Vanessa’s Ice Cream

1

27

60

1 year ago

I love this place it is so authentic makes me feel like I'm actually at a palletería in Mexíco! The staff is super sweet and helpful. I love the banana split, mangonada, hand made palletas and ice cream lol I guess I love it all. Please give them a try you will be back for more!! read more

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Palletas - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Menu - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Cafe & ferrero rocher ice cream! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

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Shanina L.

134

197

256

2 years ago

Me and my family enjoyed getting ice cream here. We were greeted by Vanessa and was very helpful in explaining the different choices. I opted for the Fresas con crema because of how fresh the strawberries were. The price is very reasonable and there were plenty of seats. It is within a strip mall so parking was easy. read more

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C C.

5

41

63

2 years ago

I've heard a lot of good things about Vanessa's, so I came here with my roommate on a hot day in Merced. We were immediately greeted once we entered the store. The atmosphere of the place felt so nice. The pricing is very reasonable. I got a medium (2 scoops) for $4.75 I believe. I got a scoop of cookies and cream and a scoop of pumpkin pie. I've been really craving pumpkin recently, so this was right up my alley. The two owners are very kind and patient with customers. They give out samples and they make the orders exactly how we asked for it. They have a variety of things on their menu. Not just ice cream, but they also have milkshakes, aguas frescas, and tostilocos. Everything is made with a lot of love and care. You can taste it. Inside the store, they had a wall full of kids fanart, and that was so cute. That's how you know the place is good! I will 100% come back here whenever I can. Everyone is awesome and super kind. I recommend to everyone who is in Merced! read more

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Vanessa M.

0

2

1

8 months ago

Order the Dubai chocolate and didn't get no chocolate. It was basically eating strawberries with hay. read more

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Jenna R.

222

61

28

9 months ago

Best ice cream I have ever had try the dried fruit ice cream. Small storefront location don't miss it!

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Melissa S.

Elite 26 All-Star

115

1841

5370

3 years ago

Always clean and inviting. We always stop here on our way to the valley. My honey stops next store and Starbucks and this is my favorite stop. This time I got the mango pop. It really hit the spot. The staff is always warm and welcoming and patient as I choose the flavor of the day. The bathroom is also clean and fresh smelling. This is the perfect stop on a long drive to get a sweet or savory treat. I look forward to my next visit and to try something new. read more

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Jennafer F.

114

198

1100

3 years ago

Lots of great flavors ... super nice . Wish it didn't smell of floor cleaner... kind effected the experience and taste . But the guy was super friendly read more

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Got this. Soooo good - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

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Lynda P.

0

14

16

2 years ago

This place is cute and cosy. The line is long due to its popularity. I have never eaten such freshly made ice cream with real fruits. It's so tasty and deliciously. read more

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Albert G.

210

202

2309

5 years ago

Coming back from Fresno, I had a craving for some ice cream and found this little spot in Merced. What a great find! They have traditional flavors but also some non-traditional like Ferrero Rocher, Leche, Guanabano, Guava, Pine Nut, and Tequila. The ice cream is absolutely delicious! So creamy, perfectly frozen enough to eat right away. I don't like my ice cream rock hard. And for larger orders they put the finished orders in a freezer until your whole party is done. How awesome is that?! They have a great selection of cones that they make on site and their prices so unbelievably inexpensive. They honor the military, and First Responders with a 25% discount! My two scoops in a medium cup after discount came to $2.88. What a great business Vanessa is ice cream is. Thank you so much Vanessa's and I'll be back when I'm in the area. read more

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Store front - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Info signage - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Workspace - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Wall art - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Buckets of ice cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Bathroom art - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Bathroom - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

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Dennis X.

723

268

927

3 years ago

This mom and pop shop makes the best paletas and Mexican snacks in town! They also have a sister store in Winton. Alongside the paletas and ice cream, they have fruit cups, aguafrescas, and elote available for purchase. I like to get my elote with hot cheetos and tapatio sauce! Very reasonably priced and the staff are friendly and generally bilingual in español y inglés read more

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Elote con hot Cheetos y tapatio - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

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Sonya K.

373

47

4

3 years ago

Absolutely delicious and I can't have dairy anymore so the Guava and the Soursop ice cream was a wonderful treat! My son loved the chocolate too. We will definitely be back for more, a banana split is next on my list. read more

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Brian T.

1

54

6

2 years ago

This place is special. So hard to figure out what you want. Way better the any place in Merced. The people are VERY NICE. I need to go more often. read more

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Nancy L.

