Coffee Bandits

When I first walked in to Coffee Bandits, I was a little confused. The furniture don’t really match and the design just don’t exactly blend together. However, for some strange reason, it still felt cozy enough. The place is rather spacious; there are both indoor and outdoor seats. I noticed that each person can claim his/​her own table regardless of the table size so that’s nice. There’s definitely space if you need some, especially for studying. The music isn’t too loud; their choice of music is easy to be tuned out (at least by me) when I’m studying.
When you walk in, you are greeted by merchandise to your right and the cashier/​menu to your front. There is actually a double-​sided laminated menu at the counter and on tables. What’s nice is that there’s a whole list of items on one side and a flow chart to help you decide on which coffee/​tea you should order based upon your preference (i.e. caf/​decaf, strong/​sweet, etc.) simply just by following the arrows! There are so many options. So far I have tried Ivory Nut (hazelnut white mocha) and Thin Judy (Non-​fat cappuccino). For some reason the mocha tasted stronger than the cappuccino? Overall, they are pretty good. The sizes are great: there are three options of 12oz, 16oz and 20oz. I would definitely be going back often.

Love going to Coffee Bandits. Coffee is great! Only downside is my computer hates their wifi.

Great place to study or do work. Lots of tables and outlets for computers. Coffee was average.

I just ordered the most delicious latte ever. This place is awesome. I so encourage you to try this place over any Starbucks! The coffee is exceptional

The only locally owned atmospheric coffeeshop in Merced! This is a perfect place to study or read, the staff are all nice not to mention the drinks are delicious! If your an artist or painter this is a perfect place to hang your stuff at!

I would of loved this place as a teenager. But the 33-​year old adult version of me now expects something different from coffee shops.
If a coffee shop was a dive bar, this is what it would look like. The furniture is mismatched, old, and worn. Some people might think that makes it cozy, but I find that kind of atmosphere uninspired, cluttered, and not creative. There is also not a lot of natural light in here despite floor length windows in the front. A piano is even blocking part of the window. This place needs a serious overall when it comes to design.
The coffee is also just average. I got the Adam Bomb which is described as a double short blueberry latte, but came in a 12oz cup. I’ve never known 12ozs to mean short, but rather less liquid than 12ozs. It was somewhat drinkable, but I wasn’t impressed.
They did have a few vegan baked good options which I thought was cool, but nothing that looked so good that it would bring me back.
I don’t regret checking it out, but I think I’ll keep on driving next time I’m traveling through Merced.

Real coffee in Merced! I’m so glad I found it. Happy for the almond milk option! And wow, the large is LARGE!!!

89 great reviews is well deserved. shame people flock like sheep to Starbucks when they could support a true local artisan coffee shop … I LOVE that they offer organic milk as an option for .50c extra, well worth the money. Support this business !!

Good coffee, good vibe, free wifi, stay as long as you like. These are the things that make for a good coffee shop. I am happy to say that Coffee Bandits gives Merced such a place.

Such a good environment! Love coming in here fast service. Always fresh coffee and food… Keep up the great work!!!

AMAZING COFFEE. Decent Price. I went in last Wednesday morning for the first time. the gentleman that served me was polite and tried very hard to make sure my coffee was made very well. I will be coming here for coffee every time I’m downtown, until I move out of this town. Coffee Bandits is one of the few places Merced should be proud of!

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.

Only had 2 things here: double shot Americano and a lemon bar.
Delicious coffee. Yummy bar (bar was a little pricey at $ 3 I thought but good). Fast WiFi. Nice barista. Go here over a Starbucks! I actually can have a direct comparison because I’m having a Starbucks americano as I type, and it ain’t nearly as flavorful.

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!

Great service!
Not only is the coffee, the hot chocolate, and the pastry good but the service is great as well! They remember my friends and I coming in throughout the week and gave us a frequent stamp card with the stamps from all the drinks we had before!

Hidden gem? Absolutely!
I usually stop at Starbucks on my commute from the 559 to the 530, but this time I thought I’ll try something new. Merced is a brand new college town and I randomly decided to check a new coffee shop! As soon as I arrived the barista was super attentive and gave me great suggestions that would compliment my pallet. I went with the eustachio. It is the perfect blend of coffee with a subtle sweetness.
There are plenty of tables to study!
This is definitely my to go place from now on!

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!

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 café 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!

Great drinks and friendly, local atmosphere. Only downside is that is looks kinda dirty. Maybe that’s part of the hipster charm? Either way, if you want good coffee, stop by. I would recommend the cider or chai latte!

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.