Cantina Balam - 97000 Mérida

My fiancé and I stopped by here after another cantina was full. Our server was very kind and attentive, bringing us drinks whenever we asked. To our surprise, he also brought little bowls of popcorn and chicharrones with hot sauce to the table, which we loved. Sadly, the margaritas didn't taste like they had any alcohol in them, and I didn't care for the flavor of the mixto they used. We ordered beer and shots of tequila instead, which were full to the brim. We decided to go back another night, and unfortunately, the server from before hadn't arrived. Instead, we were waited on by someone else who was much less attentive. We didn't receive any botanitas, which was disappointing since that was the main draw for us coming back the second time. We ordered different drinks (a Paloma for me and a daiquiri for my fiancé). They were as underwhelming as the margaritas from the other night. So we went back to our usual shots and beers. All in all, we probably wouldn't go back, but it was fun the first night. Seems to attract a younger crowd, so if you're into that kind of thing, it would probably be a fun spot. We didn't end up ordering food, so I can't comment on that. We would probably have stayed and ordered; however, we decided to head to another restaurant hoping the drinks would be better elsewhere.

Terrible experience. Waitress padded bill and added food and drinks we did not order. Establishment would not adjust bill.

Nice place to sit and visit with friends. Drinks are a good price. There is live music and a dance floor.

The mojitos are terrible and I’m pretty sure have no alcohol in them. My friends and I were here on New Years Eve, we had a good time but our server was not great, she had red dyed hair and when I asked for one more shot she brought us two instead and insisted I had ordered one more, she also took our card to pay and asked for the percentage and when my friend told her 10% because we were going to leave cash on the table she put in 20% and ignored our wishes. The menu said the Mojitos were $60 pesos but on the receipt it says each mojito was $120 each. So all around a scammy place.

Nice Cantina, was hoping for live music but there was a DJ instead. We was very good, but we were looking forward to the live music. The waitress was very nice and attentive. The crowd varied in age and everyone was having a good time. I would go back again for sure.

We were looking for another bar but found it closed. Loud music attracted us to Cantina Balam and it was full of people, so good atmosphere. Unfortunately the food and drinks didn't match that. As another review (which we saw later) mentions, the drinks are very watery. My girlfriend usually gets drunk from one cocktail, she had a pomo (950ml) of sangria and didn't feel a thing. My cerveca clamato was just beer watered down with tomato juice (and probably water too). The food as average at best as well. In my opinion, this is a tourist trap full of Americans. Fortunately, we found La Negrita and Mezcaleria La Fundacion after this, which are so much better in every aspect.

This is one of the bars that you definitely should visit in Merida if your are going to be here for a few days, drinks are affordable, the food menu it’s good (I suggest you to try the cheese fingers), and the party atmosphere is great. TIP: Go on Tuesday night, is karaoke night.

Great atmosphere, often have live bands and karaoke. Friendly staff with delish food, cheap beer, especially the litres and the buckets. Great selection of local craft beer too and special cocktails.