Love the location and nice folks.Great drinks.Coffee is tasty and not brunt.Great place to people watch.Prices are fair.

The world's biggest vegan Sweet Tooth just rolled through town and discovered this little gem. It was early morning and I really wanted a treat before heading back out. Although the main thing here is coffee, I was delighted to see several bakery items and some lunch options all suitable for vegans. The young barista kindly checked some of the syrup ingredients to help me settle on an iced toffee latte with coconut milk and a blueberry scone. That's probably too much sweetness for most of y'all to handle but it rocked my world. Lovely service and atmosphere, and the food and drink that I had were awesome. read more

Coffee Bandits - Summer morning vegan fantasy: blueberry scone and iced toffee latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Merced, California

This is the sort of place Merced really needs more of. Local. Independent. High quality. Yes, things are a little rough around the edges: the cafe seems like it's still under construction and the food offerings could be better. But the staff is nice and the coffee really good (certainly leagues better than the chain coffee place down the street). I just hope a place like this can survive here: in San Francisco or even Fresno it would be a slam-dunk, but there were surprisingly few people for mid-morning. It's close to 99 and there is lots of free parking! read more

Coffee Bandits - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Merced, California

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UNWELCOMING AND RUDE OWNER!!!! ( I know this is long but bear with me! ) This WAS one of my favorite places to come and study. Being that I am a long time resident of Merced, I really enjoyed the fact that it was a local business, that had a very artsy and unique atmosphere. The beverages and food were great as well. Sadly, yesterday I had a terrible customer service experience at this establishment, needless to say I will not be returning. I had went there to write a paper, and after I placed my order, I notice that they were hosting a poetry night. I knew that I would not have been able concentrate with the background noise. Once my order was ready, I moved to the outside portion of the shop where there are tables and chairs placed for customer use. I bring out my laptop to connect to the Wifi, which to my understanding was FREE TO PAYING CUSTOMERS, and I noticed that a password was needed to connect. I leave my food and drink on the table along with my book, and I walk back in to ask for the Wifi password. A woman with very short hair comes to see what I needed. I ask her if they had Wifi, and she says yes. I tell her that I was trying to connect my laptop and I noticed that the wifi was for their shop was locked, and again she replies with yes. So then I ask if the wifi was for guests and again she replied with just yes. I started to sense a bit of hostility coming from her, but being the fact that I wasn't being rude, I did not understand why, so I tried not to take it personal. I finally asked if I could have it and she huffs and puffs and rolls her eyes, and she says "yes its expresso, I'm just confused considering you just walked in off of the street." I noticed that the two people who had previously helped me with my order were standing pretty close by, yet not once did they intervene to tell her I was a paying customer. I told that was, and that I had just moved outside because I couldn't concentrate inside. So then she gives me a disingenuous apology and repeats the wifi password to me. After attempting to enter it my laptop several times, it didn't work. So I came to the conclusion that I was not wanted there for whatever reason, and I decided to leave. This experience was especially appalling to me considering they claim to be welcoming and "a safe space for all people." Talk about complete and utter hypocrisy!!!!! I had planned to call the next day to share my experience with the owner, but after some research was done, I found that the woman who helped me was the owner. This made the situation ten times worse. If she had any sense of professionalism, which she should, being that she is a BUSINESS OWNER, she could have simply asked if I was paying customer instead of treating me terribly. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO ANYONE!!!! read more

Blended PB Mocha 'dLish! Great gem of a coffee shop in downtown Merced. Student discount on hot coffee and blazing WiFi. Love the art and local artist section. Be sure to pickup their poetry TREE Zine! Lots of great talent. My new Yosemite coffee stop on the way to and fro! read more

Coffee Bandits - Bathroom Art @CoffeeBandits - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Merced, California

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Cute, hipster, entertaining. The staff are friendly and the store is a bunch if fun. Play games, listen to music, eat, and drink! A quaint and hip coffee joint definitely worth a visit! I love black tea and mint leaves! read more

Coffee Bandits - Fun chalk art! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Merced, California

