Scott's Diner is truly Merced's hidden gem. While driving by one day, a friend mentioned he'd had a fantastic experience there. So when another buddy visited from Turlock, he actually suggested we try Scott's--he'd seen glowing reviews online. It's not hype. The place has a warm, quaint, old-school diner vibe, complete with the kind of friendly, attentive service that's all but vanished from corporate chains. The menu shines with American classics alongside creative daily specials, from mushroom-Swiss burgers to steak 'n eggs. Portions are massive, prices rival fast food, and everything's cooked to order by real chefs! My latest visit was November 9, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.--the place was packed! We waited just 10 minutes, drinks and orders were taken almost instantly, and the food arrived lightning-fast, like we were the only table in the house. My friend got the double western bacon cheeseburger; I went with the Blast Club sandwich. (P.S. He's obsessed with their garlic fries!) We'll be back--this was visit #4, with many more to come. read more

So the service has gone down and no shade on the food it was great just service brought down the desire to run back with my cash and big family. read more

As we were heading back to the Bay Area after a beautiful wedding night, we found ourselves in search of a breakfast spot. We stumbled upon Scott's, a breakfast spot located approximately 8 minutes away from our El Capitan hotel on our drive back to the Bay Area. At first glance, its exterior exuded a vibrant Latin ambiance, but stepping inside revealed the true essence of Scott's. The phrase that immediately came to mind was "Customer Service". From the moment we entered, we received warm greetings from every staff member. We were promptly seated and offered classic diner-style coffee, and that's when we met Tad. Who exactly was Tad? Tad is the kind of guy who projects top-notch service. Inquiring about our morning and enthusiastically sharing menu recommendations, I felt Tad was the owner the way he carried himself. Not as a bossy presence but someone who loved what he did and how he cared for his customers. Were talking Michelin Star Service. The Best. Throughout our breakfast, Tad continuously checked in on us, ensuring everything was to our liking. At one point, I couldn't help but ask, "Are you Scott, the owner?" He chuckled and replied that he simply had a passion for serving and had been in the business for over 15 years. When it came time to settle the bill, Tad surprised us with offering us to-go cups of coffee for our journey back to the Bay Area. Who does that? TAD DOES! His care and thoughtfulness were truly remarkable. I turned to my wife and said, "Should we give Tad a 50% tip?" Without hesitation, she replied, "Absolutely." I never tip over 20%. On my way out I met Scott ( The owner ) at the register and he asked me how everything was. I mentioned if only every restaurant has a Tad working for them I would eat out more often. He agreed and told me he knew he had something special. Keep up the great work Tad!!! Thank you. read more

Scotts Diner - Omelette with hollandaise sauce. I believe this was off of the menu. - Diners Near Me - Merced, California

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Great server and seated promptly .Place is cozy and comfortable.Food order was. Taken quickly and food was delivered promptly .Food was and decent serving.Eggs were fluffy.Pancakes were delicious. read more

Great service and great food. They're very friendly and the food is always fresh. Scott and his staff are very focused on great customer service read more

I'm a traveler in this area. I got recommended from the man in Quality hotel. It is highly recommended this restaurant. If you're looking for good food. Don't miss this one. I have California Benny dish. It's super delicious. The waiting time and waitress very fast and furious. It's make my day. Thank you so much. I will come back if I have chance. read more

Scotts Diner - California Benny. Delicious - Diners Near Me - Merced, California

I was so impressed with the cleanliness of the entire restaurant. I ordered the Ham and eggs for dinner!! I didn't except the ham portion to be as big as it was. I asked for over medium eggs and they were a little more runny then I wished. The food came quickly maybe too quickly.. the hash browns could of used a few more minutes, but still good and again a large portion. The price is sooo reasonable I will definitely be back to try more items on the menu. I'm very happy that I can get a good breakfast for dinner. . I really appreciated our waitress she checked on us often with a smile.... She also noticed how I appreciate cleanliness an I noticed her take a few extra steps for our comfort. We will definitely be back. read more