Elite 18

20

406

75

3 years ago

Yummy ice cream, great service! Interesting flavors. Lots for choices for those dairy free requirements. Will be back! read more

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Great customer service! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

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Debbie E.

374

52

0

2 years ago

Friendly service and yummy ice cream! I'm glad we found this place. Will definitely be back! I love to support local businesses.

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Abby S.

8

12

0

3 years ago

I stopped here for the first time last week and got a Mangonada with strawberry and mango. It was AMAZING. But that wasn't even the best part! The people working at Vanessa's are the nicest humans ever. My husband and I had some questions about different flavors they offered, and they were just so nice and answered all of our questions. Will absolutely go again, and have already recommended to everyone I know in Merced! Thank you, Vanessa's! read more

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Heather B.

Elite 19

152

263

233

2 years ago

Everything is incredible. The drinks, the ice cream, the sorbet, and the best part - the service. Vanessa is pure sunshine. I'm so glad our friends introduced us to this gem in Merced. Vanessa - you are a gift. Love, the water polo ‍ crew. read more

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Charles T.

Elite 24

69

119

254

5 years ago

I'm surprised this place doesn't have more reviews! Came in on a Saturday and ordered a Mangonada, but this place makes it very unique. You can add two scoops of ice cream (water based or milk based) and they top it off with mango, chamoy, tajin, and tamarind candy on the straw! Don't think I've ever had something like this before. Usually the fruit stands they just give you the fruit with the chamoy, but Vanessa's gives you ice cream and fruit. All the ice cream is homemade and there's actually real bits of fruit in the water based ice cream. The portion to price ratio is undefeated. My girlfriend and I were actually unable to finish the whole thing as we ate prior to coming. Also, the employees were really accommodating and gave us recommendations as to which flavors pair well with what, etc. Super friendly as well! I think total for two mangonadas were $13-14 which is more than reasonable. The interior design is cute as well and very spacious. Would definitely come again to try the other creations they have on the menu. read more

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Mangonada!!! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Mangonada but a little melted from the drive home - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

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Guadalupe B.

0

11

16

3 years ago

My Favorite Ice Cream Spot !! Friendly service , Homemade ice cream. I been here a few times and always get there palletas which are good!! Today I tried something new the Gansito Ice Cream & I loved it!! My favorite so far!! read more

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Vanilla Palleta, Bubble gum, Grape, Chocolate & Chocolate with pecans & sprinkles - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - 16 oz Gansito Ice cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

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Diego M.

68

173

846

4 years ago

These Paletas are second to none!! Owners are the nicest most down to earth people you will ever meet. Really good service. U.S. Army Veteran owned family business. read more

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Coffee Oreo Paleta! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

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Yessenia M.

0

4

8

2 years ago

Extremely kind and attentive service from the moment we entered to the moment we left. The fruit seemed fresly chopped and not from days old. They have a wide variety of popsicles and ice cream with the ability to test try the ice cream. read more

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Brenda C.

5

187

115

6 years ago

Best place by far that I've been to, to get a Mangonada!! Delicious Mango sorbet loaded with Chamoy and Tajin and topped with fresh Mango!! The paletas are just as delicious and refreshing! Service is prompt and friendly. Great food and service! 5 stars read more

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Daisy C.

12

134

514

6 years ago

This is a great shop with amazing customer service! The owners greeted us and were very kind. We were able to sample a few flavors and while they were all incredible and authentic my favorite was the fresas con créma. They also sell other snacks, mangoneadas, and aguas frescos. I would definitely recommend this place because it was very clean, had a friendly customer service, and tasted great! read more

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Fresas con créma in a cup. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

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Uhhh N.

0

15

2

2 years ago

So I've been meaning to try this place for a while. I finally stopped by yesterday and they did not disappoint. Aside from being super friendly, the strawberries and cream was out of this world. Needless today, I am 100% only coming here to satisfy my ice cream cravings. I gotta try all the flavors because they sound amazing. I also loved how chill the vibe was. Easy parking situation and pretty quick and easy. read more

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April S.

0

4

0

2 years ago

Literally in love with this place. I go every weekend!! I'm so glad they have multiple locations too

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Vanessa M.

3

10

8

2 years ago

Service is great, ice cream is great, Mangoniadas are crazy great! Yummmmm!!!! Would definitely recommend this place!

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Rekha S.

