Merida’s nightlife has evolved far beyond the sleepy provincial capital it was a generation ago. Today, the White City offers a compelling mix of traditional cantinas, modern cocktail laboratories, and laid-back rooftop terraces that capture the unique energy of the Yucatan. Whether you are a local looking to switch up your routine or a traveler eager to experience the city after dark, the sheer variety can be overwhelming.
The best drinking establishments in Merida are not just about the alcohol; they are about atmosphere, history, and a deep sense of place. You might find yourself sipping a cold Montejo beer in a century-old cantina where the tiles have been worn smooth by decades of patrons. Alternatively, you could be sampling a craft cocktail made with xtabentun, the region’s signature anise-and-honey liqueur, in a sleek, dimly lit space.
For visitors from the United States, Merida offers an incredibly high value proposition. The exchange rate allows for premium experiences—think top-shelf mezcal or imported wines—at a fraction of the cost you would pay back home. More importantly, the city is renowned for being one of the safest urban areas in Mexico, making bar hopping a genuinely relaxing and enjoyable endeavor.
However, navigating the scene requires a bit of local knowledge. Many of the best spots are tucked away behind unassuming facades or hidden in the courtyards of colonial mansions. Without a guide, it is easy to walk right past a world-class speakeasy or miss the happy hour at a rooftop with a stunning view of the cathedral.
This curated guide focuses on quality, atmosphere, and authenticity rather than simply listing the most crowded spots. We have prioritized venues that offer a distinct sense of character, excellent service, and a true taste of the Yucatan Peninsula’s vibrant social culture. From historic watering holes that have served revolutionaries to modern mixology bars pushing creative boundaries, this list has something for every type of night owl.
Use this guide to plan your evenings wisely, ensuring you experience the depth and diversity of Merida’s drinking culture without wasting time on mediocre stops. Each location below has been selected for its ability to provide a memorable night out in one of Mexico’s most enchanting cities.
La Negrita Cantina
| Address | C. 62 405, Parque Santa Ana, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 999 955 4038 |
Best local bar in the area!
Mexican prices and greatest vibe
Julio the server made us feel very welcome 🔥
A must visit!
Come early to enjoy the live music
Amazing place! Quiet during the day, live music during the night. Great atmosphere, food and cheap drinks! For the ones saying ”the snacks are bad”, you get them for free!? And they keep giving you new ones, so i dont see how any one can complain over that. The service is also good, if you want to order, just raise your hand like everybody else and they will come straight away.
We came here twice, highly recommend!
My husband and I decided we had wanted to hear some live music and this was a recommendation we received. And this was an amazing experience. Live music, people dancing, smiled abound. A happy mix of locals and tourists all enjoying the sounds and tastes of this super cool cantina! As we sat a waiter came around with some yummy little bites, (free) before we even ordered drinks! We ordered a few Bohemias and then our meals, which WHOA the portion sizes were beyond expectations. My husband had shrimp and langoniza quesadillas which were massive and delicious! I had a mixed plate of 4 tacos and that too, amazing and quite generous in size! As we did not know nor expect the portion sizes to be so large we ordered some guacamole with pork rings! Best guacamole we've ever eaten and even the waiter was surprised at the amount of food we ordered, and virtually finished! If you want to hear some live music, have some amazing food and even dance a little, THIS IS THE PLACE!
All of this with shots of mezcal and a few beers and tip came to about 55-60usd! Don't miss this place!
I love this place for all of the reasons! It has become one of my favorite places in the world.
The live music night after night is top tier. There’s typically a band and a DJ who plays in between the band sets. Each night is a different vibe. The nights went featured salsa and mainstream jams, and cumbia and Puerto Rican sounds.
The service is great and the drinks are good and reasonably priced. There is a server that comes around and drops snacks on the table all night so if you’re not super hungry but want to drink and enjoy the vibes they will make sure you still have something on your stomach.
I want to note this is a locals spot so if you visit please remember that and respect what they got going on. They come after work, or to meet up with friends, or to dance and have a ball. This is not a tourist spot where you’re catered to, many of the servers only speak Spanish so brush up on your ‘da me la cerveza o mezcal o tequila’ phrases.
