Business Details
About
Coffee ShopBarWine BarBreakfast RestaurantCafe
At the intersection of social, university, and business life, locals and travelers cross paths at Native Son to partake in lattés, craft cocktails, artisan bites and spontaneous exchanges that have made this casual eatery a must-stop in Merced’s budding downtown vibe.
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.2
138 reviews
5 stars
87
4 stars
24
3 stars
6
2 stars
10
1 star
11
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Staff Performance
Adriana received numerous praises for her exceptional service, friendliness, and drink preparation, while some staff members were noted for poor service and lack of hospitality.
Food Quality
The food received mixed reviews; while many dishes were praised for their taste and quality, some items were criticized for being overpriced or poorly prepared.
Customer Service
Customer service was inconsistent, with some patrons experiencing attentive and friendly service, while others reported rudeness and inattentiveness from staff.
Atmosphere
The café's ambiance was frequently described as pleasant and inviting, making it a popular spot for socializing and relaxation.
Pricing Issues
Several customers expressed frustration over unclear pricing and perceived inconsistencies in menu prices, leading to dissatisfaction.
- ASAlana SimonianNov 14, 20255.0My cousins and I keep coming back to grab some coffee and hang out because Adriana made it the best experience for us! She’s so sweet, and takes her time to make sure our drinks are top tier!
- ASAJ SimonianNov 14, 20255.0My family and friends love to come to Native Son in the morning for coffee, my cousins and I get together and we hope we have the same barista! We’ve been a few times and we finally asked her for her name! Adrianna makes the experience better and everytime we get here we hope she’s here! She’s amazing and sweet!
- KZKasandra209 ZaragozaNov 14, 20255.0Adrianna at Native Sun is amazing! She’s always so sweet and takes her time making the drinks just right. Her coffees are always delicious, and she’s genuinely one of the nicest people there. Definitely my favorite barista!😆😆
- SPS J PleasantsNov 9, 20251.011/9/25 12 30 pm ish.. Holy Cow... The barista here needs training... I asked for a cappuccino with 1/2&1/2... Super easy.. That's it.. She proceeded to ask me if I wanted a regular or large... Not sure what she meant by this..So, I explained to this gal what a cappuccino was.. A double espresso with foam. I preferred half n half.. She was very confused.. & asked agian if I wanted a regular or large... A cappuccino.. I replied.. you don't add milk.. Just foam a little foam. I asked for the same thing 3 times.. To my knowledge there is not & should not be sizes unless there's some description that goes with it. I felt I was being very descriptive, polite & patient, however after the whole interaction I left Super frustrated, I canceled the order & walked out. Please train your barista. I luckily walked up the street to the next Cafe & had a lovely beautifully made cappuccino with light half & half foam ☕️
- LLLexisOct 20, 20253.0Dear Native Son Owner, I’m writing to express my disappointment with your café. As a long-time customer, I’m deeply saddened to leave such a negative review. Every time I order the same iced lavender white mocha latte, the price keeps changing. It’s completely irrational and frustrating. I can’t help but wonder if the baristas are tipping themselves or if they’re simply not punching in the correct order. If I go back and my coffee is almost $10 like it was today, I’m not going to pay for it. I’m not going to accept it. I’m going to walk out and go find another café. Sincerely, A disappointed long-time customer
Frequently Asked Questions About Native Son
What types of food and drinks does Native Son offer?
Native Son offers lattés, craft cocktails, artisan bites, and a casual American cuisine experience.
Where is Native Son located?
Native Son is located at 609 W. Main St., Merced, CA 95340, US.
What are the opening hours of Native Son?
Native Son is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Does Native Son have any special hours on holidays?
Native Son follows its regular hours on major holidays including November 27, December 24, December 25, December 31, and January 1.
How can I view Native Son's menu or place an order online?
You can view the menu and place an order online through their website at https://www.order.toasttab.com/online/nativeson.
What social media platforms is Native Son active on?
Native Son is active on Facebook at elcapitanhotelmerced and Instagram with the handle @elcapitanmerced.
Which nearby places can I visit before or after dining at Native Son?
Nearby places include Impact Merced, Rainbird restaurant, El Capitan Hotel, Red Sky Comics, and Merced Tours, offering a variety of shopping, accommodation, and entertainment options to complement your visit.
Is there accommodation near Native Son if I want to stay overnight?
Yes, the El Capitan Hotel is located nearby, providing convenient lodging options close to Native Son.
Are there other dining or nightlife options around Native Son?
Yes, you can explore nearby dining and nightlife venues such as Rainbird restaurant and Hi-Fi Wine wine bar and pub for alternative experiences.
Can I find shopping and specialty stores near Native Son?
Yes, nearby shopping options include Diva Accessories, The Frog Shop (a children's consignment boutique), and Anita's Gift Shop for a range of fashion and gift items.