My red snapper was good, just a little on the dry side. Could have used a bit more seasoning. The service was fantastic. Very friendly and accommodating. We love places that make you feel you've stepped back in time. Very homey vibes. Will definitely return if we get the chance. read more

Wow finally found a delicious Steak in Merced! My family & I are in town visiting for my mom's birthday. By her recommendation we came to try it out tonight. We ordered filet mignon with baked potato & veggies, New york strip with mashed potatoes & veggies & Chicken piccata with veggies. Everything was full of flavor. Filet mignon was perfectly seasoned & tender. My carrots in my veggies were hard and dry. But that would be the only complaint. I however had enough delicious food on my plate to not care about missing out on carrots. My son ordered the kids pollo asado( grilled chicken) with rice & beans. Delicious. Wine is a generous pour. Service was friendly, attentive & all orders came out correctly. Restaurant was clean and country decor. Will definitely be returning to try out the breakfast & Mexican food. read more

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My Son and I enjoy coming here for Breakfast, very good and very good service. Thank you, Sonya & Aaron read more

If you are into Mexican food, this may be to your liking. It was once a premier steakhouse, but the menu is leaning more towards the south-of-the-border twist. The food and service are very good, but we are already saturated with Mexican restaurants and taco trucks all within a short rock's throw from wherever you stand around these parts, and to be honest, it has all become too predictable and boring. read more

Let's start with the service. Our server was fantastic. Ambiance, it feels a bit outdated and those animal busts hanging on the wall need to be dusted off. The food I can only recommend the fajitas, my wife had molcajete and the serving is bigger than Agaves. My children ordered the nachos. Sorry that yellow cheese was horrible and we had to go elsewhere for them. Try it out and judge for yourself. read more

La Finca Branding Iron - Fajitas de pollo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Merced, California

BEST BREAKFAST IN 20 YEARS!!! Thank You Rosa! My "Over Medium" eggs were PERFECT! Bacon was cooked perfectly and the hash browns were crispy. Even the pancake was cooked perfect! My server Lily was so kind, wonderful and friendly. I absolutely Loved the Outside Patio. Reminded me of my favorite breakfast spot in Costa Rica Rafael and the entire staff have done such an amazing job with this historic restaurant. Thank You SO much! AND their Lunch Buffet Knocks it out of the Park Hoping you all love this place as much as I do. read more

La Finca Branding Iron - Classic Breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Merced, California

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I've driven by a few times and I finally stopped by tto try it! It did not disappoint! There is a lot of parking, clean eating areas, tvs for entertainment, and clean restrooms. The service is amazing! They check in just enough times. I did not feel rushed to finish. It was a great date with my partner! I ordered a torta de milanesa de res and it was so good!!! I would come again just to buy this for lunch! read more

La Finca Branding Iron - torta de milanesa con queso fresco - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Merced, California

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This place is the precious owners of Isabellas in atwater and we loved that place so we decided we wanted to come and try out their new spot taking over the original branding iron . So first off you walk in and you see parts of Isabella in atwater vibe but get seated and you feel like your still at the original branding iron . Not much is changed feels like a steak house vibe. We ordered pur food and of course it didnt disappoint still delicious and yummy !!! My husband and I love their food !.the only thing I would say i am not a fan of is the vibe isnt the same but the food is still on point. read more

La Finca Branding Iron - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Merced, California

I just discovered this place; the food is delicious, and the staff is super friendly and attentive.

We were in town for two days and had breakfast this spot. We were confused about being at the wrong place cause the restaurant didn't appear like a Mexican restaurant and had a different name on it. When we went inside, the ambience was like the wild west. A lot of wood furniture and carvings wth a mixture of Mexican cultural., old western photos. A Very interesting and unique vibe. There's a lot of seating and booths. Menu has a variety of Mexican dishes and American dishes such as steak etc. I had the breakfast chilaquiles with green sauce. The dish was tasty with alot of flavors. I just added touch of salsa for the spice and had my meal with margarita on the rocks. We also had the birria in a dish style with side of consumes, rice and refried beans and corn tortillas. It tasted pretty much the same as the birria tacos. I didnt like it cause there's a strong goat taste but that's just me. My preference would of been beef. And my friend had pozole, however I didnt taste so unsure how the flavors were but she did say it was flavorful and hearty. If im back in merced would come back to try their steaks. read more