Great atmosphere and decor. There’s a big area that’s basically outdoors where you can sit. Definitely worth the cheap price for good drinks + you get snacks on the house.
TROPICO 56
| Address | C. 56ᴬ 425A, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM |
| Phone | 999 757 1453 |
Wow! Such a vibrant place on a Saturday night. Karaoke is the verb, la comida y las bebidas son la acción! They have some decent mescal drinks here, but the tracks are a great choice for something familiar. That arrachera arre usually my favorite, and this place doesn't disappoint.
It turns pretty much into a louder club by 9 and i have no idea how long it goes for. But the time I did spend here was a lot of fun. Muchas gracias!
If you are looking for authentic Yucatán seafood in the heart of Merida, look no further! Trópico 56 at the south of Paseo Montejo has the best in a beautiful patio and bar. Our wonderful server Ramon helped us pick from the extensive menu and we loved the Ceviche Yucateco and the Mediterranean. The guacamole 🥑 somehow tastes fresher and creamier than I’ve ever had. Great Merida Restaurant!
We had such a great experience here, and a big part of that was thanks to Ramon!
From the very beginning, he was incredibly kind and attentive. He even helped us with the parking situation outside and showed us the best place to park so our car could stay in the shade, which we really appreciated.
Inside, he took a lot of time to answer all our questions about Mexico, shared helpful tips, and made us feel very welcome. He also gave us excellent recommendations for Mezcal cocktails and shots, and everything we tried was delicious.
Ramon was genuinely friendly, attentive, and welcoming throughout our entire visit. You can really tell that he cares about his guests and wants them to have a great experience.
Thank you so much, Ramon – you made our afternoon even more special! We would absolutely recommend this place and especially Ramon’s fantastic service.
I love this place. It is always so fun. I have been here about 5 times with friends. Parties ranging from 2 to 20. The staff is always very friendly, patient, and accommodating. The food us decent casual food. The best part is the Karaoke. Chef's Kiss.
We were wondering by on a very hot sunny afternoon and happened upon this Gem. They were playing some great music which always attracts me. Upon entering, the people (Jorge & Fatima) that were working here were amazingly welcoming and so kind. We came with our dog, and they were very welcoming of him, they even gave him a cookie! We all felt very welcome and comfortable.
We had just eaten at another restaurant so we did not try the food, we did however get a couple of cold drinks and they were both tasty. The regular menu prices are good however It was happy hour so we got two for the price of one.
DeloreanBar
| Address | Calle 58, entre 59 Callejón Excongreso, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 AM |
| Phone | 999 217 2316 |
Great place for a drink. Usually classic rock music or live bands. The "house tequila" is amazing and probably the best price on the city. Great Limonade too 🙃
Really great vibrant bar. Lot of different drinks to choose from. We enjoyed IPA beer, prices are reasonable, service was fast.
Friendly Bar just off the main square that was never too crowded. They make an excellent guacamole. The beer prices are cheap and they have several beers that are local to the Yucatan. The staff is helpful and tolerant of people who do not speak Spanish. This is an excellent place to get a cold drink and rest your feet if you've been walking around the Grand Plaza for a while. They also have a record shop there and a tattoo artist.
1. Great value for drinks and food. Like actually check out the food options—the price is amazing.
2. The staff are very nice and they have someone at the register that does speak English. In fact, over our few visits, Renata got to recognize us and remember our drink orders, and she was so friendly and welcoming.
3. All the staff are great. During my second time there, a stranger started harassing me, and Roger (the friendliest server I’ve met in a while) came over almost immediately address the situation and made sure that all customers were safe and comfortable. He stuck around until the stranger left. Also all staff members just gave great vibes altogether if you just hit them with a smile.
4. The live music is pretty amazing, but perhaps too loud for some. It would be cool if they offered noise-reducing earplugs for sale for people sensitive to loud music.
So, yeah: good vibes overall. 100% I’d go back (and so that’s what we did to cap off four consecutive nights out in Mérida).
