By GABRIELLE ANDRADE
A new taproom on Main Street — Una Más — has become an attractive and popular addition to the growing Downtown Merced scene.
Two brothers, Abraham and Issac Santana, opened the establishment at the start of the year, right across the street from Regal Cinema, and in between two popular restaurants, Trevino’s and Lovers Deli.
The taproom, at 420 W. Main St., offers specialty beers with a variety of 24 brews on tap, including hazy IPAs, classic IPAs, lagers and sours. Some have notable names like “Sir Lancelot,” “Old Rasputin,” and “Numb, Numb Juice,” and there are other non-alcoholic options as well. They also offer tasty appetizers that go great with beer.
“Una Más represents one more moment — one more laugh, one more conversation, one more memory shared with the people you care about,” says Abraham Santana.
The two brothers know Merced as their home, and it looks like it’s going to stay that way. They grew up here, are raising their families here, and the city is home to their extended family as well.
Family, for the brothers, is the way they approached their business and life in Merced.
They are inspired by their parents who are from Guadalajara, Jalisco. After coming to California, they first made their home in Los Angeles, where Isaac was born, and then Merced, where both brothers were raised. For more than 15 years, the parents ran Imagine Graphics, a screen print and embroidery company based in Merced.
“Una Más came about from our family’s desire to build something together, paired with our genuine love for craft beer,” Abraham Santana says. “My brother and I — often alongside friends or uncles — would share a beer, have great conversations, and laugh for hours. Those moments really stayed with us.”
Prior to opening, one of the biggest challenges the brothers faced was finding the right location. “When the opportunity to purchase real estate in Downtown Merced came our way, we knew it was the right fit,” Santana says.
Downtown Merced has grown and changed over the past couple years. The Santana brothers, inspired by other local businesses along the street, wanted to be a part of this growth.
“We chose Merced because this is home,” Santana says. “It’s where we’ve shared many meaningful moments in our lives — where some of our closest friends live and where our extended family is rooted. We also believe Merced is just getting started. It’s growing into a destination for businesses, students, tourists, and nightlife, and we’re excited to be a small part of that momentum.
Santana adds, “Everyone is welcome at Una Más. One thing that makes us unique is our license allows minors on the premises, which means families are welcome too. Creating a family-friendly space is important to us, and something we take a lot of pride in.”
The owners give credit to their family and the entire community for supporting their journey in opening a new business.
“We truly appreciate all the support Merced has given us and look forward to serving the community for many years to come,” Santana says.