El Foco Restaurant Bar

El Foco has been on 5a Avenida between Calles 5 and 7 since 1975, which on Cozumel makes it an institution rather than a taqueria. It is family-owned, it has indoor and outdoor seating, and it has been feeding the late-night crowd for five decades.

What To Order

Tacos al pastor and arrachera are the two signatures. The pastor comes off the spit; the arrachera is grilled to order. Salsas are made in house and the beer is cold, which after a long day on a boat is most of the requirement.

Good To Know

Cash only, though they accept both Mexican pesos and US dollars. Open 4:30pm to midnight, closed Wednesdays. The midnight close is the useful part: this is one of the few kitchens in Centro still serving after a night dive or a late boat back. Phone is +52 987 103 8559. It is casual and loud in the best way, with seating spilling onto the street.

Getting There

5a Avenida between Calle 5 and Calle 7, number 433, in the Centro grid. That is two blocks inland from Avenida Rafael E. Melgar and an easy walk from the malecon, the downtown dive shops and the ferry terminal.