Where Can I Find The Coldest Beer in Playa del Carmen and Mom

So for all those that are admittedly sceptical about online reviews and the biases, my immediate disclaimer is that I had never heard of Mom's Bar and Grill, let alone Mom's Hotel, up until about a week when I arrived back in Playa del Carmen. I didn't know Juergen, the German owner who told me later he has been in Playa for seven years, nor any of his great friendly staff...either they come by it naturally or they are very well trained.

Staying nearby, and travelling on my own this time, it has proven to be a great place to spend a couple hours, at the traditional "happy hour" and having a supper meal. So my comments come from that perspective having spent six consecutive nights eating here and drinking a few sociable beers here, and just generally feeling good for a few hours as a result.

With the coldest beer in town (well I never took the thermometer to them but so it seemed), some free pool at leisure allowing me to try to get the eyes and stroke back to where they were years ago when The Hustler was our favorite movie, sports and news on the flat screens from Canada and the US, classic rock in the background, and the friendliest serving personnel in Playa...so far, it worked well for me.

Will it work for you? Depends on what you want. Your standards. Almost everyone wants something reminiscent of home at least once, when travelling, I believe. Otherwise why would we have pizza places, hamburger chains, etc. Well Mom's gives you expats sitting chatting up their day in English, in a bit out of the way place...well a few blocks south of Walmart at 30 th and Calle 4 and the open air atmosphere and blaring of traffic cop whistles during rush hour. It's authentic life, not authentic Mexican.

On that note, however, the Mayan gentleman and his helper who tend the small kitchen have never failed to satisfy my simple palate, albeit from a limited but themed one page menu. This week is been Oktoberfest themed. And I hear he has big plans for Canadian thanksgiving first and then American thanksgiving. These are great when on the road, in another country. Reserve early I am told.

Come with few expectations and just enjoy it if you're like me personality wise...you know, beer glass half full.

But know this: smokers seem to dominate...it is another "is what it is thing". Just a reminder we're not at home. Get near the open air and commiserate with the non smokers. Yes there are poker and card games for the regulars going on Tuesday and Thursday, but hardly bothersome. It's not open on Saturday and Sunday (although I hear Juergen is working plans to open both days soon) and only open from 4-11 during the week. It could be a great place for singles of any age to have some fun and meet up...I didn't see it yet, but high season is coming and that could change.

It's time for me to get out and explore more of Playa and go with new friends to some of Playa's so many fine dining and drinking establishments, but I will always know where to find Mom and the feeling of home. Come by too, if you're like me, I say. Read the full review at Trip Advisor