Scotts Diner - Denver omelette - Diners Near Me - Merced, California

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Let me start by saying that the portions are huge! I had a bacon double cheeseburger with fries. The fries were cooked perfectly the way I like them, crispy! The burger, however, was sub-par. The patties lacked flavor and were tough like they were pre-formed. The brioche bun was cold and crumbled. My lady had the chicken avocado club, which came to the table missing the avocado. I tried a piece of the club, and the chicken breast was extremely dry as if it were previously cooked and heated for service or cooked and hot held for service. Either way, it was terrible. The garlic fries she ordered were very delicious The server was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. A+. The ambiance was relaxed with a diner feel. We went at the beginning of what many would consider dinner time, and there was maybe one other table. I do appreciate that I was able to customize my burger. Since there was not a bacon cheeseburger on the menu, the server suggested ordering the Western special and put onion rings on the side. Overall, I gave Scott's two stars. I've seen a lot of posts, and many people love it. I understand all places have bad days every now and then, but this is the second time I've had Scott's and left feeling disappointed read more

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In town a day early for business, so I stopped by this diner. Place was hopping, but the service was quick and friendly. Food was very good. Got the Cali eggs Benedict - a lot of food. Highly recommend this for breakfast/brunch. read more

Scotts Diner - Cali eggs Benedict - Diners Near Me - Merced, California

Passing through Merced and tried Scotts for breakfast. Immediately felt that we hit a home run by the welcoming vibe from staff, homey and kitschy decor and the cleanliness of restaurant. I ordered chicken fried steak w/ country potatoes and omelette and my wife got french toast and hash browns. food was delicious and portions generous. Coffee perfect and topped off frequently. Try this place, you will rewarded! read more

For many years, Merced lacked an "old school" diner, that served classic diner cuisine. Early last year, Scotts Diner came to town, and brought back to Merced the kind of "Americana" cuisine that you grew up loving. As you walk in the door, you'll be greeted by a friendly staff member, who will welcome you to the restaurant, and make you feel at home. Scotts is a diner, so there is no reserved seating, and you can enjoy fine dining at any open booth, table or seat at the counter. If you're a fan of "Americana," especially John Wayne, you'll enjoy lots of John Wayne photos and memorabilia that decorate the restaurant. The dining room is very open, well lighted, comfortable and cheerful. Like all amazing diners, there is a counter, which makes dining a pleasure if you're dining solo. The furniture is a mixture of booths and tables, with several television monitors, tuned to sports. The atmosphere is very pleasant, and very "old school diner..." Each table is set with ketchup, Chulula Mexican hot sauce, Tabasco sauce, with salt and pepper. The walls are decorated with pictures and photos of John Wayne, other vintage movie stars, and military photos. Scotts Diner isn't fancy, but the food is great and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. Merced enjoys a rich military and aviation heritage, and until the mid 1990's was co-host to nearby Castle Air Force Base, which was a S.A.C. base, and a hotbed of military activity during the Cold War era. Many photos and posters decorate the walls, celebrating the military legacy that Merced enjoys. From the "Breakfast" menu, I went with the flagship offering, "New York Steak." I ordered my two eggs fried "sunnyside up," along with hash browns, and sourdough as my toast of choice. Side options were country potatoes or fruit, and toast options included white, wheat and rye, besides the sourdough I ordered. I didn't see sides of gravy on the menu, which was a disappointment. The main attraction my breakfast was the slab of New York Steak, which was a generous cut, most likely about 6 or 7 ounces, and cooked medium, as per my request. When you order your steak, your host/hostess will ask you for your preference, which is a nice thing. My steak arrived seasoned, seared on the outside, and grilled perfectly medium, which just enough juice to lend an addled dimension of flavor to the amazing hash brown potatoes. The steak was well trimmed of fat, but with just enough fat left on for flavor - fat equals flavor - and was not at all difficult to remove. This was a New York cut of steak, not a filet mignon, so it inherently wasn't fork tender, but with the supplied steak knife, it was easy to cut, and was as tender and juicy as any New York cut of steak that I've ever had the pleasure to enjoy. Delicious! The hash brown potatoes were hidden under the toast, but, like a well-kept secret, they were simply delicious! The hash browns were fried to a light golden brown on the outside, with just enough "crisp" to enjoy, and were tender and juicy on the inside. There were enough hash browns to keep me going for the rest of the day, as the portions served at Scotts Diner are more than ample! I loved the hash browns... I ordered my two eggs fried sunnyside up, and that's how they arrived, perfect fried, as ordered. I was pleasantly surprised at my sourdough toast, as the slices were so thick they reminded me of "Texas toast." Each slice was perfectly toasted and buttered evenly, and worked well to sop up juices from the meat and eggs. Alejandra brought a bottle of ketchup, a bottle of Cholula Mexican hot sauce, along with salt and pepper. My breakfast so delicious that the ketchup and Cholula weren't touched, as I all used was a little salt and pepper to spice things up a notch. I absolutely ADORE "old school" diner breakfasts, and Scotts Diner serves a delicious breakfast, worthy in the tradition of every fine, family owned and operated, that has served Merced, and the greater San Joaquin Valley. Scotts Diner is a welcome addition to the Merced dining community... The food is simply delicious! It's the classic "Americana" cuisine that's been served in roadside diners for many years, and it's authentic MERCED in every way! I absolutely LOVE diners along with diner cuisine, and Scotts Diner is a fine restaurant any way you look at it. Fine cuisine, served by friendly staff deserves 5-stars in my diner "book!" read more