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My family basically lives off coffee so we wanted to get some coffee before driving back to Southern California and stopped here. The barista was so nice and very helpful. He was kind even though it took us a few minutes to order. Our order came out within 5-10 minutes. And I'll say this is some of the smoothest coffee I have ever had. My mom got a regular coffee, my sister got a latte and I got a cappuccino and each one was just amazing!! Great coffee. Cute location! I highly recommend the Coffee Bandits! read more

Coffee Bandits? The only thing this place is stealing is your money. The chai was luke warm, and the wrong scone they gave me was ice cold and tasted slightly more flavorful than cardboard. Maybe try using some eggs and butter in your baked goods. read more

Great little coffee shop. I was feeling a bit basic so I got a pumpkin spice cold brew and it blows others out of the water. Competitive prices and after trying other local coffee shops In the area, Coffee Bandits is the way to go. read more

I got the chai latte and I liked it. I like the hipster vibe in the cafe. Me gusta. I also like how they have accessible charging ports no matter where you sit. read more

Coffee Bandits - Chai latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Merced, California

Came here to study 2019/early 2020 and it was not the cleanest facility. Also, regular coffee was flavorless and cold. I did continue coming as Merced really had no other options for me read more

Coffee was good, 2 stars becuase the big guy making my coffee was rude and had a unwelcoming vibe to him. I thanked him twice and all I got was a rude look he gave me as if I was annoying him. No one there was friendly even the cashier looked like he didn't want to be there. Def won't be back again. read more

I love this place to study and a great vibe to study in as the tables are unique and interesting things to look at when needing a break. Although guy who owns the place it seems like is so rude. Simply walked to the bathroom to wash my hands, (never knew about the second bathroom to the very farrrr right ), and he comes out of the bathroom as he may have been fixing something in there and rudely tells me "you know there's another bathroom" and walks away through some door and I kindly said thank you and proceeded to walk to the other bathroom, but it was in use. He never said one word to me, no you're welcome or anything, just simply looked irritated and walked away. He's assisted me before at the cashier and same response. Rude and not kind at all. I was just trying to wash my hands and was caught by surprise by his unexpected rudeness and unfriendliness. I don't know if he owns the place to be exact but I will no longer be coming here. Learn customer service and find peace sir, YOU ARE RUDE AND THAT STANK FACE AND ATTITUDE IS UGLY. WHO ALLOWED YOU TO HAVE A BUSINESS WITH THAT HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE ???? IF I CAN GIVE 0 STARS I WOULD!! read more

Friendly staff, terrific environment with walls of art, highly recommend if you want strong delicious coffee. They also carry deserts by a local baker, love, love, love this coffee shop! read more

As very fussy coffee drinkers from Australia, we the coffee and sandwiches from coffee bandits. Friendly service. Highly recommend. You won't be disappointed. read more

I LOVE IT HERE!! I used to be Starbucks addict, accidentally discovered this place during lent (gave up SB) and I was in major need of caffeine. I love everything about; the food, the place, the environment and of course the coffee!! Love how pastries are vegan, more healthful choices. Melissa and Michael are awesome baristas! I always feel at home, I love the vibe when I go in there. read more

Coffee Bandits - Iced coffee with soy and wheat/oat bagel w/ cream cheese - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Merced, California

I am so happy the Merced community has this cool & hip coffee shop. Great atmosphere, great customer service, and great drinks! read more

Coffee Bandits - Affogato double shot of espresso poured over vanilla ice cream - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Merced, California

Coffee bandits for sure because I felt robed .. my coffee was not hot n it was horrible... By far the worst coffee I stopped in for a coffee I don't usually like going to Starbucks I prefer mom and pop type places. I was coming from Visalia headed to the bay area and let me tell you I wish I would've went to Starbucks.. read more

Just spoke with Michael on the phone about a question I had and will be visiting this coffee shop soon as the customer service was phenomenal! Thank you!! read more

This place has a very mellow vibe, so it's naturally a great place to get work done. Wifi access which allows for an optimal place to study or let's face it...browse the internet. They also have live music some nights and board games...the entertainment is endless. Their coffee is really good. I get the dirty chai (+1 shot of espresso) with soy milk and it is always made to perfection, complete with a creative little design in the foamy milk at the top. In comparison to coffee chains, it is a little pricey, but you are paying for a wonderful comfy local coffee shop experience...which let's face it is VERY hard to come by in Merced. read more

