Vanessa’s Ice Cream

1

29

64

2 years 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

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 2

Oh no 1

Kiersten A.

0

9

12

7 months ago

I love this little shop! I just happened by it when going to starbucks. The employees were so nice. Even let us try some samples. It's a great price imo. They also have a large size for $7.50. We got 2 chocolate chips and one banana nut. I don't normally order such a simple flavor, but I loved it. read more

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - 3 sizes of ice cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Merced, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Shanina L.

Elite 26 All-Star

134

225

292

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Vanessa M.

0

2

1

11 months ago

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Jenna R.

222

61

28

11 months ago

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Melissa S.

Elite 26 All-Star

115

1890

6188

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

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Jennafer F.

Elite 26 All-Star

115

211

1208

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

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Albert G.

214

202

2311

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

See all

Helpful 4

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Dennis X.

723

274

930

4 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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Nancy L.

Elite 18

21

407

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

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

See all

Helpful 5

Thanks 0

Love this 6

Oh no 0

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

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.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Guadalupe B.

0

12

18

4 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

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Diego M.

71

178

865

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

See all

Helpful 9

Thanks 0

Love this 6

Oh no 0

Brenda C.

5

189

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

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Daisy C.

12

146

570

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

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Yessenia M.

0

4

8

3 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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Uhhh N.

0

15

2

3 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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rekha S.

Elite 23

217

422

2751

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

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

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!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

J J.

1

48

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Maria E.

0

3

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Lois M.

7

113

16

6 years ago

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Verania V.

0

4

2

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.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

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

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

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

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Andrea D.

1

25

0

6 years ago

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

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 1 of 2

See more reviews

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 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Vanessa’s Ice Cream close?

Vanessa’s Ice Cream closes at 8:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 12:00 PM - 8:30 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

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 414 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Explore benefits

Yogolicious Frozen Yogurt

3.2(57 reviews)

2.8 mi

Came into Yogolicious in Merced on 4/17 around 8:45 PM with my pregnant wife because she was…read morecraving something cold. We noticed they closed at 9:00 PM so we figured we still had enough time. When we walked in two employees were cleaning and did not acknowledge us at all. The silence was so awkward that I even told my wife maybe they were upset we came in so close to closing. We tried to grab our yogurt as fast as possible but the whole time we felt judged and rushed. There was no greeting no kindness just silence and uncomfortable stares. When it was time to pay it was the same thing just a very awkward and rude attitude. I'm sure management can look back at the cameras if needed. This was a very uncomfortable experience and because of it I will not be coming back. I would not recommend this place especially if you are coming in anywhere close to closing time.

I love this place. It's self served so you can get the exact amount you want then it gets weighted…read more I usually pay $3 for mine. I always get pomegranate with peach. Then I add nuts and chopped fruit.

Pomegranate and peach

Nasty dirty floors and tables.

See all

Frozen World

3.7(55 reviews)

3.0 mi

loved coming here. i went for a late-night munch. i ordered the corn in a cup with hot cheetos and…read moreNO hot sauce/chile. hot sauce/chile makes my stomach very upset. however, they still put hot sauce. i didn't notice until i got home and now, i don't feel good. i couldn't eat it and threw it away. my partner also ordered nachos with cheese and jalapenos but they were out of the nacho chips so he asked for tostilocos. the cheese was cold. taking recommendations for other similar places in Merced! please let me know! idk if i will be returning. :(

Our First time here, Good ice cream, Great Watermelon Slush over Vanilla ice Cream. Extremely…read moreClean inside & out. A Little bit of everything for Everyone, the Frozen Banana was EXCELLENT!! The young lady helping us was FANTASTIC, HELPFUL & VERY PATIENT, while our 3 year old Granddaughter made her selection. We will DEFINITELY be back again soon. Thank you,

Corn in a cup.. with the hot sauce i did not ask for :(

Mango chamoy and strawberry cheesecake ice cream

See all

Hot cheetos with cheese

H & W Drive In

4.3(559 reviews)

1.5 mi

My family and friends take a yearly road trip to Vegas and this if our last stop for a shared meal…read morebefore we all go our seperate ways. What started off as place that looked good to stop has become a long standing tradition. The food is awesome and reasonably priced. The shakes are great and it brings a great close to our vacation. The staff is always friendly and attentive to our family. We will continue to make this a part of our yearly trip!

Unfortunately this place has gone downhill a bit. The last straw for me was seeing them fill up a…read morehalf gallon of root beer from the soda fountain machine and it looked like it was A&W

The ordering window

Number 4 with onion rings.

See all

Menu

Bingsu Bliss

4.2(10 reviews)

3.5 mi

Dulce de leche. Shredded ice cream, that's all I have to say…read more The girl was super nice and helpful.

Oh wow! This place is my new local fav! Everyone asks, what's Bingsu? Idk the official answer, but…read moreI describe it as ice cream & shave ice had a baby and dressed it with froyo toppings. The butterscotch is my all time #1, but the chocolate & the fruit combos are yummy too. They make each by hand upon order, so you do have to wait a bit for it to be ready, but they give you a buzzer so you can go explore other food trucks while you wait. They have some tables and shade for you to enjoy your Bingsu if you don't take it to go.

Coffee Delight! With coffee bursting boba, and I swapped the default toffee for crushed KitKats instead.

See all

Cold Stone Creamery

2.8(74 reviews)

1.8 mi

•$$

Employees scoop the ice cream as if their paychecks is on the line. Ridiculous, for 6.99 and you…read morecan't even fill the "like it" cup! The guy who scooped my ice cream scooped as if that how's he wipes his a$$. Light handed and barely getting any ice cream. Again ridiculous. Will never go back, which is upsetting because Merced doesn't have much.

