La Fundación Mezcalería (La Mezca)

La Fundación Mezcalería, widely known as La Mezca, is a late-night mezcal bar at Calle 59 No. 509, between Calles 60 and 62, in the historic centre of Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. It is one of the most budget-friendly drinking spots in the centre and is popular with backpackers, students, expatriates and locals who want to continue the evening after dinner. The atmosphere is informal and social, and there is no dress code beyond ordinary casual clothing. The crowd skews young adult. The drinks programme centres on a wide range of mezcal, served neat or in cocktails. Signature drinks include the Mezcal Margarita and the Mango Chamoy, and cocktails are priced at roughly MXN 60-130 (about USD 3.5-7). Groups often order one-liter pomos, which are listed at roughly MXN 110-265 and make sharing cheaper than ordering individual rounds. Local DJs provide the music on busy nights, and the volume rises as the evening goes on. The bar opens daily from about 18:00 and runs until about 03:00, making it one of the later options in the centre, particularly on weeknights when many other venues close earlier. Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest, with a crowded room after 23:00. Entry is usually free. Occasionally a cover of about MXN 25-50 applies, and in that case it comes with a welcome drink. Reservations are not typically needed, and there is no formal bottle-service model, although the pomos serve a similar group-sharing purpose at a much lower price. Visitors should carry cash or confirm card acceptance, as small bars in Mérida do not always take cards. The location puts La Mezca within walking distance of Santa Lucía and the Plaza Grande, so it works as part of a walking bar route through the centre.