Chimbo's Beach Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Isla Mujeres

We had a great day on Playa Norte at Chimbo's. We parked our golf cart along the side street that led to Chimbo's. We were greeted out front by Selena, who was also our server. Our visit was not during the high season, so it might have been easier than usual to get a table ON the beach, but we had our choice of tables. Selena told us that as long as we were customers, we could stay at the table, which was just 10 feet away from the beach chairs. Our table had an umbrella and we just stayed there all afternoon, taking turns getting in the ocean so that we could keep an eye on our stuff. With no fee for the table, we felt we got a great deal on the 3 lunches, mixed drinks, beers, etc. that we enjoyed. In addition to the tip already included, I added a big tip and we still spent only USD$65 for everything. Selena never hovered but was always available when we wanted to order more drinks or food. The Chimbo's building was undergoing renovations, so there wasn't seating inside, but considering that it was just a 3-sided Palapa, totally open to the beach, there really wasn't an "inside" and "outside" anyway. It's not a fancy place, but the food was great, the service good, and the ocean/beach wonderful. Oh and there were ladies giving massages right next to Chimbo's for only $25 for a half hour ($35 for an hour). My wife took advantage of that and...

So the reviews are right. They will try and cheat you here. Avoid!

Came a few days ago and just got two beers and a lemonade. Got our bill and it was fine. Then, saw the reviews and was like, "Huh! We didn't experience that"

Went back yesterday and shared guac and had 4 beers each watching the sunset. Was served by a guy who introduced himself as Jesus. The guac was good and the service was fine, but not great. Asked for the bill, and Jesus shows me a total of almost 800 pesos (scam attempt 1) , just on his phone. I had pre-mathed and knew if should be 590. So I said "Oh I don't think that's right." He immediately changed it on his phone to 678. I was like, "Oh our total plus 15%?" and he was like awkward laugh "oh yeah" (scam attempt two...hoping I tipped on top of that?)

Anyways, at that point I just paid the 678 and left cause I didn't want to argue (tip was definitely not deserved at this point though!) We did loungers at Mayan Beach the day before and they were honest re: billing (and had great service!) so I'd recommend...

I'll share my experience as best I can. I had a very good time in this place. (The beer is cheaper than next door.) Our table had a fan pointing our way that wasn't working, although there was another one with a working fan we stayed. It was closer to the beach and the breeze was amazing. The liter drinks are inexpensive and decent, the food came through fast and the view was awesome, the beach there was beautiful, great depth, easily one of the cleanest beaches I got to see. Try their agua chile (best one so far after trying at least 4 different agua chile plates elsewhere), their stuffed calamari, coconut shrimp (these right here tasted too good, their breading and sauce were solid), or the stuffed fish. The price was worth the experience for us and for a spot on that beach I would definitely go there again. I can't stress this enough, try the agua chile and add some of the green habanero sauce they have there....