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Just driving thru and happened on this place! It is a gem of a diner with wonderful food and beyond great service . The restaurant was full and they had us Sat in just minutes ! Their pancakes were beyond good and my dad's chicken fried steak was super yummy ! read more

this place is the best we have had, we ordered the chicken fried steak with hash browns eggs and biscuits and gravy , was so so good very large portions we loved it so much we went back the next week. Scott is by far so friendly and his staff is as well. we didn't have to wait long for our food, best restaurant in town 10/10 . we definitely will be going back. Great environment, love how it's decorated also. read more

First time there today. So delicious would go back and order the same again! Favorite breakfast. Still had alot left over so ate it for Breakfast and Dinner read more

Scotts Diner - Biscuits and Gravy - Diners Near Me - Merced, California

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Picked up an order through Door Dash. Ordered chicken fried steak. The steak tasted old and barely any gravy on steak. The hash browns were lukewarm. The food should be all hot when received. Only live 3 minutes away. I was also early to pick up order. I will never order the chicken fried steak again. read more

Saw this place near the hotel I was staying at. Merced has an area called Motel Row where you have a choice of hotels. Scott's was recommended by the hotel so I went. Nice quaint diner. The waitress was very welcoming when I came in. She attended to me as soon as I sat down. I ordered the soup and burger with onion rings. The soup was good! But the burger was juicy and messy and good! The owner was an awesome young man who was extra kind! I'll definitely make Scott's a spot of mine in Merced read more

I honestly like the food but the eggs Benedict sauce was missing the lemon flavor for my liking, the spinach and bacon added great flavors to this dish. I loved the hash brown and fresh fruit. Now the Diner burger we added an egg over easy and garlic fires 10/10. The fries were not overly seasoned with garlic it was the right amount of garlic and seasoning. The service was fairly quick and got our food right away. I would recommend getting there sandwiches instead of the eggs Benedict. read more

Scotts Diner - California Benny - Diners Near Me - Merced, California

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service was great and the food was very good . Can be a little loud with kids in restaurants.

This is the first time I came to this establishment. I hadn't heard from anyone I knew about it so I never went and decided to try it with my best friend. The server was quick to assist and filled my coffee without me asking (which is a great sign of good customer service). The inside was just like a cozier diner. I'd have to say the best part was the food which had good flavor and way bigger than normal portions. I saved half of my meal for lunch. You definitely get your moneys worth here. read more

Scotts Diner - Veggie Omelette - Diners Near Me - Merced, California

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Nice cozy little diner in Merced. Pretty small menu but the food is generally good. Wait staff was super friendly.

