Yucatán is a destination that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a curious visitor or a true Yucateco at heart, you’ll always find something to enjoy–cuisine, history, culture, and, of course, our unmistakable climate. Speaking of the weather, we know that the heat during the spring and summer months can be intense (to say the least).
But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to cool off–taking a dip in the sea, visiting magical cenotes, or, if you prefer something closer and with a great atmosphere…how about a tour of Mérida’s bar and cantinas?
Here are some great options to beat the heat with an ice-cold drink in hand!
El Cambay Bar
Experience the fusion of Yucatecan and contemporary at Cambay Bar! This charming spot is just a few meters from Paseo de Montejo and is the perfect place to enjoy a chill moment where you become one with the music, good vibes, and beer.
As the official restaurant of Yucatecan craft brewery, Esmeralda Brewing, Cambay Bar blends the region’s flavors and identity with an eclectic culinary proposal, top-tier cocktails, and, of course, a wide selection of craft beers—perfect for beating the intense Yucatecan heat. The magic doesn’t end with your first sip of a Colorada (Tropical Lager), Yucatán (Citrus Pale Ale), Celestún (American Pale Ale), or Oasis (Oatmeal Stout); it continues with an explanation of each beer’s style, differences, and how to recognize them.
Not a beer lover? No worries! Their signature cocktails include the Estrella Cambay (mezcal infused with pibinal—smoked corn on the cob—and citrus notes from bitter orange and starfruit), Fruto del Puerto (spiced rum with pineapple, fresh honey, and apple juice), Ojo Rojo Regional (red achiote, cilantro, tortilla salt, tomato juice, and a touch of mezcal infused with pibinal), and Fuego Tropical (a mix of passion fruit, mezcal, Aperol, and ginger soda).
Feeling lost? Their friendly staff will help you find the perfect drink based on your preferences.
Pair your drink with one of their delicious dishes. Their appetizers include shrimp kibis, Temozón croquettes (stuffed with smoked meat from Temozón), black polcanes (stuffed with relleno negro), and crab pescadillas (fried crab quesadillas). For mains, enjoy delights like braised short ribs, Tikin Xic Cauliflower, or their specialty burgers—especially the Sweet Bacon. And to finish, treat yourself to a cheese de bola cheesecake or the Oasis tiramisu.
The ambiance is a mix of contemporary design and warm lighting, featuring vinyl records, turntables, colorful posters, and neon signs. The main bar is surrounded by an inviting lounge area, creating a cozy yet lively atmosphere.
Prices range from $100 to $500 pesos, depending on your order. Plus, they offer great deals like the Executive Menu (Xcatik pasta, burger, and salad) for $200 pesos (Monday to Friday, 1–4 pm) and 2-for-1 specials on spirits, beers, summer wines, and more. Check their social media for the latest details!
Join the buzz and discover Mérida’s new must-visit spot: Cambay Bar!—C.G.
Cambay Bar
Calle 37 #500b x 58 y 60, Centro
IG: elcambaybar
Wed. - Sat. 1 pm - 12 am
Sun. - Mon. 1 pm - 11 am
Don't miss the firs part of the Tour of the best bars and cantinas in Mérida - Part I
XOXO Club
There's nothing better than going out with your friends without a plan, only for the night to take unexpected turns and become one of the most memorable of the year. On one of those aimless strolls, we were walking through Santa Lucía when we spotted a discreet place that we simply couldn't pass by—the music drifting from inside instantly hooked us and pulled us into its orbit. Of course, we went in.
The moment we stepped into XOXO, we knew something special was in store. Phrases like "Y lo sabes de mujer" (something akin to “And you know it, queen!”) on the walls, drag queens shining all over the place, and flamboyant shots making their way to some table made it clear this was going to be an unforgettable night.
This LGBTQ+ friendly bar has it all: a rustic style, neon lights on the walls, and checkered floors that add a touch of elegance to the party atmosphere. But the best part? Every week, the theme, drag queens, and DJs change, so there’s always something new. The night we went, it was Disco & Drag, but they've recently hosted events like Queens of Eden, Barbie vs. Bratz, and Broken-Hearted Divas Night (a classic). No matter which one you catch, one thing is certain: you’ll dance and sing your heart out until the very end.
Now, you're probably wondering about the drinks. XOXO offers reinvented classics like the Mojito XOXO and the Drag Lady (gin, bourbon, and lemon juice), along with your all-time favorites. And if you're an Aperol Spritz fan, trust me—they make a great one here. As for those flamboyant shots, they have several for $70 pesos, like Besos de Glitter (vodka, colorful glitter, and "lots of love," as the menu says) and Benito (kiwi, tequila, orange liqueur, and lime). Plus, each shot comes with a surprise... but you'll have to go find out for yourself. The drink menu is extensive, so take the opportunity to try something new.
If hunger kicks in, the menu has some interesting options too, like lechón borracho (boozy pork) tacos, Kalamata olives marinated in white wine with Cantimpalo chorizo and blue cheese, and Iberian ham croquettes. Prices range from $140 to $270 pesos.
We hadn’t even left yet, and we were already planning when to come back. So, whether you have plans or not, XOXO definitely needs to be on your list of bars to visit.—S.A.
XOXO Club
Calle 56 #474 x 55, Centro
IG: xoxoclubmid
FB: XOXO Club Mérida
Fri. - Sat. 7 pm - 2:30 am (Free cover until 10 pm)
Bar Latino
Experience the essence of Yucatán as you travel back in time and enjoy a delicious drink at Bar Latino.
