MÉRIDA, YUCATÁN – Have you ever wondered about the many, many cantinas in Mérida,
and whether it would be interesting (or safe) to go into one? Following
exhaustive research (it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it!) I’m pleased
to present the following non-scientific evaluation of Mérida’s cantina scene;
the different types, the experience, etc.
First things first – what exactly is a
cantina? Basically it is a bar, often with fairly basic levels of comfort and
service, frequented mainly by ‘working class’ men. The greatest concentration
of cantinas is to be found in centro;
however the various colonias,
especially in older parts of town also generally feature at least one and often
more.
In the USA and other countries, “Mexican”
restaurants often incorporate ‘cantina’ into their name (think “Coyote Cantina”
etc.) and feature garishly colored decorations, and menus majoring on items
such as chimichangas. If this is what you are looking for, you will NOT find it
in a ‘cantina’ in Mérida!
Sometimes, rather more upscale bars call
themselves ‘cantinas’; for example “Doña Josefa Cantina” on Calle 60 in centro, or “La Cantina de la Mexico” in
Colonia Mexico. They are most definitely NOT cantinas in the traditional sense
of the word. Neither are “Eladio’s”,
“El Lucero de Alba”, and “Los Henequenes”. They’re all
fun places and worth visiting, but cantinas they are not.
To add to the confusion, most ‘real’
cantinas don’t feature the word ‘cantina’ in their name. They may call
themselves ‘Bar’, ‘Restaurant-Bar’, ‘Sports Bar’, or just a name such as “El
Grillon”. How then can you recognize a ‘real’ cantina? Generally speaking they
have somewhat low key entrances, often with swing doors; normally the interiors
cannot be seen from outside, and they are frequently windowless (due to
licensing regulations governing ‘cantinas’ which are different to those
governing ‘bars’.) More often than not, they are loud, with juke box music (or
live bands) playing, clearly audible from outside.
Back in history, cantinas in Mexico were
famous for their signs prohibiting the entry of women, children and men in
uniforms (i.e. soldiers, police, etc.) Due to equality laws, the prohibition of
women has of course been removed, however in many cantinas, it is still unusual
to see female customers, and, in those establishments, women are likely to feel
uncomfortable if they enter. Others however feature a loyal female customer
base, and ladies wishing to visit a cantina can certainly find an establishment
where they will be welcomed and comfortable.
There’s a huge amount of history in some of
the cantinas in the city; most have been operating for decades, and some have
been serving customers continually for more than a century, often being handed
down from father to son. The older ones sometimes proudly display a plaque,
photos, or other information about the founding date.
Cantinas in Mérida tend to serve beer from
one of the two major Mexican beer companies; Grupo Modelo (producers of Corona,
Modelo, Victoria, Montejo, etc.) or Cuauhtémoc
Moctezuma (producers of Sol,
Superior, Tecate Light, Indio, etc.) and to be equipped with furniture and
decorations provided by that producer. It is rare to find a cantina offering
products from both companies. Some feature full bars; some a limited liquor
choice, and others offer only beer. Beer is available in ‘medias’ (i.e. normal individual bottles), and most cantinas also
offer either ‘caguamas’ (1 liter
bottles) or ‘megas’ (1.2 liter
bottles) or sometimes both. The large bottles will automatically be accompanied
with glasses; ‘medias’ normally are
not, unless you request them. The majority provide complimentary botanas (snacks) – which vary widely in
quality and quantity – until 6 – 7pm. Opening hours are normally from noon –
10pm; some close earlier if quiet; a few have extended licenses and remain open
as late as 3am.
Generally speaking (although of course there
are exceptions), cantinas on or south of Calle 61 tend to be rougher, dirtier,
and less likely to be appealing to ladies and expats than those on or north of
Calle 59. Those located near the markets and bus stations tend to be the
roughest of all. Mérida being Mérida, (i.e. a very safe city), there are not
really any ‘dangerous’ cantinas in town, however I wouldn’t recommend expat ladies
(unless they are the adventurous type) to frequent cantinas around the markets
or bus stations, as they are likely to feel uncomfortable and receive unwanted
attention. Cantinas from Calle 59 northwards tend to be better choices for
ladies.
The rougher the cantina, generally the more
basic the furnishings; often bare walls, plastic tables and chairs, and toilet facilities
which may not meet your expectations!
All cantinas offer table seating areas with
waiter/waitress service; some also have bar stools at the counter; a great
option if visiting alone, as it gives you the chance to make new friends with
others sitting at the bar. Some cantinas, particularly to the southern side of
town are staffed by ‘bellas edecanes’
(“beautiful hostesses”) who will be happy to sit at your table and entertain
you for the price of a ‘ficha’ (a
higher priced drink). They are not generally pushy, and if you are not
interested in their company, they won’t normally try to push you. There are of
course exceptions…
So, who goes where? Time to name names.
