Cerveza artesanal de la casa.
1 / 10

La Negrita Cantina

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A historic cantina buzzing with live Cuban bands, colorful murals, and a vibrant mix of locals and tourists.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Cerveza artesanal de la casa.

La Negrita Cantina

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic cantina buzzing with live Cuban bands, colorful murals, and a vibrant mix of locals and tourists.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This is easily one of the most fun bars I have ever been to."

TIP

Arrive Early on Fridays

Get there before 8 pm on Fridays for the best experience without long waits.

QR Code Menu

Access the extensive menu via a convenient QR code.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10PM

Cuisine

Mexican, Cuban

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+52 999 955 4038

Address

Calle 62 esquina, C. 49 415, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Live Music & Dancing

Vibrant Live Music & Dancing

Experience the infectious energy of live Cuban bands and immerse yourself in a bustling atmosphere perfect for dancing and mingling.

TikTokGoogle Review
Massive Portions & Free Snacks

Massive Portions & Free Snacks

Enjoy generous servings of popular dishes like nachos with pollo and receive complimentary chips to start your meal.

Google Review
Unique & Colorful Atmosphere

Unique & Colorful Atmosphere

Soak in the lively ambiance with colorful murals, fiesta bunting, and a vibrant courtyard that draws locals and tourists alike.

Mérida, Mexico, Is a Favorite Travel Destination Among Locals — How to VisitGoogle Review
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

“La negrita” cantina cumple 107 años como uno de los bares más emblemáticos de Mérida #NoticiasMérida #lanegritacantina #Yucatán #fyp
@noticiasmerida
32 likes • 2.5K views

Arrive Early on Fridays

Get there before 8 pm on Fridays for the best experience without long waits.

QR Code Menu

Access the extensive menu via a convenient QR code.

🌴 Haz una pausa en tu día y ven a La Negrita Cantina: 🍴 De lunes a jueves, de 12:00pm a 5:00pm: pide alguno de nuestros platos fuertes del menú, y el primer vaso de cheva va por cortesía de la casa.😍 *No aplica en combos, ni plato del día. #mérida #méridalife❤️ #comidacasera #orgullosamenteyucateca #centrohistoricomid #cantinayucateca #yucatanmexico
@lanegritacantina
12 likes • 1.2K views
#LaNegrita #Cantina #Merida #Yucatan #Mezcal #Chapulines #CeliaCruz #LaVidaEsUnCarnaval
@belbedere
14 likes • 1.4K views

Cocktail Caution

Cocktails can be watery and sugary; consider opting for beer.

Embrace the Crowd

Evenings can be crowded, but don't hesitate to find space for dancing.

Si no te la pasas así en tu trabajo, ¿vale la pena? #merida #lanegrita
@alannplata
11 likes • 681 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Arrive Early on Fridays

Get there before 8 pm on Fridays for the best experience without long waits.

QR Code Menu

Access the extensive menu via a convenient QR code.

Cocktail Caution

Cocktails can be watery and sugary; consider opting for beer.

Embrace the Crowd

Evenings can be crowded, but don't hesitate to find space for dancing.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

La Negrita Cantina is celebrated for its incredibly lively atmosphere, fueled by vibrant live music and a diverse crowd that encourages dancing. Diners rave about the generous portions, especially the massive nachos, and the complimentary snacks. However, some patrons note that cocktails can be diluted and sugary, and service can be slow during peak hours, leading to frustration for some.

"Stopped by for drinks and entertainment. We found both great drink choices and live music. They even brought out botanas that were delicious. This was a find atmosphere and worth the time to get here. Come and enjoy."

Teakeyman

"Very fun lively atmosphere, live Cuban band. The music great, somewhat crowded but people had no problem creating space to dance. Wasn't able to have food or drinks as we had to wait outside in line and by the time we entered the kitchen was closed. So if going on a Friday get there before 8 pm to enjoy the full experience."

Dexter Smith

"Very fun lively atmosphere with a live band. The music great (and local) Was given complimentary chips at the beginning. We also ordered nachos with pollo (chicken) - massive portion! It was a Friday and we were there around 7:45 onwards but it was busy!! Online menu is extensive and it reached via a QR code. Only negative point is that the cocktails are super watered down and sugary - Probably why many tables were ordering just beer."

