Pizza
& Italian
RISTORANTE AMBASCIATA D' ITALIA
located
on corner of Avenida 5 and Calle 24.
Good
Italian food, nice atmosphere and the street side tables are pleasant.
This restaurant is in the newly developed 'North' end of Playa
or the 'Italian section' which has become the place to be.
Da BRUNO on
Avenida 5 & croner of Calle 12. (984) 873-40553
Good Italian food. Great sidewalk
location in the heart of Quinta avenue for people watching.
IDEA PASTA
located
on Avenida 5 between Calles 12 & 14.
Small unassuming
place that puts out very good Italian meals.
CASA MEDITERRANEA
located
on Avenida 5 between Calle 6 and 8.
located in a courtyard off the street down a narrow walk way.
Watch for sign for restaurant and 'Mayan Art Gallery'
telephone (984) 806-4679
A quiet restaurant in a small courtyard with excellent Italian
dishes and an intimate atmosphere. Check out the Mayan Art Gallery
while there. This guy lived with the Mayans for years and collected
an impressive representation of masks. Although the best pieces
are gone, (you will find a wonderful jaguar on the 'wall of masks' at
Brisa Caribe) there are still some wonderful paintings and other Mayan
pieces of art.
GIALLO LIMONE
located on Avenida 5 at Calle 28. Telephone (984) 803-4007
Small Italian restaurant run by the owners with good food and great
people watching location.
ROLANDI'S
located in Pasel del Carmen pedestrian mall near ferry. telephone
(984) 803-4121
This Cancun tradition with a deserved reputation for good Italian fare
has opened in Playa.
CAFE ROMA on Juarez between Avenida 5 and
the beach. Fine Italian cuisine, live
music. International chain.
RISTORANTE L' ESPRESSO
on Constituentes between Avenida 10 & 15 telephone (984) 879-3387
www.espresplaya.net
Delicious homemade
Italian pasta and a good Italian wine selection.
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Mexican
LA PARRILLA
located
on the corner of Avenida 5 & Calle 8. telephone (984) 873-0687
 A
Mariachi band is almost guaranteed to show up at this lively restaurant.
Not exactly traditional Mexican, but suits most gringos and the
place is fun.
PANCHO
VILLAS
located
Calle 10 between Avenida 5 & 3.
More
like the real thing should be. Try
the mole sauce.
Las
DELICIAS
located
on corner of
Avenida 5 and Calle 22. telephone (984) 803-1214 More traditional Mexican
fare in the quickly developing 'North' end of Playa where you can still
drive your car to.
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Spanish
LA TASCA on Constituentes between Avenida 10 &
15
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Fun
 SENIOR FROGS located on the water beside ferry
dock. telephone (984) 873-0930 A favorite around Mexico.
This is a fun place to head for a meal and a drink. Can get wild
at night. See their web site for more details
Senior Frogs
CARLOS & CHARLIES
located just up from the ferry dock at the
entrance to Paseo del Carmen mall. Owned
by the same chain as Senior Frogs with the same type of atmosphere.
The outdoor deck on the 2nd floor is a great people watching perch.
See their web site for more details
Carlos & Chariles
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Mayan YAXCHE
located
on Calle 8 between Avenidas 5 & 10. telephone (984) 873-2502.
Try it, you won't be disappointed..
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Tacos
Roast Chicken & More
LA FLORESTA
on
the west side of the highway between the traffic lights. Even
after the recent upgrade, this place looks like nothing more than a palalpa
roof and a few plastic tables. HOWEVER,
just ask anyone who has lived here for awhile where to get the best shrimp tacos and
they will tell you "La Floresta."
 They are only open for lunch and only serve shrimp tacos, fish
tacos, seafood cocktails, ceviche and cold drinks.
You have to try at least one shrimp and one fish.
El OASIS
MARISCOS
2 locations:
located
on Calle 12 between Avenida 5 & 10 ALSO on the
highway between Constituentes & Juarez.
