A Tour of 15 Cafés and Coffee Bars in Mérida

A Tour of Charming Coffee Shops in Mérida

For some, coffee shops are all about spending with your favorite people. For others, they’re spaces to create (or find) a beautiful community united by a love of coffee. And for many still, they are cozy corners to enjoy a good coffee in solitude.

With this in mind, Carlos Cornejo, director of Secretname Naming Studio and owner of Amétodo—a beloved coffee shop known for its nighttime coffee vibes and recently celebrating its second anniversary—started a wonderful initiative called "No Compitas, Haz Compitas (Don’t Compete, Make Pals).” This free guide highlights and promotes several outstanding coffee spots in Mérida. The sixth edition, published in May, continues the tradition of offering a carefully curated list of coffee shops, committed to supporting and celebrating the city’s coffee culture.

Just like them, we understand that the “dream coffee shop” looks and feels different for everyone. That's why we’re bringing you some charming options that you can discover in Mérida (many of them featured in the "No Compitas, Haz Compitas" guide), each with its own special touch.

1. Condesa Barra de Café

This cozy coffee shop with a minimalist design has two locations: the first in the Condesa building in Centro, and the second on Calle 60 Norte, near Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Mérida. Both branches of Condesa Barra de Café are super inviting—not huge, but just right for enjoying a good coffee, one of their highly recommended sandwiches, a pastry, or their house specialty, the waffle churros.

I must admit that whenever I visit Condesa Barra de Café (or order delivery, because they offer that too), I have a hard time choosing. As a latte lover, I find their regular latte exceptional, but the vanilla and hazelnut ones are also great; but then I think: if I'm going for a hazelnut latte, why not just go all out and get a Nutella frappé? And so on. As for food, their cold cuts ciabatta is a complete breakfast (or lunch); if you have a small appetite, it might even last you for two sittings.

In summary, Condesa is an excellent choice for a good coffee (no matter which one you choose) and maybe a snack or two. —Alicia N.

Condesa Barra de Café
Centro: Calle 62 # 489 x 59, interior Edificio Condesa
Norte: Calle 50 x 59 y 61, Cordemex
WA: 563 863 3630
IG: condesabarradecafe
FB: Condesa Barra de Café

2. Akusara Café

A homey and mystical corner is waiting for you at Akusara Café. As you step in, you'll feel like you've arrived at the dream coffee shop of '90s girls. The space is decorated with plush toys, books, board games, plants, and, most intriguingly, tarot-themed decor. This last detail becomes important once you check out the menu, which features a “magical cold drink”. Just like a cat, curiosity got the better of us, so we took the plunge. Like a BuzzFeed personality test, the barista will ask you three questions to craft your ideal drink. Once it's ready, they'll reveal the name of your drink, inspired by a tarot card.

Besides this secret drink, the menu offers a wide variety of delicious options: cappuccinos, espressos, lattes, cold brews, hot or iced teas, and a great selection of frappuccinos. Feeling peckish? You can choose from three types of Chilaquiles, Molletes, wedge fries, French toast, and a tempting selection of desserts. They also offer delivery and pickup services.

If you’re curious about what the future holds, Akusara Café also offers tarot readings Monday to Friday from 4 to 6 pm. To book your spot, just give them a call at 999 415 9206 or shoot them a message on Instagram. Readings cost $333 pesos without a drink and $399 pesos with a drink included. —Sara A.

Akusara Café
Calle 62 801-Local 5, Jardines de Mérida, en Plaza Jardines
Tel. 999 238 9656
IG: akusara_cafe_
FB: Akusara Café
Mon. - Fri. 9:30 am - 9 pm
Saturdays, 10 am - 5 pm

3. Sempere - Café literario

Imagine this scene: it’s a lovely afternoon in Mérida; from above, you admire the setting sun while enjoying a good cup of coffee and reading your favorite book. This isn’t a scene from a movie or an aesthetic Pinterest image; it’s the experience you can have at Sempere, a literary café located in the Santa Lucía neighborhood, known for being a favorite hangout for book lovers, coffee enthusiasts, and those seeking unique experiences.

This delightful spot features a bookstore called “Otra librería Sempere,” where you can find the best titles, and of course, a café adorned with large bookshelves, plants, and literary-themed decor. The café also has tables by its windows, offering great views of the heart of Mérida.