I lost my wallet here and after 2 weeks one of the members was able to locate me and return everything to me, excellent food, service and atmosphere! Highly recommended.
something that they taught me when trying to compensate the gesture: "You should not reward something that should always be done"
Bar Latino
| Address | C. 59 461, Parque de la Mejorada, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 999 351 4052 |
While in Merida, ended up eating here twice. Friendly service and delicious thin pork chop entree and cocktails! Recommend stopping in!!
Looks like renovations have been completed recently so had to share! Some of the best cocktails I've had-anywhere! Service was also great! I'm already ready to return.
Absolutely love this place. I had the Cevich Cameron (shrimps) and their speciality cocktail, Margarita Xcatik. They were both excellent - top quality 👌🏾 !!! There are delicious complimentary sides when you order a drink, and they too were absolutely delicious. The owner, Jose and his staff are wonderful and the place is lush and beautiful! I Highly recommend it! I will be back for their local Yucatán dishes!
Good service but I thought the food was fine. Service a bit underwhelming. Good cocktails but a little sweet for my taste.
Such a cool bar. Fantastic cocktails. It's a gorgeous bar but also a down to earth cool spot. Staff are absolute darlings too. Also great food!
Catrín
| Address | Calle 47 463B, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 1:00 PM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 1:00 PM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 999 518 1725 |
We randomly stumbled upon this place for dinner. It was easy to get seated everybody was very friendly, the waiters were trying their best and we had a great dinner experience.
The food especially the bone marrow and cochinita tacos were awesome I also recommend the tuna tostadas! Every dish was flavorful and presented in a nice way.
I would definitely come back and recommend this place! To anybody whos hungry in Merida and enjoys delicious mexican meats and seafood!
What a fantastic restaurant. We choose it for its name, and what an excellent choice it was! The food is absolutely yummy, the service attentive and friendly and the location lovely. We particularly liked the little yard in the back with the large mural. We went there three time during our stay in Merida and every single time the food was outrageously good. Good value for money!
We had a very enjoyable dinner at Catrín in Mérida. The place has a cool atmosphere, which makes it a great spot to sit, watch the Lasershow outdoors, and enjoy the evening.
The food was really delicious and beautifully presented, with flavors that highlight the richness of Yucatán cuisine. The service was normal and straightforward, but the quality of the dishes and the vibrant setting made the experience very worthwhile.
A great place to enjoy good food in a relaxed and stylish Mérida setting.
It was 8:30 pm. Foods and service were so good.
If you want to visit here, go after 9pm.
I recommend this place but I was in a wrong hour.. I guess.
The food was super good, we enjoyed what we ate. The music gives a nice atmosphere to the place.
However, we were a bit disappointed by the waiter’s reaction after we paid: seemed our tip was insufficient to him and all of a sudden he became quite impolite. As students, we thought 5% would be enough? It was a pity to end this wonderful diner like that.
Mezcaleria La Fundacion
| Address | C. 59 509, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 8:00 PM – 3:00 AM Thursday: 8:00 PM – 3:00 AM Friday: 8:00 PM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 PM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:30 AM |
| Phone | 999 955 4038 |
Zeus recommended for us to go down the street 5 blocks to keep the party going def a vibe walking in and playing 70’s music with a disco and a decent little dance floor. we order fries (nice and crispy!) Also a bucket of beer (nice and cold) for 250 Pesos not included the fries. it’s a great walk to lose some calories and have a good chat along with some shops and stands along the way if you
Got some $$$ to spend
Good location in centro but food is a bit lacking. They have breakfast packages but I think you should pay a bit more for fresher quality. The juices are just all sugar and I would just stick to the coffee. The service is fast though so if you need a quick meal in the morning then come here.
Loved the place! Came there early and had full attention of amazing manager and waiters, who served me grasshoppers and had fun watching me eat them for the first time😜 I must admit it was super cool and the interior of the place and variety of drinks just charmed me. In general they made you feel very welcome.
