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The liveliest, most enjoyable bar-restaurant and dance club in central Mérida has Mexican bandit decor, welcoming staff, and a tiny, buzzing open-air dance floor.

This place is a big, loud, and boisterous, very Mexican bar-dance hall, with all kinds of Mexican music, from modern pop to mariachi and rancheras, recorded and live.

The smarter side of Mérida – this sleek modern space in the Hyatt hotel is an Italian restaurant early evening, but becomes a dance bar later.

The cooler nightlife in Mérida takes place on Paseo de Montejo, and this bar-restaurant has a great view of the paseo from a roof terrace. It has good snacks and a laid-back feel.

At the weekend, when they put tables outside, this restaurant is an ideal spot for observing all the activity in Parque Hidalgo. Settle in with a drink, and try one of the great enchiladas or another of their Mexican classics.

Fresh-juice stands are a wonderful local institution, and California wins the prize as the best in town. Watermelon, pineapples, papaya, and more are all waiting to be juiced.

A snug, out-of-the-way bar in the patios of an old house, with distinctly quirky decor of tangled wood and old furniture and lots of intimate corners.

One of Progreso’s most enjoyable big terrace bar-restaurants, with tasty ceviches to go with the beer.

An unusually modern, youth-oriented venue for old-fashioned Campeche, with colorful mock-tropical decor and light, tangy variations on Gulf Coast food, plus cocktails.

Around the bandstand in the middle of Campeche’s main square are the terrace tables of this café, with sandwiches and Mexican snacks as well as the necessary drinks.