They do not practice the proper sanitation procedures working with food. Walked in, workers do not…read moreseem welcoming. I had to speak first to get my order started because the worker was just staring at me.. Ice cream flavors are limited. Cost is more expensive, not worth my buck. I will rather go to Baskin Robbin's where I can get a better selection , proper sanitation procedures, friendly people, and not as costly. I will not return to this Cold Stone.

See all

La Crema De Cotija

5.0(2 reviews)

0.4 mi

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.

See all

Front of the store sign, facing parking lot of Rancho

Baskin-Robbins

2.4(43 reviews)

2.7 mi

DONT WASTE YOUR TIME! This Baskin Robbins keeps getting worst every time. That the blenders are…read moredown (too hot). They're out of ice scream flavors ALL the time. My family and I wanted shakes and they were down to 5 flavors! How is this possible 31 Flavors?!!! They are out of cinnamon/whoop cream. Always out of something. Employees always have a look as if they hate their job and it shows. Few times I actually am able to get my Cappuccino it sucks! Mostly ice instead of ice scream. Not to mention the place is tiny and much need of a renovation.

Would prefer this place over cold stones. But lately it's just not it! They scoop as if their…read morepaychecks depend on it. The smaller the scoop the bigger their paychecks.. Ridiculous. Put some back into and give us a full scoop! Not returning. byeeeeee!!!!

Father's Day cake given to me

Cappuccino Blast, 5/5 stars!

See all

Cake we were given

La Michoacana San Miguel

4.8(12 reviews)

0.4 mi

Everything is good. The service is good. I really love de fresa con crema. The portions are good as…read morewell.

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.

Tostielote

Tri-tip Torta

See all

Hawaiian Crepe

Fruta Loca

3.2(61 reviews)

2.3 mi

Great spot! They will really take great care of you, amazing people and service. Strawberries and…read morecream were delicious and the elote and mango smoothie were also very tasty! Hector is fantastic!

Very disappointed loaded nacho and chips was stale. Super disappointed never coming backread more

See all

Home of the ROASTED CORN!

Em-Tea

4.2(406 reviews)

3.0 mi

•$$

WHY WE WENT HERE: - post dinner boba…read more THE LOOK (FROM THE OUTSIDE): - located in a plaza off G St and E Yosemite Ave - located in the same plaza as Raley's but closest to Papa Murphy's | Take 'N' Bake Pizza and 88 Bao Bao THE LOOK (FROM THE INSIDE): - LOVE the Herringbone flooring - white tables and chairs - Chevron Arrow Pride Flag on the wall - ordering kiosk THE MENU: - popular - event drinks - regular - seasonal drinks - slush - premium - specialty drinks - macaroons - cakes - premium (fundraiser) - cakes (fundraiser) - gift cards WHAT I ORDERED: - hojicha tea with light boba THE TASTE: - earthy - refreshing - not too sweet CUSTOMER SERVICE: - minimal since we ordered through the kiosk and retrieved our drinks from the counter when they were ready

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.

Storefront

Interior

See all

View of the cafe from the front door

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

8 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

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

38

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

4 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!!!!!!!!

Vanessa’s Ice Cream - icecream - Updated October 2026

Browse Nearby

BEST of Merced, California Restaurants near Vanessa’s Ice Cream

BEST of Merced, California Desserts near Vanessa’s Ice Cream

BEST of Merced, California Coffee near Vanessa’s Ice Cream

BEST of Merced, California Things to Do near Vanessa’s Ice Cream

BEST of Merced, California Parking near Vanessa’s Ice Cream

BEST of Merced, California Breakfast near Vanessa’s Ice Cream

BEST of Merced, California Boba near Vanessa’s Ice Cream

BEST of Merced, California Thrift Stores near Vanessa’s Ice Cream

BEST of Merced, California Gelato near Vanessa’s Ice Cream

BEST of Merced, California Shopping near Vanessa’s Ice Cream

Best of Merced

Things to do in Merced

Browse Brands

Brands by name

Browse Articles

Articles by date

People who viewed Vanessa’s Ice Cream also viewed

Frozen World

3.7

(55 reviews)

loved coming here. i went for a late-night munch. i ordered the corn in a cup with hot cheetos and…read moreNO hot sauce/chile. hot sauce/chile makes my stomach very upset. however, they still put hot sauce. i didn't notice until i got home and now, i don't feel good. i couldn't eat it and threw it away. my partner also ordered nachos with cheese and jalapenos but they were out of the nacho chips so he asked for tostilocos. the cheese was cold. taking recommendations for other similar places in Merced! please let me know! idk if i will be returning. :(

Our First time here, Good ice cream, Great Watermelon Slush over Vanilla ice Cream. Extremely…read moreClean inside & out. A Little bit of everything for Everyone, the Frozen Banana was EXCELLENT!! The young lady helping us was FANTASTIC, HELPFUL & VERY PATIENT, while our 3 year old Granddaughter made her selection. We will DEFINITELY be back again soon. Thank you,

Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop

4.9

(17 reviews)

Absolutely loved our ice cream shop visit this weekend! We had never been, so we didn't know what…read moreto expect but we loved it! The service was great, the ice cream was delicious, and the colorful walls inside and out are so fun.

Great local ice ream shop. The service there is absolutely amazing. Stop by if you are in town.read more

La Michoacana San Miguel

4.8

(12 reviews)

Everything is good. The service is good. I really love de fresa con crema. The portions are good as…read morewell.

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.

Yogolicious Frozen Yogurt

3.6

(65 reviews)