Elite 23

217

397

2480

5 years ago

We found them on Yelp! What a great spot. Our group stopped here for some ice cream and what a great choice. Easy location right off the main freeway. Pricing was good and ice cream was even better. It was a very well kept location. They did offer a discount for first responders, greatly appreciated! This will be my regular stop when traveling. read more

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - various flavors of ice cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

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J J.

1

47

0

2 years ago

Coming back from Yosemite, decided to stop for some ice cream. Did a Yelp search and this place came up. Kinda hard to find due to no sign, it's next to Starbucks across from McDonald's. They had a lot of my favorite flavors, they make everything there, soooo good! The ice cream was creamy and full of flavor. The service was amazing! The ladies that were there were super friendly, no attitude, no rolling of the eyes, no huffing and puffing because they had to work. I'm not used to friendly service in the US anymore, so it really was a pleasant surprise, top that off with great ice cream and you have a wonderful experience! read more

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Kathleen C.

50

2

0

2 years ago

Came back from trip then wanted ice cream. Went here, the ice cream was really good. Workers were super nice and accommodating also, had many varietys of flavored popsicles and milkshakes. Clean, and neatly kept. Truly amazing place, would recomend. read more

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Maria E.

0

2

0

2 years ago

Service is great and the ice cream is amazing. all the different flavors make it hard to pick but you can't go wrong with any option. from the paletas to the mangonadas everything is delicious. read more

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Lois M.

7

113

16

6 years ago

Great couple serving up great ice cream! Generous portions and nice conversation. Recommend them highly!

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Verania V.

0

3

0

3 years ago

Food and customer service are great! She was so sweet and the place looks so nice. Best ice cream spot in merced.

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Isabel M.

0

7

2

4 years ago

This ice cream place is so family oriented. Very friendly business and not cheap on there ice cream at all. Favor of ice creams are fabulous and so tasty . You all need to go and try it out. And their milkshakes are the BOMB!!!!!!People's..... read more

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L V.

0

33

28

6 years ago

This place is a must & you will not be disappointed. They have a good variety of flavors in ice cream and popsicles and other delicious treats. We got really lucky to have stopped there and it's right off Highway 99. Staff was incredibly nice and we loved the good heart felt family vibe we got from them. We will definitely come here again!!! read more

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - Fresas con crema (strawberries with cream) & cookies & cream milkshake. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

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Clark B.

273

40

2

5 years ago

This place is AMAZING. I especially loved all the unique Mexican ice cream flavors like Mexican chocolate, tequila, chongos zamoranos, and pine nut (sounds weird, but believe me, it's delicious)-- I had not heard of many of them. The staff was friendly and eager to explain to me what each flavor was, and even how they made it. I hate it when parlors don't allow samples, or when they get annoyed when you ask; not Vanessa's, they let me sample as many as I wanted, and encouraged me to taste more! The price is so reasonable, and the scoops are plentiful. This place should have people lined up around the block! The ice cream tasted so fresh and natural. It's clear that it's made with quality ingredients, pride, and lots of love. read more

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crazykid 2.

0

2

0

4 years ago

Top tier ice cream best in town hands down!!! They are always super friendly and great service! read more

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Uini F.

1

5

1

5 years ago

This is my favorite ice cream spot. Whenever I have family who visit, I bring them here and they enjoy every bite. It's affordable and worth the stop. I come here every season hehe. They do offer tasting if you don't know what you want. They also have frutas, frescos (very good horchata), and elotes. I haven't found anything I don't like here. read more

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Kayla C.

121

14

5

5 years ago

I love Vanessa's Ice Cream! They're so friendly and genuinely treat every customer well and with care. Absolutely love their ice cream bars!! read more

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Andrea D.

1

25

0

5 years ago

Amazing variety of Mexican-style ice cream flavors and popsicles. Delicious! And extremely reasonable prices.

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More info about Vanessa’s Ice Cream

710 Carol Ave
Merced, CA 95341
Directions
(209) 349-8699
Call Now

Full menu

Hours

What time does Vanessa’s Ice Cream open?

Vanessa’s Ice Cream opens at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Vanessa’s Ice Cream close?

Vanessa’s Ice Cream is closed on Monday.Vanessa’s Ice Cream closes at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon ClosedTue-Sun 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Outdoor Amenities

Does Vanessa’s Ice Cream have parking?

Yes, Vanessa’s Ice Cream has parking options.

Other Amenities

Does Vanessa’s Ice Cream have free WiFi?

Yes, Vanessa’s Ice Cream has free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

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I was so stoked to find a Rancho San Miguel Market in Merced, and even more stoked to see that they…read morehad a stand-alone antojitos shop in the parking lot. Lately, I've been craving pineapple: pineapple juice, pineapple tea, pineapple shakes-- like, no matter how much pineapple I drink, I just can't get enough. So, that's what I was in search of. I walked straight to the aguas frescas (for any other gringos who may not know, aguas frescas are fresh fruit juices, and they're life-changingly delicious). "Do you have pineapple?" I didn't see any pineapple, but the server said, "Yes, we have pineapple cucumber spinach, do you want to try it?" He was basically already pouring me a sample, so I couldn't say no. I tried it, and it was actually really delicious, but it reminded me too much of the spinach smoothies I used to make at 'home.' I really wanted something more like a light juicy tea, so I ordered a jamaica. "What are aguas locas?" He looked like he was trying not to laugh at me (but in a cute way) as he explained that aguas locas are aguas frescas with added fresh fruit, chamoy candies, chamoy straw, and chamoy/tajin rim. Ordering a jamaica loca may not have been the wisest choice-- it probably would have been better with any other flavor of agua fresca. It was a little weird, but I still loved it, because all of the ingredients were so fresh and delicious. I've ordered several mangonadas over the summer, all over NorCal (and even Nevada). Oftentimes, the ice, chamoy, or mango puree can be less than fresh, but this was not the case. This tasted like the freshest jamaica I've ever had. The ice tasted like fresh, clean ice (the way that all ice should taste, but, unfortunately, not everyone cleans and maintains their machines appropriately). Even though I wouldn't recommend copying my exact order, I would definitely recommend checking this place out. I would definitely stop by again next time I'm in Merced.

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(9 reviews)

1.8 mi

Our weekly stop for Ribeye tacos and Beers on tap, they have a small selection but everything is…read moregreat!. Service is always great we love sitting at the bar. The restaurant has an amazing vibe to it. Also allows kids in the tap room which is nice when we are out with family.

Great place to relax and watch a game or hang out with friends. The place is clean and simply…read moredecorated. There are two big tvs to watch the games. There is bar seating and also bench seating and one corner has comfy chairs. Plenty of drink options. The drink called light magic is truly light and refreshing which was great for a hot day. Service was friendly. They only serve food after 5pm. Food options were chips and guacamole, tacos, or nachos. I did not have the food but it smelled really good. The bathrooms were so nicely decorated! Highly recommend if in the area.

Fresh as it gets - Mother Earth

Una Mas Taproom

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Beers for the Boys

Jantz Cafe & Bakery

Amazing food! I personally loved the pancakes and the iced French toast coffee. The service as well…read morewas very good, they great you as soon as you walk in and are very attentive to what you need. The place is very tidy and nice I loved the vibe. I definitely recommend

Nice place to have breakfast or lunch serving American/mexican fares. Roomy and clean booth and…read moretables setting. Coffee and pies are extra. Super nice service staff. You can have value menu for light eaters. Plenty of parking. Nice deco. We ordered 3 shrimps tacos, avocado toast and mini breakfast burrito for a quick breakfast. Food came out rather quick. The toast is small and excellent but the tacos and burritos are just ok.

Italian panini, salad, and fruit!

Baddies cooking area

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Dropped in for lunch and waited for fifteen minutes for a table.

The Sensory Lab

A friend heard about the live jazz sessions they hold here so we drove up from Fresno to check it…read moreout this past Saturday. The area & shop were very low key. There was a spacious parking lot next door as well as street parking. We loved the ambiance inside the shop & the strawberry matcha we both ordered was delicious! The staff were very friendly & the jazz session was a great time. People of all ages were present & either vibing to the music, working on their laptops, or chit chatting. 10/10 experience all around, we will definitely be coming back!

Stopped by here on our way to the Bay Area. This is the cutest shop for times you may want to study…read moreor work on some things, the other side of the shop has beautiful art pieces. We got the Golden Money and Honey Lavender Latte, both were really good and the service was great. It's a little bit on a pricey side but was a great treat.

The owner is making social media content

Wall art outside the building

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Merch

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9 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Greg N.

0

3

1

2 years ago

I don't believe I've visited a better more delicious ice cream shop than the one in town. The two workers are always extremely kind and the ice cream is always fresh tasting. Truly a great nugget in the city of Merced read more

Vanessa T.

