Sometimes, even in Mexico, all you want is beef, good ol’ fashioned Prime USDA hamburgers or steaks, anything but Mexican food, por favor. Wicky’s Restaurant and Beach House, a beachfront restaurant in Playa del Carmen,  serves USDA Prime Beef, Seafood, and American Cuisine in Mexico 7 days a week.

Wicky's USDA Prime Hamburger

It’s easy to find! Take a walk down the Playa del Carmen beach or head toward the Caribbean from 5th Avenue to 10th Street at the base of the El Faro Lighthouse, to Playa’s biggest dining secret, the beachfront restaurant Wicky’s, Playa del Carmen, Restaurant and Beach House.

We were only three days into our Mexican family vacation at the all-inclusive Gran Porto Real, where the food was great, but we were hankering for a Burger. Our family and friends chose a few tables on Wicky’s deck, in the shade overlooking the Caribbean (although lounge chairs were also available on the beach, serviced by the Wicky’s staff). Centrally located, Wicky’s also is a prime Playa beach location.

Within minutes of making ourselves at home, a friendly waiter was at our side. We kicked back, had lunch and a few beers, and took some time out of the sun. My two grandchildren (ages 4 and 6) built sandcastles right in front of us – it was a perfect, family-friendly setting in Playa del Carmen to dine and kick back.

My hubby and I shared a Playa Burger: Swiss Cheese, Sautéed mushrooms & Caramelized Onions, the best burger I’ve ever had in Mexico and I’d challenge most any burger joint in the U.S. to match it.

Besides cold beer, bartender Omar mixes up a killer margarita, perfect pairing any time of the day!

Of course, I had to return for their dinner menu, a bit pricier than the breakfast or lunch, but again, I was wowed by the freshness of the beef and seafood. Each dish featured a standout flavor that enhanced the meal.

Starting with lunch, I wanted to sop up the juice from the hamburger with my French fries, and the Applewood Smoked Bacon on the Classic Club was cooked perfectly!

For dinner, the Arugula Salad dressing was a lightly drizzled warm bacon vinaigrette:

Wicky's Aurgula Salad with Warm Bacon Viniagrette Dressing

Appetizers — pick one any one, and you’ll be happy. Our choices: shrimp and Baked Brie

Wicky's Shrimp a la Playa Shrimp A La Playa Oaxaca-Jalapeno Stuffed Shrimp, Bacon Wrapped, Dulce Ajo Butter

Wicky's baked Brie - Baked Brie Fresh Apple, Strawberries, Candied Pecans, Crostinis, Wild Orange Blossom Honey

And the steaks – Oh MY!  Not only cooked to perfection are these hand-cut steaks, but the reductions, from the Filet Mignon’s Port Wine Demi Glace to the New York Strip’s Brandy Au Poivre, enhanced the USDA prime imported fresh from the U.S. of A.

USDA Prime New York Strip at Wicky's in Playa del Carmen Mexico

The seafood is equally fresh, caught from the surrounding Caribbean waters. My grandson couldn’t get enough of the crab legs and melted butter.

Wicky's fresh crab legs

Add a la carte items, such as Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese (favorite of the kids!), Twice Baked Potatoes or freshly grilled Asparagus. Mix in an extensive wine list, and Wicky’s was my favorite culinary experience in Playa del Carmen!

My compliments to the stand-out, friendly staff and the amazing back-of-the-house and chef; this is the best American Cuisine restaurant available in Playa del Carmen.  We should know, we dined their three time – two lunches and one amazing dinner, several glasses of wine, buckets of beer, and many margaritas!

View of Wicky's from the beach overlooking the pool

Wicky’s Playa del Carmen Restaurant & Beach Club
Calle 10 Nte. Mza 21 Lt. 1 Col Centro
Playa del Carmen, Mexico 77710; 984-873-3541;

Blog by Diana Rowe

Photos © Diana Rowe & Wicky’s