Coffee Bandits - Medium Dirty Chai with soy milk. Delicious! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Merced, California

Great place to go to grab a cup of coffee. The barista are very friendly and the ambience is very welcoming. I'm a huge fan of their white mocha! I will definitely come back. read more

Wonderful coffee. Brewed fresh and I got coconut milk. I had a berry scone that was moist and a perfect companion to the nutty taste of my cup of Joe. The place is eclectic and relaxing. It is on Main St. Right in the heart of charming downtown. A must! read more

This place is freaking delicious! From their coffees to smoothies to pastries, you'll never be disappointed. The staff are friendly and give great drink recommendations :) read more

This is probably my favorite coffee shop anywhere. The main barista (I think he may be the owner?) is always so welcoming and warm. The shop itself look and feels exactly how I wish every coffee shop looked and felt. Local art on the walls and for sale, flyers for events on the bulletin board, a piano in the corner, plants in the other corner, big and sturdy wooden tables, and comfortable seating (including three cushioned pews and a couple couches). I haven't tried everything on the menu, but I really enjoy their blended mocha with peanut butter. If you're in Merced looking for a coffee shop, I don't think you'll find a better place along this little stretch of the 99. read more

Excellent service, Stella was so sweet. My chai was great and my husband enjoyed his drink as well.

Best coffee house in Merced. I'm strictly a cappuccino fiend and The Bandits know how to make them. Added perk is this is a good place to work/lounge with plenty of indoor/outdoor seating. I've been coming here for years and have never been disappointed. Keep it up Bandits! read more

Visiting friends up here in norcal and stopped by the coffee shop this morning. Place was cool. Coffee was good, sausage pesto beagle was really good as well as the pastries I got. I would recommend this shop if you where passing through. read more

I drove 40 minutes for this place and I don't regret it!! I got the wannabe frappe thing and it was cool. Really quiet inside though there was a handful of people in there. Staff was also moderately friendly! read more

Coffee Bandits - in the hallway to use the restroom! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Merced, California

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Best coffee shop in the Valley! Staff is always incredibly friendly and they have super rad events.

My friend and I stopped in here for a coffee before a drive back to the Bay Area. They served us 2 great cappuccinos! I noticed there was lots of sitting space which would make for an ideal place to read and study. Its also quiet and bright. I appreciated the complimentary water and would came back if I lived in the area! Thanks for the coffee read more

So I'm going to start with a harsh criticism. This is, by far, the slowest coffee shop I've ever been to. It takes roughly a year to get your coffee after you order it, and this exaggeration is not an exaggeration. I have checked in six times, so now I'm six years older. Really. I will be dead by the time I Yelp duke it. But that's going to be my only criticism for now, and chances are that in a little bit of time I'll up them to five stars. So if you're seeing this and you see five stars, I did it. If you're not, then I haven't done it yet. What Makes This Place Good See what I did there? I added a subtitle, and I didn't have to find a way to transition. I am such a good copywriter. Watch as I also use bullet points in a second. Bullet points help the eye get less bored by all of the long paragraphs. I once wrote an article for my company's website about how it's possible to internet market a coffee shop. In it, I recommended that for a coffee shop to succeed, it needs to: - Invent its own drinks - Update its menu - Serve coffee that can't be found everywhere. In Seattle, this doesn't happen. There are a million little non-chain coffee shops in Seattle, but they all serve the exact same brand of coffee: Caffe Vita. Caffe Vita is not only not very good, but if every little coffee shop serves the same coffee, then they're not really a non-chain coffee shop. They're a chain coffee shop with independent owners. I'm all about supporting non-chains, but not if they all serve one type of coffee and have the exact same menu. Coffee Bandits does all of the things I recommended. I believe they serve coffee from the San Joaquin Coffee Company, they have an enormous menu with dozens of Coffee-Bandit invented or altered drinks, and they update their coffee menu regularly. If you ask nicely, they'll even invent a drink for you, based upon what you want to want to see in a drink. If Coffee Bandits wasn't in Merced, I'd expect it to thrive. In Merced I don't really know. But if they ever have the budget for an SEO specialist and they want to move to somewhere that would attract more business, like San Jose, I could make them into a star. read more

