Mérida, Let’s Have a Ball

What better way to explore the city than while sipping on an ice-cold cocktail? Okay, maybe there are better ways, but getting to know the capital’s trendiest spots is a must if you’re exploring our state. For all our night owls out there, here are a few of our favorite places for an evening out with friends. Remember to call beforehand, since most bars and restaurants in Mérida have a limit to how many people they allow at a table! So, where can I go get a drink?

Picheta

I first stepped into Picheta the Christmas before last (pre-pandemic) for a Posada with a few friends. I know Posadas can’t be held at restaurants, and that’s what I argued with my insistent group. I’m so glad I was outvoted, though. This restaurant has a terrace that overlooks the Cathedral, which turned it into an emblematic space instantly among visitors and locals alike. It’s especially worth the trip when the sun is setting. You can have dinner downstairs or have appetizers and drinks on the terrace. They offer a wide selection of cocktails, tequila, mezcal, as well as national and craft beers. Try the “Lucas de Gálvez,” a cocktail created with mezcal, Tepache, honey, orange juice, cinnamon, and worm salt.

Calle 61 #501, Centro
Tel. (999) 506 0339
FB: Picheta

Moliere 394

Moliere mixes romance and nature with great food and drinks. It’s a bit like traveling to another dimension. I especially enjoy ordering their meat and cheese platters and pairing them with whatever wine their lovely staff recommends. This place has a more relaxed ambiance, and is also ideal to go get brunch and maybe stay a while longer surrounded by the lush vegetation and warm lighting. It also gives off birthday vibes. Don’t ask me why; it’s just a feeling. Try the Mezcamaica (Mezcal, Ancho Reyes liquor, Jamaica, lime, and grapefruit).

Calle 25 #394, Itzimná
Tel. (999) 453 5490
FB: Moliere 394 – Restaurante Mérida

Salón Gallos

There’s a disco ball! I could just finish this here, but I’ll give you some more info. Salón Gallos is a restaurant, bar, art gallery, and cinema. It’s the perfect date location if you ask me. With tall ceilings and an industrial vibe (the restaurant used to be an oat mill), Salón Gallos is a fun and cool place to spend your evening. Try the Flashdance cocktail made with berries, prosecco, and pure magic according to Salón Gallos, and for some nosh order the quail tacos. It’s a place for locals, national visitors, and visitors from around the world to connect. Salón Gallos is like that cool friend who always recommends the best movies and is trendy but doesn’t try to be. Does that make sense?

Calle 63 #459-B x 52 y 50, Parque de la Mejorada, Centro
Tel. 999 189 6564
IG: @salongallos

Goat

Goat is a speakeasy, so I’m not even sure I can actually talk about this. Let’s just keep it between us, ok? So you get there and you have to knock on the door, say your name, and then they’ll let you in. There are absolutely no walk-ins so make sure you call ahead. It’s all very secretive and the décor shamelessly alludes to the 1920s. Get there early to taste some of their dishes like the pastas and grilled cheese. Also worth noting, the Carajillos are spectacular. Make sure to ask for them to be shaken!

Tel. (999) 128 5623
IG: @goatmid

Corajillo

For all Carajillo fanatics, this is the place to be. The concept was born thanks to the world’s two most consumed beverages: coffee and tea. There is a vast (vast!) variety of Carajillos to try – from classics to those that include ice cream, cinnamon whiskey, and more. The key to a good Carajillo is the coffee, and this spot has its own blend made specially for them. Of course, they also have a selection of cocktails and fusion dishes. Try the Okra (Mezcal, orange liquor, a mix of citric fruits, and a Jamaica tea syrup) as well as the tuna tartar. A disco-funk vibe makes this spot stand out, as they focus on service, mixology, and good music. Make sure to visit them during happy hour Friday through Sunday 4 pm – 7 pm, and Wednesdays and Sundays for their 2×1 Carajillos.

Plaza Jardín, Av. Andrés García Lavín
Tel. (999) 271 0559
IG: @corajillobar

Chill Out

Chill Out is exactly that which it claims to be – a place to chill. It’s not pretentious or overly bougie. It’s a rooftop, which makes it a great option to visit while we’re all still being careful when out in the world. Its fun swing-style chairs provide a great view of the north side of the city and a comfortable place to chat and relax.

Av. Andrés García Lavín 261, San Ramón Norte
Tel. (999) 931 7558
FB: Chill Out – Bar Restaurante

Casa Chica

A classic and funky place on Paseo de Montejo, Casa Chica will surely become a favorite of yours if it isn’t one already. Its terrace is ideal to stop by for a chat with friends while listening to relaxing music, watching vendors walk by, and enjoying an Aperol Spritz. Join them for afternoon chess on Tuesdays from 3 pm to 6 pm and get 10% off your bill while you play.