Here are more out-of-the-way places in Mérida to stop for coffee, a quick bite, or to check out for the future.
CheeseQueso: This food truck has cheeses from all over Mexico. A veggie cheese quesadilla that oozes your choice of cheese will cost you 130 pesos. The sauteed mushrooms and fresh lettuce were a nice touch. A quesadilla, cheesy potatoes, and drink combo is 190 pesos. I am not usually a hot dog fan, but I’ll go for a banderilla, a Weiner dipped in cheese, coated in a batter, and fried, for a total of 30 pesos. Plus, they have amazing smoothies: a non-alcoholic mojito or pina colada will cost about 40 pesos. My favorite has been the banana/chocolate smoothie for 45 pesos. It is a cute, all-outdoor eating stop that you won’t forget. Calle 17, 102B, between 20 and 22, Itzimná; Monday – Saturday 6 p.m. – 11 p.m., 999-214-8864; Instagram.
Coffrapía: This is the café with Harry Potter décor and a fabulous Butterbeer frappe. They also serve coffee, creative frappes, smoothies, and a variety of crepes. September’s creative frappe is a celebration of corn with mini cornbread cakes on top. It is a flavorful stop to cool off, relax and enjoy the fun. There is more being added to the menu, with light breakfast items, a sandwich, and salad. So what might it cost and do I have a favorite? My early-morning go-to drink is a Café Americano for 30 pesos, a two-ingredient crepe is 60 pesos and an egg with bacon and fruit is 80 pesos. A brunch salad is 115 pesos or a hearty Italian sandwich at 110 pesos. In the afternoon, a delicious strawberry smoothie is the way to cool off for 65 pesos. They carry brownies and cakes for dessert. Calle 2, 437 José Maria Iturralde; Tuesday – Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 4:30 to 10 p.m.; 999-667-5425; Instagram.
R & R Café-Bistro: This quiet little breakfast and lunch spot has a waffle combo with bacon, coffee, and juice for 140 pesos. Get three empanadas for 60 pesos or three sopes for 50 pesos. Vegetarian tacos were delicious for 35 pesos. Salads are fresh and pasta, a favorite being one mixed with pesto for 80 pesos, is a real treat. They also have a nice selection of burgers like one with blue cheese and fries for 170 pesos. The staff was friendly and attentive. Certainly worth stopping by for morning coffee or lunch. Circuito Colonias 181-B Mexico Oriente; daily 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 998-340-2132; Facebook
Todo Empanadas Mérida: Here is where Argentina-type empanadas are done well and come in 19 varieties. My two favorites are mushroom and cheese and, for the spice, chorizo with cheese. Each empanada is 42 pesos or you can order a combo of two empanadas, salad, and a drink for 150 pesos. I found them to be fresh and easily reheated if you order extras. The deal they offer is 12 empanadas for the price of 10. They provide takeout or delivery or a fast-food-type dining area inside. Empanadas can be ordered ahead on WhatsApp or Uber Eats. A good find for a satisfying meal. Avenue Andrés Garcia Lavin, 385, Montebello; daily noon – 9:30 p.m., 999-461-8466; Facebook