We had a great dinner at Scott's while stopping on a road trip. We ordered the pot roast dinner and the meat was so tender and tasty with lots of mushrooms and onions, and the brown gravy was the right thickness with a lot of flavor. The mashed potatoes were also great, and all the veggies in the salad and steamed on the side were fresh and delicious. My brother ordered the diner burger and loved it. The best part for him were the fries, which are battered and crispy with a soft inside. The service was great, quick and attentive, and the food came out hot and so fast. Great little diner! read more

This got to be one of the best spots to eat breakfast or lunch. Food always fresh and scrumptious. Every time I go there ,it does not disappoint. Love the food and customer service! read more

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Came on a Saturday, busy morning, but sat us down within 10 minutes. Our waiter was hands down the BEST server ever, he was very quick and had the best customer service, like he enjoyed his job! Biscuits and gravy were phenomenal, Benedict could use just a tad bit more hollandaise sauce and less spinach, but really good nonetheless. Chef was cranking them out back there! Hubby said the burger was fire! We'll be back! read more

Scotts Diner - California Benedict, biscuits and gravy & California Burger - Diners Near Me - Merced, California

Ima go ahead and give Scotts Diner 5 star review. The reason for the 5 star review is because I didn't expect much, thought Scotts was going to be a basic breakfast diner. But the customer service was literally one of the best experience. Super friendly and really on their job. I asked my girl what she thought of the food she gave it an 8 so when the waitress comes around, (like she did ever so often) and asked, " how is the food is everything okay?" I told her my girl thinks this place is an 8. They took that rating well but I can see the passion. So they get 5 stars because excellent customer service based on my experience. Another reason is they exceeded my expectations in the food. Although my date had a complaint, I did not. read more

Scotts Diner - California benny - Diners Near Me - Merced, California

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Really good food, and amazing service, they check in and make sure you're good with everything you need. read more

Scotts Diner - 3 pick- French toast, bacon, fruit - Diners Near Me - Merced, California

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So friendly and accommodating to pack our leftovers in ice. Easy access traveling to the bay area on and off highway 99. Most importantly is the food is good. read more

We were coming back from our camping trip and we were starving. We chose this place because of proximity to the freeway but we were blown away by their service and food. Scott came out to greet us. He made the ambiance more comfortable. The waiter (I didn't catch his name) was really friendly and fast. He took our orders right away and came to check on us frequently. It's like he knew when we needed something. The food was amazing and the portions were not shy. I would definitely recommend this place. We had a group of 15 and very got their plates right away. No issues with special orders either. read more

Drove through Merced, after a day in Yosemite and on my way back home. Honestly, i didn't expect much... Just wanted to grab a quick bite, but i must say, the food was FANTASTIC. The Cali burger was the bomb, juicy, tasty, fresh vegetables, brioche bun that was spot on, and the avocado added a lot to the burger. The onion rings are amongst the best I've ever had. The batter was a little sweet, and it worked really well. It wad fried to perfection. Their chicken noodle soup was delicious, and felt like home cooking. The staff was unbelievably friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this place for a good meal and a good time. read more

For me, it all begins with the coffee. When a restaurant serves great coffee!, that sets the tone for a beautiful dining experience. Scott's Diner did exactly that. Fresh, hot and plentiful. Good times. Our server, Tad, was wonderful. His meal suggestions, constant refilling of that delicious coffee, general conversation, attitude...he added to our memorable experience. Casual dress code, catchy tunes, various TV monitors and a spacious dining area made it a very comfortable atmosphere with a homey feel. Food was good, prices even better. Overall, Scott's Diner just recruited three more regulars. Definitely give them a try. You won't be disappointed! read more

Scotts Diner - Breakfast: All meat omelette, seasoned country potatoes and sourdough toast. - Diners Near Me - Merced, California

