Bars & Clubs	Key Features
La Negrita	Local beers, live music, traditional Mexican ambience.
Pipiripau	Craft beers, rooftop, live music.
Mercado 60	Food court, variety of cuisine, live music.
Malahat	Speakeasy style, cocktails, quiet ambiance.
Fundación Mezcaleria	Mezcal, live music, traditional décor.
La Fundación	Craft beers, live music, historical décor.
La Tratto Santa Lucía	Italian cuisine, live music, picturesque location.
El Cardenal Cantina	Local beers, botanas, traditional cantina atmosphere.
Mayan Pub	Craft beers, live music, casual setting.

1. Which are the top 10 bars and clubs in Merida?

Merida, the vibrant capital of Yucatan in Mexico, is rich with both cultural history and an exciting nightlife scene. Its bars and clubs offer a range of atmospheres from laid-back lounges to electrifying dance venues. While personal preferences may vary, these 10 establishments often rank among the best nightlife spots in Merida:

1. La Negrita Cantina: A popular traditional cantina with live music, refreshing cocktails, and a lively crowd.
2. Mercado 60: This gastronomic market turns into a vibrant nightlife spot with live music and a wide variety of food and drink stalls.
3. Malahat Speakeasy: A hidden bar offering classic and innovative cocktails in a stylish 1920s-themed setting.
4. Fundación Mezcaleria: Renowned for its broad selection of mezcal, this bar also provides live music and a vibrant outdoor setting.
5. Casa Chica: A laid-back rooftop bar with stunning views of the city, ideal for a relaxed night out.
6. La Fundación: A bustling cantina that serves local craft beers and offers salsa lessons.
7. La Tratto Santa Lucía: An Italian restaurant that turns into a lively bar in the evening with live music.
8. El Cardenal Cantina: An old-school cantina serving local beers and botanas, with a traditional Mexican atmosphere.
9. Mayan Pub: A casual pub known for its craft beers, live music, and friendly service.
10. Dzalbay Cantina: A cultural center by day and a vibrant bar with live music by night.

2. What are the unique features of La Negrita Cantina?

La Negrita Cantina stands out in Merida’s nightlife for several reasons. Located in the heart of the city, this cantina offers a classic Mexican bar experience. Its vibrant colors and traditional décor set a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Live music, mainly salsa and other Latin genres, is a big draw. Bands play almost every night, contributing to the lively, authentic atmosphere. The open dance floor often fills up with locals and tourists alike.

The cantina is well-known for its extensive cocktail menu, with a focus on local liquors. Their signature cocktails often feature Yucatecan ingredients, making for a unique tasting experience.

La Negrita is also appreciated for its traditional botanas, or small snacks, typically served free with drinks. The menu changes daily and offers a taste of traditional Yucatecan cuisine.

Despite its popularity, La Negrita Cantina maintains reasonable prices. It is an affordable place to experience Merida’s nightlife, music, and food culture.

3. What can I expect from Mercado 60?

Mercado 60 isn’t your typical bar; it’s a gastronomic market that turns into a vibrant nightlife spot in the evening. It houses a range of food and drink stalls, offering international and local cuisine. This makes it an excellent choice for groups with varying tastes.

The market’s lively atmosphere is amplified in the evenings with live music. Genres range from jazz to salsa, often encouraging patrons to get up and dance. The open-air setting adds to the overall charm, providing a casual and relaxed environment.

Each stall at Mercado 60 has its unique offerings in terms of food and drinks. This allows you to enjoy a cocktail from one stall, tacos from another, and finish off with a dessert from yet another.

The market is known for its variety of craft beers and artisanal drinks. It’s a great place to explore the local craft scene.

Located in the city center, Mercado 60 is easily accessible, making it a convenient spot for an evening out in Merida.

4. What makes Malahat Speakeasy special?

Malahat Speakeasy is a hidden gem in Merida’s nightlife scene. Its discreet location and speakeasy style hark back to the prohibition era, making it a unique experience. This theme is reflected in the elegant 1920s décor, the well-dressed bartenders, and the smooth jazz playing in the background.

The main attraction of Malahat is its cocktails. The bar has a focus on classic cocktails, prepared with precision and a flair for presentation. However, the menu also includes inventive cocktails that offer an exciting mix of flavors.

Malahat is also appreciated for its intimate and quiet ambiance. It’s an excellent place for a relaxed evening or a romantic date. The bar limits its capacity to maintain this atmosphere, so it’s recommended to arrive early or make a reservation.

Despite its upscale vibe, Malahat Speakeasy maintains an inviting and friendly atmosphere. The bartenders are known to be knowledgeable and approachable, ready to suggest a drink based on your preferences.

5. What is unique about Fundación Mezcaleria?

Fundación Mezcaleria is a standout venue in Merida for its wide variety of mezcal. Mezcal, a traditional Mexican spirit, is the star of the show here. The staff is knowledgeable about their offerings and can guide both novices and connoisseurs through their extensive mezcal selection.

The bar is located in an old colonial house, offering both indoor seating and a vibrant outdoor courtyard. The décor is modern and artsy, with a touch of traditional elements, adding to the overall charm.

Live music is a common feature at Fundación Mezcaleria, with genres ranging from rock to reggae. The venue occasionally hosts DJ nights and live performances, attracting a diverse crowd.

Despite its focus on mezcal, the bar also offers other drinks including craft beers and cocktails. The food menu includes traditional Mexican and Yucatecan snacks, making it an ideal place to unwind and soak in Merida’s nightlife.

