El Apapacho — Restaurant in Mérida

I am a local Meridian, yet I write this English because I want both tourists and locals to be aware of what has been happening socially in Merida in the past five years and how gentrification is taking a toll on the neighborhood lives of Mexicans in downtown.

El apapacho food is great, it’s a constant, dishes are super well prepared, really nice portions and authentic cuisine from Oaxaca.

Yet, I went this weekend, I haven’t been there for a while and I ordered the same thing I usually go for, it was all delicious, but I was surprised when the bill came up, because the menu prices have changed quite dramatically in the past months.

I got an entry, a beer and a main dish, usually I used to pay for that the equivalent of 15 usd; that for Mexican minimum wage standards its not cheap, but it’s ok, and the food is worth it if you doing so once or twice a month.

This time I paid around 30 usd, almost double for the exact same things. A 160 pesos for Guacamole, and 270 pesos for 6 shrimps (or so) in aguachile it’s insane, it’s only prices for international tourists now. I think both Mexican locals and foreigners who come by need to be aware of that. This add insult to injury when part of the discourse in the restaurant, specially in the book selection of the library shop is based mainly on radical politics, feminism anti colonialism and anti imperialism. It feels like a joke now to be simply thinking business wise and pretty much milk Americans (who will still find this prices cheap) and make it now imposible for medium class and working class mexicans to enjoy. Take for example the delicious “Little India” restaurant“ in Santa Lucia. The chef is Indian, and entree is 30 pesos, a main dish is a 140 pesos and a flan custard of ginger is 30 pesos, you get a phenomenal meal for 200 pesos (10 USD) a Guava flan custard at el apapacho is a 169 pesos, you...

Before even arriving in Mérida, I had heard about this place—the legendary lesbian bookstore restaurant—and I knew I had to check it out.

From the moment we stepped inside, it was everything I hoped for: cozy, atmospheric, unpretentious, and deeply comfortable. It has that rare quality of feeling both effortlessly cool and warmly inviting, like you’ve stumbled into a local secret that you never want to leave.

My husband, a culinary professional, immediately noticed the level of care put into the food here. We both ordered enchiladas—his with the pepper sauce, mine with mole—and I can only describe my experience in one word: wow. The mole was rich, complex, and absolutely unforgettable. I would happily lick the plate clean if it were socially acceptable. Honestly, they need to bottle this sauce and sell it, because as a tourist, I’d do just about anything to bring it home.

We also enjoyed some fantastic cocktails. I had the Clitoris Margarita with mezcal—an absolute masterpiece of smoky, citrusy perfection—while my husband had a classic Aperol Spritz, which was beautifully balanced and refreshing.

This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a place with soul, character, and impeccable food. We’re already planning to come back before our trip is over, because once is simply not enough.

And to the owner: please consider bottling that incredible mole sauce for customers to purchase! I can guarantee I wouldn’t be the only one eager to take a piece of this experience home. If you ever do, I’ll be first in line to buy it.

If you’re in Mérida, do yourself a favor...

Second edit: I don't know how to reply to the owner's answer. But I have never asked you for free food, nor a discount of any type. Ever. And the owner damn well knows that. I've brought dozens of clients in for meals there, and never asked nor expected anything like she's saying. I never treat staff rudely. I was a server for a decade, I know how hard servers work, and go out of my way to be kind and patient, and always tip 20%+.

Edit from my original 5 star review from about 4 years ago:

Sadly, they have changed drastically since I wrote this original review. Their quality and service really went to hell a few months ago. I watched a cook stick his finger in my guacamole lick it and keep right on working. Ew. Twice I brought clients in since they'd made these changes, and the new staff completely forgot the orders of half the table. Gone are the regular servers, the gender fluid kids who were great at their jobs and added to the bohemian feel. They were replaced with cis-men who really changed the whole vibe. And unfortunately the new servers seem to have no clue what they're doing. Super sad. One of my top 5 restaurants in town! Their mole, guacamole, and aguachile are by far the best in town. My go-to when clients ask for a nice lunch spot, and my children are always super happy to go. We may go too often, as the staff knows me by...