Seafood
& fish tacos, plus all manner of seafood. Very good and very popular with
the locals.
CARBONCITOS
on Calle 4 between Avenidas 5 & 10.
Local tradition for tacos 'Frozen mugs, strong Margaritas, and sweet
Music'.
EL
PASTORCITO on Avenida 30 between Calles 28 & 30.
Some would say the best Pastor tacos in Playa.
ASADERO el POLLO on
corner of Avenida 20 and Calle 2. A long
time standard for roast chicken. Very simple, inexpensive,
restaurant popular with locals.
ROAST CHICKEN TO GO inside Chedraui
shopping center. There are a number of
small restaurants inside the Chedraui store near the check out isles.
One of these sells delicious, inexpensive roast chicken. Some
tables provide a very basic place to sit and eat, but best to get this
to pick up on your way home or to the beach.
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American
McDONALDS
3 locations:
located
on Avenida 5 between Calle 4 & 6
Also
on the east side of highway just south of Juarez in the Chedraui parking
lot.
Also
in the Centro Maya shopping center on the west side of
highway
OK, I admit it,
I have been there.
BURGER
KING
2 locations: located
on Calle 2 between Avenida 5 and the beach. Also
on east side of the highway between Juarez 7 Constituentes
When you just have to
have an American burger
DOMINOS
PIZZA located on Avenida Juarez near the highway, across from the Pemex gas station
JOHNNY
ROCKETS located in Paseo del Carmen
pedestrian mall near ferry
SUBWAY
2 locations: in Paseo
del Carmen pedestrian mall near ferry. AND
on
Avenida contituentes at the corner of Avenida 10 in the same mall as the
Scotiabank
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Argentine &
Steak
BUENOS AIRES
located
on Calle 6 between Avenidas 5 & 10 next to Chicago don Jose.
telephone (984) 873-2751.
Argentine
food means beef and the steaks here should not disappoint you. Try
the Arrachera.
EL ASADOR de MANOLO on Avenida 10 between
Calles 24 & 26 telephone (984) 803-0632.
 Typical, simple,
Argentine restaurant serving tasty, reasonably priced fare. A
regular lunch stop for me but remember, we are on Latin time so it
doesn't open until around 1:30 PM
EL EMPORIO
located on Calle 33 between
Avenida 3 & 5
'El sabor
Autentico Rioplatense' We used to have a very local, simple,
cheap, restaurant which was way off the tourist path. The palapa
was flattened and this new restaurant appeared. I miss my little
Mexican restaurant but 'the authentic flavors of the Rio Plata' is very
good too. Having spent a lot of time in Argentina, I can say this
is the real thing.
IPANEMA's GRILL
located on Avenida 10 at the corner to Calle 10. Telephone (984)
803-5313 Argentineans & Texans
are not the only ones who know how to bar-b-que. The Brazilians
are equally skilled. I lived there and can say that this
churascaria is the real deal. Loosen your belt, sit down,
and let the waiters start rolling in with their swords of delicious coal
roasted meat. A true carnivores delight.
TANGO TACO across from Pelicanos
mall on Calle 10 between Avenidas 10 & 15.
Telephone (984) 803-1859
A popular spot for a quick bite.
CHICAGO don JOSE
located on Calle 6 between Avenidas 5 & 10.
'Chicago Joe's' as we lovingly call it,
has quickly become an ex-pat favorite. Ask Dalia about her
special salad and other items not on the menu. Closed
Monday
HC de MONTEREY
located on Constituentes between Avenidas 25 &
30 (across from MEGA)
'This very simple restaurant is a local
favorite for good, inexpensive steaks. The special is what most
people have. Steak, baked potato, beans, soft drink or beer.
Eat in or take away.
