Dzalbay

One of those places is the new cantina El Dzalbay, a microcosm of today’s Mérida. The cantina is housed, like most businesses in Mérida, in a century-old building and the owners are a diverse bunch: a Mérida local, a guy from France, a guy from Spain, a guy from Italy and a guy from the U.S. who met at the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra where three play the French horn, one plays the double bass, and one works as the orchestra’s librarian.

One of Mérida's historic traditional cantinas, Dzalbay is experiencing a second life in the hands of a group of expat musician-owners. The bar has a crowded calendar of performances by blues and jazz acts, both local musicians and ones passing through Mérida. A large outdoor terrace and menus of signature cocktails, microbrews, and bar snacks also help make Dzalbay a local favorite.

Yet another Mérida nightlife legend, Dzalbay has become a city institution for its live jazz and blues. Music is at the foundation of this place, whose owners are a group of men from around the world who met playing in the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra. Today, visitors come for the live music (of course), as well as the cocktails, food menu, and rooftop terrace.

Owned by a Mérida local, a Frenchman, a Spaniard, an Italian and an American, it’s no surprise that this modern take on the traditional cantina is popular among expats – or that it boasts an eclectic range of nightly music ranging from jazz to blues to folk rock. Walk through the swinging, saloon-style doors of Dzalbay Cantina to find a lively atmosphere and friendly staff, alongside an impressive list of Yucatan craft beer, signature cocktails and a wide range of spirits.

Dzablay Cantina refers to itself as being Merida’s “home of live music”. It’s a fitting self-appointed title as live jazz and blues musicians perform to intimate crowds here virtually every night of the week. The bar is owned by a group of international friends who moved to Merida from opposite corners of the world, fell in love with the city, and noticed that the presence of a jazz bar was something that the Yucatan was lacking.

A short walk away from La Negrita is Dzalbay, another excellent spot for great music. Recognized for being the place for top-notch musicians to get their start, Dzalbay is popular with locals, expats, and visitors. It offers visitors stunning mural art, and a stage that looks like a living room from the early twentieth century, which allows guests to feel even closer to the musicians.

Dzalbay Cantina is another gem that combines a friendly cantina environment with a nightclub vibe. The eclectic music selection keeps the dance floor lively, and the drinks are always flowing. It’s a great spot to experience the local scene and dance to a mix of Latin and international hits.

Cantina El Dzalbay: This was one of our favorites and we went back here several nights during our most recent trip to Merida. The live music on a weekend is amazing and the crowd is a fun mix of locals, tourists, and expats. The staff couldn’t be nicer and the snacks are pretty delicious.

You could say Dzalbay is almost tattooed to the city, as it has been in operation for more than 100 years. It used to be a Cantina; later it became what it is today: a jazz house. In addition to a unique bohemian atmosphere, music, and fun, Dzalbay stands out due to its beverage menu.

Seguimos con una cantina que lleva la tradición en su sangre, ya que por más de 80 años ha ofrecido a sus visitantes botana yucateca y cerveza de calidad. Por dentro encontrarás música en vivo como el jazz, soul, swing, y más; sentirás un ambiente único que no querrás irte de ahí.

This historic and bohemian cantina is located in a century-old building, like most businesses in Merida, and offers craft beers, mezcals, and cocktails. With an intimate venue featuring live jazz and blues every day, plus a rooftop terrace serving casual drinks and dishes.

Dzalbay Cantina houses the standard cantina feel (with saloon doors and wooden chairs) but has been nicely refurbished with a striking bar area and colourful murals across every wall. From day of the dead characters to movie stars. Dzalbay Cantina: Merida Mexico Nightlife

You can visit the popular bars at La Negrita and Dzalbay or just on Pasejo de Montejo is Casa Chica, La Fundacion Mezcaleria, Malahat, Mayan Pu or Pipirapau. Night life and the bar scene here in Merida are fun, colorful and quite lively.

Plaza Mangus, enfrente de City Center DUE TORRI 9999277692 Calle 27 #349a entre 12 y 10 colonia san sebastian DZALBAY Calle 64 x 53 esquina EL ARGENTINO 9992850695 Prolongación Paseo Montejo no. 116 x 25 y 27, Col. México.

I’m a big fan of Dzalbay Cantina – you can catch live jazz and blues there every day, which makes it extra special. Cantina El Lucero del Alba also offers a cozy vibe, tasty botanas and daily live music performances.

Calle 64 x 53,Esquina, No.443, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc. Cuisine: Mexican, American. If you enjoy Flamenco music and dance performance, this is possibly the best live Flamenco we have ever seen!

On the walk back to the hotel after dinner, we stumbled upon Dzalbay Cantina which we’d seen before while walking through town but hadn’t popped into as it had been closed (it was in the middle of the afternoon).

Jazz and Blues lovers won’t want to miss a night at Dzalbay Cantina. Pick a night, any night. Because at Dzalbay, there’s never a night without live music.

🗺️ Dirección: Calle 64 x 53,Esquina, No.443, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., México. ⏰ Horario: Lunes a domingos desde las 4:00 p.m. hasta las 12:00 a.m.