18 Hot Spots to Visit in Mérida to Hang Out
Whether you live here or are passing through, nothing beats spending time where the locals like to eat, drink, shop, stay, and be merry. Check out this list of 18 hot spots to visit in Mérida and around Yucatán… and go hang out like a local.
Cafetería Pop
We start off our selection of 18 hot spots to visit in Mérida with Cafetería Pop, a classic café that has been, open since 1971. And yes, locals say they serve the best breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Centro. The “Pop,” as locals call it, is one of the most popular restaurants in the area and the best for a fresh coffee to start the day. We recommend the huevos motuleños.
Address: Calle 57 # 501, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán / On Facebook
Cafetería Impala
If you are not convinced by Cafetería Pop, then Cafetería Impala will not disappoint. With over 50 years of experience, this property is situated in the Centro, drawing attention with its neon sign, which has been there since the restaurant opened. Go for a Yucatecan specialty, either a panucho or rich lime soup.
Address: Paseo Montejo Entry # 47, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán / On Facebook
Color Amor
A contemporary crafts store that’s 100 percent Mexican. If you are looking to support the creative minds that honor their roots, be sure to go to this establishment in the Centro. You’ll find everything from clothing, to kitchenware to cellphone protectors.
Address: Calle 55 # 510, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán / On the Web: coloramortalentstore
Club de Patos
As its name suggests, Club de Patos (Duck Club in English) was once a duck hunting club, but time passed and the space was abandoned. So they built a hotel with beautiful architecture, a combination of rustic and modern. This is one of the best places you can stay if you are looking for quiet and wish to enjoy the beaches of Yucatán.
Address: Club de Patos, Sisal, Yucatán / On the Web
La Chaya Maya
Where to go for real Mexican food, specially Yucatán’s cuisine. Handmade tortillas, fish tikinxic, hearty pibil tacos, joroches, tripe soup, and many other delicacies are awaiting you at the tables of this traditional restaurant. Go with an empty stomach.
Address: Calle 62 # 481, and Calle 55 by Santa Lucia Park, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán / On the Web
La Negrita
Cuban influence has prevailed in Yucatán since early last century, and this canteen is proof. Of course there is Cuban music, without forgetting the delicious and refreshing beverages prepared for relief from the heat.
Address: Calle 62 # 49, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán / FB: /lanegritamerida
LA68
The Elena Poniatowska Cultural Center, also known as LA68, is a space that manages to be the perfect balance between cultural center and restaurant. Workshops, panel discussions and open-air cinema screenings are organized, and of course, they have extraordinary cuisine in a small café. Try the pizza, you will not regret it .
Address: Calle 68 # 55 and 57, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán / On Facebook
Malahat Speakeasy & Mixology
In a secret hideaway in Parque Santa Lucia, there is a small bar with the best drinks made in Mérida, say locals. All you have to do to find the location is ask on their Facebook page, but Arca recommends that you simply walk through the park to find the Malahat. (Psst: it’s between Apoala and Botella Verde, two places that really belong on this list.)
Address: Santa Lucia Park, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán / On Facebook
Momento Café
A space where you can relax while you listen to a poetry reading, or listen to live jazz. The coffee is delicious, and the atmosphere is chill.
Address: Calle 60 # 398, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán / On the web
La Pizarra
Some of the best Italian pizza in Mérida is said to be at La Pizarra. And we promise you won’t be able to stop eating after a single slice.
Address: Calle 19 # 879, Colonia Jardines de Mérida, Mérida, Yucatán / FB: /lapizarramerida
Urban Lechuga Food Truck
The popularity of food trucks is rising, and Mérida is all over it. Proof of this is the Urban Lechuga food truck, a truck that has some of the most healthy and delicious dining options you’ll find in Mérida.
Address: Calle 30 # 185, Colonia San Antonio Cucul, Mérida, Yucatán / On Instagram
Yucatán Magazine has the inside scoop on living here. Sign up to get our top headlines delivered to your inbox every week.
