Delicious Breakfasts

Up until recently, the breakfast scene in Mérida leaned toward the traditional: tortillas and eggs. This transformed into dishes like “Huevos Motuleños,” which originated in a small city about an hour from Mérida. Café POP opened in Mérida with a boom 47 years ago, and this popular meeting place is a pillar of the Centro social scene. It’s a great place to go for an important conversation, like any reputable diner. Within the last years, international restaurants have bloomed in Centro, bringing with them the concept of “brunch.” There are many more top-notch breakfast spots popping up around town other than those listed here, like Local 59 or Petit Delice, but we have mentioned them in other articles. Also, check out our article about my favorite places to get a cup of joe, many of which also serve delicious breakfast.

Cafetería POP

For 47 years now, Cafetería POP has balanced “classic” with “innovation.” It feels like a place where you wanna be, having an important conversation over a plate of ¨huevos motuleños¨ or hotcakes. When the strong-willed visionary Doña Amira Peniche opened the café alongside her partner, the orange-and-olive color palette that traces the walls of the establishment were considered “modernista.” Today, it’s nostalgically retro – you’re gonna love it.

Calle 57 x 60 y 62, Centro
Monday – Saturday, 7 am – 11:30 pm
Sunday, 8 am – 11:30 pm
FB: Cafetería Pop

Bistro Cultural

French Chef Yohann Chauvineau possesses an uncanny light-heartedness, as he leans against the door of Bistro Cultural and explains to me the familial nature of his neighborhood or “barrio,” shaking hands with neighbors as they pass by. It’s clear that the one thing that he values most in this world is authenticity, and he communicates this through his mouthwatering, but no frills food. The breakfast menu features Yucatecan omelettes (made with organic eggs) and a series of French “croques.” Sit in the wild garden between murals, and find yourself inspired to be your authentic self.

Calle 66 x 43, Centro
Monday – Saturday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Sunday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (Breakfast all day!)
FB: Bistro Cultural

Merci Homemade Food

Known for its seasonal breakfast and lunch menu, and mostly popular for its weekend brunch. On the menu, you’ll find house cocktails, artisanal beer, French wine, and more than 10 varieties of freshly baked goods, which have made Merci a favorite among locals…and soon with its second location in downtown Mérida, opening this fall, they will also become a favorite among tourists. Honest cuisine focused on promoting local products through their collaboration with Slow Food organizations and with local businesses.

Calle 23 x 14 y 16, Plaza San Angelo, Colo. Montes de Ame
Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm (Breakfast ends at 12 pm)
Saturday and Sunday, 8 am – 5 pm (Brunch all day)
FB: Merci

Huevos Motuleños

“Huevos Motuleños” is one of Yucatán’s most globally famous recipes. Originating in the small city of Motul, 40 minutes from Mérida, you can find interpretations of this recipe in almost every place that serves breakfast in our state. The recipe layers crunchy tortillas with black beans and a red tomato sauce. On top, medium-cooked fried eggs, shredded cheese, onion, ham, and green peas! Don’t leave Yucatán without trying this classic recipe.

Doña Evelia Huevos Motuleños
Calle 29, Mercado Municipal
Motul, Yucatán
FB: Doña Evelia Huevos Motuleños

Liverpool

After a weekend night out on the town, nothing beats the never-ending breakfast buffet at Liverpool. Find all of the breakfast classics and Yucatecan twists plate after plate in this comfortable environment. Recharge with fresh juices and bottomless coffee, then browse the mall for some of Mérida’s best shopping.

Every day breakfast buffet, 8 am – 12 pm
Cost: Monday – Friday, $159 pesos; kids 3 – 10, $115 pesos
Weekends, $169 pesos; kids 3 – 10, $120 pesos

Editorial by Amanda Strickland
Photos by Loboluna Producciones, Merci and Liverpool for Yucatán Today’s use