Campo Real: A Hidden Gem for Fresh Juice and Healthy Sandwiches

Campo Real serves fresh juices from 15-40 pesos, healthy sandwiches on whole wheat bread for 20-35 pesos, and generous salads for 30-80 pesos from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday-Saturday at Calle 45 between 16th and 18th Streets. A complete healthy lunch with juice and sandwich costs under 100 pesos ($5-6 USD), significantly less than tourist-zone prices, making it a favorite among locals and budget-conscious expats in Playa del Carmen.

If you're looking for a healthy, affordable meal away from the tourist-heavy areas of Playa del Carmen, Campo Real is exactly what you need. This unassuming local spot specializes in fresh juices, smoothies, salads, and sandwiches, all at prices that won't break the bank. As someone who tries to eat healthy without spending a fortune, discovering this place was a major change for my daily routine here.

What Makes Campo Real Special

Campo Real is the kind of place that locals frequent but tourists rarely discover. It's not flashy or Instagram-worthy, but what it lacks in ambiance it makes up for in quality, freshness, and value. The staff is friendly and patient (even with my still-improving Spanish), the food is made fresh to order right in front of you, and you'll feel good about what you're eating.

This is particularly convenient if you're running errands in that part of town, it's located near the Aguakan water company office, making it a perfect lunch stop if you're paying utilities. I discovered it exactly that way: hungry after waiting in line to pay my water bill, and grateful to find something healthy nearby instead of defaulting to tacos (not that there's anything wrong with tacos). For more local favorites and daily life tips in Playa del Carmen, explore our guides.

The vibe is authentically local. You'll see workers on lunch breaks, neighbors catching up, and the occasional expat who's been let in on the secret. There's nothing pretentious about it, just good, fresh food served quickly and affordably.

The Menu

Campo Real keeps things simple with a focus on healthy options. Everything is made fresh when you order, so you might wait a few minutes during busy times, but it's worth it.

Beverages

• Aguas (fruit and water blends): 15-30 pesos, Perfect for hot days, refreshing and natural
• Fresh juices (orange, grapefruit): 15-30 pesos, Squeezed right in front of you
• Specialty juices (pineapple, carrot, green juice, mandarin): 25-40 pesos, Great variety for health enthusiasts
• Licuados (smoothies): Similar pricing to specialty juices, Filling enough to count as a light meal

Food

• Fresh salads: 30-80 pesos, Generous portions with fresh vegetables
• Sandwiches on whole wheat bread: 20-35 pesos, Surprisingly satisfying for the price

The prices are remarkably affordable, especially compared to what you'd pay in the tourist zones where similar items cost three times as much. A full lunch with a juice and sandwich will set you back less than 100 pesos, that's roughly $5-6 USD for a healthy, filling meal. Try doing that on 5th Avenue!

My Recommendations

After many visits, here are my go-to orders:

• The green juice: Refreshing, healthy, and the perfect antidote to a heavy dinner the night before
• Carrot-orange juice: Sweet and vitamin-packed, great for immune support
• Whole wheat sandwich with chicken: Simple, satisfying, and won't leave you feeling sluggish
• Any of the licuados: If you want something more substantial, these smoothies are filling and delicious

Location and Hours

Address: Calle 45 between 16th and 18th Streets, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo 77710

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Closed Sundays)

Phone: 984-147-8073

Note that they close early afternoon, so this is really a breakfast and lunch spot. The early morning hours are perfect for grabbing a fresh juice on your way to work or starting your day with something healthy before the heat sets in.

Tips for Visiting

• Come hungry: The portions are generous for the price, and everything is so affordable you might order more than planned
• Try the green juice: If you're looking for something refreshing and healthy, this is their specialty
• Brush up on Spanish: Don't expect English menus or English-speaking staff, use a translation app if needed, or just point at what looks good
• Bring cash: As with most local establishments, cards aren't accepted. Small bills are appreciated
• Early morning is best: The freshest juices and shortest lines happen before 9am
• Be patient: Everything is made to order, so relax and enjoy the local atmosphere while you wait
• Combine with errands: The location makes it easy to knock out utility payments and lunch in one trip

The Bottom Line

Campo Real represents the best of local Playa del Carmen dining: honest food, fair prices, and a welcoming atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you can eat healthy without paying tourist prices, and where you'll feel like part of the neighborhood rather than a visitor passing through.

If you're an expat looking to stretch your pesos while still eating well, add Campo Real to your regular rotation. It's become one of my weekly stops, and my wallet and my body both thank me for it. Places like this are why I love living here, once you know where to look, you can live incredibly well on a reasonable budget. Connect with other Playa expats on Expatslist to discover more local favorites. Explore other Mexico destinations for healthy eating on a budget.