Donna Barajas

Food was amazing. I'm not a big fan of Mexican food but this was delicious 😋. Service fantastic and atmosphere was very relaxing. Uncle George was definitely a character. Plays a mean piano. Will definitely come back 😁

Jessie Atchie

Great food for a great price. Huge plates served hot and full! Mole was amazing, as were the fajitas!

Samantha LaFond

We were searching for a place to eat after visiting Yosemite and we are so glad we picked The Branding Iron! The atmosphere was awesome, the staff was too notch, and the food… oh wow- couldn’t be beat!!! We appreciated drink and menu recommendations from our waitress very much! Highly recommend stopping here for a bite to eat and a beverage!

A “AG4LIFE” G

We came here today for lunch. I was surprised they are doing both steakhouse and Mexican. Boy, let me tell you. Food was delicious. We got Mojacetes and people siting next to us eating a delicious looking steak. Mexican 💯 delicious, homemade corn tortillas. Next time I'm gonna order thr steak.

Jesse Perez

Great place! A little pricey but definitely worth it. I had the French Dip with Baked potato and I was really impressed with all the flavor. The soup was just as amazing. It was so hearty an just as much flavor. Also had the mushrooms an all I can say is wow! The service was just as great. Definitely recommend trying this place. I will revisit if I’m in the area again!

Rocio Carvajal

I enjoyed the atmosphere, it was relaxing. Our waitress was so friendly and sweet, I felt loved, haha. I really enjoyed the food, very flavorful and great portions. I tried the crab cakes, broccoli and cheddar soup, and fettuccine alfredo. So yummy! Their garlic bread was fine. I would return for another dine-in!

Donato Nagtalon

It's our first time there and it didn't disappoint. Thank you for the great food and excellent service. Definitely go for the prime rib and let the waiter tell you about their specials for the night ( had sword fish). We'll be back!

+1

brad borden

Was out of town for work and decided to try this place and definitely a place ill return to. When I first walked in, I was greeted by an older gentleman who sat me right away and offered an American and Mexican menu. Service was quick and friendly, the atmosphere was a mix between cozy Mexican and Cattlemans. Food was great, ordered three crispy tacos (asada, carnitas, and al pastor). The asada was by far my favorite, followed by the al pastor, which wasn't sweet but had a hint of cinnamon flavor to it. The carnitas was good, although a little bland for my taste. The beans were phenomenal. Reminded me of socal refried beans.

Terika Smith

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Stars – First Time at The Branding Iron, Merced Tonight was our first visit to The Branding Iron in Merced, and it definitely left an impression. We found it after Googling “restaurants near me” and seeing a photo of a gorgeous lobster tail that had my name written all over it. When we arrived, the place had a nostalgic charm — a style that feels steeped in history, yet still warm and inviting. The atmosphere instantly drew us in. We were greeted by a kind gentleman (who I’m guessing might have been the owner) and seated within a couple of minutes. Our waitress, Bernice, greeted us with a bright smile, setting the tone for the evening. We started with a peach margarita and a guava margarita, and wow — both were absolutely delicious. One small hiccup: the blended margarita came out half-blended and half on the rocks. It was a little quirky, but still tasted so good it was hard to be mad about it. When it came time to order, I was a bit disappointed to learn they didn’t offer the lobster tail by itself. Since I’m not big on red meat, I asked if there was any way to pair it with something else. Bernice checked and came back with the option to swap the steak for grilled butterfly shrimp — a perfect solution. Jeremiah ordered the tropical shrimp, curious to see how it compared to our favorite version from Isabella’s. When our plates arrived, they were beautifully presented, smelled incredible, and looked like something straight out of a magazine. Jeremiah was pleasantly surprised, saying the tropical shrimp was definitely comparable to Isabella’s — high praise from us. My lobster tail and shrimp were flavorful and delicious, though the lobster was slightly overcooked and had a faintly fishy taste, suggesting it could have been a touch fresher. Still, the seasoning was spot-on and the flavor exceptional enough to keep me happily eating. While we were enjoying our meal, the owner — knowing I’d received a custom plate — came over personally to ask how everything was. I thought that was such a pleasant gesture. You can tell he really cares about his restaurant and went out of his way to make us feel welcome and ensure we loved our food. The portions were also generous — we each ate about half our plates and brought the rest home to enjoy later. Overall, The Branding Iron delivered a memorable first visit — warm hospitality, a charming setting, great drinks, and food that hits the spot (even with a couple of small imperfections). We’ll definitely be back to explore more of their menu.

+1

Ken Masters

the food was ok. it needs more flavor to be had. i ordered a taco and it was 6 dollars for a tiny street taco. ridiculous price for that for a mid taco. also i ordered a burrito supreme and was charged for a burrito supreme but was served a regular burrito and it also was very bland. the service was good though and very attentive. overall probably wont come back but at least i tried it.

Sondria Giardina

Some might love it, I did not. It's another Mexican restaurant in Merced. Coconut prawns were good, fried fish, terrible. We celebrated our aunts 92nd birthday.

Steak used to be amazing with the old owners — full of flavor and always cooked right. I understand steak may not be the new owners’ specialty, but if it’s staying on the menu, I really think the seasoning should be reconsidered. The steak was dry, overcooked, and mostly tasted burnt. On a positive note, the lobster was good.

Atmosphere kind of dark but that’s to be expected for a steak house…which this isn’t except on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekdays it’s Mexican food. Ordered a chili rellano and it was, unfortunately, tasteless. Bummer! Their guacamole however, was awesome.

Nathyn Purganan

So this is no longer The Branding Iron. If you are craving for the classic steakhouse , it's time to find a new place. The new ownership has focused on being a Mexican restaurant, which is fine. But, the have maintained the "branding" expecting to keep the regulars coming. To the new ownership. Have your restaurant and menu, but don't try and portray yourself as The Branding Iron if you are not going to keep the tradition or the quality it used to serve. Keep the location iconic. Name the restaurant "La Finca at the Branding Iron" Pays homage to the iconic restaurant while introducing your new flavors. If you're going to try and hold on to the Branding Iron menu, you better hold to the Branding Iron quality. Final note... Change your table decor. Having a photo of the movie "Tombstone" doesn't fit the theme of Mexican or Branding Iron.