MÉRIDA, YUCATÁN – Bar
El Bufete (“The Firm” – as in law firm) was founded in 1932, and for over 80
years stood on the corner of Calle 62 and Calle 65 in the center of Mérida, a
silent witness to history. It opened during the golden age of cantinas in the
city, under its original owner, Antonio Vera Lixa. Ownership passed to Antonio
Mezquita Valencia, known to all as “el
Calvo” (the “bald one”), who became the most famous proprietor of the bar,
owning it for almost 50 years until his death in 2007, when his son, also
Antonio, took the helm.
Throughout its long
history, El Bufete remained a traditional cantina; a unique place in the center
of the Yucatán capital, a place where the customers were friends, and where at
any time of the day, you could find someone you knew; all the more remarkable
given the fact it was only a block from the Plaza
Grande. Its location near banks, government offices, newspapers and other
businesses gave it a varied clientele, who appreciated the ice cold beer, mixed
drinks, botanas, and friendly service. It was visited by celebrities such as
actor Pedro Infante Torrentera, and well known reporters David Dominguez and
Manuel Escalante, but remained a place for the people.
It held a place in my
own affections, since coincidentally it was the first cantina I visited during
one of my early sojourns in Mérida. A number of years later, as a resident of
the white city, I became a ‘regular’, spending many enjoyable hours in its
unique ‘classic’ atmosphere.
On February 4, 2015,
it all came to an end, when, following a dispute between the old owners and new
owners of the building, it was unexpectedly forced to close, and itself became
part of history. It was a special place, and its many loyal customers will miss
it. Hasta luego, Bar El Bufete.
Bar El Bufete was one
of the cantinas featured in our September article “The Ultimate Guide to Mérida’s Cantinas”.
