Steak & Tonic - Playa del Carmen

We make a habit of walking all over Playa (as I write a travel blog) in the hopes of discovering new eats/shops and every once in a while we come across something new that invites us in for a second look. Steak & Tonic just opened recently in part of the Soul Beach Hotel. You are drawn in initially by the upscale look - beautifully designed with the clever use of stone, glass & wood. We were thinking it was out of our budget for lunch but Matthew explained their menu, their use of Josper cooking, (see below) and we were intrigued. There were only a few people dining but once they left we had our server Matthew & Vincent, the bar tender all to ourselves. Matthew explained the menu and their unique way of cooking called Josper. It is a charcoal oven / grill method of cooking that is known as the 'thrill of the grill' from the research I've done. We chose a chicken dish (my husband would've preferred the steak!) which was so juicy and tasty and it was accompanied by a nicely dressed green salad and perfectly cooked mashed potatoes (they don't always come that way in other dining spots). We were waited on hand and foot, and really enjoyed the ambiance. There is a 5 story hand-painted mural that is a wonder to the eye on one wall, and then plants & foliage on the other wall. What a cool idea. This place was still in its early opening phase so it will be interesting to see the final product. Vincent made us a classic margarita that was delish and made a margarita the way it should be made. They offered us a tour of their rooftop bar and wow what spectacular views & another feast for the eyes. We met the server Rudolpho (remind you of Johnny Depp)and the main bartender Cesar and his apprentice Jared. Cesar explained his mixology methods especially with gin (ergo the name of the restaurant) & went into great detail about flavors & spices that he will be using on the new bar menu. It was such a fun experience having the place to ourselves & great banter with the staff. There is a pool, loungers, day beds, showers all available for your use (there may have a consumption charge but the day we were there we were just invited to hang out). As this place becomes better known I'm sure this up close & personal service will wane but I have a good feeling if they choose the quality of staff like this group of great people, they may just be able to maintain it! We had a great day overall & plan on going back again and again. Thanks to all, and hope to see you on my return in late March 2017. Salud & good luck to this new addition to Playa!

El restaurant está dentro de un hotel nuevo y muy lujoso! Vine con mi novia y me atendieron muy bien .... la decoración es hermosa! Amo la madera y el concepto de este restaurant es fabuloso!Pedimos un Rib Eye y lo prepararon en un horno con parrilla y tenía un gusto ahumado delicioso! Gracias Carlos (el mesero) que nos recomendó otros lugares para visitar y conocer! con gusto volveremos !