All about El Lucero del Alba Cantina in Mérida (2025)
Updated:
May 28, 2025
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Author: Tobias
Cantina El Lucero del Alba is a traditional Yucatecan bar located on Calle 47, Mérida’s popular dining corridor. Known for its no-frills interior and casual vibe, it serves local beers and botanas in a setting frequented by both locals and travelers. It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and other cantinas.
Hi, I’m Tobias – a German travel writer with a home in Mérida and a passion for exploring new places.
For over 20 years, my wife (a local) and I have traveled Mérida, and the Yucatán Peninsula. On this site I share real insights on 200+ places.
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Quick Facts: Address & Details
📍 Address:
Calle 47, 493 x, C. 56, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
☎️ Phone:
↔️ Distance:
⏳ Travel Time:
🎟️ Admission:
💵 Price Level:
📆 Since:
⭐ Rating:
🕒 Open:
+52 999 924 8099
650 m from Casa Loltún
Within the city
No entry fee
Mid-Priced
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• Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
• Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
• Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
• Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
• Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
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First-Hand Insights on El Lucero del Alba Cantina
Cantina El Lucero del Alba really won me over with its cozy, down-to-earth vibe. Don’t go expecting fancy décor – it’s all about the charm of a classic, old-school cantina. By the way, "El Lucero" means "dawn star," which somehow fits the atmosphere perfectly.
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:
Mérida`s 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.
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General Tips for Getting Around
💡 Here are my quick dining tips:
Comida (big meal) is around 2 and 4 pm.
Dinner starts late – usually after 8 pm.
Tip 10–15% – that’s the usual standard.
Book popular restaurants in advance.
Don’t rush – slow meals are normal.
Street food stalls are usually cash-only.
Frequently Asked Questions
📍 Where is El Lucero del Alba Cantina located?
El Lucero del Alba Cantina is located in Mérida’s historic center at Calle 56 between Calles 55 and 57. It lies just a few blocks from Plaza Grande and is easily accessible on foot from most central locations.
🧭 How far is El Lucero del Alba Cantina from Casa Loltún?
El Lucero del Alba Cantina is approximately 650 m from Casa Loltún. The walk takes around 7–10 minutes, passing through the Centro district along Calle 56.
🧭 How do I get to El Lucero del Alba Cantina from Plaza Grande?
From Plaza Grande, head east along Calle 60, then turn north onto Calle 57 and continue to Calle 56. The cantina is just a few minutes away on foot and clearly marked from the street.
🍽️ What does El Lucero del Alba Cantina serve?
El Lucero del Alba Cantina offers traditional Yucatecan cantina cuisine. Visitors can expect classic botanas served with drinks, including dishes like panuchos, codzitos, frijol con puerco, and papadzules, alongside beer, mezcal, and cocktails.
💰 Are prices at El Lucero del Alba Cantina reasonable?
Yes – prices at El Lucero del Alba Cantina are moderate. Drinks are affordable, and several small dishes are included free of charge with beverage orders, following the typical cantina tradition in Yucatán.
👍 Is El Lucero del Alba Cantina worth visiting?
Yes – El Lucero del Alba Cantina is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in traditional Yucatecan food, historic venues, and a genuine local experience in downtown Mérida.
🎭 What makes El Lucero del Alba Cantina special?
Founded in 1904, El Lucero del Alba is one of Mérida’s oldest cantinas. It is known for its traditional atmosphere, tile-clad interiors, and loyal local clientele. Occasional live music adds to its authentic character.
🕰️ When was El Lucero del Alba Cantina established?
El Lucero del Alba Cantina was established in 1904. It has served generations of locals and remains a cornerstone of Mérida’s cantina culture.
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