Their menu is a coffee lover's dream, with everything from classic espressos and cappuccinos to brew bar creations made with Chemex, Aeropress, or Hario V60. They also have specialty drinks like affogato, cold brew with orange, and espresso tonic. And don’t forget their selection of teas and other refreshing cold beverages. For food, you can enjoy a variety of pastries, seasonal fruits, and scrumptious toasts and sandwiches. 

Their commitment to literature is so strong that the toasts or sandwiches are named after literary characters; they even present your bill in a book. If you’re an avid reader, enjoy working in a peaceful and intimate setting, or just want to sip on a good coffee while observing life, Sempere is your perfect spot! —Charlie G.

Sempere - Café literario
Centro: Calle 62 #479 (segundo piso) x 55 y 57 Parque de Santa Lucía, Centro
Temozón: Calle 40 x 79, Temozón Norte
Wed. - Mon. 8 am - 8 pm
Tel. 999 142 1999
IG: sempere.mx
FB: Sempere

4. Kadus Café

In recent years, the term "Instagrammable" has become super popular: everyone wants to snap photos that look fabulous on that platform. When I think of the drinks, dishes, and overall vibe at Kadus Café, I can only say that it’s the perfect definition of Instagrammable; no wonder their menu has a section called "Instagrammable Drinks."

But don’t worry: just because these drinks will get you lots of likes on your stories doesn’t mean they skimp on flavor—because they are absolutely delicious.

Their beverage menu is huge; Just thinking about their Tiramisu Iced Latte ($99 pesos) makes my mouth water as I write this. Besides coffee, they have a Chai Bar (starting at $67 pesos), smoothies (starting at $69 pesos), and lemonades (starting at $65 pesos). And if that’s not enough, Kadus Café is also an amazing spot for brunch, with options ranging from stuffed croissants to Chilaquiles.

The place is small, but this only adds to its cozy and sophisticated essence. If at any point you want to try delicious drinks while making your followers drool, you know where to go. —Sharon C.

Kadus Café
Calle 60 #326 x Av. del Deportista, Col. Alcalá Martín
Tel. 999 429 9854
Every day, 8 am - 10 pm 
IG: Kadus_mid
FB: Kadus Café

5. Cimmoni’s Bakery & Café

Cimonni’s Bakery & Café might be a relative newcomer to Mérida’s coffee scene, but it’s no surprise that they already have four branches in the city (Av. Yucatán, Av. García Lavín, Fracc. Las Américas, and Francisco de Montejo). Cimonni’s Bakery & Café offers a wide variety of cold and hot espresso-based drinks (from espressos to cinnamon rolls or choco-hazelnut lattes), as well as teas, sparkling drinks, and other delicious non-coffee beverages. Your favorite might depend on your personal taste, but what truly sets Cimonni’s apart are their famous cinnamon rolls, cookies, and, more recently, their amazing croissants.

Personally, Cimonni’s chocolate chip and walnut cookies are in my top 3 in Mérida (and God knows I’ve tried every chocolate chip cookie that has crossed my path), but they also offer varieties like red velvet, macadamia, and lemon with white chocolate. When it comes to rolls, you know it’s a Yucatecan business when they offer both Nutella and dulce de leche with Edam cheese, as well as more international options like Biscoff cookie or maple bacon. And if something sweet isn’t exactly what you want to pair with your drink, they also offer a sandwich menu with ingredients ranging from two cheeses to serrano ham. —Alicia N.

Cimonni’s Bakery & Café
Sucursales en Av. Yucatán, Av. García Lavín, Fracc. Las Américas y Francisco de Montejo
Available on Rappi and UberEats
www.linktr.ee/cimonnis
IG: cimonnisbakery

6. Atentamente - Jornada de Café

Are you tired of your usual workspace? Craving a change of scenery? Then it's time for you to discover Atentamente. This coffee shop is perfect for those who work from home and are tired of seeing the same four walls. It's also great for anyone needing a workday break or just looking to color on a random Tuesday. With a modern and vibrant vibe, you’ll feel inspired and motivated. Plus, they've got loads of board games for you to relax and have fun during your breaks. The spaces are designed for coworking, making it easy to collaborate and spark new ideas with other professionals.

At Atentamente, you’ll enjoy unlimited coffee, a bar with sweet and savory snacks, high-speed internet, a copy center, a meeting room, and both work and recreational spaces. They offer two types of rates: basic and unlimited.