I have been in Mérida a year and this is the only place I keep coming back to. The staff is always attentive and one of the servers in particular, Alexis, has gone out of his way on multiple occasions to make sure we were cared for. The DJs are great, as are the live bands. If you go anywhere on your trip to Mérida, come here
Great cocktails for good prices and nice decor. We enjoyed it so much in the afternoon that we came back in the evening to find a DJ playing the best club music we've heard outside of Netherlands.
Great place for a lively evening full of drinks, snacks and dancing.
La Bierhaus
| Address | C. 62 487-por 57 y 59, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 999 413 6571 |
One star is too much for the quality of food we received.
We ordered the roasted chicken, burgers, and salad, and unfortunately it was one of the worst meals I have ever had. The roasted chicken was so bad that we genuinely couldn’t tell whether it was spoiled or if that was simply how it was prepared. The burgers were equally disappointing—I honestly don’t know what kind of meat was used, but the taste and quality were far below expectations.
I am surprised by the positive reviews this place has received because our experience was completely different. While I will say that the staff were friendly and polite, good service cannot make up for such poor food quality.
Based on our experience, I would not recommend this restaurant. If you value good food, I suggest looking elsewhere.
The beer on tap is very good. Fresh beer that tastes like you are in Germany.
Try the dark beer. It has a creamy stout taste that isn't bitter. Very good beer.
The service is professional and fast. I didn't eat so I can't say good or bad. But If the food tastes anything like the beer, then it'll be good.
I highly recommend this for cold German beer in a German style restaurant.
The food was good, my family and I got the hotdog, weinersnitzel, a burger, the pork with red cabbage and potatoes, and a warm pretzel. Everything tasted really good, the food didn’t take too long to come out, the mustard there is the best I’ve evert tasted. We also got some beers, they were tasty but a little lighter than I expected, but overall a very good place to visit
I’ve lived and traveled extensively through Germany. This is as close as it gets outside of Bavaria. Order the Schweinehaxe! The Gulaschsuppe is not in the authentic style, but has incredible flavor. Amazing for México! Service is European style - you need to get their attention if you want something.
If you want an ice cold beer in a beautiful little beer garden (well shaded and sun if you want it) then this is the place! Fantastic happy hour 12-3, just ask! 🍻 lovely service in a great location for a pit stop!
Mayan Pub
| Address | C. 62 x 55-x 57, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | 999 923 1271 |
Good prices, nice food and drinks, rock music alive.
We came to this place for drinks and snacks on a Friday night. The place had customers but was not full. It had a nice garden where we took a place.
We ordered a couple of drinks: hibiscus water, several beers and a cocktail. The drinks were fine and arrived shortly. Later we ordered French fries with chorizo and this one got stuck in the kitchen forever. Everyone else around us got their food including the waiter who was serving us. I think it took at least 30 minutes of waiting. The waitress was not helpful - no update or excuse. When we finally got our order we were surprized - it was really small (although tasty), we were wondering what took so long to cook it. Also the waiter didn’t bring us forks so we were all oily eating with hands 🙌. The bill was around 300+ pesos. The waiter dared to ask for the tip after all the mess 😀 and we tipped - obviously we got a bit drunk 😉
Overall the atmosphere in this place is positive. The garden is nicely decorated with lights. The music is played through speakers. On that night a live band was giving a rock concert which was cool.
All in all we had a great time here except the delay with our food:/
The music on the Saturday 27 Dec was way too loud, like having a very hard time understanding the waiter or anyone else. Sure some people like it, and I usually don’t mind too loud music. This was too much though!
Great spot, nice outdoor area and bar out the back, cheap food and drink, laid-back atmosphere. Pool table (free to play, just pay 200 peso deposit for balls and cues) and foosball inside. Friendly staff and a nice treat to get popcorn as a snack with your drinks!
Tasty cocktails, good value, well made,
I didn't have any food but the selection looked quite good.
I had the mayan pub cocktail and a beer
There's live music about to come on also
So excited for that
Would come again I think
El Lagarto de Oro Cantina
| Address | C. 50 x 55, Parque de la Mejorada, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
This place is a gem of Merida! I was recommended it by a local and am so glad I came. The place is incredibly lively with beautiful decor. Daniel and Lalo were extremely attentive and helped me navigate food allergies. They have live music every night which I’ll definitely come back for. Highly recommend!
