Bonampak: Mérida’s newest hot spot is a feast for the eyes
Mérida’s most Instagram-worthy restaurant has opened its doors.
Bonampak, which opened just last week one block south of Santa Ana park, offers patrons plenty of choices of beers, cocktails, and botanas — much like any other bar in Mérida.
(Editor’s note: On Sunday, three days after this story was posted, state authorities closed Bonampak after finding they violated crowd capacity rules. We don’t know when they will re-open.)
Where Bonampak really shines is in its decor. Large murals featuring several of Mexico’s most beloved icons cover every square inch of the space.
Yucatecan actors, comedians, and musicians are of course also well represented and include the likes of Armando Manzanero and Héctor Herrera Álvarez, better known as Cholo.
All chairs and stools are variations on brightly colored Acapulco style décor, which fits great with Bonampak’s fun and upbeat aesthetic.
Also getting a nod is Mexico’s most famous rock and roll export, the guitar virtuoso Carlos Santana.
But it’s not all about celebrities, as several walls are dedicated to scenes of everyday life in Yucatán, as well as wildlife and myths.
Though Bonampak is fairly large, seating is limited as tables are spread out under health protocols.
Though the murals share a similar aesthetic, they are in fact the work of 30 different artists working together in the Bonampak urban art collective.
The name of the artist collective and the bar itself is inspired by the famous murals found at the Mayan archaeological site of the same name, Bonampak.
Prices at Bonampak are comparable to similar bars like La Negrita or El Cardenal. Domestic beers start at 35 pesos while artisanal and microbrews cost around 75 pesos. Cocktails start at 80 pesos. They also have a fairly good selection of mezcal and tequila.
Complimentary snacks include small plates of beans, tamales, tostadas, and dzikilpak (squash seed dip).
If the free-for-the-customer botanas are not enough to fill you up, they also have a la carte options including Yucatecan staples like panuchos, salbutes, and sopa de lima. Hamburgers, chicken wings, French fries, empanadas, and pizzas are also available. The chicken tenders were particularly good.
Bonampak is in Mérida’s Centro, on the corner of Calle 60 and 49, in the space previously occupied by Café Chocolate, Avocado vegetarian restaurant, and Alma Calma.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer and adventure leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