The basic rate includes espresso, americano, various teas, and natural water. It costs $55 pesos per hour, $275 pesos per day, $700 pesos per week, and $2,500 pesos per month. The unlimited rate includes a wider variety of drinks: espresso, americano, teas, water, latte, cappuccino, flat white, chai latte, and dirty chai latte. Prices are $80 pesos per hour, $400 pesos per day, $1,000 pesos per week, and $3,750 pesos per month.

As if that wasn’t enough, Atentamente also offers workshops on various topics from time to time and organizes "coffee and paint" events where you can enjoy a drink while letting your creativity flow with painting.

Visit Atentamente - Jornada de Café and transform your routine into a cozy and stimulating environment. —Sara A.

Atentamente - Jornada de Café
Calle 49 #308 Local 2, Plaza Real, Colonia Villas la Hacienda
Tel. 999 456 8282
www.atentamente.cafe
IG: atentamente.cafe
FB: Atentamente - Jornada de Café
Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 9:30 pm
Saturdays, 9 am - 2 pm

7. La Barrita

They say the best things come in small packages, and La Barrita is proof of that. This adorable coffee shop, located in Francisco de Montejo, captures hearts with its lovely aesthetic, relaxed atmosphere, and excellent service. As you enter, you'll notice the pastel colors, floral decorations, and neon signs with cute, catchy phrases like “it’s a good day to be frappy.” 

La Barrita has two main hangout spots: the first area features the coffee bar and several tables with outlets where you can work comfortably. The second area at the back features more tables and a cozy couch perfect for a good chat.

Their menu includes classic drinks like lattes, frappés, or refillable Americanos, as well as house specialties such as cold brew, sweet affogato, or French press. If you're not a coffee fan, they also offer juices, smoothies, milkshakes, and herbal teas. For a delicious meal, you can choose from their breakfast options, paninis, or cakes by the slice.

Enjoy a lovely and comfortable moment at La Barrita! —Charlie G.

La Barrita
Calle 50 #257-A x 47 y 49-C, Fracc. Francisco de Montejo
Tel. 999 291 6401
IG: barritadelicafe
FB: La Barrita
Every day, 8 am - 10 pm

8. Café Relato

This coffee shop is one of those places where chill conversations with friends can flow for hours. Their branch in Colonia Alemán (plus another one in the Culinary Market from La Plancha Park) is not just a coffee bar; it’s also a roasting house. If you visit on a roasting day, you’ll know right away because the delicious aroma fills the place.

Café Relato has a well-stocked menu where you can choose from classic coffee drinks (I’d particularly recommend their Macadamia Nut Latte for $65 pesos), non-coffee drinks (like the Chai Latte for $55 pesos or taro cream for $75 pesos), smoothies, and food. One delightful surprise is their house-made beverages section. Here, you can enjoy not only their cold brew but also refreshing options like lavender lemonade or mojito brew, all crafted by Café Relato, with prices ranging from $65 to $70 pesos.

The essence of Café Relato is to be the meeting place for sharing great stories; their atmosphere invites you to chat and connect over coffee and company. Their coffee blends are named after different literary genres. Ever wondered what fantasy tastes like? Or suspense, or romance? Well, during your visit, you can discover the flavor of each, or even take them home, as all these blends are available for sale at their locations and even for delivery. —Sharon C.

Café Relato
Sucursal Miguel Alemán
Calle 27 #227 x 20 y 22, Miguel Alemán
Tel. 999 382 2811
Mon. - Fri. 7:30 am - 9 pm 
Saturdays, 8 am - 2 pm
IG: caferelato
FB: Café Relato

9. Snow Drop Cafetería Coreana

If you're a fan of K-pop, K-dramas, and desserts, Snow Drop is the perfect place for you. This Korean café is a dream spot for K-pop enthusiasts, where you can not only enjoy delicious treats but also groove to a great K-pop playlist.

Their menu features a wide variety of desserts like waffles and frappés, but the standout is the Bingsu—a large bowl of shaved ice topped with fruit and various toppings, perfect for sharing with friends. If you're in the mood for something less sweet, you can also try their traditional Korean ramen.

This café will make you feel like you're in a K-drama, with decor and ambiance designed to evoke that experience.

Besides enjoying the best of Korean music, you can have fun with their board games and even pick up some fan merchandise, like K-pop stickers and illustrations.

Don’t forget to ask about their weekly promotions—they always have something new. —Fer C.

