Merced Restaurant Guide

Winner of the 2005 National Beef Backer Award for beef presentation and marketing, The Branding Iron celebrates California's ranching history with its decor and gets its name from the approximately 200 cattle brands that are displayed throughout the dining area. Owned by Kara and Greg Parle, the Branding Iron first opened its doors in 1952 and its 50-year-old neon sign of a cowboy branding a calf has been designated a historical landmark by the city of Merced.