Last Call
By Kate Serpa
Photos by Philip Johnson
So I’ve got good news and bad news. Bad news is this will be my last ModestoView BarView (cue: boo, hiss). Good news is that Phil and I have chosen our three favorite stops for this last stumble, and as I’m currently eyeballs-deep in the good nectar, we better get packing. Every selected locale is independently owned, operated, and considered by me, to be a landmark in Modesto. These are all freaking amazing places, and all coincidentally, maintain prime outdoor seating. Perfect for summer? You’re damn right. You haven’t been to one of them? Well, you’ve got your weekend plans now. Stop being a sucker; instead, suck up that Modesto sunshine.
Stop No. 1: The Queen Bean Coffee House
This patio is my and Phil’s monthly office; every ModestoView BarView is mapped out over coffee, cigarettes, and the occasional beer. The patio features weekly live local music; the menu features delicious sandwiches, coffee, and beer/wine. The Queen Bean holds a steady pulse on Modesto’s goings-on, for both over and under the legal age limit.
Stop No. 2: Minnie’s
Minnie’s may stand as my “most interviewed” ModestoView bar; and who could blame me? Aside from the fact it’s the oldest bar in Modesto 1940s), this tiki bar features the absolute best outdoor bar seating in town, and they have JERKS! Don’t let that pink color dissuade you, kids; these blended snakes in the grass have straws full of Bacardi 151. Order a “Jerk-Off” if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.
Stop No. 3: Tresetti’s World Caffè
If ever there were a landmark bar synonymous with downtown Modesto, Tresetti’s would be ranking Mardi Gras King of the strip. Beautiful downtown dining, close proximity to the Gallo Center, outdoor patio seating, a fabulous bar sporting adept bartenders, and an attached wine shop (read: room FULL of wine) are your main draws here. The late and wonderful Mitch Maisetti told me once he read and appreciated my articles; a great compliment from a great man.
How lucky are you Modestans, to have such a fantastic paper in your hands? ModestoView is committed to keeping you constant with every event happening in our great town. There’s nothing going on, you say? Only the boring get bored, kid. The last pages of this here publication are catalogued with lists of events to keep you up to date on the heartbeat of Modesto.
ModestoView doesn’t happen magically; there are a number of people within this paper committed to keeping Modesto active. Your town is only as good as you try to make it; I, for one, think ModestoView is a driving force. And with that, I really must dash, friends. It’s been a real slice. Cheers, Modesto.
P.S. What’s the difference between a gross bus stop and a lobster with breast implants? One’s a crusty bus station, the other is a busty crustacean.
The Queen Bean: 1126 14th St., Modesto, CA
Minnie’s: 107 McHenry Ave., Modesto, CA
Tresetti’s World Caffè: 927 11th St., Modesto, CA