This is the 2nd time we have eaten at Scott's diner. I wanted to save my review, just in case the first time was a chance encounter. I am thrilled to say that it was not a chance encounter and everything was even better the 2nd time. The Good: Breakfast. Breakfast is just really good here. We've tried different items and my favorite is the BTA Omelet. The country potatoes are just wonderful! They are not greasy and they are perfectly fried. The steak for the steak and eggs takes up half the plate and is juicy and really good. For me what makes or breaks a restaurant is the biscuits and gravy. The gravy was super flavourful and the biscuits were soft. It was just an all around great experience for breakfast. And how can you forget the service. The waitress is friendly and always on point with coffee. She's extremely efficient at her job. This particular day the owner was there greeting customers which is a wonderful show of ownership. He's super friendly and very appreciative to his customers. The Bad: The only thing I can say is I'm not a fan of the tartar sauce with the fish-and-chips but everyone has their own taste. Otherwise there's nothing in this category that I can put honestly. The Ugly: Truthfully, the ugly about this is Scott's puts many, many of the restaurants in Merced to shame with flavors and pricing. It's just starting out and I'm sure that the décor and ongoing growth of this establishment will be seen soon enough. If you have a few minutes I encourage you to stop and have breakfast here. Right now there isn't a wait to be seated but I honestly tell you I expect to see it soon enough. We will most definitely be back again and again. read more

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OMG I've been going to Scott's Diner since they opened. I have Always loved their food. But as time has gone by their quality and taste of food has gone down Today I decided to order a To-Go-Breakfast. My order was totally WRONG. So I tried to salvage it but just eating what I was given. Their pancakes "WHERE" the best. NOT NO MORE they were so thick and tasteless. They gave me two orders of what they call "home style potatoes " Two orders of biscuits and gravy which I NEVER EVER ORDERED. So disappointed in their food now. Sorry Scott just being honest thats my OPINION. read more

Second time here, I must say the staff here are so friendly, welcoming and always smiling!! The service was super fast and our waiter was so polite and always asking if we needed anything. The food potions are on the bigger size which was fantastic and lastly of course the food was delicious!! Thank you Scott's Diner read more

Scotts Diner - Chicken club and fries. - Diners Near Me - Merced, California

good outstanding took it to go because i could not get out!! she agreeded elk worth the trip always the Best!

Great little diner, would definitely recommend, friendly staff, good food...will return whenever in town

was seated promptly and drinks came quickly.Server was polite and professional.Nice clean place.So much food my son loved his omelette.My sandwich was delicious. read more

Had a California burger and garlic fries. Yummy, real garlic on the fries not a seasoning. California burger had a lot of avocado.

Saw the reviews on yelp, drove to Scott's and found it to be far better than just the 5 yellow stars available. Super staff (really great staff) and Breakfast classics that crush any local competition. Ask for the "secret" specials that I are sometimes available!! read more

We were looking for something new; and found something familiar, a Diner !! We had the Veggie Omelet and the Breakfast Burrito; both with a Giant Pancake! First, if you like Crispy Hash Browns and you order them often, you never get them really Crispy do you. Scotts does! look at this picture!! The sweet Pancake and the spicy Burrito were a neat pair! WE are coming back for the Chicken Fried Steak ! ! ! read more

Scotts Diner - Spicy Breakfast Burrito with Sweet Pancake! - Diners Near Me - Merced, California

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This is a good little place to eat. Good home cooking kind of meals. Everything me and friends have tried here has been pretty tasty with the exception of the eggs Benedict. I don't know if it was a one time thing or not, but the sauce didn't have hardly any taste at all. Ham and eggs were pretty good and the chicken fried steak was very good. We've also had the Huevos ranchero breakfast, and it was also VERY good. Service is usually on point also. Today it wasn't so great, but that could be an off day for the server, or me being testy because I was pretty hungry going in, lol. This is definitely a diner, not fancy at all. If it had the parking and was more accessible from the freeway I am sure it would be a favorite for truck drivers. Speaking of parking, it is one thing that could improve here. But, you have to work with what you have! read more

Haven't had breakfast like this in years. Great place and great staff make it very welcoming. read more