Terraces! What a magnificent idea for those of us who are beginning to have the confidence to venture outdoors. Feeling the Yucatecan breeze, being greeted by the sun’s rays (don’t forget to use sunscreen, please), enjoying the view with a dessert or a cocktail, and listening to the birdsong nearby, are just some of the things that thrill me; and even more so with the guarantee of flowing air and social distancing.

 

If that sounds like a plan to you, here are some terraces that stand out. Before we begin, the spring and summer heat in Mérida is comparable to an oven, so be sure to stay in the shade and keep well-hydrated between 10 am and 4 pm.

 

Breakfast: La Libertad

I may not voluntarily wake up at 7 am, but on a Saturday and with the promise of a big breakfast? I’m ready and willing. La Libertad has been delighting visitors for years with traditional and Yucatecan dishes, such as Chilaquiles and glorious Huevos Motuleños. I tried the latter accompanied by an orange and strawberry juice, which was just heavenly. You’ll see that La Libertad is synonymous with fresh ingredients and fabulous portions; no meager helpings here. This is complemented by the terrace in Plaza Jardín, it’s perfect. From the ceiling hangs a vine that covers the space, protecting it from the sun and attracting lovely, chirping birds. Remember to make a reservation!

 

La Libertad
Plaza Jardín, Ave. García Lavín #334, San Antonio Cucul, Mérida
Tel. (999) 363 0019
IG: La Libertad Desayunos & Brunch
Mon. – Sun. 8 am – 4 pm

 

Ice Cream: El Colón

Escape from the heat with a big scoop of ice cream, a Champola, or a tropical fruit sorbet at El Colón on Paseo de Montejo; this year marks the company’s 114th anniversary. They open from 11 am and their terrace is well sheltered from the intense sun thanks to the leafy trees along the avenue. I adore their orange ice cream, although the Guanábana flavor (soursop) is one of those favorites I always keep close by. Oh! Besides enjoying an ice cream or two, try their individual pastries (made fresh daily). As a kid, I fell in love with their cookie with a strawberry jam center (the Reales), but they also have delicious wrapped cones, meringues, and cream Piononos, just to name a few.

 

Dulcería y Sorbetería El Colón
Paseo de Montejo x 39 y 41, Centro, Mérida
Tel. (999) 927 6443
FB: El Colón Dulces y Sorbetes Finos
Mon. – Sun. 11 am – 10 pm

  

Entrée: CASA T’HŌ APERITIVO

Casa T’HŌ gives you the opportunity to refresh yourself in the serenity of its courtyard and corridors, where the vegetation and the wide white spaces will isolate you from the bustle of the city. How about stopping by this old Casona for a drink or a cup of coffee with your friends? Tasting its delicious desserts and snacks after browsing the boutiques? Yay! Try their Mexican cheese board and ask about their signature drinks. If you prefer something sweet, the Mexican chocolate sampler is waiting for you.

 

CASA T’HŌ APERITIF
Paseo de Montejo #498 x 45 y 47, Centro, Mérida
Reservations at Cel. 9999 23 23 50
IG: T’ H Ō A P E R I T I V O
Mon. – Fri. 1 pm – 9 pm, Sat. – Sun. 9:30 am – 9 pm

 

Drinks: Gin 47

The night begins at Gin 47! The magic of this bar kicks off once you reach the eighth floor of Sky City, located in the north of Mérida. Yes, this is a high-rise terrace with an impressive view to the north. It’s worthy of a dramatic sunset with your drink in hand and a pleasant conversation with your sweetheart or friends; remember to make reservations to secure a table (and keep a healthy distance). Of course, Gin 47’s specialty is gin, but you’ll find a wide variety of cocktails. Try the Fraga Tonic (Beefeater gin, mango and strawberry infusion, cardamom, and cinnamon) and their fries with pulled pork, guacamole, melted cheese, and chipotle (they’re to die for).

 

Gin 47
Sky City, Ave. García Lavín, San Antonio Cucul, Mérida
Cell. (999) 217 1529
www.codecti.mx/gin47
FB: GIN 47 Mixology & Kitchen
IG: GIN 47 Mixology & Kitchen
Tue. – Sun. 4 pm – 10 pm

 

Dinner: Apoala

A taste of Oaxaca in Mérida! We all love Oaxaca, don’t we? Apoala fuses ingredients and recipes from here and there creating unique dishes, making it perfect for a meal or an evening out in one of our favorite spots in Mérida’s Centro: Parque de Santa Lucía. Apoala’s culinary offering features must-try Oaxacan classics, such as Tlayudas; but you can also find variants, such as the Tlayuda Octopus Taco (all their seafood is super fresh). Accompany your favorite dish with mezcal, and enjoy!

 

Apoala
Calle 60 # 471 x 55, Santa Lucía, Centro, Mérida
Tel. (999) 923 1979
www.apoala.mx
FB: Apoala Mexican Cuisine
IG: Apoala
Tue. – Sun. 1 pm – 9:30 pm

 

More terraces for you to enjoy

 

 

Editorial by Olivia Camarena
Yucatecan communicologist. Your favorite Assistant Editor. Writer, blogger, and bookstagrammer in her spare time. She also experiments with TikTok.

 

 

 

Photography by La Libertad, El Colón, Casa T’HŌ, Gin 47, and Apoala for its use in Yucatán Today.

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