Richa K

What People Like

Energetic live music and dancing
Generous food portions
Vibrant and colorful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Watered-down cocktails
Slow service during busy times
Pushy requests for tips

Frequently Asked Questions

For the full experience with food and drinks without extremely long waits, aim to arrive before 8 pm on Fridays.

Google Review

Live bands play most evenings, creating a lively atmosphere for dancing and enjoying drinks.

The Best Bars In Mérida, MexicoRestaurants in MéridaGoogle Review

While specific options aren't detailed, the menu includes items like falafel and nachos, suggesting potential for customization.

Service can be mixed. While some reviewers praise it, others report slow service and instances of pushy tip requests.

TikTokGoogle Review+1

Yes, an extensive online menu is accessible via a QR code provided at the restaurant.

Reservations are not explicitly mentioned, but arriving early, especially on weekends, is advised due to crowds.

Google Review

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

The Culture Trip

The Best Bars In Mérida, Mexico

A big outside space brimming with tropical flora and electric fans is where most visitors meet and mingle in this popular hangout. Dating back to 1917, it still has plenty of old-school vintage Mexico charm, from black-and-white family portraits to its well-worn patterned floor tiling. Local bands start most evenings and soon get drinkers’ feet tapping while they sip on mojitos and mezcals.

Visit Source →
Fodor’s Travel

Restaurants in Mérida

This cantina at the corner of Calles 62 and 49 is popular with locals, expats, and visitors thanks to its large courtyard and likewise large cocktails. You'll be offered free bar snacks as long as you keep ordering drinks, though it's worth trying some of the delicious (if basic) ceviches, enchiladas, and tacos, too. Live bands play most evenings.

Visit Source →
Travel + Leisure

Mérida, Mexico, Is a Favorite Travel Destination Among Locals — How to Visit

You cannot have a list of Mérida's best nightlife without mentioning La Negrita Cantina. It has become a popular stop on the tourist trail — and for good reason. With more than 100 years of history, this snug bar opens up to a grand outdoor patio where live music and salsa dancing are the norm.

Visit Source →
MICHELIN Guide

Where To Go In And Around Mérida, Mexico

La Negrita Cantina: Popular casual bar-restaurant with live music, their own craft beers, and a varied menu—think ceviche, chicken fajitas, fish tacos, etc.

Visit Source →
Info Quintana Roo

Bares en Mérida - Los 10 mejores para conocer

La Negrita se identifica como una parada típica de los lugareños y los turistas, ya que gracias al ambiente que se mezcla entre personas, se puede vivir una mágica experiencia entre bailes, risas y alguna que otra anécdota. Desde la calle 62 del Centro de Mérida, podrás encontrar este espacio que diariamente exhibe música en vivo y ofrece preparaciones gastronómicas de Yucatán. Destacando entre ellos los taquitos, el relleno negro y otros muy particulares, tal como los salbutes y los panuchos

Visit Source →
Yucatán Today

Tour por los mejores bares y cantinas en Mérida

Este bar te permite disfrutar de su agradable atmósfera, ideal para pasar una velada tranquila con tu grupo de amigos y charlar un buen rato. Además de un menú con platillos elaborados e influencias internacionales: platos cubanos, libaneses, yucatecos y hasta peruanos, entre otros. Aprovecha su promoción de 2x1 en cervezas y licores seleccionados todos los días de 1 pm a 8 pm, y de la música en vivo, que los fines de semana no falta.

Visit Source →
Mexico

Your Local’s Guide for 2025

If you were to ask about the most famous bar in Merida, La Negrita Cantina would be it. This old-fashioned cantina awaits just a couple of blocks away from Parque Santa Lucia and has been serving up strong drinks to the locals for over 100 years. Entrance to the bar is made via old saloon-style wooden swing doors and the rustic interiors feature high ceilings, colorful azulejo tile floors, and ornate colonial detailing.

Visit Source →
Under the Palm.

