Barra Artesanal — Local services in Playa del Carmen

Used to Be My Favorite Bar – Until a Terrible Experience with the Owner

This used to be one of my favorite bars in Playa del Carmen. The bartenders are amazing — we built a great friendship with them and with the lady who does the cooking. They truly made the place feel warm and welcoming.

Unfortunately, our most recent experience was ruined by a very unpleasant encounter with the owner. We didn’t realize at first that he was the owner — he approached us while clearly very intoxicated, speaking incoherently and behaving in a way that was rude, unprofessional, and aggressive. We tried to distance ourselves and politely asked to be left alone, only to find out later from our bartender friends that he was the owner.

After we paid our tab and attempted to leave, he began flipping us off and saying, “Finally you’re leaving,” in an extremely disrespectful manner. As we tried to walk away to de-escalate the situation, he continued to approach us aggressively.

What hurt the most was that his hostility appeared to be directed at us because we are Mexican-Americans visiting from the U.S. He repeatedly made offensive remarks like, “You wish you were a real Mexican.” That kind of comment is unacceptable — I am proud of who I am and where I come from, and I stand strong in my identity and with my people.

It’s heartbreaking to say, but I will not be returning to this bar. No customer deserves to be treated this way — especially...

Worst customer service and food I've had in Mexico in awhile. All meat was super dry, hardly anything I would pay twice the going rate for tacos. I ordered veggie and they served me chicken and forced me to pay for it. The server swears I ordered chicken yet I was speaking English and many times she had me repeat things because she's Spanish, so how can she say I ordered chicken when I didn't and English is her second language? Like I said, horrible customer service. Would never recommend this place.

Update: Wow now they are trying to lie again!! I can not believe this place. I left the chicken untouched and repeated asked for my veggie taco which they wouldn't serve me unless I paid for another one. They say I ate all the food. Wow, honestly such liars here. I stand with worst customer service around. I mean, a taco costs very little especially veggie. And your going to force me to pay for something like this when you got the order wrong. It's very upsetting that any restaurant would defend itself in this way with a bunch of dishonest information.

I stand with the food was over cooked and dry. It was absolutely horrible. I ate it only because I was starving and haven't eaten all day. But I did not eat the chicken I requested...

I visit this place regulary for 8 years (exept covid time)... This was a nice place! All prices exposed Still remember price list Today: no price list; I expected to get a pint (573 ml) as usual. What I got ? -330 ml . Price (to my best memory ) - at leats 30% higher (I mean for a pint for the last year) This is your a personal choice, but prices got up more, much more than 2 times Food? Nachos - a several chips plus processed chees (up to 30% from last year. No problem - this your choice.. inflation... Service: could be much , much, much better.. Bill? Forget. Just a calculator from the waitress and sum of money dispaled on the screen - to be paid without questions

This was my last visit Your choice

This was a bit agressive respond (see above) Price situation compared with X-mas time 2022 (a bit more then one year) There was no sign of bill.. I just was going to share my negative experience This is your business But there is a BUT: I was rude 65 years ago with my parents being silly boy (still ashamed for this) This "blame" is a pure case of insulting and dishonesty. Can I expect apologies? Let's follow universal idea: "Honesty is the...