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I had been wanting to go here for a while and was not disappointed. First off the service was excellent, you do not feel rushed to order. When you walk in you are greeted by the owner I think and he is very welcoming. The place itself is decorated with a cowboy them which if fun. Now the food, it was delicious. The Molcajete was pretty big, it can easily feed 2 people. There is so much meat and chicken in it. The salsa is piping hot and not too spicy. All of the dishes are reasonably priced, so I will be back. read more

La Finca Branding Iron - Rice and beans - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Merced, California

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I didn't take pictures but the ambience was fabulous! The young waitress was so friendly and accommodating. Our food was tremendous and we will be back for more. read more

Was curious about the place. Place was clean and staff were friendly. Now out comes food so definitely delicious. No fake Mexican food. Real flavors and sauces Enchiladas were delicious as were tacos . Great sauce was yummy. Definitely returning again read more

Well me and the wife went last night to have dinner last night and it was ok. The food came out hot but my food was very bland. I ordered the 3 item combo had an enchilada, sope, and a tostada chicken was the meat I choose no flavor. The service was decent and the charge was fair. read more

We were in town visiting and had heard good things about this place. I had heard about the lunch time buffet, which sounds great. We met some family for dinner after buffet hours. They have a Mexican menu and a small American menu, reminiscent of the old Branding Iron. The decor was vintage too. We ordered a variety of items. One person ordered a steak, which came with a large amount of delicious looking veggies. I think if I return, I would ask for a side of these. I had an enchilada combo. It was just okay. I asked if they had a spicier salsa because the one served with child was pretty mild. They only have the one salsa. I think I would try a few other Mexican restaurants in the area before returning here. It was not bad, but not that great for me. read more

This place was super cool! We visited on a road trip and it was uniquely decorated, with comfortable seating. The staff was friendly (and happy - they'd sing while they worked, which we loved) and the food was delicious. I had filet mignon and it was fantastic. Thoroughly enjoyed this place and would recommend! read more

La finca has yummy Mexican food and your delicious steakhouse staples. Whatever you order here you can't go wrong. The prices are fair and the portions are huge. There is plenty of seating, indoor and outdoor. The staff is very accommodating and very quick in service. read more

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Love their Mexican food and margaritas!! However, the steaks were not good, thin, tough and grisly . Stick with the Mexican!

Weary from our morning travels, my brother and I parked the whining Toyota Corolla in a parking lot which seemed to detach itself from the consumerist strip of the Main Street of Merced. Our vision settled onto a vista which enveloped our sight not with bright neon signs advertising quick, easy deals but with a quaint, homey green canopy, on which was painted the words, "Branding Iron." My traveling companion looked at me out of his big blue orbs and uttered, "Brother, I hunger." And hunger we did, but we were soon to be satisfied. We entered an establishment larger than we expected, and were greeted, immediately, with hospitality warmer than we expected. But the episode which was to become a blissful memory had only just begun. We settled into our seats and found ourselves in a wonderful world of wood and leather. A place we had never been and yet could have been...home? Planks of wood, each with its own unique brand, adorned the trim of the impressive atrium as if to say, "These are our symbols. This is who we are. These are the emblems of our ancestors. Welcome, you are one of us now." As our orbs lighted from the mise en scéne to the extensive menu at our fingertips, we were struck by the diaspora of eating options. Were we to order a standard American or traditional Mexican dish? Both options tantalized our imagination to an equal extent. A shapeless silhouette materialized into a server. "What can I get for you?" she smiled. "Pollo con Mole," my carnivorous brother replied. "Carne Asada," said I, tongue moistening at the mere mention of meat. Little did we understand of what our words signified, the adventure that awaited our taste buds. We were treated to a scintillating appetizer of unending chips and salsa before our table was transformed into a cornucopia of satiation. "Perhaps it is the color of the sun cut black and covering the crossroads I'm standing at, but mama" that food was so good. A regal spot for respite from our arduous adventure. A beautiful benefice for birthday celebration - as we saw a fortunate birthday girl enjoy. Though the food will not last forever in our stomachs, it will stay forever in our hearts and minds. If it is true what they say, and you are what you eat, I am glad to have eaten at La Finca Branding Iron. read more

