Merida’s Trendy 47th Street: Where to Eat and Sip

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Merida may be famous for its colorful culture and its proximity to beaches, cenotes and Mayan sites. But you might be surprised to learn about its thriving nightlife scene. If you’re planning a group trip to my hometown, the safe and walkable Centro Historico provides the ideal backdrop for a night out.

The district’s 47th Street was recently renovated and turned into a pedestrian-only dining area, known as “the Gastronomic Corridor.” Covering a span of five blocks, the street encompasses some of Merida’s top entertainment venues, including casual eateries, fine dining restaurants and themed bars with live music.

Here’s my personal roundup of unmissable spots, as someone who’s experienced the iconic culinary row from its very beginning.

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1. El Lucero

An array of traditional Yucatan snacks, mostly containing corn dough treats and tacos. — Botanas at El Lucero. Crunch kibis can be seen at the front. Photo credit: Regina Zumarraga Rosado

Get the evening going with beer and snacks in a laid-back setting. El Lucero is a classic Yucatan cantina, now revamped to welcome all kinds of visitors (cantinas were originally conceived as male-only bars). Following the nationwide trend of redefining this type of venue, El Lucero now boasts a vibrant aura with live music, refreshing cocktails and an outdoor area with tropical decor.

Sample the region’s take on botanas, going from simple seasoned veggies to mouthwatering inventions such as the pumpkin seed dip known as sikil pak, crunchy fried wheat kibis and doughy chayitas, made out of corn and leaves from the native chaya plant.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Cantinas serve an array of “free” snacks depending on your drink consumption. The more drinks you buy, the better food you get. While El Lucero does have a menu you can order from, I recommend taking advantage of this peculiar practice.

2. Oliva Enoteca

Streetside tables at Oliva Enoteca. Photo credit: Regina Zumarraga Rosado

If you’d like to have a full meal before hitting the bars, Oliva Enoteca offers exquisite Italian food in a sophisticated atmosphere with an open kitchen layout. Savor a delectable pasta dish paired with fine wine. Their agnolotti and tiramisu are absolutely delightful.

As Oliva is frequented by Yucatecans and travelers alike, you might want to make a reservation ahead of time if visiting over the weekend.

3. 130 Grados Steakhouse

Restaurant entrance with a light-up sign. — 130 Grados Steakhouse somber facade. Photo credit: Regina Zumarraga Rosado

Another great option for a lovely dinner, this upscale steakhouse provides high-quality cuts and innovative mixology. Step into the dimly lit venue and take in the stylish decor in muted tones, setting the mood for a superb culinary feast.

Along with their standard premium cuts, the menu features an original dish customers love: a New York strip steak with a coffee crust. 130 Grados is one of the most popular restaurants in all of Merida. Therefore, I would also recommend booking in advance.

4. Micaela Mar & Leña

Small cake shaped in the form of a piñata. A candle and a note with a Spanish phrase next to it. — Micaela’s complimentary dessert for birthday celebrations, shaped like a piñata. Photo credit: Regina Zumarraga Rosado

As eccentric as it is delicious, Micaela has quickly turned into a local favorite. Its animated vibe with bright colors and exuberant art reflects the essence of its unconventional cuisine. Inspired by the cooking of Mexican grandmothers, Micaela injects a homey quality into their signature beef and seafood dishes.

Try the traditional Mexican antojitos from their appetizer menu and please do yourself a favor by leaving some room for dessert. Their Maíz and Cacao creations are absolutely heavenly. Even though you may not need a reservation to visit Micaela, I’d recommend making one just to be safe.

5. Catrín

A colorful mural on the back wall of a bar, featuring a large skeleton and other Mexican culture objects. — Neon mural where video mapping is projected at night. Photo credit: Regina Zumarraga Rosado

If I had to pick just one location out of this list, it’d hands-down be Catrín. This lively bar, lined with colorful art, delves into Mexican folklore with a theme designed after the Catrín character. As a lifelong Meridana, I can guarantee that a visit to equals a good time.

