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The 8 Best Laptop-Friendly Cafes in Playa del Carmen

The 8 Best Laptop-Friendly Cafes in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is known to be one the top remote work hubs in the whole of Mexico, so here you'll find plenty of cafes and coffee shops to take advantage of their fast free WiFi while tasting delicious food.

After spending a month living and working here, I've tried and tested some of the best ones Playa del Carmen has to offer and I'm ready to share with you my curated list of the top laptop-friendly cafes and coffee shops to get some work done while enjoying this beautiful beach town.

1. Basic Foodie – The Best Cafe Overall

Basic Foodie
My favorite cafe in Playa del Carmen | Photo: @freakingnomads

Basic Foodie is the ultimate hidden gem for laptop-friendly cafes in Playa del Carmen! One of the best-kept secrets among digital nomads in town, this artisan bakery has quickly become my go-to spot during my stay in PDC.

They have this open layout concept, which creates a seamless flow between spaces, so you can work both indoors and outdoors. The decor is minimalistic yet cozy (no wonder they also operate as an interior design firm!).

The Wi-Fi is fast, seats are comfortable, and tables are spacious. But the real highlight is the welcoming staff, genuinely happy to have you working there all day. They even gifted me conchas (a kind of Mexican sweet bread) at closing time!

The only downside is a lack of power plugs outside. But hey, that's what power banks are for, right? It's a small price to pay for such an incredible workspace!

Basic Foodie Information

2. Choux Choux Cafe – Best Tropical Feel

Choux Choux Cafe
Doesn't get more tropical than this

A couple minutes away from Basic Foodie, there is Choux Choux. It's the unofficial headquarters for digital nomads in Playa del Carmen and the kind of place where you’ll easily spot other remote workers typing away on their laptops.

This place gives strong bohemian vibes, with tons of natural light, lush greenery, and colorful murals. It was the first spot in PDC that made me realize: "Whoa, I'm actually working from the Mexican Caribbean!"

But it is also a very functional space. The Wi-Fi is strong enough to handle video calls, and the spacious indoor tables come with plenty of plugs. I’d steer clear of the outdoor seating, though, as those chairs can be a bit uncomfortable.

Also, be aware that Choux Choux is a very popular spot, especially during brunch and lunch. The staff might start giving you the side-eye if you’re camping out without ordering, so my advice is to keep those coffee orders coming!

Choux Choux Cafe Information

3. Bajo Cafe – Best Casual Vibes

Bajo Cafe
A cool place for some casual work | Photo: @freakingnomads

Bajo Cafe is another beloved digital nomad spot located within Mercado 30, an outdoor food court that feels more like a community hub than a simple dining area. It is the perfect place for those days when you need to work but also want to get a meal without having to abandon your laptop.

The place is filled with remote workers, especially in the afternoons when it can get a tad busy and noisy. But that’s part of the charm! You’ll find plenty of other nomads to chat with, making it easy to take a quick break from work and connect.

The Wi-Fi is solid, and the tables are spacious enough to spread out your favorite tech gear. And if you ever find yourself too far from a power outlet, the friendly staff is quick to lend you a cable. How awesome is that?

I must say that while the food and coffee are great, they do lean on the pricier side. So, it might not be your everyday spot. In my opinion, though, it’s still worth a visit when Basic Foodie (just a short stroll away) is full.

Bajo Cafe Information

4. MiDogo Cafe – Best for Coziness

MiDogo Cafe
Puppies and a laptop are all you need | Photo: @iamdavidgauthier

At first glance, MiDogo Cafe might not catch your eye as it looks like a small, unassuming spot. But don't be fooled! Once you step inside, you'll find that it's truly the coziest cafe in Playa del Carmen.

The space is intimate, with decor that feels like a warm hug: dark hues, soft yellow lighting, and plenty of warm wood tones to make you feel right at home. The baristas are super friendly and welcoming and don't mind if you decide to work there all day.

For the best experience, I recommend the padded seats along the wall. They're more comfy but also conveniently close to a few power outlets (though these are a bit scarce to be honest). The tables might be a bit low, but with my trusty laptop stand, I managed just fine. The Wi-Fi is generally reliable, but if you're planning to tackle heavy-duty tasks, you might want to double-check first.

MiDogo Cafe Information

5. Fresco Hábito – Best for Healthy Food

Fresco Hábito
The best buddha bowl in town

I quickly learned that trying to get a table at Fresco Hábito in the late morning is no easy feat. But once I wised up and arrived before the brunch rush, I discovered it's a fantastic place to work.

The Wi-Fi is strong, and the menu is packed with healthy, nutritious food and drinks. The cafe itself perfectly captures those vibrant Mexican tropical vibes that make the Yucatan such a unique experience for remote workers.

The tables and seats are pretty comfy, so it will be easy for you to settle in and have a productive day. For the best experience, I would advise you to grab a table facing the street—it’s perfect for a bit of people-watching while you get things done!

Fresco Hábito Information

6. Marley Coffee – Best Digital Nomad Community

Marley Coffee
Perfect to meet other nomads | Photo: @caffeinate.la

As you wander through the centro of PDC, you're likely to come across Marley Coffee, a favorite among digital nomads due to its prime location. It's located at the ground floor of The Five Hotel and it's a sort of homage to Bob Marley, with plenty of reggae-inspired decor.

The Wi-Fi is speedy, but the tables and chairs might start to feel a bit uncomfortable after a few hours. So, what kept me coming back, you might be asking? One word: the community. Here it was incredibly easy to meet and chat with other remote workers, which for me is invaluable!

Marley Coffee Information

7. Ah Cacao – Best for Working After Hours

Ah Cacao
Open at night | Photo: @jerwinism

With a few locations around town, Ah Cacao is another great place for getting work done while enjoying a cup of coffee. I picked the centrally located branch, and I loved the incredible chocolate-themed drinks they make!

The Wi-fi here is pretty reliable, and you'll find most of the power outlets inside, making it a solid choice for a few hours of work. The best part? They're open until 11:15 PM, which is perfect if you're a night owl.

The only downside here is that it can get a bit noisy—yes, even at night—due to its central location. So, I'd recommend bringing your noise-canceling headphones to block out any distractions!

Ah Cacao Information

8. Ojo de Agua – Best Outdoor Space

Ojo de Agua
Out of a magazine | Photo: @vanessa.bll

Though technically a restaurant, Ojo de Agua is a fantastic place to get some work done if you time it right, either post-lunch or pre-dinner. They have super-fast Wi-Fi, plenty of plugs, and a stunning outdoor space that feels like a lush tropical garden. It's perfect for anyone who loves working in a vibrant, light-filled environment.

The seating is comfortable, and the staff is totally cool with you working there for a few hours during quieter times. Plus, being a great restaurant, Ojo de Agua offers some of the best Mexican and international food and drinks in Playa del Carmen, which is not bad at all.

Ojo de Agua Information

Ready To Find Your Favorite Cafe in Playa del Carmen?

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Luca Mussari
Written by Luca Mussari

Marketer and digital nomad. After leaving his 9-to-5 corporate job in London, he co-founded Freaking Nomads to inspire others to embrace unconventional paths and find happiness wherever they go.

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