La Finca Branding Iron - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Merced, California

Amazing! I already 5 stared the Mexican food here, now I'm back for the steak. Perfection! I just had the Rib Eye, medium rare, mashed potatoes with rosemary and veggies. Wow! That was a huge plate of food. It also came with 2 pieces of the tastiest cornbread I think I've ever had. The best steak in town for sure. The service is great, they keep the glasses full and the chip bowl loaded. The atmosphere is relaxed. Booths and tables, a patio and a bar. All around great experience and amazing food. read more

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Good service, good food, and a fun ambiance. We like all the food--both the steak and the Mexican food.

Funky cowboy decor was inviting and fun. My wife enjoyed her chile verde with eggs. I had the 8-ounce filet mignon for $38 which came with vegetables and a loaded baked potato as well (yes, for breakfast!). Impeccable service but at 11am we were the first ones there. Salsa has a respectable kick to it. Next time I'm in Merced I'm heading here first for another steak. Big menu of Mexican food as well, large portions. read more

GREAT SERVICE, FOOD NEEDS A LITTLE BIT MORE FLAVOR. Ordered the molcajete and it was like a SOUP. Ordered the fish and NO FLAVOR. ordered the king burrito and it was alright. I've tasted better - try the place near Costco or Cortez food truck Sprite tasted watered down Jamaica was bitter read more

Delicious affordable attractive authentic Mexican dishes and steaks plus real cowboy western decor, deep comfy booths, helpful attentive service, a bar, and hand painted murals of the Wild West including Yosemite National Park. A wood carved real life sized cowboy meets you coming and going. Did I mention the food is excellent? Displayed beautifully next to the cowboy are my photos of Yosemite National Park for sale. read more

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The rice and beans were the best I have ever had. Salsa a little hot for me. Server was so gracious. The decor was really fun. I'm coming back. read more

I held a work function in one of the banquet rooms at La Finca Branding Iron and was surprised at how nice the ambiance was. They have 2 rooms available - a large and a small room. We used the room that holds ~40 people. The room is painted with a very pleasant mural and has nice lighting, so it felt very open and welcoming. I took a peek around the bar and restaurant and the entire place is very clean and pleasant. Plus all the staff greeting me and were friendly. Rafael was great to work with in setting up the event. He did ask that I come to the restaurant to view the rooms first - I live out of town, but had someone who was able to do it for me. There is a non-refundable cost to reserve the event that is separate from the dinner costs, but I felt it was fair and reasonable. As for food and service - both were great! We had one waitress dedicated to our group of 20. She was attentive to refilling drinks and didn't just leave us feeling stranded in the room. She was friendly, food service was fast, and everyone enjoyed their meals. About half of us ordered Mexican dishes and the other half ordered traditional steak dinners. All were enjoyed! I hope to be back to enjoy a dinner with my family next time I'm in the area! read more

La Finca Branding Iron - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Merced, California

The food was delicious and full of flavor. You can tell they put care into every dish, and I would definitely come back. The customer service is very attentive .The only thing missing is an authentic café de olla -it would be the perfect touch to complete the experience. read more

Wonderful first day opened! Service was excellent. All staff friendly and attentive to details and making the visit very positive. The restaurant has been upgraded with new flooring and other items and was very clean and inviting. For a first day opening was very pleased. My friend ordered a big burrito; planning to take half to her husband. We couldn't quit laughing when it arrived which by the way was in a very timely manner. Don't know why we were so surprised because the menu does say Giant. But it was huge. She said it was very good. Took home about 3/4 of it because way more than she could eat. It had carnitas, rice, beans and cheese. Green sauce. I had a crispy chicken taco which was also very good. read more

