BarView Twin Rivers Saloon- Bar and Grill
By Kate Serpa Photos by Michael J Mangano
I have driven down Highway 132 en route to drunken debauchery in San Francisco more times than I should ethically let you know. Each time I’ve made the trek, I’ve always passed the Twin Rivers Saloon, previously the Mint Club, and have thought to myself: “I should actually GO there sometime.” But alas, I never did, until recently. Suited up with my friend, photographer Michael J., from Michael J. Designs, as my official designated driver (I knew what I was in for) and picture-taker, we headed out to the Twin Rivers for ‘Grill Your Own Steak’ Tuesday.
So in the best interest of any other readers who have never ventured to the Twin Rivers, I have ever so graciously complied the following tips for your first-time-visiting consideration. You’re welcome.
1. Go on a Tuesday- This so happens to be‘Grill Your Own Steak Night’. You may not realize from the exterior, but the Twin Rivers boasts a sizable backyard, complete with horseshoe pits andstage, which they definitely need to facilitate the number of people that attend this weekly event. Mind you, I have never, ever grilled my own steak before, and this evening brought me to the unfortunate conclusionthat I legitimately suck at it. Thankfully, I had an entire bar of obliging BBQ experts to assist my pathetic self. I am admittedly a barfly, and I have yet to find a better summertime Tuesday night activity.
I recommend coming in slightly starved on Tuesday because you’re going to be getting quite the arm-toning exercise picking up and putting down your plate. Tuesday night dinner consist of a 10 oz. Angus sirloin, green salad, baked beans, and garlic bread, all completely house made, and under $11.
2. Be nice to Faye Sarai- Not only is she an awesome person and bartender, I also suspect she may be able to kick anyone’s ass who may cross her; and I really mean that. Needless to say I was a tad intimidated by this drink-slinging, quick-witted, Fireball-slamming bartender whom everyone respectfully addresses by name. She can also carry five full pint glasses in one hand, which I thought was of Cirque du Soleil caliber in both coordination and talent. She is also the very first bartender to make me a drink involving tomato juice that I didn’t have to pretend to like.
Faye has been at the Twin for about 5 1Ž2 years and is clearly a favorite among bar patrons; no wonder since our interview was punctuated by her pouring drinks, making fantastic food, and carrying on atleast three separate conversations simultaneously. One customer stated: “When you walk through the door, you know you’re welcome, but Faye makes this place a blast.” Faye, in turn, has quite the soft spot for the bar as well, stating: “My best friends are the ones that come here; I have no reason to go anywhere else.” Aww…
3. Fantastic food- The Twin Rivers is notonly a sizable bar, it’s also a great restaurant (hence the ‘grill’ bit in the name) which prides itself on its homemade, local produce, and from-scratch quality. Rubens, burgers, salads, and anything “beer-battered and deep-fried” is on the menu. Ask about the Oakie Tacos.
4. It’s not as far as you think- “But, Kate,” you say, “the Twin Rivers is sooooooo far away! It would take forever to get there!” Not so, I would reply. For your information I clocked the distance between the Twin Rivers and downtown Modesto and it was just under eight miles
5. Lastly, some quick words to the wise. Have a designated driver (or a cab number on hand) because you’re not going to want to leave; the 100+ bottle bar, combined with seven beers on tap and the cocktail-styling of Faye make for an amazing time. Ladies, do not wear your favorite bra; the dollar-wallpapered bar is flecked with the occasional brassiere from late-night fun at the Twin. And finally, I encourage you not to attempt to engage Faye in any sort of drinking contest; you wouldn’t stand a chance.
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Tuesday- Grill Your Own Steak Night
Friday- All-You-Can-Eat Clam Chowder
Every Night- Awesome Drinks
7000 Maze Boulevard Modesto, CA
209.575.2551
Recipe
Faye’s Beer
What you’re going to do:
In a salt-rimmed pint glass, combine-
-1/2 shot vodka
-4 olives, juice included
-A few pepperoncini slices
-Squeeze of lime
-Dash of spices
-Bit of tomato juice
-Top off with your favorite beer
Note: Now I warn you, ModestoView readers, I was told by more than one person that “Faye is the only one that can make this drink right.” So I recommend, once you have been dissatisfied with your numerous failed attempts at constructing this to perfection—do yourself a favor and just go see Faye to have it done properly.
