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Welcome to El Apapacho
Nestled in a charming corner of Merida, "El Apapacho" offers an extraordinary dining experience that harmonizes traditional Mexican flavors with a cozy literary atmosphere. Visitors are treated to a culinary journey highlighted by their acclaimed mole, praised for its rich and velvety depth. The menu features meticulously curated dishes, such as the casuela de pollo and prickly pear dip, all complemented by vibrant cocktails like the lavender margarita. The intimate setting, adorned with curated books, fosters a creative retreat vibe, enhancing the overall experience. With attentive service and a warm ambiance, El Apapacho is a beloved oasis for food lovers seeking authentic Mexican cuisine.
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About
El Apapacho
Welcome to El Apapacho, a hidden gem nestled in the enchanting streets of Mérida, Mexico. Located at Calle 62 354 x 41 y 43, this quaint eatery seamlessly marries the warmth of traditional Mexican flavors with the cozy ambiance of a literary sanctuary. As you step through its doors, you are greeted not only by tantalizing aromas but by a thoughtfully curated atmosphere that invites you to linger. The restaurant's unique setting, tucked away within a charming bookstore, offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
What truly sets El Apapacho apart is its fantastic culinary offerings. Diners rave about the mole—a rich, velvety sauce that has garnered praise as the best in Mérida. Patrons like Tiffany Henriquez have lauded dishes like the casuela de pollo, served with house-made Oaxaqueño mole, which speaks to the restaurant's commitment to authenticity and quality. The flavors are profound, igniting your palate with every bite. Each dish reflects the owner’s dedication to blending fresh ingredients into exceptional culinary creations.
Among the standout items, one cannot overlook the garlic mushrooms, celebrated for their exquisite flavor profile, as well as the refreshing prickly pear and avocado dip that Adam Demshar described as invigorating. The drinks, adorned with colorful presentations, have their own fanbase, much to the delight of customers searching for a vibrant dining experience.
El Apapacho is not just about the food; the ambiance plays a crucial role in enhancing your dining experience. With a relaxing yet lively vibe, the restaurant's thoughtful décor and musical selections create an inviting backdrop for both intimate gatherings and casual meals. Diners often find themselves enjoying the personal touches and attentiveness of the staff, a sentiment echoed by frequent visitors like Jasmon Dixon, who appreciates the consistent service and chill atmosphere.
For those seeking a memorable culinary journey that reflects the heart of Mexican cuisine, El Apapacho is a must-visit. With affordable prices and an environment that feels both personal and inspired, you may find yourself returning multiple times, as many guests have. As you savor each dish, you’ll understand why this place is celebrated—it's not just a meal; it's a comforting embrace for your senses.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Loved this place so much we dined 2 times in our 1 week stay in the area. It truly is a hidden oasis in the back of a lovely bookstore. We dined at night and the courtyard was cool and nicely decorated. Their mole is the best we had in Merida, such rich flavors. It's a small place with a smal kitchen so sit back and relax while you wait, it's worth it. ”
“ OMG! Is there anything in this restaurant that does not taste amazing??? From the starters to the coffee... and even the cookies are a delicious experience for your palate! Please try the garlic mushrooms, they are just out of this world! The blend of ingredients is all so carefully selected. Bravo to you for an array of impressive dishes...and don't get me started on the drinks! What a beautiful and colorful presentation! I personally will go back again and again. Service and atmosphere are great too. I highly recommend this restaurant. ”
“ Been here three times! I keep coming back because of the chicken mole, wine and desserts. Honestly, the first time I went i didn’t get the best service. Ironically it was the owner of the place (I think)who waited on me she seemed very busy at the time though it was a Saturday night and I was solo but I definitely felt a bit ignored. It’s all good though. But after that initial visit the service of the staff has always been top notch. The food is consistent and I love the chill vibe at this place. I’ll be returning for a fourth time soon enough. ”
“ The food was amazing. I had the prickly pear and avocado dip to start. It was quite refreshing. I then ordered a margarita clitoria. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I received a lavender and tasty cocktail. For my entree I had chicken enchiladas smothered in mole. Everything was extremely well done. My only complaint is one that the restaurant is not responsible for. There were just some really loud people sitting next to me that took away from an otherwise lovely ambiance. ”
“ Tucked away in a cozy corner of the city, El Apapacho offers a beautifully curated dining experience that blends traditional Mexican flavors with a warm, literary ambiance. We ordered the casuela de pollo with house-made Oaxaqueno mole, and it was a standout. The mole was rich, velvety, and full of depth, (also spicy to beware if you have a low tolerance) clearly a labor of love. We especially appreciated that it was served with chicken breast, which added a lean and tender texture to the dish. Paired with a Carajillo, the meal struck a perfect balance between comfort and indulgence. The atmosphere elevated the experience further. A wall of curated books for sale gave the space a thoughtful, artistic vibe—like dining inside a creative retreat. The music was on point, setting a relaxed yet upbeat tone throughout the meal. Service was excellent and prompt, with our server attentive without being intrusive; exactly what you hope for in a casual fine dining setting. Highly recommended for those looking to enjoy authentic Mexica cuisine in a space that feels both personal and inspired. ”
“ A great place for a quick bite and relaxed atmosphere. Food was delicious, service amazing. Just keep in mind they don’t have AC, but fans help a lot. Plenty of vegan options. ”
“ We had the guacamole and enmoladas with mole negro. These were both excellent! The enmoladas is exactly like an apapacho (warm hug) - soulful and comfy. The little courtyard at the back has cool murals and artsy urban decor. Highly recommend ”
“ Delicious food! Probably the best we had in Merida. Both moles were amazing. And the garden is very peaceful. Tons of options for vegans, vegetarians and carnivores It's just great all around. ”