, you can avoid the lengthy waits for food when the crowds pour in.
Pace your ordering – Consider spacing out your courses a bit if you notice increasing restaurant traffic. This can help food arrive at more regular intervals.
Ask questions – Don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations or inquire about dishes. The staff is extremely knowledgeable!
Come hungry – You’ll want to have a healthy appetite to truly enjoy the variety of flavors and textures La Vagabunda offers.
Make reservations – This restaurant books up quickly, especially on weekends or holidays. Calling ahead ensures you’ll get a table.

An Unforgettable Evening in Mexico at La Vagabunda

As Steve settled up our check and we prepared to make the short walk back to our apartment, I felt gratitude and contentment washing over me. Experiencing La Vagabunda had been the ideal way to spend a balmy Mexican evening with my love. Not even the prospect of the crowded streets could dampen my mood!

Stepping outside, I noticed the striped awning over the entryway swaying gently in the breeze coming off the nearby coastline. The moon shone brightly above, palm trees rustling. Arm in arm with Steve, the spicy lingering flavors of La Vagabunda’s fabulous regional fare still dancing on my tongue, I knew I’d remember this incredible experience for years to come whenever I thought back fondly on my expat life in Mexico.

Opening Hours: Daily from 7:00 am – 23:45 pm.

Author Bio

Samantha James is a freelance writer and avid traveler originally from San Diego. After falling in love with Playa del Carmen while on vacation, she took a leap and moved to Mexico to embark on expat life.

Samantha enjoys immersing herself in the local culture, beach-hopping along the Riviera Maya, and especially seeking out the best regional cuisine. She hopes to provide helpful tips and stories to others planning memorable trips to this coastal paradise. She is married with a husband, Steve.

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