Gem of a coffee shop. Obviously independent and a wonderful alternative to Starbucks down the street. It's almost everything that I expect in a coffee shop / lounge. Good coffee. Good service. Relaxing lounge. Boardgames. Weird drawings on the wall. Full selection of coffee including cappuccinos and espresso. Quiet atmosphere but not like a library where you can't talk. Perfect place to have a quiet conversation. Or perhaps study. Will definitely be going again if I ever passed through Merced. read more

Coffee Bandits - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Merced, California

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This place is super cute and all the employees are so friendly. Plus they are so vegan friendly! With vegan pastries, a vegan white chocolate mocha, and many plant-based milk options. I love their lavender latte and their long list of other syrups to choose from. Their sandwiches and wraps are delicious too, especially the one with sun-dried tomato hummus. Definitely a go-to coffee shop for me. read more

I thought I had reviewed the 'dits a long long time ago. I absolutely love this place. Harsh reviewers aside, this place is chill and cozy. The eclectic mix of furniture makes it quirky and urban. Staff is always delightfully charming and I love that they serve it in actual cups and bring it to your table if you order it "for here." Outdoor seating, a piano, clean bathrooms. Love it. This is a great place to caff it up, get some writing or studying done, and just chill. read more

Coffee Bandits - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Merced, California

For the first time, I actually enjoyed my Vanilla Latte! I'm definitely a huge coffee drinker, and I'm always up for trying new cafes to see what kind of coffee they are brewing. Came here with my friend on their grand opening night. Here they brew a San Joaquin brand, which isn't bad at all. They sell several different types of pastries, ranging from cherry pie to scones. Very laid back area, but can get very noisy. But no complaints on my end. Prices are generally the same as any other cafe. I really enjoyed my experience, but can be different for everyone. Give it a try! read more

Coffee Bandits is now the best place to get coffee in Merced. It is a nice change from Starbucks. The staff are pretty knowledgeable about coffee are cool group of people. I have tried both the straight espresso shots and their cappuccinos, considered the benchmark coffee drinks, and both were pretty good. The espresso shots had the right balance of crema and flavor while the cappuccino had excellent foam. I would recommend they step up the coffee drinking experience more to highlight the quality coffee they serve which will help them better differentiate themselves from Charbucks. Coffee Bandits uses locally roasted beans from Clayton's coffee in Modesto and San Joaquin Roasting. They use the San Joaquin beans for the espresso which was some of the best I've had. I would also recommend they spruce the space up a little bit in time, it is a little too shabby and could use a little more soul instead of filling it with furniture from a bad yard sale (acknowledging the owners were on a tight budget when opening). read more

Cool, quiet place to do homework or read. Definitely has a San Francisco Bay Area coffee house feel to it, which I love. Something about the place is retro too, or like time is passing slowly in there. I've had the peanut butter blendito, which I loved and am now obsessed with. The couscous is pretty good as well, though I did have to remind the guy I ordered it. I like how they bring you your food and coffee to your table too, so you don't have to stop in the middle of reading. read more

Honestly, I don't understand what was so great about this place. The decor was very inexpensive and tacky. Also, the service was unorganized and wasn't very welcoming. I would possibly go here again but I'll give them some more time to adapt to running a business. read more

Coffee Bandits - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Merced, California

Thoughtfully decorated and an awesome theme all-around, the Coffee bandits cafe is a breath of fresh air in Merced commerce. They also have great espresso and feature Janes baked goods from Atwater to snack on. read more

Coffee Bandits - Awesome mural in the lounge area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Merced, California

This is your typical downtown college town coffee shop. The coffee was decent, but not amazing. The people made a macchiato (not on the menu) without needing to remind me it was not of the Starbucks variety. I would suggest going good if you are in town. read more

Coffee Bandits - To go - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Merced, California