0

2

5 years ago

LOVE this place, the staff is always super friendly (which is why i enjoy coming) and their menu is delicious 10/10 recommend this place to everyone!! read more

Sarah M.

0

1

0

5 years ago

We ordered ice cream, sorbet, and a mangonada. All of which were very delicious! The customer service was excellent.

E L.

0

37

18

7 years ago

Great service and food. I've been looking for a place like this for years!! I will definitely be coming back.

Jessie C.

0

1

0

6 years ago

Ice cream was very unique and Amazing. They were more than willing to be of service. Couldn't be nicer.

Sofie R.

0

14

2

1 year ago

My favorite spot for the best ice cream around would recommend the cookies n cream option

Christine M.

0

4

0

3 years ago

I loved the variety of ice creams that were available, very different but very delicious!

Matthew S.

0

3

0

4 years ago

Many varieties of flavors. Also have good prices.I would recommend coming here!!!!!!!!

J C.

0

6

0

5 years ago

Best homemade ice cream! I've tried so many and never been disappointed.

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - icecream - Updated July 2026

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La Michoacana Paleteria Y Neveria La Joya

(3 reviews)

Love this place! I've started going more often recently and I've been trying more of what they have…read moreto offer. I've tried some of their aguas frescas which have all been delicious, some milkshakes (pictured) and their ice cream. I've brought some home for the family and everyone has loved it! It's a bit of an odd space but it's got a lot of charm. I've never been in there when it was busy and I've always taken things to go, but I wouldn't mind eating there someday. My interactions with the staff have always been nice! They're quick and professional, and one of the girls answered my question on a flavor very nicely.

The service was great and the ice cream so delicious. I walked in and there were so many options…read morethat I couldn't just choose one. I got Starbucks creamy coffee flavor, delicious as well as the pistachio and blackberry cheesecake. I also got a corn in a cup, which was really loaded and delicious. Definitely coming here at least once a week when I'm in town..

Delicia de Reyes

(10 reviews)

For the tostilocos they were delicious , pistachio ice cream was nice and creamy . Will come backread more

This place is the ice creams are amazing! The owner greeted me kindly and advertised nearly all…read morethe ice creams to me I gotta say the cafe Oreo is hands down the absolute best but dang I drove back home thinking about the other flavors

Fruital Raspados

4.0

(10 reviews)

Food was fresh , the agua frescas was perfect not to sweet, tasted freshly made not powder and also…read morethe service was excellent . The tables had plenty of hot sauces .

The watermelon mangonadas aka sandilada is amazing. It also has amazing raspados. They added great…read morethings

The Chocoate Dipper

(15 reviews)

The Chocolate Dipper is honestly a hidden gem here in Merced…read more First off, Brittney, the owner, is just an incredible person. She's kind, compassionate, and has this energy about her that makes you feel welcomed the second you walk in. Now let's talk about the treats. Everything is delicious, but the apples are on another level. I've lived on different coasts and traveled quite a bit, and I've never had apples with this kind of variety, flavor, and quality. They're hands down the best I've had anywhere. What really impressed me too was traveling to different coastal towns in California and seeing The Chocolate Dipper apples being sold in other chocolate shops. That says a lot about the quality and the reputation she's built. On top of being an amazing chocolate maker, Brittney is deeply connected to the community. She's donated baskets, treats, and even her time through hands-on chocolate classes for people in the community, which really speaks to who she is. If you haven't been yet, I highly recommend stopping in and checking it out. You won't be disappointed. My personal favorites are the Rocky Road and coconut apples. -Matt Escobar

This cute place is absolutely charming inside, with a cute and inviting atmosphere. The workers are…read morereally friendly. As soon as you walk in, you're greeted by an amazing aroma that enhances the experience. Everything is very clean and organized, which I really appreciate. I can't recall exactly what type of covered apple I had, but it was incredibly fresh and delicious. Highly recommend visiting!

Em-Tea

(403 reviews)

•$$

This was our must do bucket list while driving down to Fresno, this time with pictures!! Service…read morewas kind and friendly, offered to help when we were at the kiosk and to other customers. The ambiance is super cute and thoughtful! The drinks were hitting they tasted so good. We got the matcha raw coconut, mango tango, and taro. Place got packed after we placed our order -- happy we stopped by!