Stumbled Into this place and so glad we did! The vibe was SO GOOD from the moment we walked in. Cool, unique setting with an atmosphere somewhere between a dive bar and a cozy neighborhood eatery. Our server Manuel was attentive and so helpful. Everything we ordered was fresh and packed with flavor. We can’t wait to bring our family back next time!
Edit: Came back 3 months later. A quick unexpected trip to Merida! Our server Angel was SO attentive and helpful. The food was amazing (get the Chamorro Negro) and the ambiance is the perfect blend of upbeat and dive bar. Can’t wait to come back !
Spent 10 days in Merida. Found this spot on evening 9, but otherwise I would have come multiple times. 💔
While the food in Merida is very good, I found it difficult to find a spot that delivered atmosphere, ambiance, and a diverse crowd that wasn’t just older foreigners. (Mid 30s / solo / somewhat professional)
El Lagarto ticks all the boxes. Excellent service, great cocktails, decent regionally inspired dishes, in a venue that is truly fun. Kitschy design, good lighting, a DJ. Free parking a few doors down.
Price point was on par with other tourist spots. (food slightly below average, drinks slightly above average).
up to date information online and reservations via OpenTable.
Great vibe, great food, and great service! We really enjoyed our time at the restaurant. The music was playing loud but you could still talk and it was a fun place to be with cool music playing. We were so incredibly full after the two meals we ordered as we also had starters “on the house” to start with. Our waiters were incredibly attentive and always asked if we needed something more, brought us the menu, and the cocktails arrived very quickly. Which were very good by the way also! The Mezcal sour is definitely worth a try! It got a bit hot in the restaurant by the end of our time there, I think it’s because one of the ACs stopped working, but it was fine and didn’t spoil our night. We will try our best to be back !
Great spot. The stuffed pepper tacos were incredible. Amazing cocktails and fantastic service as well. A must if you are in Merida.
Pipiripau Bar
| Address | C. 62 461, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Centro, Yuc., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 PM – 2:30 AM Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 2:30 AM Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 2:30 AM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 2:30 AM Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:30 AM Saturday: 1:00 PM – 2:30 AM Sunday: 1:00 PM – 1:30 AM |
| Phone | 999 291 6255 |
Went here for cocktails and dancing on a Friday night, they played classic and new reggaeton, the vibe was great, enough space to dance. Arrive early if you want to avoid long lines.
The bar had amazing vibes! They had a lot of varied seating options both indoor & outdoor and their mezcal cocktails were really amazing! The food was average and they didn’t have a lot of options but the place was amazing! There was a DJ playing music and it was just spectacular! A must visit when in Mérida!
Went there for two drinks, they were cheap as chips but the music was too loud to have a conversation. However, the indoor/outdoor experience and the decor was awesome!
This is a 10 outta 10 would recommend type of place. The place had great music and vibes, the servers were super friendly, good food and the drinks.... no words. Definitely going back here and bringing my other friends for this experience.
Great vibe, awesome design and super cheap drinks (60 pesos each, or 110 pesos for a litre). We came here every night we spent in Merida. The only thing they could do better is turn down the music in the early evenings. We saw so many people who walked in, heard the blasting tunes and turned around to leave. Why would you scare the customers away like that?
El Lucero
| Address | Calle 47, 493 x, C. 56, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Amazing service and food! Free tapas if you’re drinking - all amazing and top shelf. Pleasantly surprised and glad we stumbled in. Ami is an amazing server. Ask if she’s working.
Food here is super authentic and very well done! I recommend the ceviche seasoned perfectly! The guacamole a skirt steak was so tasty and all the small mousse bouche were packed with flavor!
Danny was great, so friendly. The vibes inside are spectacular everyone is having a great time, the food and drinks are great. I had the jarritos tropical and fresas colada. 10/10 recommend not too sweet! Come here!!
Quaint local bar with plenty of typical finger foods, botanas, included. We were impressed with the great service and wide variety of snacks offered. Our servers Ivan and Armando were super efficient and kind. We enjoyed our visit and look forward to returning soon!
Excellent place to have some drinks on the afternoon. Live music, a variety of appetizers that ranges from mediocre to fantastic. But the price is right. Highly recommend both the pina and strawberry colada. There were only three of us, and this is what we got with our first round of drinks, and they kept coming.
La Casita De Paja
| Address | C. 55 428d, entre 44 y 46, Parque de la Mejorada, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 999 922 7945 |
No doubt, in my experience, this is best cantina in Merida open today. I recommend reading all of the reviews and you will find that most negative reviews are off the mark. Seems some folks just can't deal with the fact that this place did not cater to them like they are royalty or a cut above. In my opinion, such self-entitled folks probably don't belong in casual bar like this. A lot of hard working folks come here to relax and be with friends. In a bar as popular and busy as the Casita Paja, where they are serving hundereds of drinks per hour, often 10 cuaguamas a minute the staff don't have time for BS from folks that don't seem to like being treated like everyone else. I have been here many dozens of times and never seen anyone treated badly. Yes, sometimes service can seem lite its slow, but only when the bar is at capacity. The bar tenders are amazing. Yes, they pay careful attention to who is allowed in, but to everyone's benifit. I would be considered a tourist and I am always treated well. The fact that there are sometimes long waits and long lines to get in says something about how great of an experience people generally have here. OMG, no menus and there are no "burnt" beers here, The classic michalada is made from a tamarind base with chili and other other spices. Some negative reviewers have to be confused about where they are, or they are just being nasty and rude themselves. Two drinks and an order or two of botanas can cost around $100 pesos at this time, not $1000. Here, as most everywhere, what you give is what you get in return. I am one of the dogs of Lasarus and I am waiting at the gates of hell for all the rude, disingenuous folks who who come here. Casita de Paja is a nice, clean, comfortable plave and the best botanas I have had anywhere. They have glasses for chiladas and michaladas made from cut off bottles. Great ambience. Air conditioned on the "family" side. Botanas change daily. Limited entries, like Poc Chuk are excellent. What more can I say except come and enjoy the best historic cantina in Merida and leave your wierd personal stuff at the door.
We went in for a drink and we’re surprised how lively it was on a Thursday evening! Very friendly.
IF YOU’RE A TOURIST, DO NOT COME. If I could give this place a zero, I would. This place SCAMS tourists.
First, there is no menu. The waiter asked what we wanted to order and I asked for a menu. The waiter said they have none. I am not from Yucatán, so I don’t know the local cuisine. This was my first day in Mérida, and this was the first restaurant I visited. I insisted on seeing a menu, and the waiter declined that service. This should have been my first red flag.
In total, I ordered two grapefruit drinks, one main dish, and two sides. The waiter informed us that the total price for the food was $790 MXN. We gave him $1,000 MXN as payment. Then, things got interesting because he requested another $100 MXN as “tip”. He walked away with the payment, and then I waited for a couple of minutes to request my change. He said he would give back the change; however, he only returned $150 MXN. The change should have been $210 MXN. This was NOT the correct amount of change we were expecting.
Food was good but the price the waiter determined no way justified the excessive amount. He overcharged because he could have. We are tourists, so of course, I do not know better.
During my stay in Merida, I visited fine dining restaurants at the city center. At those other restaurants, I ordered food for two people (and were large portions) plus appetizers, plus multiple rounds of drinks, and the price was still comparable to what our waiter requested at La Casita de Paja.
How can a local establishment charge the same amount as a fine dining restaurant at Merida city center, while providing LESS food?
As a tourist, I recommend not supporting this establishment. The food was good. However, the AUDACITY of the waiter lying to us and scamming us was absolutely ludicrous.
If you get recommended this place, kindly DECLINE.
As others have said, this is a tremendously friendly local place that welcomed a couple of travelers. Castakan and Chorizo tacos were fantastic. The micheladas are giant and cold. Stopped in for lunch on a weekday and will absolutely return.
