The best cafes in Merced

5 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Merced’s best · Restaurants · Bakeries & Sweets · Entertainment · Shopping · Arts & Culture · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Beauty · Home & Garden · Nightlife · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Sporting Goods · Health & Wellness · Services

Pinned in Merced today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Merced — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Cafes · 5 places · showing the latest additions first

Dutch Bros Coffee

Cafes

Fun-loving drive-thru serving up customized coffees, Rebel energy drinks, cold brew, tea & more.

4940 E Ashlan Ave (Fresno)

“Fun-loving drive-thru serving up customized coffees, Rebel energy drinks, cold brew, tea & more.”

Website ↗

Coffee Bandits

Cafes

Coffee Bandits is Merced's hangout for real-deal brews and friendly faces, the kind of spot where you actually run into your neighbors and…

309 W Main St

“Coffee Bandits is Merced's hangout for real-deal brews and friendly faces, the kind of spot where you actually run into your neighbors and end up staying for one more cup. They even offer event booking, so your next meetup can happen where good people love good coffee.”

From the Merced newsletter, August 4, 2026

Website ↗

Red Apple Cafe

Cafes

Whether you’re craving that signature marinated skirt steak and eggs, Hawaiian French Toast, or chilaquiles, Red Apple Cafe keeps breakfast…

488 W Herndon Ave (Fresno)

“Whether you’re craving that signature marinated skirt steak and eggs, Hawaiian French Toast, or chilaquiles, Red Apple Cafe keeps breakfast and lunch fresh, made-to-order, and friendly.”

From the Fresno newsletter, August 6, 2026

Website ↗

Native Son

Cafes

Bustling eatery serving craft cocktails, cheese boards and salads, plus coffee.

609 W Main St

“Bustling eatery serving craft cocktails, cheese boards and salads, plus coffee.”

Website ↗

Run a Merced business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Em-Tea

Cafes

Cozy teahouse inside the Yosemite North Shopping Center known for milk teas, slushies, and various toppings.

3570 G St

“Cozy teahouse inside the Yosemite North Shopping Center known for milk teas, slushies, and various toppings.”

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →