Sun-Star readers pick fun downtown spot as Merced County’s best happy hour
Merced Sun-Star readers have weighed in on which local establishment they think has the best happy hour.
The easy winner was a popular downtown spot with a unique name and a distinctive vibe.
Joystiq — which is known for its food, drinks and cool arcade — was the runwaway winner in the poll, getting 57 percent of the 76 total votes.
“This means a lot to us,” owners Andy and Eddie Beltran said in an email. “We’ve put a ton of time, energy, and care into building something that feels unique, fun, and affordable for the Merced community, so to be recognized like this is huge for us.”
La Tia Juana, located just a block away from Joystiq, finished second in the poll at 24 percent. Ten other spots received votes.
What makes Joystiq stand out?
Joystiq, at 325 West Main St., opened in January of 2023. The 8,500 square-foot, two-floor establishment features video games, corn hole, bocce ball, darts and shuffle board.
And happy hour at Joystiq is more of a happy day.
It has daily specials to make a visit affordable, as reporter Aysha Pettigrew found on a visit for the Sun-Star’s On A Budget story.
Here’s a look at Joystiq’s drink specials, which are available open to close:
- Tuesday: $4 for a variety Mexican beers, $6 for margaritas and palomas
- Wednesday: $4 for variety American beers, $5 well cocktails and shots, $12 blonde pitchers
- Thursday: All signature cocktails are $10
- Sunday: $5 for most drinks
And here’s a look at Joystiq’s food specials, which are also available open to close:
- Tuesday: $2 tacos, $8 loaded quesadillas, $10 nachos
- Wednesday: $1 wings, $10 pizza, $5 garlic fries/onion rings
- Thursday: $5 cheeseburgers, $10 loaded fries, $10 chicken tender combo
Joystiq is closed on Mondays.
La Tia Juana also a popular spot
If you’re looking for a happy hour that’s a little more sporty, La Tia Juana, located at 425 W. Main Street, may be for you. The sports bar opened in July of 2025.
It serves traditional bar fare,including wings, cheese steaks, burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, salads and some Mexican-inspired dishes.
To learn more about La Tia Juana, you can visit its website, latiajuanamerced.com, or its Instagram page.
Here’s who won previously in our Best of Merced County series:
