Karen’s Restaurante — Restaurant in Playa del Carmen

We made our way over to Playa after spending the last two months in Cozumel so that we could catch a shuttle to the Cancun airport the next day. After walking for a while we found Karen's, which one of very few restaurants that was willing to welcome our Service Dogs. They were running a special on their cheeseburger combos that included a free drink. So when the server came to our table he asked us for our drink order. We gave it to him and continued to look over the menu. When returned with our drinks, we all ordered the cheeseburger combos. It was then that we learned that our drinks that we just ordered did not count as part of the combo because we ordered them before we ordered the food. So we still received the additional drinks that were part of the combo, just felt like that was a little underhanded. When the server bought me the ticket is was 140 pesos more than what I had expected it to be. After careful review, I realized he had added his own tip but told me it was taxes. Too bad for him because it was just a 15% tip, I would have given him 20%, but when servers take it upon themselves to tip themselves, they get...

WATCH WHAT THEY CHARGE YOU!!! Where to begin… we found this place online because we were looking for more of a variety and they seem to have it all. We got there and to start with the service was great. The staff were very attentive and quick. The food came out and it was AWFUL. I had a steak with a potato and salad (which I would not have ordered if I knew that $650 pesos was $40! - DEFINITELY not the atmosphere of a $40 steak). Anyways, the steak was totally unseasoned, the salad dressing was spoiled, and the baked potato was literally just that a single potato that had been baked, no fixings. When it came time to pay, our total was $102 USD!!!!! For two people!! (One drink on a BOGO deal, 2 entrees, and a coke). Obviously there was a language barrier so we paid our bill and left. After looking at the receipt, the restaurant had charged a 20% tip, which we didn’t know because it’s all in Spanish, and then asked for tips on top of that, PLUS tips for the band. All together we’re out $150 for the worst meal we’ve had in Playa so far. Do not recommend...

Edited there’s no star for “value” … my original review was written from the “QR code” our server presented to us, when we were still enjoying the vibrant, friendly atmosphere - PRIOR to receiving the bill …. Be warned - and read the other reviews - it has been reported that adding a tip is illegal in Mexico - in this case it was listed as “propina” - with no warning - the expectation is to pay quickly, no chance to review the bill … and somehow it ended up costing more than what a full course dinner for 2 should - (for 2 cocktails and one enchiladas) WAY TOO MUCH 😒 It is a shame that service and integrity are being eclipsed by a desire to scam tourists - it’s the kind of place you eat at once, after you realize you’ve been ripped off and should’ve known better. We’ve learned our lesson. The setting is great - colourful and fun - our servers were friendly and helpful …but it doesn’t compensate for the bad taste...