The Branding Iron Restaurant

EXCELLENT! I’m a long-time Mercedian and patron of The Branding Iron. I’m also a retired airline purser who has served thousands of meals in first class and international business class to the most discriminating guests. As such, I’m keenly aware of food quality and service expectations. The accomplished chef, James, came out to introduce himself and inquire about our meals, which is an excellent touch, and he is very friendly and personable. The new BI owners recruited James from San Diego and he brings years of high-end urban restaurant experience to the BI. The new BI menu is different than the old one—some of my favorites have been retired—and it is more expensive, but that’s because the quality of the ingredients is better than before, such as the PRIME grade beef sourced from small family-run ranches. I had the Chilean sea bass special tonight and it was delicious. My date had the prime rib and he said it was the best he's ever had. Some of the servers are young and therefore less experienced, but overall the service was very good, and hopefully patrons will be gracious concerning the younger staff. I would love to see the first interaction with guests by wait staff polished up a bit with a genuine smile and a friendly but professional introduction, and a wine list in hand offered right away. I’m also fond of the idea of staff wearing identical, well-fitting uniforms, but that may be too much to ask. Next, rather than a single bread roll placed on each individual bread plate, I personally think a generous basket of warm breads and plenty of butter, including flavored butters, be placed at each table for guests to share. Finally, finished plates should not be picked up by wait staff until all guests at the table have finished eating, unless of course, a guest requests that their plate be removed. NOTE TO MANAGEMENT: Please update your website with the new menu and new photos/prices of foods, as well as Google Maps, Apple Maps, Yelp, etc.

I love the feel of this restaurant! If you wanted to you could have a nice romantic date and dress up. Or you can just come in jeans and a t-shirt with a bunch of friends and celebrate a birthday! This is the second time I've eaten here with my friends the first time I got the coconut shrimp which were enormous and delicious I had to take leftovers home. This time I had the fried shrimp with cocktail sauce and it was absolutely delicious! I like how they put a sorbet in a little metal tin to cleanse your palate after your meal. Everyone enjoyed their meal very much so. The waitress knew my friend personally both times that we came here. Everyone is very friendly the restaurant atmosphere and decor is adorable! The restaurant prices are in the $20 to $50 range depending on what you're getting so I say it's medium priced.. but well worth it for the portions the atmosphere and the amazing service. The bathrooms are very clean and organized I especially like the attitude and quirkiness of the lady who takes you to your table who has pink hair... I didn't catch her name but she is so adorable and so nice! I will definitely make this a restaurant but I like attending on a regular basis with my friends!

This is a Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass… Since changing owners, this has become the new hot spot in the valley. Chef James Montejano is the best thing to happen to Merced’s food scene since EVER!!! He brought an explosion of flavor and unequaled taste experiences to the area. After speaking with him and seeing his passion for food, I am more excited than I have ever been for the future of the food scene in Merced. Oh, and the sea bass was off the charts beyond amazing…!!! I can’t wait to go back. The changes he has made have even inspired and ignited the staff working with him to bring his creativity, attention to detail and passion to all of us. This was definitely a top tier experience.

I brought my son to Merced for surgery and when I found out there was a Branding Iron restaurant a short distance from our hotel, I told my son we were going to have dinner there. I was thoroughly impressed with my prime rib dinner. The prime rib literally melted in my mouth. My son had the big burger. Prices were a little higher than I was expecting but well worth the experience! When my sister comes out to California, we're going to come back and celebrate our birthdays. Thank you for a very delicious meal !