Regardless of what tingles the taste buds of you or your significant other, there are plenty of flavors to taste in downtown Merced.

Main Street is home to dozens of restaurants, as well as entertainment options, that are fit for two.

The historic El Capitan Hotel on Main Street, which reopened in the spring of 2021 after an extensive renovation project, is home to three restaurants - Rainbird, Native Son and the Mainzer Theatre. Rainbird offers traditional breakfasts, lunches and dinners, while Native Son offers more grab-n-go bites, lattés and craft cocktails.

The Mainzer restaurant and bar, adjacent to the famous theater, offers comfort food like gourmet burgers, sandwiches, salads and pastas, accompanied by a wide variety of craft cocktails and local beers. No shows are scheduled for Valentine’s Day, but a full list of events taking place before and after can be found on their website, TheMainzer.com. 

Those still wishing to catch a flick can do so just down the street at Regal Hollywood or at the iconic Merced Theater, where a comedy is slated for Valentine’s Day. Events can be found at MercedTheatre.org. 

Screens are aplenty at Joystiq, a unique venue featuring hundreds of arcade games, board games, modern or vintage video games and outdoor-style games like cornhole. There is a full bar and restaurant area at the center of the space, featuring dozens of televisions for the sports enthusiast in your life.

A similar spot is Five Ten Bistro, a restaurant serving steaks, burgers and other American classics that also features a bar area. Those who prefer a traditional bar scene can hop over to nearby O’Ryleigh’s Tavern.

Across the way are two Italian restaurants, Destino’s and Bella Luna, both serving up fresh pizza pies, pastas and calzones. Or perhaps you’re craving Mexican food. A few steps takes you to Trevino’s, serving up all the classic dishes, as well as craft cocktails.

Head to one place or try knocking out as many as you can. Each spot is located on Main Street or on connecting side streets, all within walking distance. And if you find yourselves in a food coma or wanting to wind down at your own pace, there’s no shame in circling back to the El Capitan.