Sit indoors for a quiet meal or lean into the party mood by enjoying drinks and upbeat music in the outdoor area. Visit after dark to take in the mesmerizing animations projected on the back wall.

6. Ignoto

Outdoor night club with red and blue lasers. People can be seen dancing and taking photos. — The start of a fun electronic music night at Ignoto. Photo credit: Regina Zumarraga Rosado

On Friday and Saturday nights, keep an eye out for a line of eager young locals standing outside of Homu, a celebrated Japanese restaurant across the street from Catrín. Now, the real treasure lies behind it. A bustling secret night club with beachy vibes, Ignoto is one of the city’s latest hot spots, known for its live DJ events.

Electronic music takes over the room on Friday nights, then pop and reggaeton provide a fun ambiance for boisterous dance parties on Saturdays. Their diverse roster of DJs and regular special guests create a dynamic mood for the ultimate night out.

7. Ánima

Small room with red walls covered in black scribbles. A shuffleboard table is at the center of the room. — Shuffleboard table at Ánima’s indoor bar, El Viento. Photo credit: Regina Zumarraga Rosado

I will always prioritize locally-owned businesses when talking about developing cities, such as Merida. However, this outstanding farm-to-table restaurant, conceived by a Kansas City native, has more than earned a mention on this list.

With a strong focus on offset smoker and open fire cooking methods, Ánima presents a carefully curated selection of grilled meat, seafood, and veggie dishes. Being a longtime vegetarian, I find myself coming back time after time for their avocado jocoque beet.

The front section of the refurbished home contains a tiny bar with bright red walls covered in black artwork, while the restaurant is located in the backyard. Try your hand at shuffleboard and taste their creative cocktails before or after dinner.

8. 47th Street Piano Bar

Restaurant facade with two small black doors located to the right, giving access to a secret bar. — Discreet door to 47th Street Piano Bar seen at the bottom right corner. Photo credit: Regina Zumarraga Rosado

A hidden gem, known only to some lucky ones, this compact lounge features a live piano player every night. Regulars huddle together around the piano and sing along to contemporary pieces as they sip on their drinks. Feeling brave? Consider tackling a song by yourself.

While my experiences here have been overall positive, the bar does tend to become extremely crowded on the weekends. Security can also be somewhat selective, having been known to turn people away without any explanation. It might still make for an interesting stop if you are a fan of live music.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Look for two doors with the number 478B above them, nestled between restaurants Yakuza and Marmalade. The one on the right gives you access to the bar. You’ll usually see the host standing by it.

9. La Estelar

Facade of a colonial home turned restaurant, painted blue with two old-fashioned lamps above the front door. — La Estelar’s colonial facade. Photo credit: Regina Zumarraga Rosado

47th Street’s latest addition, La Estelar’s modern design emulates the look of a run-down cantina, incorporating contemporary art pieces and an elegant round bar at the center of the room. Choose from a variety of Yucatecan and Mexican dishes, as well as emblematic street eats like the torta ahogada and the burrito percherón. On top of the authentic food and great drinks, have a go at salsa dancing with music by an energetic live band.

10. El Poch del Huach

Meat tacos with chopped onions and cilantro, served on red plastic plates. — Bistec and pastor tacos at El Poch del Huach. Photo credit: Regina Zumarraga Rosado

Mexicans love to end a night out with a taco run. This traditional taqueria is perfect for a quick stop in between bar-hopping or right after it. Delight your taste buds with meat guisos such as pastor, chuleta, longaniza, bistec and arrachera, served in nachos, tacos and gringas (tacos with melted cheese).

Take a break from partying the way locals do at this informal, but clean, establishment located in a charming passageway shared with other businesses. Vegetarians may also indulge in cactus or mushroom tacos.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Make sure to try the chicharron de queso, a crispy, savory treat made from melted and hardened cheese. Additionally, don’t forget to top your tacos with salsas, onions and cilantro..