What should I order at El Apapacho?
El Apapacho
Mole (including chicken mole and mole negro)
Mentioned repeatedly as the standout dish with rich, velvety, and complex flavors. Multiple reviewers described it as the best mole in Mérida and highly praised its depth and quality, some even wishing the sauce could be bottled.
Chile en Nogada
Highly recommended as incredible and unique, with one reviewer calling it the best they have ever had. It’s a traditional Mexican dish that visitors were advised to try specifically in Mérida.
Enchiladas (including chicken enchiladas with mole and enchiladas suiza)
Frequently praised for being extremely well done and flavorful. The enchiladas come with different sauces and fillings, and both vegans and meat-eaters found options they enjoyed.
Guacamole (including Pacifico guacamole with marinated shrimp)
Recommended as fresh and tasty, with the Pacifico guacamole noted for its delicious combination with marinated shrimp.
Aguachile
Described as phenomenal and fresh seafood, this dish stood out among the seafood options.
Garlic Mushrooms
Specifically praised as 'out of this world' with a careful blend of ingredients, marking it as a must-try starter.
Pumpkin Stew
Mentioned positively as a lovely, delicious dish with lots of vegetarian and vegan appeal.
Vegan Chile Relleno (when available)
Noted as huge, packed with ingredients, and a superior alternative to typical Tex-Mex versions, recommended especially when it is on special.
Enmoladas
Highly praised for being soulful and comforting, served with mole negro, described as exactly like an 'apapacho' (warm hug).
Hours
| Monday | 1 to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 1 to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 1 to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 1 to 10 PM |
| Friday | 1 to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM to 10 PM |
About El Apapacho
Artsy, homey spot featuring homestyle Mexican cooking, art exhibits & a feminist bookstore.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is El Apapacho known for?
El Apapacho is best known for its mole dishes, especially chicken mole and enchiladas enmoladas, which reviewers repeatedly call standout items. People also praise the fresh, made-to-order cooking and generous portions, with many saying the food is worth the wait.
What dishes are most recommended at El Apapacho?
Reviewers most often recommend the chicken mole, enchiladas enmoladas, aguachile, ceviche, and the Cazuela de Res del Estado de Mexico. Other frequently praised dishes include shrimp enchiladas, vegan chile en nogada, and chiles en nogada when available as a seasonal special.
What is the atmosphere like at El Apapacho?
The atmosphere is artistic, bohemian, and homey, with wall art, books, plants, and a back patio that feels quiet and shaded. It suits solo diners, couples, groups, and travelers looking for a relaxed meal rather than a rushed one.
Is El Apapacho good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is MX$200 to 300, and reviewers describe the prices as fair for the portion size and quality. Several mention that the plates are generous, the food is fresh, and the meal feels worth the cost in Merida.
What should I know before visiting El Apapacho?
The kitchen cooks to order, so waits can be longer when it is busy, and reviewers suggest going early and hungry. The patio can have mosquitoes, but the restaurant provides bug spray, and it is a bit of a walk from the center of town.
Is parking available at El Apapacho?
Yes. Free street parking, Usually somewhat difficult to find a space is available.
Does El Apapacho have vegetarian options?
Yes, El Apapacho offers vegan options.
Is El Apapacho kid-friendly?
Yes, El Apapacho is good for kids.
Restaurants like El Apapacho in Merida
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