Just a few blocks from Parque de Mejorada, this bar stands out for its ambiance, transporting you to the Yucatán of the past. Housed in a beautifully restored old mansion, it features a main hall, two connected rooms, and a central bar. Everywhere you look, you'll feel the Yucatecan pride reflected in the flags of the Republic of Yucatán, regional photographs, and trova music. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for catching up with friends.
Its food menu is extensive, offering regional dishes such as sopa de lima, papadzules, and relleno negro, along with tacos and even desserts. If you want to enjoy the experience like a true Yucatecan, try the Semanario Yucateco, which features a different dish each day of the week for $150 pesos, including the meal and a fresh fruit drink. Beyond the food, the real stars are the drinks. Proudly boasting a brewing tradition dating back to 1907, here you’ll find national and craft beers, spirits, and exquisite cocktails like the Lima Mojito, Xcatic Margarita, Flor de Mayo, and Carajillo Latino. Drinks start at $100 pesos, while food prices range from $100 to $350 pesos.
Pro tip: Check their social media for amazing daily promotions! They offer 2-for-1 happy hours on beers and mixology, 3-for-2 tacos, and for the ladies, Ladies’ Night on Thursdays with 2-for-1 cocktail specials.
So now you know, né—if you want to experience an authentic taste of Yucatán, visit Bar Latino. You won’t regret it!—C.G.
Bar Latino
Calle 59 #461 x 52 y 54, Centro
IG: barlatinomerida
FB: Bar Latino
Every day, 12 pm - 10 pm
El Lagarto de Oro
El Lagarto de Oro masterfully blends the essence of an authentic cantina with a modern and innovative touch, making it a favorite spot for many when it’s time to dar la tanda—that is, treating friends to an ice-cold beer.
Starting at noon, this cantina opens its doors to quench even the most intense thirst with a selection of cocktails and chilled beers. It’s an excellent choice for pre-drinks, as its menu offers a variety of dishes packed with regional flavors. And the best part? From the moment you order your first drink, botanas (the complimentary snacks) start arriving at your table as if by magic.
Upon entering, you can choose to enjoy the vibe in the air-conditioned main hall or embrace the experience in the rustic-style bodega. In both spaces, depending on the day and time, you might even catch some live music. Before your visit, we recommend checking their social media, where they post promotions and events, such as their street food menu for $198 pesos or their themed nights, like Heartbreak Thursdays.
Whether you’re stopping by to kick off the night or staying until last call, El Lagarto de Oro has become a must-visit on any Mérida bar and cantina tour. It definitely had to make this list!—S.C.
El Lagarto de Oro
Calle 50 x 53 y 55, Parque de la Mejorada, Centro
Sun. - Wed. 12 pm - 12 am
Thu. - Sat. 12 pm - 1 am
Free parking on Calle 50 x 55
IG: lagartodeoro
Don't miss the firs part of the Tour of the best bars and cantinas in Mérida - Part I
Corajillo
Now, if you find yourself in the northern part of the city, Corajillo is one of the bars that has gained popularity in recent years, and it's not hard to see why. As they say themselves, they're not a conventional bar. Although their name already gives you a hint about what defines this place (carajillos, of course—cocktails based on espresso coffee), the experience they offer goes way beyond that.
One of the reasons why Corajillo is a hit among my group of friends is the incredible variety of promotions they have every day. On Wednesdays, for example, they have a BOGO free on carajillos, and on Thursdays, it's gin and tonics; but without a doubt, our favorite is their happy hour, with BOGO free on selected drinks from Wednesday to Sunday, from 6 to 10 pm. Those who know me are aware that I'm a fan of summer reds, but they also include beers, wines, spirits, and, of course, classic carajillos.
If you prefer other types of drinks, their cocktail selection is also super interesting. Two worth trying are the Garrita, with Garra Negra Espadín mezcal, lime juice, and orange syrup, and the Gavilán, which has tequila, lime juice, cucumber purée, mint, and habanero lemonade. Both cost $180 pesos and are amazing.
To accompany the drinks, the food menu has options for every taste. You can order everything from burgers to portobello pasta ($219 pesos) or shrimp tacos with garlic and citrus ($210 pesos). If you’re more into pizza, they have pizzetas, which are like mini pizzas with a thin, crispy base. The classic Margarita costs $179 pesos, the olive and shrimp one $210 pesos, and the serrano ham one $250 pesos. And if you want to take advantage of it, on Sundays, they have 2x1 on pastas, pizzetas, and house wines.
What we love the most about Corajillo is that it has two distinct moods: you can come to party or simply relax and enjoy a good chat with drinks. It all depends on the time you arrive, but remember, the later you get there, the livelier it gets. Also, one of their most special features is the music. The DJ has different themes every day, but that doesn’t mean you'll miss the classics from the reggaeton of the 2000s and 2010s.
And to make the experience even more interesting, throughout the year, Corajillo organizes various workshops and events, such as a carajillo workshop, wine & paint, listening parties, drink & art, and even a candle-making workshop with a cocktail theme. So, whether you want to go out for drinks, have a nice dinner, or try something different, Corajillo always has something to offer.—S.A.
Corajillo
Plaza Jardín, Av. Andrés García Lavín
IG: corajillobar
FB: Corajillo
Wed. - Sat. 6 pm - 3 am
Sunday, 6 pm - 1 am
And so we come to the end of the second entry of our bar tour in Mérida. With so many places to discover, this will surely not be the last; get ready for a third, fourth, fifth (and however many follow). So take some inspiration, plan it with your friends, and go out for a beer, a cocktail, a glass of wine, or even a soda if you're not drinking, because any option is good to survive this heat. Don’t forget to raise a glass in our honor. See you next time!
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 449, in May 2025.
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