Viejo Bar Chicxulub

Calle 17 entre 20 y 22, Chicxulub, Mexico

Hours

Open Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 11:45 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. - 3 a.m.

Sunday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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About

When your Merida vacation requires a meal in a festive setting that's close to the beach, visit the palapa at Viejo Bar Chicxulub!

This family-friendly eatery ten minutes from the center of Progreso is known for its live music, vibrant shows, visiting comics, and ample room for dancing. Offering three separate menus, Viejo Bar Chicxulub is perfect at any time of the day, with breakfast starting at 8 AM and dinner service kicking off at 6 PM through closing.

Viejo Bar Chicxulub opened in 2019 and quickly carved its niche as a popular spot to gather for a great meal with a side of fiesta. The eatery is a block from Chicxulub's pier and dinosaur statue. A dinosaur, you say? Indeed! Though no longer visible, the Chicxulub crater is where a meteor struck, which scientists believe led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. Further proof of this historical event is that Chicxulub translates from Mayan into "devil's tail" or "devil's thumb," alluding to the historic meteor.

Over the years, the fishing community of Chicxulub has become a popular vacation getaway, especially since it's under an hour's drive from the Yucatan capital. It's easy to start your day exploring Merida's Plaza Grande and then make your way to dine and dance into the evening at Viejo Bar Chicxulub.

Vibe

The ample open space at Viejo Bar Chicxulub has a vaulted palapa with exposed woven thatch palm fronds, which sets the tone for the laidback eatery. Pendant lights in rustic woven baskets add a soft glow to the space, while greenery frames doorways and windows. During the day, additional light comes in through the window openings lining the wall.

The seating area contains wooden tables that accommodate small and large groups. All seating arrangements point toward the bright stage, and the dinosaur murals near the stage provide a unique backdrop.

The overall vibe at Viejo Bar Chicxulub is one of celebration and relaxation. It's the perfect spot to unwind after a day at the beach or exploring the Yucatan Peninsula.

Viejo Bar Chicxulub: Menu & Drinks

The menu at Viejo Bar Chicxulub is a delightful blend of traditional Yucatecan dishes, innovative culinary creations, and all-time favorites. A must-try item is the "Camarones ala Diabla," spicy shrimp sautéed to perfection and bursting with flavor.

Additional stand-outs are their varied preparation of salmon, including with mezcal or lime. To fulfill anyone's cravings, Viejo Bar Chicxulub also offers delicious hamburgers (also with shrimp) and fulfilling snack items to enjoy during one of their frequent shows.

Regarding drinks, Viejo Bar Chicxulub offers an impressive selection that caters to diverse tastes. For a refreshing twist to cerveza, choose one of their freshly prepared margaritas, mojitos, or summer tintos. Like sangria, the popular tinto de verano in the Yucatan is mixed with lemon soda and does not include fruit. For a non-alcoholic option, Agua de Jamaica is always a refreshing choice. This delightful beverage is made from hibiscus flowers and is known for its vibrant color and tangy taste. The menu also includes unique, locally inspired offerings that provide an authentic taste of the region.

Dining at Viejo Bar Chicxulub is a quintessential experience for anyone visiting Merida, offering exceptional food and a memorable time.

Local Tips

The best time to visit to avoid crowds is early evening on weekdays.
Reservations are highly recommended on weekends.
Check the website for indoor markets, comic shows, and live music.
Viejo Bar Chicxulub is also wheelchair accessible.
Dancing is highly encouraged!

Location

Calle 17 entre 20 y 22, Chicxulub, Mexico

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good way to spend a day in Merida, Mexico?

Start the day off with authentic Yucatecan cuisine at La Chaya Maya in the center of Mérida. Wake your senses with their huevos con chaya dish, highlighting the endemic chaya plant of the Yucatan. Try the cochinita pibil, salbutes or panuchos for a true culinary experience. Be sure to get an early start to visit the ruins of Chichén Itzá. The impressive archaeological site is one of the most important and most visited in Mexico. This will immerse you in the history of the Mayan civilization. Try to arrive early to avoid crowds and the heat.

After exploring Chichén Itzá, visit a nearby restaurant such as La Tía Polóc to further your culinary journey with handmade tortillas and traditional pork poc chuc. After lunch, visit a nearby cenote to cool off and relax. Cenotes, strewn about the Yucatan Peninsula, are natural underground water reservoirs, each offering an absolutely magical experience. There are severl cenotes in the area, so choose one that suits your preferences, whether for swimming, snorkeling or simply to enjoy the natural beauty.

Once you’ve explored pyramids and cenotes, return to Mérida to spend the afternoon exploring the city. Stroll through the historic center, visit the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, or wander along the Paseo de Montejo and admire the colonial architecture. Don’t miss the light and sound show in the Plaza Grande, offering a fascinating view of the city’s history! Top the evening off by treating yourself to the signature cuisine at Kuuk. The renowned fusion restaurant offers tasting menus that change regularly to highlight the best of the season.

What are the biggest main events in Merida, Mexico?

Fiesta is a way of life in Mexico, and Mérida is no exception! Festive celebrations in Mérida highlight Mayan Culture, the musical genre of Yucateca trova, as well as traditional Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), folk art fairs, and colorful Carnival parades, y más! Each night in Mérida’s Plaza Grande is a fiesta of its own, as music and dance fill the iconic square to the delight of vacationers and residents.

Among the many celebrations in and around Mérida, each Fall provides the opportunity to delight in culture and art at the International Festival of Mayan Culture (FICMaya). This festival offers a wide range of cultural events, including music, dance, theater, conferences, exhibitions and more, all focused on the rich cultural heritage of the Mayan civilization. Fall is also marked by Mexico’s traditional Day of the Dead (Nov 1st and 2nd), celebrated in Mérida with parades of catrinas, impressive altars, musical performances, and a series of cultural activities.

Paying further homage to the rhythmic vibe and sounds of the Yucatan, the Festival de la Trova Yucateca in December showcases this traditional musical genre of the region. Concerts, contests, workshops, and more all focus on music and troubadour poetry. Visitors in November and December will also be amazed at the X’matkuil Fair on the outskirts of Mérida. In the spirit of any fair, there are mechanical rides, food exhibits, a variety of handicrafts, and rich gastronomy.

In February, the Carnival of Mérida is one of the largest and most colorful in Mexico! It includes parades, live music, dances, costume contests, and a festive atmosphere that attracts people from everywhere!

Whenever your vacation getaway brings you to Mérida, there’s always something to celebrate with a fiesta!