Unique boutique shopping in Mérida
So many charming places have opened their doors in Yucatán’s capital. Some are new and some are just new to me. I always appreciate a good bakery, economical finds and new shopping locations. Here are a few.
Eco Beet
A place to go for biodegradable household cleaning supplies such as house disinfectants, laundry or dish detergent, and floor cleaner. Bring your own containers or buy products in quantity. They also carry some pet supplies like dog shampoo at 70 pesos for an 8-ounce bottle. They even have eco-friendly automotive cleaning supplies. The owners are friendly and very informative. The store is open Monday through Friday 9 to 6, and 9 to 2 on Saturdays. Or order at www.ecobeet.mx. Calle 17, 190, García Ginerés 97970; 999-740-0055
Catalina Bakery
While you’re in the neighborhood, don’t forget this bakery, located in a big colonial home with a shaded front porch. They carry giant chocolate chip cookies with nuts for 50 pesos and many other pastries and fresh breads. Best of all is sitting inside at one of the tables with giant fans going overhead and having a cup of their coffee. They have plenty of outlets for charging, making it a great place to work for a while. Calle 22, 199G, Garcia Gineres 97970; 999-551-0830
Regalos y Canastas
This gift shop is a great way to personalize a basket or box of Yucatán goodies for anyone in your circle. They have a local beer box that not only includes the beer but nuts or other local snacks for 700 pesos. Do you have a candy fanatic in your life? They will make up a festive and fun basket filled with local candies for 350 pesos. If you can dream up a theme, they can make it happen in a beautiful basket. Then it can be delivered by them with well-wishes. If you want a welcome fruit basket delivered to arriving guests, Regalos y Canastas makes it simple. Feel free to shop in the store or order online at www.regalosycanastas.mx. Delivery fees apply. Calle 20, 190D, Mexico Oriente 97137; 999-221-8242
Villa Semilla
This is one of my favorite stores to wander. It is listed as a health food/organic product store but has so much more. All types of dried fruits with blueberries and golden raisins, two of my favorites. Nuts that are fresh and good for recipes or a healthy snack. It is a fun place to find items for your own custom trail mix. If you need fresh peanut or almond butter this is the place to stock up. They also carry chocolates and Gummy bears. I stock up on my beans here because I can decide the quantity to purchase instead of a huge bag from the store. Because I take my own containers and bags, they give me a discount. Call ahead to ask about what’s in stock. Villa Semilla also has an updated store menu on Facebook. Calle 41, 332, Fracc. Francisco de Montejo III 97203; 999-553-7733
Queseria
This little store that opened last October carries a variety of fresh cheeses which can be cut to order. They also have fresh mole, honey, dried beef, and spices. A cute place to have some cheese and crackers. There are only two tables with a nice breeze blowing in. If you like shopping locally this is a good place to stop and ask lots of questions. Calle 21, 100, Itzimná 97100; 999-222-3441
Burrito Factory
I finally made it to the Burrito Factory. It is a bit farther out than I usually venture but it was worth it. A steak burrito with cheese, guacamole, beans and a nice cilantro spicy cream sauce costs 140 pesos. They have a similar steak burrito that has French fries in it for 130 pesos. A big taco salad with a choice of toppings is 135 pesos. They also carry monster burgers. They were all freshly made and the ingredients were crisp and tasty. Note: They don’t open until 5 p.m. Calle 131, 538 Los Heroes 97306; 999-602-8014
An unfortunate update
Border Munchies, which was featured in Yucatán Magazine last July, is no more. The owners have closed their doors.
Maggie Cale was born in the United States and has lived most of her life in Pennsylvania. She has a social work degree from Penn State University and finished her career in Washington, D.C. working with families. She moved to Yucatán in 2017 and has worked part-time ghostwriting for bloggers. She lives in Itzimná with her two dogs.
