Review: Madrez Café
Photos from Madrez Café
My Rating & Scores
Location & How I Got There
Address: Madrez Café, Calle 44 Nte, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico.
During my recent trip to Playa del Carmen, I had to visit my go to Madrez Café. It’s a charming little street-side café, just 1.5 blocks from the beach, so you can catch glimpses of the ocean if you position yourself right—though it’s not directly on the water. What I loved most about the location was how easy it was to access everything. I walked there from my hotel on 15th in under 10 minutes, and it’s super convenient if you’re coming from the ADO bus station, which is only a short walk. As someone who relies on public transport and foot power in new places, this made it a go-to spot for me multiple times during my stay.
Getting There
I found it incredibly walkable—whether you’re staying in central Playa or arriving by bus at the ADO station. It’s peaceful, away from the heavy tourist crowds, but still central enough that you can pop over to 5th Avenue for shopping or head straight to the beach after your meal. Street parking is limited, but since it’s small, I never had trouble finding a spot to sit outside.
- Easy 5-10 minute walk from 5th Avenue hotels.
- Close to ADO bus station for travelers arriving from Cancun or Tulum.
- Bicycle-friendly with racks nearby; I saw locals biking in.
Accessibility
As a street-side spot, it’s ground-level and easy to access, but the limited seating means it can feel a bit tight if you’re with a group or have mobility needs. I noticed a small ramp at the entrance, which was helpful for a friend with a stroller.
- Ground-level with tables easily accessible.
- Outdoor seating is accessible, but indoor space is cozy and limited.
- Staff were quick to help rearrange chairs when needed.
Ambience & What It Feels Like
Madrez Café is one of those small, charming spots that feels like a hidden gem rather than a trendy hotspot. With limited seating—maybe 20 spots inside and out—it’s intimate and unpretentious, perfect for a quiet morning. The décor is simple: rustic wood tables, some local art on the walls, and a few plants adding a touch of green. It’s not trying to be Instagram-famous or overly stylish; instead, it’s reliable and welcoming, like a neighborhood café where you can relax without the hype. I spent hours there on different days, and it always felt cozy and unhurried.
Seating & Layout
The layout is straightforward— a mix of small indoor tables and a handful of outdoor ones right on the street. Seating is limited, so it can fill up quickly during brunch hours, but that adds to the charm. I preferred the outdoor spots for the fresh air and people-watching.
- Limited indoor and outdoor tables for an intimate feel.
- Cozy corners for solo visitors like me, or small tables for couples.
- Fans keep it comfortable, even in the tropical heat.
Vibe
The vibe is relaxed and reliable—not trendy or buzzing with music. It’s quiet enough for conversation or reading, with just the sounds of the street and occasional chatter. I appreciated how it felt like a dependable spot for amazing food rather than a scene to be seen in.
- Peaceful mornings, with a gentle buzz during brunch.
- No loud music; it’s all about the food and company.
Menu & What I Ate
The menu at Madrez Café is small by design, but every item I tried was homemade with care, using fresh, local ingredients—many of which are made in-house, like the salsas and breads. It’s not overwhelming with choices, which I loved; it lets the quality shine through. The coffees were stellar, rich and perfectly brewed from Mexican beans, and the fruit waters (aguas frescas) were a refreshing standout, bursting with natural flavors. Everything felt fresh and thoughtfully prepared, making each visit memorable.
Breakfast & Brunch Favorites
I started most days with their egg skillet, which had perfect eggs on potatoes and peppers with homemade sausage and a chipoltle sauce that was exceptional. With a couple to fresh tortillas to round out the plate it hits teh spot every time.
- Huevos motuleños with in-house black beans and plantains.
- Pancakes topped with fresh tropical fruit and agave.
- Toasted english muffin with fluffy eggs, bacon, avacado and tomato.
- Granola bowls made fresh daily.
Coffee & Beverages
The coffee here is what kept me coming back—stellar espresso and pour-overs that tasted like they were crafted with love. But the real surprise was the specialty lemonades; I tried the hibiscus and lime ones, and they were incredibly refreshing, made with real fruits and no artificial stuff.
- Stellar coffees: espresso, pour-over, French press from single-origin beans.
- Creative lattes like lavender or turmeric.
- Homemade fruit waters (aguas frescas)—try the stellar hibiscus or mango.
Specialty & Vegan Options
While I am not one that appreciates plant-based options, I was impressed by how many items could be adapted. The vegan options were fresh and homemade, not an afterthought.
- Vegan and gluten-free choices, clearly marked.
- Plant-based milks for coffees.
- Homemade vegan pastries and bowls.
Service & The People
The staff at Madrez Café made my visits special—they were so friendly and attentive, remembering my order after just one visit. It felt personal, like chatting with friends, and they were quick to recommend based on what I liked.
- Multilingual and super welcoming.
- Fast service, even when it got busy.
- Always with a genuine smile and helpful tips.
Atmosphere & Views
The atmosphere is reliably charming—small, unpretentious, and focused on the food. From the street-side seats, you get peeks of the beach just 1.5 blocks away, which added a nice touch to my mornings.
- Views: Glimpses of the Caribbean, 1.5 blocks away.
- For Work: Quiet enough for laptops with WiFi.
- For Groups/Families: Welcoming, with space for kids.
Value for Money
For the homemade quality, it felt like a steal. I paid around 150 MXN for a full breakfast and coffee, and left feeling it was worth every peso.
- Breakfast plates: 120–200 MXN.
- Coffees: 40–90 MXN.
- Fruit waters: 35–60 MXN.
How It Fits in Playa del Carmen
In a town full of trendy spots, Madrez is a reliable standout for amazing homemade food, without the crowds or hype.
My Final Thoughts
Madrez Café is a once or twice stop each visit in Playa del Carmen—small, charming, and consistently amazing. If you’re looking for homemade food and stellar drinks in a no-fuss spot, this is it.
- Homemade everything, with stellar coffees and fruit waters.
- Charming, reliable vibe—not trendy, just great.
- Friendly staff and easy location.
