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!

I want to take a moment to show some love to the See's Candy inside the Merced Mall. When my family…read moreand I walked in, we were greeted warmly by a woman who appeared to be African American. I didn't catch her name because honestly, I wasn't even planning to buy anything. I'm not a candy person at all. I walked in with nothing more than a craving for a Snickers bar. I asked if they had anything that tasted like a Snickers, and she pointed me toward the milk chocolate with caramel and nuts. Let me tell you, it was on point. So good that even someone who is not a candy fan enjoyed every bite. Then once my family realized we were actually buying candy, nobody could decide what they wanted. That is when another employee, Eve, stepped in to help us. She was patient, kind, and completely understanding the entire time. People like her make a world of difference. I appreciate anyone who provides customer service with that level of care and makes you feel like your money matters just as much as anyone else's. Thank you, Miss Eve. You made our visit memorable, and we will definitely be back.

I ordered 2 different See's candy coffee mugs and a Christmas tree collectible tin filled with…read morechocolate for 2023 Christmas. All things See's is top notch.

My small children and parents and I really enjoyed the Merced Fruit Barn for the cute farm in the…read moreback. They have a pair of peacocks, goats, ducks, a cow, a llama, and chickens. They also have many exotic birds in the front of the store. It was relaxing to go and have an ice cream or coffee, which they sell, and take some time with nature. The Santa Fe train also passes right across the street so you can hear and see it. Amazing! Definitely recommend it for families with kids or if you want to stop for some nature.

This is a series of indoor and outdoor rooms that have fruit and nuts for sale. Prices are…read morereasonable. Cute ambiance. Service was prompt. Pick up a cold drink too.

What a rip off! $10 for a drink. I asked the gal if the drinks were sweet as I don't like things…read moretoo sugary. She says no, but the drink was like pure sugar. No size choice and no prices. I paid, but I feel scammed.

When my sister went to school in Merced, we always made sure to stop by Papaya Lady whenever we're…read morein town. Since she has graduated, I won't be in town anytime soon, but I highly recommend them for some good Thai and Laotian bites if you're ever in Merced! They have a selection of delicious dishes and I have loved everything that I've tried. My go-to orders are the Papaya Salad and Khao Poon. The papaya salad is a must and the spice level was the perfect amount. The Khao Poon is a coconut curry based noodle soup that is so flavorful. I've also come to really enjoy the Nam Khao (Laotian crispy rice salad), each bite is crunchy and absolutely delish. Your Asian comfort food cravings will definitely be satisfied here. Wishing The Papaya Lady continued success!

I had the Papaya Lady bookmarked for a long time when I finally had the opportunity to try them on…read moremy way home from Merced. Located off on the corner of 16th Street and G (same plaza as Little Caesars), the Papaya Lady is actually tucked away inside a carniceria. The aisles of the market nearly block the counter to this little kitchen. It's the neon sign of "The Papaya Lady" buzzing that guides you to the back. We came in the late afternoon on a Saturday and they were already out of the fried chicken and sticky rice (next time!). We ended up ordering: Papaya Salad (extra spicy) - The little peppers in this gave the dish a nice kick. Super refreshing on a hot day. Nam Khao (crispy rice lettuce wrap with pork skin) - I highly enjoyed this one with all the crunchy textures and flavors. Will 100% get again. Khao Poon (noodle soup) - This broth had a subtle peanut flavor which was delicious. Wished it had more toppings. Nam Vanh (tapioca drink) - My drink seemed to lack the other jellies that I saw in other pictures and only had the lil tapioca balls, sweetener and coconut milk. It felt like it was missing something for sure. The owner is so nice and friendly. I don't know if it's a psychological thing, but every time he acknowledged or spoke to me, he used my name. It just felt automatically more warm and welcoming lol The price per portion is also legit. You get so much for what you pay. Our order kept me and the SO fed for almost 3 days. So nice to have some good Asian food in the Central Valley. Will definitely be back!

I think the one thing I'm going to miss most about Merced is this 99 Cents Only store. I can't…read moreleave the store until I peruse every aisle first! There's always new items every time I come, and it's not your typical "dollar store" items, they have everything from basic household items, fresh fruits and vegetables, tech accessories, and seasonal goods. There are tons, and I mean tons, of brand name items that you'd see at a regular grocery store, (think Febreze, Maybelline, Clorox, Lysol, Kleenex, Campbells, Lee Kum Kee [for all my Asians] etc etc etc) but better because everything's only a buck! During the summer they have fresh fruits like mangos, boxes of strawberries, small watermelons, blueberries, and the other day I saw packaged pico de gallo. I'm the type of person who usually refrains from buying produce or food in general at dollar stores, but I trust this one. I bought all of those items and everything was fresh. I can't even begin to explain how many things they have at this store, you can literally find anything and everything you need. My boyfriend and I were looking to have a small bbq and we went to this store and there was even a section with JUST bbq items. We were able to get charcoal, lighter fluid, and more for less than $5. The store itself is always organized and the workers are friendly. The only reason I give them 4 stars is because the lines can get really long sometimes and there seems to be a shortage of cashiers because there's always only one or two registers open even when there's a long line.

The store here has everything that the 99 cent store in Atwater has but let me tell you some…read moreshelves were untocked ,it's overfilled with people,lines a mile long the wait to the cash registers are at least 5 to 15 minutes that fills like an hour there were people who were leaving carts and leaving the store ,but the cashier was pleasant to see she was friendly and courteous I wish I knew her name cause I would give her five stars .To end this do not go to this store unless you want to wait for hours the 99 cent store in Atwater is much better not crowded at all , I am disapoited in my store they need to get more workers never never again will I go there I will now for now go to Atwater !!

Ordered menudo Sunday afternoon Worst menudo I have ever…read morehad Tripe was slimey and broth was thick like mole. We asked for hominy..it came with none. No oregano or menudo mix came with it. Only positive was the corn tortillas (handmade) but they were hard around the edges so I guess not even that was positive. Really bummed out because we had door dashed buche tacos a few weeks before this and the tacos were really good. Overall never again.

Love this little meat market located inside the grocery store. Cold food case always stoked, great…read morequality and variety of food and above all great customer service.

Bought the family packet +2 chicken rice/beans tortillas with salsa- the chicken was not edible…read morecould not eat very dry old meat and the tortilla packet old exp over 2wks. Disappointing

Fresh produce and meats like the environment their. They…read moreare helpfully finding something you need when you ask. Bread is fresh as well