All about El Lucero del Alba Cantina in Mérida (2025)

Cantina El Lucero del Alba offers a cozy, authentic ambience—don’t expect sophisticated décor; instead, enjoy the charm of a traditional cantina. The name "El Lucero" translates to "dawn star."

This botanero bar, featuring daily live music, is located on the Corredor Gastronómico (Calle 47), just half a block east of Remate de Paseo de Montejo, a gateway into Mérida’s historic downtown.

The cantina is especially popular among locals due to its relatively inexpensive drinks and food. With each drink you order, you'll receive complimentary "botanas," typical Yucatecan snacks, though additional food can also be ordered separately.

Like Dzalbay Cantina, El Lucero stays open later than most cantinas - until 10:00 pm or even midnight, depending on the day - and tends to get lively and crowded. During my visits, the staff have always been friendly and efficient.

Similar to Negrita Cantina and Dzalbay Cantina, El Lucero is housed in a corner building with an inviting courtyard. Here, the courtyard reminds me of a giant thatched beach hut, and I highly recommend sitting outside, as very few guests choose to sit indoors.

Botanas at El Lucero del Alba

You don't know what botanas are?

Botanas translates to snacks in English. However, in the context of Mexican cuisine, botanas specifically refer to small dishes or snacks served with drinks. They are a beloved Mexican tradition, especially popular in cantinas and bars.

In Mérida, botanas often include local favorites like panuchos (fried corn tortilla), Empanadas (stuffed and fried turnovers), or dzikilpak (a pumpkin seed dip). The concept is simple: the more you drink, the more botanas you’re served.

Connect with El Lucero del Alba

El Lucero del Alba is active on social media:

• El Lucero del Alba on Facebook 

• El Lucero del Alba on Instagram

The Restaurant Row

The Cantina sits along Calle 47's vibrant dining strip, known as the Corredor Gastronómico, which stretches for about four blocks east from the southern roundabout of Paseo de Montejo.

Corredor Gastronómico y Turístico (that's the full name) underwent a complete renovation in 2023 and is home to some very nice restaurants and cafés. Along with Calle 60, it is one of the well-known restaurant areas in Mérida.

For example, you’ll find fine restaurants like Olivia Enoteca, 130 Grados Steakhouse, Catrín, and Micaela Mar & Leña, as well as cafés such as Cafetería Impala, Baretto Espresso Bar, Marmalade 47, and Latte Quatro Sette.