Cute little cantina. Local place. Fair prices. Very friendly service. Will return.
Bar La Ruina
| Address | Calle 69 Por 70 y 72 #570, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:30 – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 12:30 – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 12:30 – 7:00 PM Thursday: 12:30 – 7:00 PM Friday: 12:30 – 7:00 PM Saturday: 12:30 – 7:00 PM Sunday: 12:30 – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 999 923 6732 |
HIGHLY recommend if you’re visiting Merida! It felt like a real local spot with great drink options and music. We only ordered some beers and they brought us some complimentary snacks to have alongside which we really appreciated!
Great botanas in terms of variety, quality; best I have had on Meida. Excellent, friendly, attentive service. Bar is like a pub, with pub style barback which is made from mahogany. Several seating areas, including an outdoor patio. Live music, dancing daily in inner and puter patio. Crowded for an early Monday afternoon. A local hangout with occasional tourists. Good selection of domestic Mexicam beers, full bar of distilled liquor, with some mixed drinks, and shots. No wine Like many cantinas now, no cagumas. But, now have cheladas and micheladas and in addition to botanas they have a menu of mostly seafood dishes and daily selections. Wheelchair access to main areas, bathrooms. Families with children often come here, but not recommended for infants. LGT friendly. La Ruina is one of the great historic cantinas in Merida. Cheers!. I advise to ignore negative reviews! Seems like people get ticked about one thing and miss the experience. Note that positive reviews vastly outnumber the negative ones.
Authentic cantina a few steps from Mérida Bus station. What to expect at Bar La Ruina? Friendly service, cold beers, a lot of free tapas-like food, live music and a typical Mexican atmosphere. I highly recommend this place!
This cantina is one of the best I’ve been in Mérida; very attentive staff, the snacks are tasty and made throughout the day, with a pretty good 5-dish daily food menu. Drinks are properly priced, and its split in a bar room, a larger table room where you have daily live music and comedians taking the mic, as well as a patio for whoever prefers the hardcore humidity in Mérida and enjoys sweating like a pig.
For a traditional cantina, this is a solid 9 out of 10.
Recommended 👍🏼
Nice local tradicional cantina with live music on the weekends. Beers come fast and are cold, excellent selection of free botanas, service is good, prices are very affordable. It's a good place to spend an afternoon with friends
El Cardenal Cantina
| Address | C. 63 527, Barrio de Santiago, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 999 518 1729 |
What a lovely little cantina to have a giant beer! A must visit. Beer is extra cold and the michelada is delicious. They give you food with every beer purchase.
A great bar with live music. Good selection of beers, good service and options for food. The waiter was very helpful in selecting the best tequila!
This cantina used to be one of the best, but now is not what it was before. The food is very simple and pricy, the options in the menú were limited both: alcohol and food. You can not longer order a personal beer they only serve a Caguama which is a big bottle of beer, which not only is expensive but it gets hot very fast and if you are on your own it does not work well. The food is limited by some simple dishes that for my taste are not very good, I had the tacos of cochinita and I did not enjoy them, same with other food. The only thing sometimes is good, is when they have a band playing. The botana before 5 sucks!
5 stara for very good live music, every day something different. My boyfriend and I have been 3 times and we enjoyed it a lot!
Well priced caguamas and other drinks. Food was acceptable, not great, burrito much better than mix yucataneo.
This is my new favorite place! First night I walked in there was a metal cover band. Great drinks and empanadas. During the day you get free appetizers too. Love it here! Good prices too
Hennessys Irish Pub
| Address | Paseo Montejo. C 56-A No. 486A x 41 y 43, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 999 509 7089 |
Had a couple of great visits here over a few days. The staff were great, love the bar and food is devine. (Only gave a 4 for service as our bill....AND once we got home in good light could study it,) we got charged for a cocktail " negrini" that we never had😑 as we are beer & vodka soda drinkers only, no cocktails EVER. (Which was more expensive🧐) Anyway other than this all was good & if we hadnt of left the next day to fly elsewhere we wudda gone back to review this, which I'm sure they wudda addressed/ corrected.