These Are the Best Restaurants & Bars in Merida, Mexico (2024)

Open daily 12noon – 10pm, you’ll find locals and tourists alike flocking to this lively Merida institution all days of the week. It’s easy to see why, as an endless flow of cerveza, mezcal and cocktails – the latter served in kitschy mason jars – are complemented with rounds of gratis botanas (bar snacks). If you’re looking for more than snacks, a full menu is also available serving up standard cantina fare.

Visit Source →
Under the Palm Real Estate

These Are the Best Restaurants & Bars in Merida, Mexico

Visit Source →
Nightlife Party Guide

Merida Nightlife & Party Guide

The notion of the cantina in Merida has evolved throughout time. They have been revitalized under new brand concepts by adding a more varied menu, live music, and scenic decor to their beverages and nibbles with the traditional spice that identifies them. This is the case with La Negrita, a historic tavern that has been refurbished into a famous cantina with live music, beer, and fine mezcal.

Visit Source →
Hola, soy Natasha

10 Mejores bares en el centro de Mérida, Yucatán

Empezamos con uno de los bares con más tradición de la ciudad. La Negrita Cantina es un antiguo bar construido en 1917, su interior está diseñado para fusionar las cultura e historia de Yucatán con el diseño contemporáneo, tiene un ambiente muy alegre con música en vivo y mariachis. Sus platos están hechos a bases de ingredientes autóctonos del lugar y para preservar la comida tradicional.

Visit Source →
Everywhere Once

| Where to Eat in Merida, Mexico

The food off the menu here is awful, but they make up for that by serving draft beer and even mixed drinks in liter sized mason jars. And if you’re only a little peckish, waiters continuously deposit baskets of free chips, popcorn and other snacks at your table to have with your bucket ‘o beverage. None of which is why La Negrita Cantina made our list.

Visit Source →
- Discover the world with detailed travel itineraries & budget-friendly tips

How to Spend The Perfect 3 days in Mérida, Mexico -

One of the most famous in the city is La Negrita Cantina, which has been around for more than 100 years!. Wherever you end up though, just make sure you get a tamarind margarita, or anything with Mezcal, chili, and pineapple!. Round off the evening with a delicious late night, greasy snack, such as tacos at Taquería De La Unión or Mercado 60.

Visit Source →
finedininglovers.com

Where to Eat in Merida, Yucatan

In Mérida, drinks before dinner are encouraged and the best places to catch the action with a pitcher of mezcal and a round of free snacks are at the swing-door cantinas like La Negrita Cantina* or La Fundación Mezcaleria* where the younger folk gather. It’s loud, packed, and the antidote to days when you’re feeling the “small city” blues.

Visit Source →
traveltomtom.net

46 Things To Know Before Traveling to Merida Mexico in 2025

One of the most popular places to go out and dance to live music every day of the week is La Negrita Cantina, but be aware that this place closes at 10:00pm. Apparently they don't have a liquor license for later and the music stops around 9:30pm already. It still is an amazing place and always busy and full of locals.

Visit Source →
Life in Mérida

Discover the Best Cantinas in Mérida: Our Top Picks

La Negrita Cantina is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a traditional cantina experience. Located in the heart of Mérida’s historic center, this cantina has been serving up cold drinks and delicious food for over 100 years. The atmosphere is lively and authentic, with live music and a friendly crowd.

Visit Source →
Foodie Flair

Favourite Restaurants in Merida, Mexico

This cantina usually has live music playing and you can enjoy drinks, free botanas (snacks) and food if you can get a table or seat on the patio or bar area. If you want a table try and get their earlier in the evening as it’s a popular place and get’s busy quickly. We tried the ceviche and tacos here.

Visit Source →
Kurby Real Estate AI

Mérida Nightlife: The 10 Best Mérida Nightclubs

First up is La Negrita Cantina, a local favorite that’s always buzzing with energy. This place is a perfect mix of traditional and trendy, offering live music that ranges from salsa to cumbia. The cantina vibe is strong here, with vibrant murals and a courtyard that’s perfect for mingling.

Visit Source →
Food Fun Travel Blog

Ultimate Travel Guide Merida Yucatan

La Negrita Merida is the ultimate hipster Merida cantina (It should be noted that in Spanish “hipster” can be a negative term. We see it in the positive English meaning of a place that has taken old things and made them trendy again). It’s also the most famous cantina in the city.

Visit Source →
Wander Therapy

4 Delicious Places To Eat In Merida

La Cantina Negra is a super popular bar with an awesome lively vibe. When you first walk in, you’d think it’s a small space, but it’s actually quite expansive with its backyard patio filled with dozens of tables. Grab a few drinks at the bar or grab a table and flag down a waiter.

Visit Source →
Traveling IQ |

Gay Travel Guide to Merida, Mexico

The parties center around its cantina culture, starting at noon and closing at 10pm. Though many locals have their favorite neighborhood spot, the most popular cantina in Merida is La Negrita. Literally, every single person I asked for a recommendation mentioned La Negrita.

Visit Source →
elpueblomerida.com

The 7 Best Things To Do in Mérida

Join the lively crowds at La Negrita Cantina, indulge in drag performances at Dix bar around the corner from El Pueblo, or dance the night away at Papis. The city also hosts an annual Pride celebration, showcasing the warmth and inclusivity of Merida’s gay community.

Visit Source →
Queer In The World

Gay Merida, Mexico | The Essential LGBT Travel Guide!

Some of these gay-friendly accommodations have extra amenities and literature about local LGBTQ+ events and resources. Plus, they might even be located in an area that’s known for being LGBTQ+ friendly. Now, let me tell you about these fabulous hotels in Merida.

Visit Source →
Intentional Travelers

Our Guide to Mérida, Mexico On A Budget

La Negrita Cantina – This cantina is a century-old establishment with a lot of character. Wednesdays and Thursdays, they serve two margaritas for the price of one (50 pesos). Evening drinks come with botones (snacks) like chips and 3-4 little side dishes.

Visit Source →
The Yucatan Times - Yucatan News, Politics, Economics and more...

A beer drinker’s guide to the Yucatan Part 1: Craft beer in Merida

Many of these are located in the surroundings of the main square, such as La Parrilla, La Negrita Cantina, Apoala, and La Vizcaina. Others are found in the north of Mérida, not far from its popular avenuePaseo de Montejo.

Visit Source →
Casa Loltún

50 Best Restaurants in Mérida, Mexico (2025 Guide)

Top Cantinas and Bars: La Negrita is Mérida’s oldest cantina, known for live music and a relaxed atmosphere. However, cantinas often close early; for late-night drinks, bars like Pipiripau remain open daily until 2:30 am.

Visit Source →
Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.

Mérida (Mexico) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage

5 La Negrita Cantina, Calle 49 No 415 x 62 y 60 (Centro), ☏ +52 999 267 9582. Daily 12:00-22:00, daily happy hour 17:00-19:00. Operating since 1917, this classic place is popular with both locals and tourists.

Visit Source →
https://visitmerida.mx/

Visit Mérida MX

En este lugar la salsa, la cerveza artesanal y la botana yucateca se combinan para ofrecerte una tarde de diversión. Recuerda probar su cerveza original, te garantizamos que no tiene igual.

Visit Source →
A Taste for Travel

Complete Guide to Xtabentun Cocktails, Tours and Recipes in Merida

La Negrita Cantina: Check the La Negrita Merida Facebook page for specials and events. It is located at Calle 62 x 49, Centro Histórico, Merida within walking distance of Casa Azul.

Visit Source →
midcitybeat.com

Pet Friendly spaces to go out with your best friend in Mérida -

A Caribbean atmosphere, out of the ordinary with music to dance and enjoy an afternoon in one of the most popular places in the historic center.

Visit Source →
The Roving Fox

DIY Merida Food Tour: Restaurants and Street Food

Visit Source →
Wheree

Tapas Bars in State of Yucatán, Mexico

Visit Source →
Los Angeles Times

In Mérida, Mexico, you never run out of new discoveries

Visit Source →
My Flying Leap

26 Things to Do in Mérida, Mexico—the Vibrant Yucatan Capital

Visit Source →