6. Why should I visit Casa Chica?

Casa Chica is known for its stunning rooftop views of Merida. It offers a unique perspective of the city, especially at sunset and into the evening. The relaxed, open-air setting makes it a perfect spot for a laid-back night out.

The bar offers a variety of drinks, including a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Their cocktail list features both classics and inventive options that rotate seasonally. The bartenders are known for their craft and can recommend drinks based on your preferences.

Casa Chica often hosts DJ sets and live music, creating a relaxed yet vibrant ambiance. Genres typically range from electronic to ambient music, complementing the bar’s chilled-out vibe.

The venue also serves food, with a menu focusing on Mexican and international dishes. The offering varies from tapas-style snacks to more substantial meals.

Its central location makes Casa Chica a convenient place for an evening out, and it’s an ideal spot to start or end a night out in Merida.

7. What’s the experience at La Fundación like?

La Fundación is a bustling cantina in Merida known for its local craft beers and vibrant atmosphere. The venue is also renowned for offering salsa lessons, making it an exciting and interactive place to visit.

The cantina’s rustic, relaxed environment adds to its charm. The décor includes historical photos and memorabilia, reflecting Merida’s rich past.

Live music is a key feature at La Fundación. Local bands often play here, contributing to the authentic Yucatecan ambiance.

The venue offers a range of craft beers, both local and international. The staff is knowledgeable and can help you navigate their extensive beer menu.

Despite being a popular spot, La Fundación often maintains reasonable prices. It’s an excellent place to experience Merida’s local culture without breaking the bank.

8. Why should I visit La Tratto Santa Lucía?

La Tratto Santa Lucía is primarily an Italian restaurant, but in the evening, it transforms into a lively bar with live music. It’s located in the picturesque Santa Lucía square, offering an ideal setting for an evening out.

The venue is known for its delicious Italian cuisine. From pasta to pizza, the food here is well-reputed. In the evening, the focus shifts towards drinks and music, but the kitchen remains open for those who wish to dine.

The drink menu at La Tratto includes a variety of wines, cocktails, and beers. The bar often features live music, ranging from jazz to Latin genres. The combination of music, food, and drinks creates a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.

La Tratto’s location in Santa Lucía square adds to its appeal. The square is a popular spot with several other restaurants and bars, making it a vibrant area in the evening.

Despite its upscale setting, La Tratto maintains a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a meal, listen to live music, or simply enjoy a drink.

9. What makes El Cardenal Cantina a must-visit?

El Cardenal Cantina offers an authentic Mexican cantina experience. It’s known for serving local beers and botanas, a type of snack that accompanies drinks.

The cantina is set in a traditional building with an old-school décor. The vibrant colors and vintage furnishings contribute to the authentic atmosphere.

Live music is common at El Cardenal, usually featuring local bands. The genres range from traditional Mexican music to Latin pop and salsa, contributing to the lively ambiance.

The cantina is also appreciated for its affordable prices. It’s a great place to enjoy a local beer, sample some botanas, and soak in the traditional Mexican bar atmosphere.

El Cardenal Cantina is located in the city center, making it easily accessible for an evening out in Merida.

10. What can I expect at Mayan Pub?

Mayan Pub is a casual, friendly venue known for its craft beers and live music. It’s a great place to unwind after a day of exploring Merida, or to kick-start a night out.

The pub offers a wide range of craft beers, both local and imported. The bartenders are knowledgeable and can guide you through their extensive beer menu.

Live music is a key feature at Mayan Pub. Local bands often play here, creating a lively atmosphere and offering a taste of the local music scene.

Despite its casual setting, the pub maintains a high standard of service. The staff is friendly and accommodating, often contributing to the overall positive experience.

Located in the heart of Merida, Mayan Pub is an excellent spot to enjoy craft beers, listen to live music, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

These bars and clubs represent just a glimpse of Merida’s vibrant nightlife. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere, a variety of drinks, and often live music. Whether you prefer a quiet speakeasy, a bustling cantina, or a relaxed rooftop bar, you’re likely to find a spot that suits your preferences in Merida. Enjoy exploring these venues and immersing yourself in the lively cultural scene of this beautiful Yucatecan city.

FAQ

What kind of music is played at La Negrita?

La Negrita often features live music, particularly salsa. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by the traditional Mexican vibe of the place.

Is Pipiripau a good place for craft beer lovers?

Yes, Pipiripau offers a variety of craft beers and the bartenders are knowledgeable, making it an excellent choice for craft beer enthusiasts.

Does Mercado 60 offer vegetarian options?

Mercado 60 is a food court-style venue with a variety of stalls offering different cuisines. Many stalls offer vegetarian and vegan options.

Is Malahat a quiet place?

Malahat has a speakeasy style and offers a quieter, more intimate environment compared to some of the other bars on this list.

What is unique about Fundación Mezcaleria?

Fundación Mezcaleria stands out for its specialty in mezcal, a Mexican distilled alcoholic beverage. The venue also frequently hosts live music.

Does La Tratto Santa Lucía only serve Italian food?

While La Tratto Santa Lucía is known for its delicious Italian cuisine, it also has a variety of drinks and often features live music in the evening.

Is Mayan Pub located centrally in Merida?

Yes, Mayan Pub is located in the heart of Merida, making it easily accessible and a great spot to start or end your night out.