All about La Negrita Cantina in Mérida, Mexico (2025)

Whenever I visit a new city – or even a new country – I always try to find something real, something that feels like the heart and soul of the place.

I’m not sure if Mérida’s cantinas are the city’s heart, but they might just be its soul. And while you’ll never fully blend in as a foreigner, later in the evening at La Negrita, those lines start to blur.

In Mérida, traditional cantinas are an important part of the local culture. Officially called La Negrita Cantina, but for many, simply La Negrita, has been around since 1917, making it one of the oldest cantinas in the city.

I think it’s safe to say that if you’re in Mérida, you should definitely visit a cantina at least once – it’s a key part of Mexican life. So when you’re enjoying your cerveza or tequila, don’t think of it as drinking alcohol – think of it as cultural immersion. 😄

Where to Find – and What to Expect?

La Negrita sits on the corner of Calle 62 and 49 in Santa Ana, right in Mérida’s historic center. It’s more than just a bar – part cantina, part restaurant, part dance spot with live Cuban music, and even a little divey.

The cantina is also known for its good live music (usually between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm). The lively atmosphere, great drinks, and eclectic crowd make it a fun place to spend an evening.

La Negrita Mérida may look small from the outside, but inside you’ll find a spacious courtyard that fits hundreds. They serve draft beer, local brews, snacks, lunch, and early dinners – perfect for a relaxed hangout.

La Negrita Mérida Online

You can easily find La Negrita Mérida on social media:

• La Negrita Mérida on Facebook

• La Negrita Cantina on Instagram

More Places to Enjoy the Cantina Vibe

Cantinas have always been a part of the lifestyle in Mexico and other Latin American countries, serving as lively social hubs where people gather to drink, eat, and enjoy music. There are plenty of cantinas to explore in Mérida.

I can also highly recommend these two:

• Dzalbay Cantina and

• El Lucero del Alba Cantina

Another very famous and over 100 years old cantina in Mérida is "El Cardenal Cantina" (Calle 63, No. 527, near Parque de Santiago, open daily from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm).

Or you can go to a cantina of Eladio's, which exists several times in Mérida (the closest one from Casa Loltún is at Calle 59, No. 425, corner of Calle 44 and 59, near Parque de la Mejorada, open daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm).

Tequila vs. Mezcal – What’s the Difference?

La Negrita Cantina offers over 50 types of mezcal, making it a great place to explore this traditional Mexican spirit. But do you know the difference between tequila and mezcal?

I actually learned that on a hacienda once: Tequila and mezcal both come from agave, but tequila has a protected designation of origin (DO). It can only be produced in specific regions – mainly Jalisco – and must be made from Blue Weber Agave.

Mezcal, produced in Oaxaca and other states, can use different agave varieties and is often made using traditional methods, giving it a smoky flavor.

Unlike tequila, which follows an industrialized process, mezcal retains a more artisanal character. If you’ve only had tequila, mezcal is definitely worth trying for its unique depth and complexity.

In Mexico, tequila is traditionally enjoyed neat at room temperature, especially high-quality varieties like Añejo or Reposado. The same applies to mezcal, which is often preferred even more strictly without ice, allowing its rich flavors to fully develop.

Where to Go After 10 PM in Mérida

Cantinas are usually only open from around 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and La Negrita is no exception. It closes at 10:00 pm, so it’s not really a late-night spot. If you’re looking for a place to keep the night going, you might need to head elsewhere after.

When the cantinas close for the night, it’s time for the classic bars that stay open longer to take over. Head to Pipiripau (a few metres from Parque de Santa Lucia at Calle 62, No. 461, open daily until 2:30 am and about 1.5km from Casa Loltún).

Image Source (main image): ©travel4brews, flickr, CC BY 2.0, Link

The picture was modified (image improvements, resized)