Description: Carlos 'n' Charlie's has to be experienced. There is no telling of the story that can in any way prepare the adventurer for what is about to befall them. I can only give you this small warning: you will get drunk on this ride. They are known for two things: yard-long margaritas and a conga line of tequila. Both will do you in, if you're not careful.
Carlos 'n' Charlie's is located in downtown Cozumel directly across from the downtown port. I think they've strategically placed themselves close to a port so those inebriated cruise ship passengers can find their way back to the ship. In our case, however, we were sailing out of the southern port, so it didn’t help at all. If you're trying to locate C 'n' C, head downtown and listen for loud music and rowdy people. Follow the sounds. There you go.
Our group hit Carlos 'n' Charlie's around 7pm. Some of the group had been there all day (!) and were suffering the effects as witnessed by their dancing on tables and attempting to take off clothing. The first thing I experienced was a Sex on the Beach shot. This consists of a bar server pouring the concoction down your throat, grabbing/pinching various body parts, all the while blowing on a whistle as loudly as they can. Interesting. Then came the yard-long margaritas. They have them in every flavor imaginable. I went for a rum runner. It was tasty, but not terribly strong for the $12.95 going price. The second I had was almost undrinkable it was so strong. One thing I noticed was the serious inconsistency in drinks. Some were weak. Some were jet fuel. At that point, I was feeling good and so were most of the group.
As the bar filled up with mostly younger cruise ship patrons, it was time for the conga line. The idea is simple. You form a conga line and 'dance' around the bar. Along the way bar servers pour shots of margarita down your throat. There are shot stations about every 10 feet, so if you make it all the way you're totally hammered. I did *not* make it all the way. Shot number three inadvertently went into my eye. Ow.
We were smart and had designated a timekeeper to stay remotely sober and make sure we got back to the ship in time. Somewhere around 9pm, we all poured into minivans and headed for Puerta Maya (our port). While nobody was permanently injured by our stay at Carlos 'n' Charlie's, there were a few green souls the next day. Rumour has it that Carlos 'n' Charlie's also has food, but I can't speak to it or the possible selection or quality. I can only advise that you eat something before taking a trip to C 'n' C and that you not plan on being anywhere for a while.
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