An arts and entertainment site called Arca has listed 18 Mérida hot spots, and we know how these kinds of lists spark debate. Did Arca get it right?
Cafetería Pop
Arco started off its list with a classic café, open since 1971, that they say serves the best breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Centro. The “Pop,” as the locals call it, is one of the most popular restaurants in the area and the best for coffee to start the day. They recommend the huevos motuleños.
Address: Calle 57 # 501, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán
On the Web
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
Cairo Cinema Café
Film and milkshakes. What else do you need in the heat of Yucatán? If you are a fan of film and sugar, this is the place for you. They rent and sell films, but also have their own movie theater with periodic screenings.
Address: Calle 20 # 98A, Cologne Itzimná, Mérida, Yucatán
On the Web
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
FB: /coloramortalentstore
Club de Patos
As its name suggests (Duck Club in English), this hotel was 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
Frontground
Frontground is an association of artists and researchers dedicated to creating new routes within the paradigms of contemporary art, linking the local and international scene and bring to the public local artistic concepts from different disciplines.
Address: Calle 51 # 60, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán
On Facebook
La Esquina del Goya
Another great film club in Mérida, Goya’s Corner, as it would be called in English, is dedicated to the dissemination and promotion of national and international cinema. They screen films and hold panel discussions. Right now on hiatus, they promise to resume programming with many surprises.
Address: Campus Rendón Peniche S / N, Colonia Industrial, Mérida, Yucatán
FB: /laesquinadegoya
La Mostachona
Another great bar to pass the time in the center of Mérida. If you want to cool off, and you’re hungry, Arca says this is the best place to rest and talk. A cold beer accompanied by panuchos, or perhaps a mezcal with taquitos de cochinita. You decide.
Address: Calle 61 # 50, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán
FB: /mosachonacantina
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, promises Arca.
Address: Calle 68 # 55 and 57, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán
On the Web
Malahat Speakeasy & Mixology
In a secret hideaway in Parque Santa Lucia, there is a small bar with the best drinks made in Mérida, says Arca. 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 Facebook
Nümen
Arca raves about the flavors from the “genius” inspiring, light and unexpectedly delicious meals from this restaurant’s kitchen.
Address: 1-H # 138, Colonia Mexico Norte, Mérida, Yucatán
FB: /numeninspiringfood
Toloc Colectivo
This is not a place, but a group that organizes various cultural events in different parts of Mérida. If you visit Mérida and see an ad for any activity of this group, do not miss it.
FB: /TolocColectivo
La Pizarra
Some of the best Italian pizza in Mérida is said to be at La Pizarra. Arca promises 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 Facebook
Skhole Teatro
A space for performing arts like no other in Mérida. There are workshops, classes, and of course, performances. It is one of the only schools that welcome class clowns, notes Arca.
Address: Calle 64 # 611, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán
FB: /skholeteatro