Again, what follows is based on my own personal research visits and opinions
(with which you may not agree) and things may change at any time. Establishments
are listed in no particular order.
Calle 59 and northwards:
Calle 23 x Avenida
Alemán, Col. Jesús Carranza.
A historic cantina, dating from 1921, El
Pocito offers a large ‘family’ seating area, and a posted menu of botanas, increasing in complexity with
each round of drinks. Everyone will feel comfortable here.
La Negrita Cantina (https://www.facebook.com/LaNegritaMerida)
Calle 62 x 49, Centro.
A historic cantina, recently remodeled and
re-opened. Rather more bohemian atmosphere than most cantinas, and quite
popular with the expat community. Everyone will feel comfortable here. Offers a
‘cantina-lite’ experience.
El Estado Seco (https://www.facebook.com/bar.estadoseco)
Calle 66 x 47, Centro. Fairly small
cantina. Everyone will feel comfortable here.
El Porvenir Cantinita (https://www.facebook.com/elporvenir.cantinita)
Calle 53 x 52, Centro. Recently remodeled. Good
botana selection. Everyone will feel
comfortable here.
Calle 59 x 52 y 54,
Centro. Large cantina. Everyone will feel comfortable
here.
La Sombra
Calle 52 x 45 y 47, Centro. More of a
neighborhood cantina, however everyone should feel comfortable here.
Calle 45 x 60 y 62, Centro. Famed for its
copious botanas. Go for lunch, and
then go home for a siesta to sleep off the food! Everyone will feel comfortable
here.
La Casita de Paja (https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Casita-De-Paja/105741876175267)
Calle 55, x 44, Centro. One of the most
famous establishments in Mérida, known as the inventor of the ‘Chivo’ – a liter
glass of chelada or michelada (beer with lemon and / or seasonings and a huge
chunk of ice). It’s also one of the cheapest cantinas in town, and therefore
attracts a younger ‘college’ crowd most days. Little or no botanas. A very diverse clientele frequents this cantina – everyone
should feel comfortable here, but go with an open mind.
Calle 61 and southwards:
Calle 56 x 63 y 65, Centro. One of the
oldest cantinas in Mérida. Tends to be somewhat loud, and always packed. Attracts
a diverse crowd. It’s been a very long time since any remodeling was done.
Unless you are squeamish, you should feel comfortable here.
La Berreteaga (https://plus.google.com/100897149305882490675/about)
Calle 65ª x 54 y 56,
Centro. Located behind the ‘piñata’ street. A
surprisingly clean and tidy cantina, given the location, with a stern looking
lady manager keeping order. It’s rare to see foreigners here, however everyone
should feel comfortable.
El Bufette (https://www.facebook.com/bar.bufete)
Calle 65 x 62, Centro. Small historic cantina,
founded in 1923, frequented by area workers. Ladies are never seen here, and
probably would not feel comfortable for that reason.
La
Come Son
Calle 62 x 65 y 67, Centro. Large cantina
with huge back patio.
Calle 52 x 63 y 65, Centro. Somewhat rough bar,
ladies tend to be ‘working’.
El
Gran Chaparral
Calle 54a x 65 y 67,
Centro. Popular cantina near the market. Ladies are rarely
seen here, and probably would not feel comfortable for that reason.
Sports Bar La Curva II
Calle 67 x 60 y 62,
Centro. Large and popular cantina, with small,
nondescript entrance, easily overlooked. Popular with working men, builders,
painters, etc. “Bellas edecanes”. Usually
offers a good botana selection. Features
lots of large flat screen TVs, showing football (soccer) matches. Female
customers are rarely seen here.
El Imperial (https://www.facebook.com/julioenrique.chuccanche)
Calle 63 x 54 y 56, Centro. Bills itself as
‘A place for everyone’, and popular with Merida’s gay and lesbian communities. If
you are open minded, you will feel comfortable here.
Fancy a cantina tour?
If you are interested in visiting a few
cantinas in a group, and would enjoy making new friends, then an option could
be the cantina tours offered by “Tour Cantinero MID” (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tour-Cantinero-MID/609424329128906)
which take place regularly. Visiting 4 or 5 ‘pre-screened’ cantinas generally
on the north side of centro, the tours are free. Primarily patronized by locals
and / or Mexican visitors, foreigners are very welcome, and can be seen on the
tours from time to time. Check their Facebook page for details of upcoming
tours, meeting place and time, etc.