Snow Drop Cafetería Coreana
Plaza Altana: Calle 43 #176 x 40 Col. Pinzon (Xcumpich)
Tel. 951 180 5116
IG: snowdrop_cafeteria
FB: Snow Drop Cafetería Coreana
Every day, 11:30 am. – 9:30 pm.

10. María y Montejo Café

Sometimes, the sweltering heat makes coffee shops seem like an oasis in the distance—a perfect refuge to quench your thirst and escape the sun’s rays. If you ever find yourself strolling along Paseo de Montejo and need a break, don’t hesitate to head over to María y Montejo Café.

María y Montejo is a small but mighty rustic café whose charm goes beyond its plants, fish fountain, and wooden tables. The whole vibe of this place exudes a nostalgic and contemplative atmosphere. Here, receiving a cup of coffee at your table feels like a ritual. They’ve been perfecting their coffee roasting for some time and serving up specialty brews under their Slow Coffee Club line. Plus, you can grab some of their coffee gear right at the counter.

This month marks three years of providing a space for intimate conversations with loved ones. Among the menu items worth trying are the Molletes, Arepa de Choclo (a Colombian delicacy), French toast, and their delicious toasts. In addition to traditional coffee drinks like cappuccino, latte, or mocha, they also offer filtered coffee, teas, kombucha, and a delightful matcha Horchata.

Drink prices range from $50 to $75 pesos, while food items go from $95 to $175 pesos. So, the next time you need a place to unwind and enjoy a good coffee, remember that María y Montejo Café is waiting for you with open arms. —Sara A.

María y Montejo Café
Calle 58 x 37 y 39, Centro
Tel. 999 330 2242
IG: mariaymontejo.cafe
FB: Maria y Montejo Café
Every day,  8:30 am - 4 pm

11. Márago Coffee

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love working while sipping on a cold drink and enjoying a sweet treat. That’s why Márago Coffee, located on Paseo de Montejo, is one of my top picks.

This spot is on Mérida’s most iconic avenue and is easy to spot thanks to its blue sign featuring a white elephant. Inside, the décor is modern with standout colors like blue, gold, and brown, and the furniture includes comfy armchairs and chairs upholstered with plant patterns.

What really sets Márago apart is its wide selection of specialty coffees made with alternative methods such as French press, V60, AeroPress, Cold Brew, and Japanese siphon, among others. They also offer Cold Brew cocktails, espressos, frappés, smoothies, and a variety of other hot and cold beverages. Their menu also features a great range of breakfasts, brunches, lunches, dinners, and desserts. No matter when you visit, a delicious meal is waiting for you.

If you’re looking for a more elegant and unique experience, you can also check out their branch in Mérida’s Centro, right across from the José Peón Contreras Theater and UADY’s University Cultural Center. This location, set in an old building, will add a special touch to your visit.

If you’re a coffee lover at heart, Márago Coffee is a must-visit during your trip to Mérida.—Charlie G.

Márago Coffee
Paseo de Montejo branch
Paseo de Montejo #481 x 39 y 41, Zona Paseo de Montejo
Tel. 999 469 3294
Every day, 8 am - 10 pm
Centro branch
Calle 60 #491 x 55 y 57, Parque de Santa Lucía, Centro
Every day, 8 am - 10 pm
Tel. 999 921 1469
IG: maragocoffee.mx
FB: Márago Coffee

12. Pinky Witches Café y Magia

Are you a fan of the color pink? Do you love the world of magic and mysticism? Do you enjoy good coffee? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, let me tell you about Pinky Witches Café and Magic.

Channel your inner sorcerer or sorceress and visit this charming café located on Avenida Alemán. Pinky Witches will welcome you with a world of pink fantasy. If you really want to experience it all, send them a message and ask about Tarot Thursdays, Pinky Candle Nights, or workshops to make your own incense, all while enjoying their delicious drinks.

On their menu, you'll find coffee drinks including the Pumpkin Spice Latte for $75 pesos, milkshakes for $60 pesos, frappés with amazing decorations starting at $75 pesos, Italian sodas for $60 pesos, and several food options like crepes, ciabattas, and baguettes.

Don’t leave without taking a photo with the pink witch hats on each table, and as they themselves say... let the magic within you shine!—Sharon C.

Pinky Witches
Calle 24 #208-C x Av. Alemán y 17-A, Miguel Alemán
Tel. 999 931 1289
Tue. - Sun. 4 - 10 pm 
IG: pinkywitches.merida
FB: Pinky Witches Merida

13. Cassandra Comfort Food

A few months ago, we talked about this comfy café, but we have to mention it again since they recently moved to a new location in front of Parque de la Alemán, a culinary hub in itself.

