Negro huitlacoxe — Restaurant in Quintana Roo

I wanted to love this place so bad. There were many excellent reviews not only in google but recommended from reddit and other forums. The menu looks unique (huitlacoxe!!) and unlike other spots in the area. Sadly this another restaurant catered to those with blander taste buds.

We ordered Birria tacos, which was MXN100 for one singular small deep fried taco, with the driest beef I’ve ever tasted. The tortilla was so crispy it cut our mouths. The consommé was bland and unseasoned. Of course I had to try the huitlacoxe taco, I researched before hand what it was and it seemed interesting. Unfortunately there was limited flavor, it had some earthiness but it really needed the salsas and topping provided (which were good). We also got the pollito tamale, which honestly tasted like veggie lasagna that you get in a tinfoil from a crappy Italian American spot in the US. The tomato was unseasoned, just raw tomato taste, the chicken was over cooked and there was no flavor in the tamal itself. Was extremely disappointed. As for positives, we ordered the corn which came with a spice blend and it was very good. But it’s street corn at the end of the day and it’s hard to mess that up.

Along with the food being severely lacking in taste, the service was abysmal. I am aware in other places things work in a different pace than the United States, and an extremely forgiving of slower service/less attentiveness snd personally prefer that over a server being constantly coming by. That being said, we had ordered our food and drinks. After receiving food we didn’t get our drinks, thinking it would come later. No problem we can eat first and enjoy the drink after. We finished eating around 9, and by 9:35 no one came to check on us. We saw there was a large party and they were highly occupied with them. People that arrived well after us had left. I could see other small parties also waiting excessively. At this point we wanted to just pay and leave. We got someone’s attention and asked for the bill without the drinks. That took an additional 10 minutes and then they said they lost the slip and asked us what we ordered…then they found it. Then finally we could pay. Luckily we paid in cash so we quickly got out of there.

In terms of atmosphere. The music was a touch too loud, it made it difficult to communicate with each other and the staff. I loved the presentation of everything, as well as the plates and dishes used for serving. But presentation can only take you so far. There has to be good tasting food.

There are several carts selling tacos for 1/6 of the price, and while they may lack the “refinement” of this establishment you will have better, friendlier, and most importantly...

No idea how authentic it is, I'm just another tourist, but it's really good. Everything seems high quality and well prepared and nicely presented. Just the right balance between a little fancy but not high end or too touristy. Just well made food with good ingredients and a few unique touches. We had five dishes and all of them were five star, including the simple but really tasty sauces they brought out. Can recommend chilaquiles with carnitas shredded pork.

It was a good antidote to the kind of touristy resort food I've had before. Everything here is so flavorful. The chilaquiles were messy, with lots of fresh herbal green stuff on top, mixed with the salty cheese and pulled pork on bottom. Sort of like if you mixed nachos with vietnamese food. I had the fatality dessert which is a really good coffee ice cream with chocolate covered coffee beans mixed in.

The main drag is very touristy, but this is on a side street. The street atmosphere is not sketchy or anything, but it seemed surprising to find a place with such high quality food here. There's people constantly coming and going up the little staircase to a bar/apartments upstairs. We got visits from random people's dogs passing by (and a cat). The interior is a bit cramped, the table by the entrance was best, it's not as hot there.

My only complaint is that near the end of the meal they brought out bucket of burning citronella (or something like that, I assume this was to keep away mosquitoes). There was no mosquito problem while we were eating, and it was like someone started a campfire four feet from our table. Luckily we were done and waiting on the check at that point.

Otherwise no complaints, and the service was pretty good, they spoke English well and got the food out pretty quick, though there was a little delay...

An Oasis of Flavor and SpiritIn the heart of the city, I stumbled upon a culinary sanctuary that feels like a portal to Tulum’s soul. Stepping inside, I was enveloped by an ambiance that marries rustic charm with an undercurrent of mystical energy—every detail whispers a story of tradition and heart.The evening unfolded with a culinary journey that began with the Quesadilla Costillas—a harmonious blend of tender, slow-cooked ribs enveloped in a perfectly toasted tortilla. Each bite was a reminder of the art of patience, the meat infused with flavors that could only come from hours of careful preparation. It was not just a dish; it was an invitation to pause, savor, and be present.Then came the Quesadilla Birria. Here, the richness of the birria danced with the earthy undertones of the tortilla, creating a symphony that was both grounding and uplifting. The depth of the broth, almost like a sacred elixir, lingered on my palate, leaving me in quiet reverence for the chef’s craft.But it was the Elotes that truly elevated the experience to something almost spiritual. The corn, with its smoky, charred kernels, was a revelation. Each bite was like a ritual, the creamy, spiced coating bringing a warmth that resonated deep within. It was as if the corn held within it the very essence of the sun, the earth, and the hands that tended it.This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a space where food becomes a medium of connection—between land and soul, between tradition and innovation. Whether you come seeking nourishment or a moment of culinary meditation, this place offers both in abundance.In a world that often rushes, this is a reminder to slow down, to savor, and to let the flavors carry you to places both familiar and yet undiscovered. It’s more than a meal;...