Deck - Mérida

The steak was phenomenal! The recipe used expresso in the mix! Cooked as ordered/requested and the bottle of vino tinto table side complemented the arrangement.

We visited this establishment during our first few days in a long trip to Merida. I have noted that some reviews point out that they are not "gringos" who know their way around Mexico. Well, I have travelled to Mexico extensively, but I have not experienced some of the none sense that I have in a number of establishments in this beautiful city. This restaurant stands out for its crooked ways. I entered the restaurant and we were charmed by the nonsensical, ostentasious decor, but we were sold on the idea of large comfy couches and a hooka lounge. I could go on about the mediocrity of the food, as others have pointed out, but instead I would like to warn the readers about something else, what the blasted hooka cost!!! They charged us 300 pesos for the tabacco, 30 pesos for each mouth piece and 200 pesos for use of the pipe. When the bill came I was floored. One of my family members noted that the hooka lounge they visit back home would typically charge 10 dollars for tabacco and all. They pulled the same nonesense with the taxes on our bill as stated in other reviews. The waiters were literally snickering and talking about us as we left the restaurant shaking our heads. I am here for many weeks, but I will not be returning to this establishment. I also know many people who own homes in the area, they will hear my story. Business owners need to recognize how short sighted these kinds of business ethics are. We are not "gringos", we are the people who spread the word about the quality of your establishment. You can either profit by us long term, or watch your establishment close due to word of mouth and internet regarding your bad business ethics.

Slavia is really not like anywhere else in Merida. The decor and atmosphere have a life of their own. The drinks are wonderful. I took a dear friend there for her birthday and we had a lovely evening. There is a separate hooka bar/restaurant for those who are interested in that activity. It is completely sealed off from the other two small dining areas. I wish I could say that the food was great but that is an area that could be improved on. The service was excellent. There are two other restaurants attached to the same building and they feature outdoor seating.

My boyfriend loves this place and has been here many times, but this particular visit left a bit to be desired. The price was quite high compared to other restaurants we went to, and the food was not so great. The tuna ceviche was actually "grilled tuna" and the carpaccio de res was very oily. The drinks were decent and fairly cheap, and the hookah was good. The ambiance is great and romantic. After eating and smoking, we went to the rooftop bar above which I highly recommend for additional drinks. Just be careful climbing the tiny winding stairs to the top.

We spent a week in Merida, and by far the best mojitos we got were in Slavia. Also the deer steak was perfectly prepared. Service was friendly and prompt, and the milieu is very original. It's a bit pricey, but worth the money in my opinion.