Mercado de Santa Ana
A vibrant hub for authentic food and local culture, from Yucatecan specialties in Merida to diverse street eats in California.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak vendor activity
Mercado de Santa Ana
Best Time
Peak vendor activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub for authentic food and local culture, from Yucatecan specialties in Merida to diverse street eats in California.
"Loved it here - authentic Yucatan food, the waiters really try to win you, the juices are delicious and the prices are fantastic."
Cash is King
Many vendors prefer cash, so come prepared! :moneywithwings:
Try the Aguas Frescas
Refreshing and delicious fruit drinks are a must-try. :tropical_drink:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Yucatecan Flavors
Food Stalls
Savor traditional dishes like cochinita pibil tacos, panuchos, and salbutes. A true taste of Yucatan!
Vibrant Night Market Atmosphere
Santa Ana Mini Mall (California)
Experience a lively evening with diverse food vendors, music, and a buzzing crowd. Perfect for a casual night out.
Local Crafts and Goods
Various Vendors
Discover handmade hammocks, fans, bracelets, and unique souvenirs. Great for finding authentic local treasures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Hustle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cash is King
Many vendors prefer cash, so come prepared! :moneywithwings:
Try the Aguas Frescas
Refreshing and delicious fruit drinks are a must-try. :tropical_drink:
Don't Fear the Vendors
They're enthusiastic! A polite 'no' works if you're not interested. :wave:
Explore Multiple Locations
There are 'Mercado de Santa Ana' spots in both Merida and Santa Ana, CA! :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Cash is King
Many vendors prefer cash, so come prepared! :moneywithwings:
Try the Aguas Frescas
Refreshing and delicious fruit drinks are a must-try. :tropical_drink:
Don't Fear the Vendors
They're enthusiastic! A polite 'no' works if you're not interested. :wave:
Explore Multiple Locations
There are 'Mercado de Santa Ana' spots in both Merida and Santa Ana, CA! :world_map:
Go with an Empty Stomach
So many delicious options, you'll want to try a bit of everything! :stomach:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for Mercado de Santa Ana are mixed, with some praising its authentic Yucatecan flavors and lively atmosphere, while others note a decline in quality, tidiness, and an increase in prices. The Santa Ana Night Market in California is generally seen as a vibrant food destination, though some find it overwhelming and prices can be higher than anticipated.
"This market used to be one of my favorite spots — it had affordable prices, good food, and everything was always kept neat. Unfortunately, things have changed or at least I have seen decline since the beginning. The quality of the food is no longer the same, and it feels like the staff is too tired or overwhelmed to keep the place tidy. For a local market, the prices are now on the high side, which makes it hard to justify coming back as often as before. It’s disappointing to see the decline because it really used to be a great place."
Liz de la Cruz
"Came on a Sunday around 11am. Easy to find a parking spot right outside for free (not considering the tip for the gentleman). It was a bit overwhelming once the waiters began to yell very aggress for us to check out their menu and competing against each other. But it stopped as soon as I chose one of the many outstretched menus held out at us.
The waiter was very helpful and friendly. We chose FRUTI-LUNCH. The menu had a great variety plus nice fresh drinks. We ordered the tacos cochinita, panuchos cochinita, empanadas con carne y queso and one tamal. To drink, we ordered one litre each of mango agua fresca and a mix of mango and pineapple aguafresca. Every order was good and tasty and we were satisfied (2 adults and 2 children) for a total of $505pesos. I thought that was pretty good!
We had a few people approach us at our table while waiting for our food and we welcomed it as we actually were interested in the items. One was selling hammocks, another handmade pine fans and another handmade bracelets. They were a bit pushy but budged easily and quickly on the prices.
We got a beautiful hammock ($650 pesos) and a fan that smells so nice and is very pretty($100pesos). Sorry about the half eaten food photos, we couldn’t help but dig in before I got some snaps in!
That’s first part of our experience was great. The second was disappointing as we expected the place to be full of vendors but most were closed with only about five open.
And the bathroom visit was not great either. We had to pay $5pesos pp to use the washroom and they give you a little bit of paper and there are no toilet seats. So once I used the paper for my young one to sit on, there wasn’t enough for her #2! But we figured it out with some leftover napkins in my bag.
If I know that it gets busier on another day with all the vendors open, I would give it another try."