SUR
located on Avenida 5 between Calles 12 & 14.
telephone (984) 803-3285 Good steaks, seafood, wine list and trendy
atmosphere on popular 'Avenida Quinta'
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Cuban
La BODEGUITA del MEDIO located in Paseo
del Carmen pedestrian mall.
telephone (984) 803-3950
 OK anyone who has been to Cuba knows the best Cuban
food is served in Miami.... but the best known place to eat Cuban food in
Havana is at La BODEGUITA del MEDIO. That Cuban icon has franchised to now include
Playa del Carmen. Don't forget to have a Mojito.
Rocking good time at night with live bands and Latin crowd.
See their web site
la
Bodeguita del Medio for more details.
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Sushi
There are a number of Sushi restaurants in Playa. I absolutely LOVE sushi
and although there are now quite a few sushi restaurants in Playa, I am very disappointed that there isn't
one I would go back to. Thank heaven for Yamimoto in Cancun! Mexicans love
cream cheese in their maki rolls so watch out for this.
International &
International Fusion
MEDIA
LUNA located
on Avenida 5 between Calles 12 & 14.
Casual. Numerous
interesting dishes which are typical of 'fusion' cuisine.
Very reasonable prices. This
is always a favorite with us.
JOHN GRAYS PLACE
located in walking mall (Calle Corazon) just off Avenida 5 and Calle 14.
telephone (984) 803-3689
Casual Gourmet. This is one I come back to time and again. A
little difficult to find but worth it.
DEVINO
located
corner of Avenida 5 with Calle 12 telephone (984) 803-1270
Casual Gourmet.
 This wine bar and restaurant did
not
go undiscovered for long. Simple but good wine selection and delicious
food. Great corner for people watching too.
ULA
GULA upstairs on the corner of Avenida 5 and
Calle 10. Casual Gourmet. At
various times this has been one of my favorites.
La CASA del AGUA
located upstairs on the corner of Avenida 5 and Calle 2
Casual Gourmet. Nice atmosphere and good menu and good wine list
make this a place I have returned to more than once.
NEGROSAL
located on Calle 16 between Avenida 5 & 1. Telephone (984) 8703
2448 This fusion restaurant is a
favorite of mine for deserts. Try the black pepper strawberries.
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French
BYBLOS on
Calle 14 between Avenida 5 & 10 telephone (984) 803-1790.
Casual Gourmet. You either had a
wonderful experience and rave about the place or you didn't and don't.
Italian and Mexican dishes also on offer.
La PALETTE on
Calle 8 between Avenida 5 & beach. telephone (984) 879-4802
Haven't tried as of this writing
La
FRAGATA on
Calle 26 between Avenida 5 & 1. telephone (984) 803-4774
Haven't tried as of this writing
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Asian
& Indian
 BABES NOODLES & BAR
located
on Calle 10 between Avenidas 5 & 10
Good and reasonably priced Asian-Fusion. Most often when I say 'Where should I eat?", I end up
here. Consistent and the Mojitos are as good as anyones.
BABES NOODLES & BAR
#2
located on Avenida 5 between
Calles 28 & 30.
This is proof of two things. 1) The original was so popular that
they needed to open a second location. 2) Playa is getting so big
that it can be too far to walk to Babes.... Same great food with a
couple of new dishes that you can't get at the original location.
Try the crab cakes.
Mr. LAU
Avenida 10 between Calles 8 & 10.
I have been spoiled by great Chinese food from various parts of China
and love it. This isn't it, but it is OK.
HONG KONG EXPRESS
on Hiway 307 south. Head south from Playa in service lane towards
Xcaret. Right where the service lane ends, you will find Hong Kong
on your right.
This
long standing Cancun tradition has made it to Playa with a greatly
reduced menu. So-So
American style Chinese food with a Mexican twist.
THAI MID
located on Avenida contituentes at the corner of Avenida 10 in the same
mall as the Scotiabank. telephone (984) 879-4186 Having
spent a considerable amount of time in Thailand and loving the food, I
am a little picky. This isn't great but it sure is good.
PLAYASIA
located on Avenida 5 between Calles 10 & 12. Telephone (984)
873-4200 nice atmosphere,
interesting Asia fusion menu with Asian specialties, sea food, sushi and
even steak.
JAZMIN located in PlayaCar at Paseo Xaman
Ha retorno 3 Villas Pakal. Telephone (984) 879-4749
This fusion restaurant with Asian influences offers up some interesting
sushi among other things.
CHAKRA
upstairs at OM bar-lounge
located on Calle 12 near the beach and
Blue Parrot.
telephone (984) 879-4784
Thai & Indian
Fusion
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Arab & Mediterranean KARTABAR
corner of Avenida 1 and Calle 12.
Arab - Mediterranean fusion. Original restaurant is in Providence,
Rhode Island. This is one of those place to be seen in Playa in
the evening so go for a drink and snacks but if you want to enjoy some
Arab food see Maktub Cafe below.
MAKTUB CAFE
located on Avenida 5
between Calles 28 & 30. telephone (984) 803-3886 A pleasant light
break from the regular fare around town. Brings back memories of
my time living in the Middle East. Order one of the combo plates
to enjoy a delicious sampling. I also enjoy the cucumber water
drink. Very refreshing!
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Vegetarian
100% NATURAL on
Avenida 5 between Calles 10 & 12.
telephone (984) 873-2242
Juices,
vegetarian and not so vegetarian.
Very relaxing courtyard or we like the upstairs terrace facing
the street.
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Mexican
Seafood
RESTAURANT
y COCTELERIA La BAMBA JAROCHA II
located on Avenida
30.
Take the Constituentes
exit off of the Highway, turn left on Avenida 30, follow past first Glorieta
(traffic circle/round-a-bout), watch for it on your left.
Seafood
dishes from Veracruz.
Popular with the local business
men at lunch. 3 years ago you would never find a 'gringo' here but
word of the great food and reasonable prices have spread.
EL CEJAS
on Calle 24 between Avenidas 25 & 30.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in downtown Cancun. Just as
good here in Playa. Open for Mexican lunch only. (that means
come after 1:30 or 2:00 PM.)
EL GUSTO JAROCHO
located on Avenida 30.
between Juarez and Calle 2 Notrh,
According to Kelly "They have the
best shrimp cocktail, order the large. The shrimp are sooo fresh.
And the locals were all ordering the sopa de mariscos"
UPDATE: I have tried it and been back.
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Seafood BLUE
LOBSTER
located
on Calle 12 between Avenida 5 & 10.
telephone (984) 873-1360 I
haven't eaten here because lobster doesn't do much for me but it is
always full so something must be working.
Las BRISAS on Calle 4 between Avenida 5 and 10.
Small, unassuming and serving great seafood at
good prices for a number of years now.
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Coffee,
Dessert & Breakfast
CAFÉ SASTA
located
on Ave 5 between Calles 8 & 10.
telephone (984) 875-1051
Good coffee and deserts. You can purchase
fresh coffee beans here.
AH CACAO CHOCOLATE CAFE
located
on Constituentes and the corner of Avenida 5. telephone (984)
803-5748
If you like chocolate then don't miss this. Delicious coffees
and chocolate deserts. Try the Mayan hot chocolate. Free
wi-fi.
SEGAFREDO ESPRESSO
located in Paseo del Carmen pedestrian mall near the ferry.
Good Italian coffee and people watching place.
'HOT'
BAKING COMPANY
located
on Calle 10 between Avenidas 5 & 10
 AND 2nd location
located in walking mall
just off Avenida 5 and Calle 14
Excellent
fresh baked breads, cakes, etc and nice breakfast.
JAVA JOES
located on Calle 10 between Avenidas 5 & 10.
telephone (984) 876-2694
Good coffee.
CAFE CORAZON
located on Avenida 5
between Calles 28 & 30. telephone (984) 803-2722 A popular spot
in the new North Playa area
STARBUCKS
3 locations: on Avenida 5 & Calle 10
Also
in Paseo del Carmen pedestrian mall near ferry
Also
on Avenida 5 & Calle 24.
