Photo via Google, La Negrita CantinaLa Negrita Cantina
- Hours
- Today: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Getting there
- On Parque Santa Ana at the north edge of Centro, walkable from most of downtown Mérida
Why it’s in the log
La Negrita has been pouring since 1917 and is generally credited as Mérida's first bar, which shows in the details — vintage bottles behind the counter, decor that hasn't been redesigned to look old because it actually is. It sits on Parque Santa Ana at the edge of Centro, a square that's a genuine neighborhood gathering point rather than a tourist stop.
The Yucatecan cantina tradition means drinks come with free botanas, snacks that arrive in rounds as you keep ordering, and La Negrita does this properly — tamarind-spiked cocktails alongside plates that show up unasked. The room fills with a mix of longtime regulars and visitors who've heard about it, and it stays warm rather than cliquish.
Go early evening on a weekend when the square outside is busiest and the cantina is at its fullest.
“Order the botanas that come free with the drinks — that's half the cantina tradition right there.”
What people said recently
From Google reviews · see all 9,312 ↗
“Best local bar in the area! Mexican prices and greatest vibe Julio the server made us feel very welcome 🔥 A must visit! Come early to enjoy the live music”
“Amazing place! Quiet during the day, live music during the night. Great atmosphere, food and cheap drinks! For the ones saying ”the snacks are bad”, you get them for free!? And they keep giving you new ones, so i dont see how any one can…”
“My husband and I decided we had wanted to hear some live music and this was a recommendation we received. And this was an amazing experience. Live music, people dancing, smiled abound. A happy mix of locals and tourists all enjoying the…”