Melissa Cee
"Along most streets after 7:00 pm these energetic people pedal through if there is nice weather or not. The fresh goodies are worth running to the door for. The (pan) bread absolutely wonderful, soft, often oven warm and very economical. No need to go to the market and walk home in the heat.
Not usually delivered on Sunday or Monday nights in some zones. When you catch the delivery person ask what nights are available. Once they know you are interested they will often slow and honk the hand operated bicycle horn louder.
Please attempt to enjoy this home delivery service it is worth the effort.
For 12 years we have enjoyed many of the delivery people in a multitude of housing locations throughout Merida.
Enjoy."
Robert S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mercado de Santa Ana in Merida is located in the Centro area, easily accessible by taxi or public transport. It's near Paseo Montejo, making it a convenient stop.
The Santa Ana Mini Mall Night Market is located at 3412 Westminster Ave, Santa Ana, CA. Parking is often available nearby, sometimes with a small tip for attendants.
Parking can be a challenge in the Centro area of Merida. Some reviews mention finding spots outside the market, sometimes with a tip.
Information on specific public transport routes to the Westminster Ave location isn't widely detailed, but local bus routes likely serve the area.
Yes, if you're staying in the Centro area of Merida, Mercado de Santa Ana is within walking distance for many.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee for Mercado de Santa Ana in Merida. It's a public market.
The Santa Ana Mini Mall Night Market is typically open from Friday to Sunday, from around 6:30 PM to 12:00 AM.
No, tickets are not usually required for entry into the night markets. You pay for the food and goods you purchase.
Weekends, especially Friday and Saturday evenings, tend to have the most vendors active, particularly for the night market experience.
While the market is open earlier, the food stalls and night market atmosphere in Merida's Mercado de Santa Ana really pick up in the evening, often starting around 6 PM.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss the authentic Yucatecan specialties like salbutes, panuchos, cochinita pibil tacos, and esquites.
Some reviews suggest prices have increased and can be on the higher side for a local market, while others found them to be good value, especially for the quality.
You'll find a variety of fresh aguas frescas (fruit waters) like mango, pineapple, and more, as well as sodas.
While many vendors focus on traditional Mexican cuisine, some TikToks highlight vegan options available in the Santa Ana area, like at 4th Street Market.
Traditional Yucatecan food can have a bit of spice, but it's generally not overwhelmingly hot. You can often ask for less spice or add your own salsa.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant colors of the food stalls, the bustling market atmosphere, and the unique local crafts. The evening light at the night market is also great for photos.
Yes, most vendors are happy for you to take photos, especially if you are purchasing something. Always be polite and ask if unsure.
Early evening, as the night market lights come on, offers a magical ambiance. Daytime in Merida provides natural light for vibrant food shots.
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most shots. If you want more flexibility, a wide-angle lens can capture the market's expanse.
Generally, no major restrictions are noted, but it's always good practice to be respectful of people's privacy and ask before taking close-up portraits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families, consider visiting earlier in the evening to avoid the peak crowds and ensure easier navigation. Bringing cash is essential for quick purchases.
💰 Budget Travelers
The Santa Ana Night Market in California also aims to provide affordable eats, with many vendors offering street food prices.
couples
In California, the night market vibe is energetic and social, ideal for a relaxed evening trying different foods and enjoying the lively ambiance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Santa Ana Night Market Experience
When visiting, be prepared for vendors to enthusiastically invite you to try their offerings. While this can feel intense initially, most are friendly and will respect a polite refusal.
Beyond the food, the market often features vendors selling crafts and other goods. It's a dynamic environment that truly comes alive after dark, offering a sensory experience that's a highlight for many visitors.
The Culinary Heart of Merida: Mercado de Santa Ana
Visitors often rave about the fresh ingredients and the genuine flavors that represent the region's culinary heritage. It's a place where you can experience the true taste of Yucatan, often at more accessible prices than upscale restaurants. The market is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evenings when it transforms into a lively gathering spot. While some reviews mention a decline in tidiness and an increase in prices over time, many still find it to be a worthwhile destination for its authentic offerings and local charm.
Beyond food, the market can also be a place to find local crafts and goods. Some travelers have found unique items, contributing to the market's appeal as a cultural and culinary destination.
Shopping and Souvenirs
In the California Santa Ana Night Market, while food is primary, there's also potential for discovering unique items from various vendors. The general vibe of these markets is to support local businesses and find unique, often handmade, goods.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit