September in Mexico means one thing: fiestas patrias! 🎊 It’s a month filled with fireworks, parades, music, and—of course—incredible food. Some of the country’s most beloved dishes make their star appearances this month:
- 🌶 Chiles en Nogada: Poblano chiles stuffed with picadillo and covered in creamy walnut sauce, pomegranate seeds, and parsley for the colors of the Mexican flag.
- 🍲 Pozole: A rich hominy and pork (or chicken) stew topped with cabbage, radishes, lime, and oregano.
- 🫔 Tamales: Wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks, bursting with traditional flavors.
- 🌮 Tacos, Barbacoa & Birria: Because no Mexican celebration is complete without them!
We hit the streets of Mérida to find the best restaurants serving authentic Mexican flavors this Independence Day Month. Here are our top picks:
Matilda Salón Mexicano
Right in the heart of Centro, just one block from the cathedral, Matilda Salón Mexicano delivers the full Mexican dining experience in a stylish, urban setting that feels modern but still honors tradition.
The dining room and façade exude charm—a mix of rustic elegance and contemporary flair—making it a perfect spot for a casual lunch, festive dinner, or cocktails with friends.
🌟 Independence Month Highlights:
In September, Matilda celebrates with traditional Chiles en Nogada and hearty bowls of Pozole—both dishes are absolute musts if you want a true taste of Independence Day flavors. Plus Matilda offers a shrimp pozole which was spectacular! Pair them with one of their incredible cocktails for the ultimate experience.
🍽 What to Try:
🌽 Shrimp Pozole – A seafood twist on a classic! Instead of pork, this hearty soup stars plump, tender shrimp simmered in a rich, flavorful broth with hominy and spices this is an outstanding dish
🥩 Ribeye Steak – Flame-seared tableside (a show in itself!) and served with grilled veggies, creamy rajas con queso, and a velvety mole sauce. Pair it with a glass of wine or a cocktail for the ultimate indulgence.
🌮 Chamorro – Slow-braised pork shank in achiote-based seasonings, melt-in-your-mouth tender, with fresh tortillas to make the juicy and delicioust tacos.
🍫 Enmoladas de Pollo – Soft corn tortillas stuffed with chicken and smothered in rich, chocolatey mole sauce, sprinkled with cheese and cream for a heavenly bite.
- A tequila cocktail with pineapple, strawberry & rosemary syrup 🍹
- A smoky mezcal cocktail with hibiscus tea, lime & rosemary 🌺
Calle 63 x 62 y 64, Centro
Open daily 1–10:30 PM
999 921 1452
Social media: @matildasalonmx
Estación 47 – The Ultimate Spot for Mexican Independence Month & Canelo Fight Night!
This isn’t just dinner… it’s a whole fiesta on a plate! 🌮🍹
🥊 September 13th → They are THE spot to watch the Canelo fight with front-row seats, grilled meats from Monterrey, and festive drinks that keep the party going all night. 🥩🍻🔥
Here’s what we devoured:
🥣 Pozole Jalisco-style – Tender pork + hearty hominy topped with oregano, cilantro, lime, onions, radishes & lettuce = a whole event in a bowl!
🌮 Quesabirria – Crispy, cheesy, beef-filled tacos dunked in smoky birria consommé. Messy. Juicy. Perfection.
🍖 Chamorro – Slow-braised pork shank so tender it falls off the bone. Build your own tacos with salsa, lime, and a daring hit of habanero. 🌶️
🍹 Drinks? A fruity mocktail, tequila cantarita, and a mezcal cocktail with activated charcoal because we like our drinks as bold as our flavors.
💥 For Mexican Independence Day celebrations + fight night fun + seriously good food, Estación 47 is top on our list this September!
And for dessert? Chocolate cake plus fresh cotton candy made right at your table—kids (and adults!) love it.
Calle 47 x 48, Frente a Parque La Plancha
Mon–Sat 1 PM–12 AM | Sun 10 AM–6 PM (Taco Buffet Brunch)
Live music Fridays at 8:30 PM
Social media: @estacion47_
La Reforma Auténtica Cantina
Located on Avenida Líbano, La Reforma serves up classic cantina energy with a loyal local following. Low ceilings, A/C, TV screens showing the latest sports, and a brand-new bar give it an authentic, slightly rowdy vibe—perfect for enjoying traditional Mexican flavors with friends.
🌟 Independence Month Specials:
In September, Chiles en Nogada and Pozole steal the show, served with the same love and bold seasoning that makes La Reforma famous.
🍽 Our Favorites:
- Sopes with arrachera & bone marrow 🦴
- Chamorro (braised pork shank) 🍖
- Pork in salsa morita 🌶️
- Chicharrón prensado with melted cheese in blue corn tortillas 🌮
- Chistorra & queso fundido 🧀
- Churros dipped in cajeta & flan for dessert 🍮
Avenida Líbano, Mérida
12:00–10:00 PM (Closed Sundays)
+52 999 461 9086
Social media: @la.reforma_
La Reforma X – Temozón Norte
The newest addition in Temozón Norte, La Reforma X offers the same mouthwatering flavors as the original but in a more spacious, modern setting—perfect for groups, birthdays, or anyone wanting a cantina experience with a little extra elbow room. This spot has AMAZING cantina food from Mexico City and
The menu also features September specials like Pozole and Chiles en Nogada, along with the crowd favorites like sopes, tacos, and queso fundido.
🍽 Our Favorites:
- Pork in salsa morita 🌶️
- Cecina 🌮
- Chistorra & queso fundido 🧀
- Churros dipped in cajeta & flan for dessert 🍮
Open: Wed to Saturday 1-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 1-8pm, Closed Mondays
Carretera Mérida Progreso Tablaje Catastral 14754 Xcanatun, 97345 Mérida, Yuc
El Apapacho
Part restaurant, part bookstore, part cultural center, El Apapacho is one of Mérida’s most charming spots. The leafy outdoor patio is perfect for a slow breakfast or lunch, while the indoor space has bookshelves, art, and cozy tables for reading or conversation.
Their Pozole—offered in vegan, seafood, or pork versions—is one of the best in the city. Pair it with tamales, fresh juices, or their Mexican hot chocolate for a truly warm and comforting experience.
Calle 62 x 41 y 43, Centro
8:00 AM–10:00 PM daily
Social media: @elapapacho
I Love Birria – The Best Birria in Town
For birria lovers, this spot is heaven. Serving traditional Jalisco-style birria and quesabirrias with consommé for dipping, it’s rich, flavorful, and addictive.
The meat is slow-cooked for hours in a chili marinade until tender, then packed into tacos or served in a steaming bowl of broth.
📍 Altabrisa & Las Américas locations
🕰 Sat–Sun 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
📲 I Love Birria on Instagram
Celebrate with Flavor
This September, whether you want Chiles en Nogada, Pozole, Cochinita, or Birria, these restaurants deliver unforgettable Mexican flavors in settings that range from trendy cantinas to historic landmarks and cozy patios.
Pro tip: For September 15th, book early—these places will be full of music, fiestas, and all the flavor of Mexico!