La Finca Branding Iron - Giant burrito with green sauce, cheese, rice, carnitas, beans. Excellent. Looks bigger in person! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Merced, California

Amazing Mexican favorites with good sized portions and quick service. One of Merced's gems located in an understated building that used to be a bbq restaurant near downtown. The owners are there regularly and that's why everything is so good. They're also A's fans!!! read more

We came here for my sons birthday tonight. The service was excellent, and from the time we walked in the door until we left everyone was very friendly. We were not left waiting at all. The food was so good I definitely over ate LOL . Everyone was happy with their food especially the steak. We also had the BEST Peach Margarita's ever!! Highly recommend ten out of ten!! read more

AMAZING food and service. You won't be left hungry or feeling unwelcome. Staff is prompt and sooo friendly. Service is impeccable and food always tastes great. The feel of the restaurant brings family vibes. It's one of our families favorite places to go to. read more

Incredibly friendly staff- the owner actively checks on the tables and greets everyone. The portions are HUGE! I had the veggie fajitas with homemade corn tortillas. My husband had the chicken mole. It was a unique mole flavor- made with local almonds. We didn't have margaritas but it seemed like everyone else in the restaurant did. Very family friendly - lots of local families. Great atmosphere read more

La Finca Branding Iron - Chicken mole, beans, rice - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Merced, California

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This is an old Merced staple and my family has dined here for over 60 years. The change in ownership over the years (and again recently) gave us some trepidation, but those fears were unfounded! It is great! They kept the steakhouse menu, and added the Mexican menu as well. The ambiance is still "American Steakhouse", but with some colorful blankets on display and chips and salsa. The salsa is good! The food was fantastic. We were surprised! We had a dozen oysters on the shell for starters. One person had shrimp, but the friend who got the lamb chops had everybody jealous. Those things were unbelievable! I had the Castillas de Puercos (pork ribs in verde sauce) and it to was really stout, but I should have had the lamb. The staff is well trained, well dressed and really friendly and attentive. It was a great lunch for the six in our group. read more

We came to try their food since it is not the Branding Iron! It was good food. My hubby ordered Chiliquilles and I menudo. read more

La Finca Branding Iron - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Merced, California

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I am not a fan of Mexican food but I think is because the negative experiences in many Mexican restaurants here in California like Tesoro and Las Casuelas in Turlock, they have poor service, very little quantities and lack of flavor but really high prices. Sooo after these bad experiences, we decided to give another shot to a Mexican Restaurant so we decided to go to la Finca Branding Iron in Merced.... this place I would give much more than five or ten stars.... the food taste is amazing, quantities are great and service and quality is first class, from the owner of the restaurant making sure that everyone is comfortable and well served and his wife in the kitchen making sure of the quality and great flavor; we want to go back there and try all those different dishes on the menu.... absolutely a great place for Mexican food, and probably the best in California... read more

Best Service and their food is bomb! Would positively recommend because their one of the best Mexican authentic restaurants's in MERCED besides MARIE'S Plus their drinks are great! Their prices are totally fair! They also have buffet for lunch specials during the week. read more

We hired la Finca BI for our annual awards dinner banquet. 240 people in attendance and loved it. Thank you Rafael!!

The service was great. Very friendly Staff. The restaurant was cool, very cowboy retro. The food was good. I wish my Chili Relleno had more sauce BUT other that the it was hot, and quality food. Will definitely come back!! read more

I was visiting Merced for business, I read the reviews for La Finca Branding Iron and decided to try it. We had outstanding dinners, excellent service, met Raphael, the new owner and Maitre'd. Raphael has deep professional experience in restaurants and he has brought this experience to the La Finca Branding Iron. in the The menu is varied, our group has frajitas and the chile rellano, both were outstanding. read more

La Finca Branding Iron - Raphael, owner of La Finca Branding Iron - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Merced, California

The food was delicious, but what truly stood out was the exceptional service. If you haven't had the chance to visit yet, I highly recommend giving them a try, you definitely won't be disappointed! read more

La Finca Branding Iron - Mixed Molcajete - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Merced, California

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