25 Essential Merced Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Merced.
Sizzler
California
Longtime casual restaurant known for its steak, burgers & seafood, plus a salad bar.
Little Oven Pizza
California
Casual, quick-serve spot for NYC-style thin crust pies & slices with local ingredients, plus beer.
Bella Luna
California
Warm, comfy Italian bar/eatery since 1995 with thin-crust pizza, seasonal dishes & artisanal breads.
Turmeric Indian Cuisine
Merced, California
Bright locale featuring typical Indian specialties such as biriyani & chicken curry.
Sam Cafe
Merced, California
Casual restaurant serving traditional Southeast Asian fare including curries & noodles.
Marie's Méxican Kitchen
Merced, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Royal India Indian Cuisine
Merced, California
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great tea selection. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Black Bear Diner Merced
Merced, California
Easygoing chain serving familiar all-day comfort food & desserts in a woodsy setting.
The Mainzer
Merced, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Live music, Serves local specialty. Popular for.
Denny's
Merced, California
Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
Strings
Merced, California
Italian chain presents traditional dishes including pizzas, pastas & calzones in a low-key setting.
In-N-Out Burger
Merced, California
Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
Shortstop Sandwiches
Merced, California
Funky hub for a wide variety of sandwiches (including vegan & gluten-free) with smoothies & shakes.
Pizza Factory
Merced, California
Order-at-the-counter chain serving lots of specialty pies & other Italian basics.
The Bar B-Q Pit
Merced, California
Classic smokehouse fare, breakfast, burgers & steaks with ice cream treats in a retro diner setting.
New Thai Cuisine
Merced, California
Down-to-earth restaurant serving a long menu of traditional Thai dishes, plus beer & wine.
La Tia Juana
Merced, California
Identifies as Latino-owned. Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection.
Sonic Drive-In
Merced, California
Fast-food burger & fries joint with an old-school feel, including retro drive-in service.
El Asadero Taco Shop
Merced, California
Burritos, carne asada & other Mexican staples offered in an unfussy strip-mall restaurant.
Scotts Diner
Merced, California
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great coffee, Serves local specialty, Sports. Popular for: Breakfast.
H & W Drive-In
Merced, California
Classic drive-in joint with car-hop service selling burgers, fries, shakes & other fast-food faves.
Masala Express
Merced, California
Service options: Curbside pickup, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty, Sports. Popular for: Lunch.
Rainbird
Merced, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great cocktails, Great coffee, Great dessert, Great wine list.
Little Caesars Pizza
Merced, California
Carry-out chain featuring chicken wings, signature breadsticks & pizza tossed from housemade dough.
Jack in the Box
Merced, California
Burgers, chicken, tacos & breakfast items fill out the menu at this fast-food chain.