Cassandra Comfort Food is known for its heartwarming breakfast and brunch options, like the Brioche Portobello, Club Sandwich, waffles, and buffalo or avocado wraps. Besides their excellent coffee, they also offer delicious smoothies and matcha lattes.

Now, from Wednesday to Sunday, you can enjoy “Cass at Night,” a chance to savor Cassandra's dishes and distinctive atmosphere in the evening. Throughout the year, they also host various events such as workshops, talks on specific topics, trivia nights, and “paint & sip” sessions, among many others.—Sara A.

Cassandra Comfort Food
Calle 21 x 24 y 26, Colonia Miguel Alemán
Tel. 999 251 1142
IG: cassandra.comfortfood
FB: Cassandra Comfort Food
Every day,  7 am - 1 pm
Wed. - Sun.  5 pm - 9 pm

14. Azuquita Casa de Café

Azuquita Casa de Café, where nature and pink blend perfectly, is a dream spot for fans of both. Located in the western part of the city, it features a menu with pastas, baguettes, desserts, and a range of drinks, both coffee and non-coffee, plus seasonal specials. The charming decor, overflowing with plants, flowers, and that signature pink, is ideal for snapping Instagram-worthy photos and savoring a lovely afternoon with friends.

It has a pleasant back terrace where you can enjoy the fresh air at picnic-style tables while eating and chatting. The food and coffee are made using artisanal techniques, and you can try coffees brewed with different extraction methods like Chemex or Japanese siphon, among others.

If you're a fan of pasta, you definitely need to try Azuquita’s, as they offer fettuccine with four cheeses, chipotle, pesto cream, and more, which you can pair with your favorite drink. But it's not just the café's aesthetic that's beautiful; their service will make you feel in a warm and peaceful place, inviting you to return more than once.—Fer C.

Azuquita Casa de Café
Calle 22 #284 x 5--H y 5-I, Fracc. Juan Pablo ll
WA: 999 259 5175
IG: azuquitamx
FB: Azuquita Casa de Café
Tue. - Sun. 4 - 10 pm

15. Marshé Mercado & Healthy Bar

Marshé is a cozy little spot nestled in the García Ginerés neighborhood, where you can not only enjoy a nice cup of coffee but also indulge in sourdough desserts and breads, vegan options, smoothies, and a selection of caffeine-free drinks.

What really caught my attention at Marshé is that, as its name alludes to (it’s the Spanish pronunciation of the French word “marché”), it’s a mini-market where you can find a variety of select bulk products like seeds, organic cacao, and even olive and coconut oil.

Around the walls of this inviting café, you'll find shelves stocked with special sections featuring home products, snacks, and handicrafts. Before you know it, you might find yourself needing another coffee or a drink from their menu to keep exploring all that Marshé has to offer.

Their coffee-based drinks start at $40 pesos for classics like an Americano (or $55 pesos for an iced coffee latte), and $55 pesos for caffeine-free options like their chai latte. Be sure to ask about their seasonal specials and the "Marshé fridge menu," where depending on the day, you might find kombucha, vegan burgers, or cold herbal teas in various flavors. —Sharon C.

Marshé Mercado y Healthy Bar 
Calle 17 #198 x 18 y 20, Col. García Ginerés 
999 436 6261
IG: @marshe.selecto 
FB: Marshé Mercado & Healthy Bar

16. Café de Casa

One of the newest additions to Mérida's coffee scene, this little spot across from Parque de la Mejorada has quickly become a favorite for many, thanks to its impeccable presentation, good prices, and of course, a delicious variety of drinks. Read more about them in our article, Café de Casa: A Charming Haven in Mejorada.

Expendio Doméstico / Café de Casa
Calle 57 #445 entre 50 y 52, Parque de la Mejorada, Centro.
Tel. 999 233 2647
hola@expendiodomestico.mx
www.expendiodomestico.mx
IG: Expendio Domestico

Written in colaboration of Alicia Navarrete, Sara Alba, Charlie Guzmán, Sharon Cetina and Fernanda Casanova.

Photography by  Sharon Cetina, Sara Alba, Carlos Guzmán and Fernanda Casanova for its use in Yucatán Today.

First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 441, in September 2024.