The 11 Best Cafes in Merida to Work From for Digital Nomads

In this article, I cover the 11 best cafes in Merida, Mexico to work from, why I love them, everything you need to know before visiting, and even what to order.

The number one thing on any digital nomads’ mind when headed to a new spot is “How’s the wifi?!” Yes, Merida meets all wifi requirements and is filled with great places to work, from cafes to co-working spaces, you’ve got a lot to choose from. As a cafe working expert, I just had to write about the best cafes in Merida to work from. You’re welcome.

Merida is quickly topping the list of digital nomad hotspots in Mexico. I can assure you, after living here for three months, that it deserves the hype. Merida is the perfect blend of new and old, with culture and nature, and boujie and budget options for all. Unlike many popular digital nomad spots, cough-Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, Merida has not been fundamentally changed by tourism at this point. While it’s definitely in a period of growth, and becoming increasingly more popular with locals and nomads alike, the changes feel relatively sustainable and positive. Let’s hope it stays that way.

If You’re Heading to Merida, Don’t Miss These Adventures! Check out My Weekend Guide to Campeche, How to Explore Hacienda Mucuyche Cenotes, and Everything You Need for the Ultimate Yucatan Road Trip.

Working remotely throughout Merida is a dream. Practically every place boasts wifi, with lots of outdoor space and picture perfect decor. This means you can pretty much choose any cafe or restaurant and post up for a few hours with your laptop-depending on how you work.

That being said, there are superior options. These 11 spots are the best cafes in Merida for remote work, with plenty of outlets, fantastic working environments, and ample menu choices. Every spot has incredible, reliable wifi and a staff that embraces guests with their laptops.

Casa Chica

Definitely one of the best cafes in Merida, Casa Chica is popular on a Friday night. Their craft cocktail menu, prime location on Paseo Montejo and unbelievably cute interior have something to do with this. On first glance, this former estate doesn’t seem like it would be a good spot to work from, but my friend, that is just not true. I probably worked here once a week, and it’s on my favorite places to do so. While it starts filling up at five pm, during the day, you’ll only have the place to yourself.

Casa Chica has several different rooms to choose from, lots of open air, funky decor, and plenty of outlets. Their menu is incredibly comprehensive, with a huge range of choices. They also have a great outdoor patio and sidewalk seating. You can definitely take calls here, as long as it’s before the cocktail rush.

Lagala 56

Merida loves their concept spaces, and Lagala 56 is one of the more popular local spots. Lagala 56 is home to a boutique, upstairs work space, terrace, and its very popular cafe, Te Extrano, Extrano. Be warned- on a weekend it’s super popular for brunch, but if you’re heading here to work, hopefully that won’t be on a weekend anyway. The cafe has three different private rooms, and then a large outdoor patio and garden to work from.

Their small menu is thoughtfully crafted, with a focus on fresh and healthy Yucatecan food, and of course, brunch staples like avocado toast. Their coffee is delicious, and every detail in the space is perfectly designed. It’s an incredibly beautiful space, which makes working the day away much more bearable. Plus, there’s a lot of privacy thanks to layout of Lagala 56.

Volta Cafe in Plaza Carmesi

One of the best cafes in Merida to work from, Volta Cafe is becoming quite the hot spot. While there are two locations, one up North and one in barrio Santa Lucia, within Plaza Carmesi, I highly recommend the latter. Plaza Carmesi boasts several local artisan boutiques and a great book store, that surround Volta cafe’s patio. Volta has both a spacious interior and an aesthetically pleasing and private patio space. I love working from the patio, but on a hot day, the AC inside is really appreciated.

With long, work friendly tables, various outlets, and some of the best coffee in Merida- Volta is a no brainer for working remotely. You’ll often see digital nomads come and go throughout the day and the staff never seemed to mind when I would stay all day. Their brunch is fantastic, their food is super fresh, and they even have happy hour (2×1) starting at 4. This makes the transition from work to relaxation pretty seamless if I do say so myself.

El Apapacho

I will always think of El Apapacho when I think of Merida. The first spot I went to lunch at, this local feminist bookstore meets conscious cafe is a treat. Unassuming from the front, as are most places in Merida, upon entering you’ll find yourself in a magical Alice in Wonderland like garden. Gorgeous murals cover the walls, luscious green plants surround you, blocking out the sun so you can work in peace all day.

Everyone that works at El Apapacho is kind, welcoming, and expect a fresh rose to be given to you upon arrival. The ambiance is 10/10, as is the food. Plus, despite the constant influx of people, El Apapacho is peaceful and work friendly all day. You have outlets available by every table, which is surprising considering you’re in a garden.

Their menu makes them one of the best cafes in Merida, working or not. With an extensive beverage list filled with herbal elixirs, fresh squeezed juice and frappes, you’ll stay hydrated and caffeinated easily. I think they have some of the best breakfast in Merida, and highly recommend their healthy and fresh take on chilaquiles. Everything is grown locally, and the few meat options they do provide are ethically raised in the Yucatan.

Centro Cultural Punto Mid

Books and coffee- is there any better combination in the world? I think not. Punto Mid is one of those spots that is easily missed thanks to their non-existent google maps presence. I stumbled on this gem while walking down the ever popular Calle 47 in search of lunch. Most digital nomads will find themselves next door at Latte Quattro Sette, the gorgeous, insta popular cafe. While I recommend checking them out as well, Punto Mid gets my vote.

Punto Mid boasts a huge front area, three different rooms filled with books, and a gorgeous back patio with hammocks, tables and privacy. Punto Mid has delightful coffee, lots of outlets, and a small menu of sandwiches, burgers and pastries. It’s very quiet during the day, and hosts different events throughout the week, like art shows, and live music. As with any outdoor space in Merida- don’t forget the bug spray!

Flores Cafe

Tucked away in Garcia Gineres, a neighborhood away from the tourists, lives the local hot spot, Flores Cafe. This is hands down one of the best cafes in Merida, and my personal favorite. The fact that it was a block from my house probably contributed to that. Inside a former hacienda, Flores stays true to its name with flowers everywhere and rose petals covering the floor.

The walls are lined with famous writers quotes, kitschy knick knacks, and vintage art and furniture. You have a lot of seating choices, but Flores is super popular for breakfast, so it’s best to come after the morning rush if you want to get your prime choice. Since it’s a former house, every room offers privacy and a different vibe. They also have a front patio and an enclosed garden, complete with a pool. Plus, fresh squeezed juices, delicious crepes and authentic chilaquiles and coffee.

Manifesto Barra Cold Brew

Manifesto’s coffee is very highly rated by Merida’s coffee snobs. I agree- it’s delicious, and as such, it comes at a premium price. This cafe and roastery has two locations in Merida, one in Colonia Mexico, and one in Centro Historico. I’ve worked in both, and the Colonia Mexico one, Barra Cold Brew, is certainly a superior work space since it has a lot more room.

Manifesto has a fantastic bakery, a dreamy dirty chai, and great sandwich options. They have a large outdoor patio as well, so you’ll see lots of dogs and fellow remote workers throughout the day. Full disclosure- I find Manifesto sort of overrated. What can I say, I don’t find the place inspiring but it’s definitely worth a mention.

Casa ‘Tho

The Paseo Montejo area is home to some of the most beautiful restaurants and best cafes in Merida. Casa ‘Tho is no exception. While most of the spots on this list aren’t exactly conventional, I’m not sure if Casa ‘Tho could really be categorized as a cafe. Nonetheless, it’s getting a mention because it’s a freaking beautiful work spot.

Arguably the most high-end and beautiful concept spaces in Merida, Casa ‘Tho is a gorgeous former hacienda, restored to a museum level of perfection. It’s beautiful garden cafe is surrounded by some of the trendiest, luxury and artisan boutiques in the Yucatan. Casa ‘Tho is kind of a hidden gem however, with not a lot of action during the day, making it a prime spot to work from. That being said, unlike the other options on this list, Casa ‘Tho isn’t the ideal spot for a full work day.

Their menu is rather minimalist and geared toward those looking for a nice aperitivo, with mainly various charcuterie boards, appetizers and craft cocktails. They do have a great space, wifi, and enough coffee beverages and snacks to power you through some of the work day however, which is why they made the list.

Marago Coffee

I had mixed feelings about adding Marago. Not because it’s not one of the best cafes in Merida- it is. No, because it’s super popular- like all the time. That being said, I’ve worked here a dozen times and I’ve even done a few interviews here (though I don’t recommend this.) and I’ve always found a table. Despite it’s non-stop popularity, Marago is a great spot for remote work and home to what I consider some of the best coffee in Merida.

With an equally large interior and exterior, you can usually find a spot to work from. They have a truly fantastic and massive beverage list that will certainly power you through the day. Their food options are great as well, with classic brunch and lunch fare and a lot of delicious pastries that are hard to resist. My only recommendation is to save this spot for days when you don’t have calls. Thanks to the street traffic outside, and the music inside, it’s not exactly conducive to calls.

Pan Y Koffee

I had the pleasure of living next door to this wonderful coffee shop for part of my time in Merida. If you’re reading this during the pandemic, be warned that they have a temporary 90 minute limit per table. Normally, you can stay all day. Pan y Koffee boasts a magical interior, with funky tiles, high ceilings and a super cool indoor balcony upstairs.

By far the best European style croissants in town, and some truly spectacular coffee, Pan y Koffee has a very tasty menu to nibble on throughout the day. The tables are comfy, decent sized, and outlets are a plenty. Just be warned, breakfast in Merida is a thing, so any popular spot like this will typically get a breakfast rush. That being said, I’ve worked through many a breakfast time and it didn’t affect me.

If You’re Heading to Mexico During the Pandemic, Please Read This First.

Estacion 72

Last but not least- we have Estacion 72! Tucked away in the gem that is Garcia Gineres, Estacion 72 borders the amazing Saturday Slow Food Market. This spot feels super European both in design and its menu offerings. You have yummy crepes, pastries and sandwiches, as well as fantastic beverage offerings. They randomly do a pretty decent coconut coffee and Thai tea, which is not exactly a common in Mexico.

Both indoor and outdoor seating, a staple for all the best cafes in Merida, Estacion 72 is very work friendly. They seem to be popular with high school students however, so expect a big after school rush around 3:30 pm. Estacion 72 has more of a traditional coffee shop vibe, so if that’s what you seek in a remote work space, this is your jam.