Let’s be real—if you’re sticking to the main drags of Tulum, you’re missing it. Tulum isn’t some place you “see”; it’s a place you feel. You have to wander, take side roads, and let the unexpected guide you. And that’s how, at 2 a.m. on a rainy Monday night, I found OG’s, a tucked-away gem in Tulum’s La Veleta District, that’s got enough character to make any city dweller rethink their life.

So there I was, soaked to the bone from an unplanned late-night stroll after drinks and conversation with a new friend—a sexologist-in-the-making from Denmark who’s gearing up to teach trauma-informed practices to aspiring therapists. Yeah, it was one of those nights—the ones that only seem to happen in places like Tulum, where even the rain feels like an invitation to go off-script.

Without much thought, I took a sharp left down an unpaved side street. Mud splashed up around me as I dodged potholes and massive puddles, the tropical rain drenching every layer. Suddenly, through the mist, I spotted a warm glow breaking through the darkness, partially hidden by jungle foliage. I walked closer and there it was—a beautifully encased structure of sleek, black-framed glass, an island of modernity in the midst of wild greenery. Welcome to OG’s.

At first glance, I thought OG’s was a café or maybe a small bar. Inside, I could make out rows of high-end tequila and mezcal lining the shelves, casting soft shadows across the room under moody, ornamental lighting. This wasn’t just a place to grab a drink; it was an invitation to linger. And beyond the café-bar area? The building opened up to a lush, open-air restaurant lined with small white pebbles, hand-carved wooden tables, and chairs that looked like they were designed by someone who understood that “atmosphere” is half the experience.

By the time I finally returned the next day, the vibe was still as magnetic, still as intriguing. Caroline, a soon-to-be foodie and local at OG’s, greeted me like an old friend. She introduced me to the owners, shared a bit about the space, and handed me a menu. I ordered a Dos Equis to start, figuring I’d keep it casual with what I thought would be a trio of al pastor tacos.

But what came to the table was not tacos. Not even close. Instead, the server placed in front of me a work of culinary art—a Corn Flat Al Pastor, a dish that looked like a marriage of flatbread pizza and taco flavors but with a whole new aesthetic. Charred corn flatbread was topped with a bean sauce, crispy pork belly, recado rojo, lime aioli, avocado, xniper, and tatemada sauce. Pickled red onions and cilantro added splashes of color and freshness, bringing the entire creation to life. This was not a taco; this was OG’s reimagining of one.

Now, since COVID stripped me of my taste and smell, I’ve been all about the textures. And OG’s delivered. The flatbread had just the right crunch, charred perfectly so each bite was crispy without falling apart. The bean sauce was creamy, refreshing, coating each bite with a smooth, earthy base. Then there was the pork belly—crisp, savory, with a perfect amount of fatty juiciness that blended into the char of the flatbread like they were made for each other. Add in the pop of pickled onions and the bright tang of cilantro, and every bite was a little bit different, a little bit memorable. The lime aioli, xniper, and tatemada sauces layered in a rich, almost smoky heat that rounded out the whole dish.

And I wasn’t just eating—I was soaking in the atmosphere, people-watching, and even pulled out a ukulele when one of the guests asked about my “little guitar.” OG’s isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a whole vibe. It’s a place where you’re not just a customer, but part of the ambiance. The staff, the music, the tucked-away jungle setting—it’s got all the ingredients that make you want to stay longer than you plan

ned.

So, if you find yourself in Tulum, my advice is simple: get lost. Skip the main strip, take a side road, and let the town surprise you. And if you happen to wander into La Veleta, do yourself a favor and find OG’s. Grab a drink, try something unexpected, and just stay awhile.

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The OG´s Tulum

Service options: Serves happy-hour food · Serves vegan dishes · Has Wi-Fi

Address: C. 16 Sur s/n, entre 9 y 11, La Veleta, 77760 Tulum, Q.R.

Hours:

Open ⋅ Closes 11 PM · More hours

Phone: 33 1294 4438

Menu: theogstulum.com

From The OG´s Tulum

"Comida Mexicana Fusion con un toque Arquitectónico rodeado de naturaleza, acompañado con Cocteles únicos y llenos de mucho sabor un lugar ideal para disfrutar de desayuno, brunch y tmb disfrutar de cenas ."

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