We had the salmon and the chicken “light” pasta and both were tasty and served warm. On Sunday, March 15,2026, in the early evening, they had a jazz band and then later had a cuban band and bith wete excellent. The only negative is they dont have Irish beer. It was mexican beers or Heineken. The bar tender told me they have problems importing Irish beer.
We had an amazing time at Hennessy's Pub in Merida! This was our 2nd time there and both times were great! The waiter took excellent care of us and gave us great recommendations for drinks! The food was perfect also!
Great spot for friends & shinnanigans! Proper large bar & many tables inside & out, including a few patios with umbrella seating for good people watching! I've had the cheese sticks, salads, crab cakes, fish & chips, burgers - all good stuff! Great for groups or making new friends ! Always a good time here.
It is a great place to eat and drink. It is a very good location and it is very rustic the food is very good. The fish n chips were good and the fish was fine the chips were good and the wine is very good. The beer is on tap here which is unusual for Mexico. And the lemonade was great. The orange juice was fine. The chairs were very comfortable and the table is so cool because it's base is made with a sewing machine it's so cool. The ambient was very good and the place also. The service was fine .I recommend it.
Essential Tips for Enjoying Merida’s Bar Scene
To make the most of your nights out in the Yucatan capital, it helps to understand the local customs and practical logistics that shape the experience. Merida’s climate, layout, and cultural rhythms differ significantly from those in the United States, and a little preparation goes a long way. The following tips will help you navigate the city like a seasoned local, ensuring comfort, safety, and maximum enjoyment as you explore the venues listed above.
First, embrace the concept of "la tardeada" or early evening drinking. Because Merida is extremely hot during the day, many locals prefer to start their evenings early, often hitting rooftop bars around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM to catch the sunset and cooler breezes. This means happy hours are often genuinely lively, and you can enjoy a full evening out while still getting to bed at a reasonable hour if you are adjusting to the time zone.
Second, always carry cash, specifically pesos, even if a venue accepts credit cards. Many of the older, more traditional cantinas and smaller boutique bars operate on a cash-only basis. Having small bills on hand also makes it easier to tip musicians, restroom attendants, and valet parking staff, which is customary and appreciated.
Third, dress for the climate but respect the venue. Merida is casual compared to Mexico City or Tulum, but high-end cocktail bars and hotel rooftops may enforce a smart-casual dress code. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton are your best friends. Avoid wearing beachwear or flip-flops if you plan to visit upscale establishments in the evening.
Fourth, understand the concept of "botana." In traditional cantinas, ordering a round of drinks often comes with a complimentary small plate of food. This is a wonderful way to sample local Yucatecan cuisine, such as salbutes or panuchos, without committing to a full dinner. The more you order to drink, the more substantial the botanas often become, so pace yourself and enjoy the food as part of the experience.
Fifth, use safe transportation after dark. While the historic center is very walkable, the heat and humidity can be draining. Uber and Didi are widely available, affordable, and reliable in Merida, making them an excellent choice for moving between neighborhoods. If you are staying in the north of the city, avoid trying to walk back late at night and opt for a short ride instead.
Sixth, be mindful of the local drinking culture. Merida is a family-oriented and respectful city. While having a good time is encouraged, loud, rowdy behavior is generally frowned upon, especially in the more traditional cantinas. Drinking on the streets is illegal, so keep your beverages inside the venue or on its designated terrace.
Exploring Merida’s bar scene is an adventure in taste, history, and hospitality. Each venue offers a different window into the soul of the city, from the boisterous camaraderie of a classic cantina to the quiet sophistication of a modern cocktail den. By approaching your nights out with a sense of curiosity and respect for local customs, you will discover why this city is quickly becoming one of Mexico’s most beloved destinations for discerning drinkers.
Whether you are spending a long weekend or an entire season here, the memories made over a well-crafted drink in a beautiful colonial setting are likely to stay with you long after you leave. So gather your friends, step out into the warm Yucatecan night, and let Merida’s vibrant energy guide you to your next favorite bar.
