Toni's Courtyard Café - Cafe in Merced - 516 W 18th St, USA

Country fried steak had more batter than chicken and over easy eggs were too undercooked. California omelette was ok. Great service but disappointing food.

I've been to this cafe a few times. I have mixed feelings about Toni's Cafe. I think the food is decent but I'm not thrilled about the struggle to get a seat. The first time I went in to eat, the hostess automatically started taking my order for take away when I wanted to be seated. It wasn't a big deal, especially because she and the other waitress were very attentive. I drink a lot of water and can say that my cup never ran dry. I ordered the brekfast burrito with veggies. It was a decent burrito, but the veggies lacked salt or spices. They also had limited hot sauce options. I did like the cheese frico seal on the burrito. The second and third time I went in, I was attended to by the same lady. Again, excellent service. The sandwiches that I had were alright. The chicken was a little dry on the Italian Chicken Melt and I expected turkey meat and not turkey ham on the Turkey Avocado Melt but the sandwich breads were good. The potato salad was delicious. As a sidenote, she suggested the churro cheescake and it was as delicious as it sounds. In fact, I came the next day for brunch again. Of the desserts I tried when I went in, the churro cheesecake was one that stood out for the flavor and I wanted to eat it again the next day. Unfortunately, the same person was not working. Instead, a woman with bright pink hair was at the register. She definetely had her hands full with all the people in line. Apparently their wifi doesen't extend to the patio so people would have to come inside to pay (they may benefit from a  wifi mesh or extender . . . ). Again, not an issue there for me. It may be for diners paying with cards. What did ruffle my feathers was that she greeted me when I first stepped inside and said "I'll be right with you." She finished up the line of people trying to pay and then addressed two ladies that came after me. When the kind ladies asked if anyone else was there first, she said no. The two ladies assured her that I was there first and it was only then that I was seated. Again, nothing against the waitresses because they have always been great. It's just that I have to struggle to get seated as a lone diner. The food is decent but I went back because I looked forward to trying their pastries. This encounter soured my visit though and there's enough places elsewhere that I don't think I'll be coming back here again. Tl;dr: Food is good. I recommend the churro cheesecake over other pastries. Don't expect to be seated if you're a lone diner.

Visiting Merced and found this little spot with amazing atmosphere, friendly staff with delicious food and great prices! I would definitely visit again if I am in the area. Thanks for the service!.

Came here this week and it is so good! The food was absolutely incredible, the staff were so friendly and just working so hard. I loved every minute of the experience, and highly recommend them!

First and foremost I have to say that the food here was excellent and our waitress was very kind ( the missing stars are not because of her, its because they don't do hostessing right at all). I would definitely eat here again. I do have some recommendations though. The way that you get people seated isn't clear. We were confused for awhile. It would be much better to ask guests for a name for their party and how many rather than expecting guests to come up to you while you look extremely busy and interrupt you and tell you their name and how many. Asking "Are you on the list?" isn't clear. It sounds like you could be referring to a reservation list. Which in our case we couldn't reserve because reservations are for parties of 6 and larger. My mom got there 20 minutes ahead of us and waited as lots of people went in and were seated before her because she thought someone would ask her for a party name and how many but no one ever did. Now my recommendation for guests, if you're coming here for lunch, get there early because the parking fills up quick. When I got there a little before noon, there was no parking, the only spot I found was in a tow zone. After about 20 minutes I went outside thinking I could move my car because people had left by then, but by that time there was like 10 more cars pulling in, also trying to find a spot. We were there for a belated mother's day lunch with our mom and the whole parking thing was pretty stressful. So I definitely recommend getting there extra early for a spot. Also apparently you have to go up to the lady behind the counter and tell her your name and how many in your party, even if she looks busy, because they won't ask you. I ordered the Monterey chicken sandwich and it was really good, my mom got the farmhouse salad and she loved it.

Great place to go. I had the grilled cheese (half sandwich) and tomato soup. The soup was delicious and the the bread on the grilled cheese was great. I rated 4 stars because my friends sweet potato fries were cold. Besides that, great service and atmosphere.

I had egg Benedict, potatoes are nice! I liked it

Had the nicest visit today. Got the best spot in the house... Outside next to the waterfall. Food was great, service was amazing. Love us some Tonis!