Looking for an authentic Mérida experience that combines local food, history, music, and a little adventure? A guided cantina tour might be just what you’re looking for!
I’ve lived in Yucatán for years, and one of the things I love most about Mérida is that there is always another layer of the city to discover. Beyond the beautiful colonial architecture, bustling markets, restaurants, and museums, there’s an entire world of neighborhood traditions that visitors often miss.
And one of my favorite ways to experience that side of Mérida is through its traditional cantinas!
I recently spent a wonderful afternoon exploring five cantinas with Sabores México Food Tours, accompanied by local chef and guide Jorge Casal. Between the delicious food, cold drinks, lively jukeboxes, and fascinating stories about the city’s history, it was a fun afternoon!
And I have to say, if you’re looking for something a little different to do in Mérida, I highly recommend this experience!
What Is a Traditional Cantina in Mérida?
When people hear the word cantina, they sometimes imagine a simple bar where people gather for drinks. But in Yucatán, cantinas are much more than that.
These neighborhood establishments have long been important social gathering places where locals meet friends, share stories, listen to music, and enjoy food and drinks.
Many traditional cantinas have their own personalities, from the people who run them to the dishes coming out of their kitchens and the music playing in the background.
Some have been part of their neighborhoods for generations.
And while you can certainly enjoy a cold beer or a little rum, the cantina experience is just as much about the atmosphere, the people, and the food.
A Little History of Mérida’s Cantina Culture
During our tour, Chef Jorge shared some fascinating stories about the evolution of cantinas in Mérida.
The city’s cantina culture has roots dating back to the late 19th century, with 1889 an important date in the history Jorge shared with us. Traditionally, cantinas were male-dominated spaces, and women were often excluded as customers. That gradually began to change during the 1970s and 1980s, when more women started visiting these establishments.
Today, cantinas welcome a much broader mix of customers, including couples, groups of friends, families in some establishments, and visitors curious about local culture. But many have maintained the traditions that make them so special.
In a city that has grown and changed tremendously in recent years, I find it wonderful that these places continue to preserve a piece of everyday Yucatecan life.
The Best Part of Mérida’s Cantinas? The Botanas!
Now, let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite parts of visiting a traditional Yucatecan cantina.
The food!
One of the most wonderful cantina traditions in Yucatán is the botana.
Unlike the typical bar snack you might receive elsewhere, botanas in Mérida can be an entire experience of their own.
At many traditional cantinas, free plates of food are brought to your table as you order drinks. And we’re definitely not talking about just a bowl of peanuts or a few tortilla chips! Depending on the establishment, you might receive an impressive selection of local dishes.
Some of the botanas we encountered or discussed during our tour included:
- Beans and tacos: Simple, delicious, and always welcome.
- Steak and other meat dishes: Hearty portions that can make a substantial snack.
- Liver and gizzards: Traditional favorites for adventurous eaters.
- Beet salad: A refreshing accompaniment to richer dishes.
- Fresh cucumber with lime and salt: Perfect for Mérida’s warm weather.
- Sikil pak: A delicious traditional Yucatecan dip made with ground pumpkin seeds, often combined with roasted tomatoes and seasonings.
- Pickled pig’s ears: One of my personal favorites!
And here’s the fun part: at some cantinas, the plates keep coming as you continue ordering drinks. You can practically enjoy an entire meal while sipping a cold beer– which is what a lot of people do!
Of course, the selection and quantity of botanas vary from place to place, and some establishments have their own specialties. That’s part of the adventure.
Five Cantinas, All on Foot!
One of the highlights of the Sabores México Cantina Tour was exploring five different cantinas on foot, each with its own personality and atmosphere. Along the way, our guide, Chef Jorge Casal, shared fascinating stories about Mérida’s history, neighborhoods, and traditional businesses. We even met some of the cantina owners! From lively bars filled with music and conversation to quieter neighborhood hangouts, it felt less like a typical tour and more like discovering Mérida with a knowledgeable local friend.
The Jukebox: A Mérida Cantina Tradition
And here’s another little detail I absolutely love about traditional cantinas.
The jukebox!
You’ll still find jukeboxes in many of Mérida’s older cantinas, and they’re practically an institution.
Music is such an important part of the atmosphere.
One moment you might be listening to a classic Mexican song, and the next, someone has selected something completely different.
Add a few friends, a cold beer, plenty of botanas, and lively conversation, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect cantina afternoon.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about these places, especially when you consider how much Mérida has changed over the decades.
What Is Sabores México Food Tours?
Sabores México Food Tours offers guided culinary and cultural experiences around Mérida, introducing visitors to the city’s food traditions, local establishments, and history.
In addition to the Cantina Tour, the company organizes other experiences that explore street food, traditional eateries, and some of Mérida’s most interesting culinary destinations.
What I appreciate about experiences like these is that they connect visitors with local businesses and people who are part of the community.
Instead of just tasting the food, you learn the stories behind it.
And in a place like Yucatán, where food and tradition are so closely connected, that makes the experience even more meaningful.
If you’re looking for authentic things to do in Mérida beyond the usual tourist attractions, put a traditional cantina tour on your list!
Click here to book your reservation and get 10% off for being a MID City reader!
Super recommended!
Explore more Mérida restaurant reviews, food experiences, cultural attractions, and local recommendations on MID CityBeat.
