Taquería de la Unión

Taquería de la Unión is a casual taco restaurant on Calle 55 between Calles 58 and 60 in the Centro district of Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, a short walk from the Parque de Santa Lucía. It serves Yucatecan tacos and is open in the afternoon and evening, when many of the market counters in the city have already closed, which makes it a useful option for visitors who miss the morning taco window. Dishes most associated with the restaurant include cochinita tacos, made with slow-roasted pork in achiote and sour orange; lechón al horno, oven-roasted suckling pig; longaniza de Valladolid, a spiced sausage from the town of Valladolid; a pork belly al pastor taco; and polcanes, a Yucatecan snack made from a bean and pumpkin-seed dough filled and fried. The menu brings together several regional preparations in a single stop and allows visitors to build a meal from small plates. The atmosphere is informal and quick, with a noise level that reflects steady turnover rather than a quiet dining room, and dress is casual. Prices are low at approximately MXN 25 to 45 (USD 1.5 to 2.5) per taco, so a satisfying meal costs little. Hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 13:00 to 22:00, and the restaurant is closed on Monday. Reservations are not taken and the format is walk-in. Arriving in the early evening, when the heat has eased, makes the meal more comfortable, and ordering several tacos with different fillings gives a good comparison between pork preparations. The location in the centre means it combines easily with a walk through Santa Lucía park and the surrounding streets, where live music and events are common in the evening. Visitors should ask about salsa heat before adding habanero sauces, which can be very strong.