Came here while I was grabbing lunch at a place nearby and figured it'd be nice to get some milk…read moretea as well. There is ample space inside of the facility with plenty of seating, alongside a claw machine and a shelf with board games. The menu was a little overwhelming (the default drink is that they let you pick multiple flavors and I didn't want to risk messing up my own order), so I went with one of their specialty drinks, the Caramel Camel. I set the sugar level to light, yet it reached a level of sweetness that was so intense that I had to get it redone. Even with an ever lighter level of sweetness, it still tasted excessively sweet. Overall, an interesting experience. If this is the best that Merced has to offer, I feel kind of bad for everyone in Merced for not having access to better drinks. Not sure if I'd get the chance to return as I don't normally go to Merced, but on the off-chance I end up in this area again I'd hope that maybe one of their other drinks was better.

La Crema De Cotija

(2 reviews)

Hidden gem with Mexican ice cream, snacks and scoop ice cream. Out rocky road waffle cones was…read moredelicious!

Best mangonada I've ever had in Merced. On mamas nice and…read morefresh with the candies in there.

Dough Getter Bakery

(4 reviews)

SO GOOD! I met the girls at the Applegate Park event in Merced. They are so sweet and helpful when…read moreyou ask for what kind you should get based on your likings! Quality desserts AND good price too! Hope to run into them again :)

I've tried their vegan cakes & cookies, they are delicious. I promise you won't be able to tell the…read moredifference! Definitely recommend ordering from them or stopping by when you catch them at a local market. They're very kind and do wonderful work.

Hola Cafecito

(77 reviews)

From the moment you walk into Hola Cafecito you can feel the warmth and something special about…read morethis place that makes you want to come back for another visit, and you haven't even seen the menu yet. I'm visiting in town and someone local recommended this location sharing that it's the BEST COFFEE SPOT in Merced and I now that I've visited, I AGREE! I love visiting local, family owned mom and pop shops on my "adventures" near and far and I use Yelp and Google review to help me when I'm out and about on my journey beyond my local community. Hola Cafecito has the BEST AVOCADO TOAST I've ever had, and I try them at little breakfast coffee houses everywhere I go! I added feta and bacon to my order, but it would have been delicious even without those addons. They have a homemade chili based oil that they drizzle on top of it that is absolutely amazing. I could not decide between any of the drinks b because I wanted to try five of them...so Greg helped me narrow my selection down. I ordered the Cafe Con Leche with the vanilla cream and it was perfect... It was so good.I think I want to take an Iced Dirty Horchata to go! I highly recommend this special little spot on Main Street, anytime you are in the Merced area. I personally think they should open up a second location near UC MERCED because we all know college students need an extra dose of caffeine on those late nights and early mornings. Shout out to the WHOLE CREW working this morning for their intentional hospitality and for taking care of this business as though it was "their own"...Baristas Greg and Lurray, Bobby taking care of the front of the house and supporting at the barista station too... plus YOU CANNOT FORGET Yanet, the kitchen manager and the INCREDIBLE CHEF LETTY for making the best avocado toast in the universe!

I tried this spot for their coffee since it popped up as somewhere to go on Yelp. The coffee was…read moresuper fresh and it was sweet, but not too sweet if that makes sense. Service was really quick. The actual location is packed the day that we went. There was a bunch of people here there's plenty of seating for everyone. There's also a cute photo opportunity kind of towards the back that has this really cute sign. The workers were friendly and were really quick surprisingly. They also offer food here which I don't think I saw when I first looked it up. A few people had Chilaquiles and they looked really good. Definitely recommend their coffee, but would love to try their food if I'm ever in the area again.

Mix Bakery

4.6

(144 reviews)

I've been coming to this bakery/cookie shop pretty regularly now and it never disappoints. The…read morecookies are always fresh, soft, and full of flavor. Their cupcakes are also really good, sweet, and always nicely decorated. I love whenever they have anything carrot cake! The ladies at the counter are always welcoming and have great customer service. You can tell they really care about the quality of what they make. I also like that they bring out holiday specials throughout the year, so there's always something new and fun to try.

I've been here twice, and there is much to love!…read more The space is an absolute jewel-box of gorgeous and delectable cupcakes, trifles, cakes and other treats studding the impeccably clean shelves and surfaces of this bakery. Each confection is clearly treated with care and attention to detail--making everything about this place as appetizing as their ambiance. It looks as though there's room for this beautiful business to grow, and I hope that Merced will spread the word about Mix Bakery's dazzling and tantalizing offerings!

Jantz Cafe & Bakery