They have arrived and taking over every corner in Playa too.
La
CUEVA del CHANGO
located on Calle 33 between
Avenida 3 & 5 telephone (984) 876-2537
8 years ago I discovered this gem carved out of the jungle while
bouncing down gravel trails trying to get to the beach. I kept it
a secret to all but visiting friends. Today it is no secret.
There are condos and paved roads all around but this
funky restaurant and garden shop has retained their jungle like setting,
which provides
a tranquil, unique atmosphere. Natural
juices, crepes, vegetarian specialties, omelets and more, using the freshest
of ingredients, help make this one of the places I like to take visiting
friends. Now serving equally
delicious and wholesome lunches & dinners too...
La VAGABUNDA
located on Avenida 5 between Calles 24 & 26.
Although open for lunch and dinner. This has been a long standing
breakfast stop for me. I have been coming here since this palapa
restaurant was the only thing for 2 blocks and the way in was a trail
that was best negotiated with a truck in dry weather.
NATIVO located on Avenida 30 just north of
Constituentes. Fabulous fresh fruit
drinks and inexpensive Mexican style breakfast items. A favorite
for a quick breakie.
CREPES FACTORY
located on Calle 24 between Avenida 5 & 10.
telephone (044) (984)
134-4337
With 96 delicious crepes to choose from as well as the standard
breakfast fare, this is one of my favorites..
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Live
Music & Food 
This is a sore spot with many locals.
Noise restrictions have shut down some of the best live music venues.
Some bar owners got tired of fighting and have given up trying
to have bands, others have been able to build screens to keep the noise
to the street down.
BLUE
PARROT
located
on the beach at the end of Calle 12.
telephone (984) 206-3350
The crowd gets younger as the
evening carries on. This place often rocks into the early morning most
often with a DJ rather than live music.
This is a long standing meeting place in Playa.
THE JAM SESSION
located on
Avenida 5 and Calle 40. telephone (984) 803-4915
The house band rocks and some notable players have
joined in while in town.
PALAPA
HEMINGWAY located
on Avenida 5 between Calles 12 & 14. This
place used to party into the early morning but is getting quieter all the
time.
BOURBON STREET
located
on Avenida 5 between Calles 6 and 8l telephone (984) 803-3022
If you appreciate musicians who are into making music more than
performing, then this is the place where you are most likely to find
them. It is not uncommon for a vacationing musician or singer to
get up and join in.
SIESTA FIESTA HOTEL BAR
on Avenida 5 between Calles 8 & 10. telephone (984) 803-1507 This
local watering hole is often busy and a great place to start the night.
 KARENS
located on
Avenida 5 between Calles 4 and 6. telephone (984) 879-4064
Long standing tradition in Playa.
Decent food and live Mexican bands.
PEZ VELA
located
on the corner of Avenida 5 and Calle 2.
This is a long standing Playa favorite.
Loosing some popularity with all of the newer places further north,
but still a good place for a cold drink, snack, a little music and some
fun times.
BLISS
located on
Calle 4 between Avenida 5 and the beach.
Indoor dance club opens at 9:00. Live music on the week end.
La BODEGUITA del MEDIO located in Paseo
del Carmen pedestrian mall.
Cuban dance club with live music. Don't forget to have a Mojito.
See their web site
la
Bodeguita del Medio for more details.
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Bars
& Lounges
There is no end to the number of little bars and trendy lounges in Playa. Wander around and you will have no trouble finding one that
looks inviting for your mood.
There are
plenty along the beach too.
MIL ALUX
take Juarez west of the highway, go up about 3 or 4 blocks to the dip in
the road, then double back and it is on your right.
I am not going to tell you anything more about this lounge/restaurant than YOU MUST CHECK THIS PLACE
OUT and not for the food. Opens around 7 PM but better to arrive later. Difficult
to find, not so nice part of town. BUT CHECK IT OUT...
BEER
BUCKET
on Calles 10 between Avenidas 5 & 10.
Inexpensive beer makes this a favorite
with a number of locals.
TEQUILLA
BARREL on
Avenida 5 between Calles 10 & 12
Another local watering hole
with a casual atmosphere. Street side tables are ideal for people
watching and numerous TV's inside are tuned to the hottest games.
La RANITA on
Calles 10 between Avenida 5 & 10. telephone 873-0389
Another favorite with the locals.
Check out the interesting boxes hanging on the wall. Spend enough
time here and you too may earn the right to have your own bottle stored
on site.
YELLOW
SUBMARINE
located on
Avenida 5 between Calles 10 and 12.
2nd floor bar with rock music and good vantage point for watching the
passing scene on Quinta Avenida.
CABALOVA SPORTS BAR
on
Avenida 5 and Calle 28. The football
you are most likely to see broadcast here is the one most of the world
watches. Formula 1 - not NASCAR. Cricket - not hockey.
MANNE'S BIERGARTEN
on
Calle 4 between Avenidas 5 & 10. A
long time favorite with some locals.
 OM
- THE JOYFUL RIDE on Calle 12 near the beach and
Blue Parrot.
telephone (984) 879-4784
Trendy lounge with DJ. See their web
site for more details
OM
AJUA
SALSA CLUB & TEQUILA BAR
on
Calle 4 between Avenidas 5 & 10
Tequila, Mayan Dining,
Salsa Dancing.
DESEO
located
upstairs on Avenida 5 near the corner with Calle 12
This trendy rooftop lounge has daybeds to sprawl out on while you
enjoy a cold drink. In the evening old films are projected onto
the building wall.
SENIOR FROGS
on
the water at ferry landing.
telephone (984) 873-0930
Loud and crazy place to go wild.
Quieter during the day. See their web site for more details
Senior Frogs
CARLOS & CHARLIES
located just up from the ferry dock at the
entrance to Paseo del Carmen mall. Owned
by the same chain as Senior Frogs with the same type of atmosphere.
The outdoor deck on the 2nd floor is a great people watching perch.
Wild, crazy, loud, young. See their web site for more details
Carlos & Chariles
DIABLITO
CHA CHA CHA
located on
Calle 12 and corner of Avenida 1.
Delicious snacks and very good music.
La BODEGUITA del MEDIO located in Paseo
del Carmen pedestrian mall.
 Cuban dance club with live music. Don't forget to have a Mojito.
See their web site
la
Bodeguita del Medio for more details.
BLISS
located on
Calle 4 between Avenida 5 and the beach.
Indoor dance club opens at 9:00. Live music on the week end.
BASICO LOUNGE
located
on Calle 10 between Avenidas 5 & 10 across from Babes Noodle House.
This hotel and their roof top lounge are trendy places to be seen.
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Clubs
& Discos
Playa
has a growing club scene which in true Latin style, starts fairly late
and runs until dawn. Although some will open their doors as early
as 10:00 PM, they really are dead until midnight or later.
LA SANTANERA
on Calle 12
between Avenidas 5 & 10.
Trendy night club for the young late night crowd.
BALI CLUB
located on
Calle 12 between Avenidas 5 & 10. telephone (984) 803-2864
This late night club opens at 10:00 PM, capacity for 1200 people and
has a cover charge. See their web site for more details.
Bali Club
PURE
(formerly MAMBO CAFE)
located on Calle 6 between Avenidas 5 &10.
Latin dance club with live music that goes into the wee hours.
RETRO BAR & DANCE
located on
Avenida 5 and Calle 4. telephone (984) 873-3016
Music from the 70's, 80's & 90's
EL CIELO
located on
Calle 12 between Avenida 5 and 1. telephone (984) 873-3016
3 Floors and 3 differentatmospheres.
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Gay Clubs
PLAYA 69
located on Avenida 5 between Calles 6 & 8.
WANA BANA
located on Avenida 5 between Calles 30 & 32.
VOGA
located on Calle 12 between Avenida 1 and the beach
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|
know where to begin.