We first stopped at Alux in El Ejido to have a drink, a half an hour , and one very rude manager later, they told us they were having a private party and could not accommodate our group. That is all fine and dandy but they certainly didn't need us to wait nearly 40 minutes to give us that answer. We had originally planned on going to Alux for a drink and then onto Buenos Aires Argentinean Grill who told us they would be able to seat us at 10:30 when we called from Alux. Once Alux was out we had nearly two hours to kill until our dinner reservation. We cancelled the 10:30 table and decided to forge ahead on our own.

Someone suggested a new Argentinean Grill located on 5th and 30th in Playa del Carmen. We arrived and they were more then willing to accommodate our group. They put us outside on the patio right on 5th Avenue where we could be raucous and enjoy the people watching. I split a rib eye with a friend and it was HUGE. Accompanied by a large side of crispy fries and a fresh green salad it was well worth the 250.00 pesos for a top notch steak that filled us both up. We ordered it medium rare, and it came more on the rare side, but was still absolutely delicious. Web Guy ordered the pork Milanesa and for only 80.00 pesos it could have fed an army. The rest of the table ordered steaks and everyone was fully satiated. Did you know Swedes were such carnivores?

So who was behind this great new restaurant? Two Argentinean friends; Christian Castro, former manager of Zócalo, and Argentinean chef, Walter Panpinella opened Parilla Arracheras in late December, and have been getting a steady following ever since. Together they gave us amazing service and excellent fare. The Swedes were happy, the Playenses were happy, and it was a night to remember. With 15 people eating steaks, drinking wine, and top shelf tequila the bill came out to be about $4,500.00 pesos, which was absolutely fair. All that and a round of Centenario on the house is a great reason to return!

Parilla Arracheras is located on the corner of 5th Avenue and 30th Street. It is located in a small courtyard right between an Italian ice cream shop and a Mediterranean grill. Open 1:00 PM until Midnight Monday through Saturday.