Coach’s Corner
By Chris Murphy
This is a very unusual time. As we deal with this time of “Shelter in Home”, our community has really tried hard to rally around our local restaurants, especially those that are offering Grab and Go or Curbside pick up. ModestoView is working hard to keep a running list of those that are open for service, including this restaurant. We hope that you will love what they are doing and hope that you will visit them for a complete dining experience on the other side of this situation. So let’s get to know Coach’s Corner.
I have been eating at Coach’s Corner for as long as I can remember. Way back when I was a kid, it was Monaco’s, one of the legendary old school eateries and bar. Today, it is pretty much the same, amazing food, old school tastes, and quick frankly, it just may be the most legit sports bar in our region. The old school is the new school, and the walls are covered with local sports pictures and drawings by John Coito of local referees and players, and around the ceiling, local football helmets. Besides the memorabilia and the TVs, what makes Coach’s so legit? The Modesto Quarterback Coaches Club meets all football season and many of the local sports coaches hang out and strategize. Now that we have the bonafides taken care of, let’s talk about some seriously amazing food and culture.
Chubs and Krystal Harakh are the amazing husband and wife team that make the Corner so special. Chubs basically grew up in this restaurant as his older brother Manny was the cook for many of the years it was Monaco’s. This place is family, friends all wrapped up in some of the best home cooking in the region. Prime Rib? Check. Shrimp Scampi? Check. Potstickers? Check Amazing burgers, raviolis and fried chicken? Check, all specialties and long time community favorites. You really can’t go wrong in this kitchen. The Prime Rib is absolutely amazing, slow cooked and then sliced and finished in it’s own juices. While we did this piece, Chubs had Corned Beef on the stove for over 2 days and it turned out amazing on St. Patrick’s Day.
Married for over 19 years, Chubs and Krystal have it figured out and their personalities make the experience there special. Chubb is generous on special requests and everything is freshly prepared. If you order cole slaw, each batch is made at the time you order it. It is fresh, fresh, fresh. Each order of fried “broasted” chicken is pressure cooked, juicy and delicious. The raviolis and the pot stickers are hand made, pan cooked to perfection and as tasty as can be. (they can also make you a nice Mai Tai to accompany the potstickers in their bar) On of the post popular items is the Captains Platter with Fish, Shrimp and Chips and really hits the spot.
Have no fear, there is a great line up of salads and protein items for those with specific diet needs that compliment the amazing line up of traditional favorites like the Marinara burger. You really just have to try this.
Chubb is at home in the kitchen and Krystal is at home at the bar with her guests, where Chubb will frequently visit. This is one of those places that you really are family after one visit and inevitably you will start running into the regulars every time you come in that soon become your pals. The bar here is a long-time Modesto tradition and what hasn’t changed is important as what has. The food is fresher and lighter but the atmosphere is old-school and is the best of what a neighborhood bar can be. Young or old, picky eater or omnivore, there is really something for everyone at Coach’s Corner and hope that you will meet some new friends there.
Additionally they have a banquet room and can prepare catered food to go, large scale events and have a great place to have a party with deli platters, wings, meatballs and all of the appetizer offerings. Check it out.
Coach’s Corner Neighborhood Restaurant and Lounge
950 Oakdale Rd
Modesto, Ca 95355
209-491-2805
www.facebook.com/Coachs-Corner-Restaurant-Lounge-252204178151065/
Open for Pick up Service in April: Wed-Thurs-Fri 12-6 pm
Hopefully normal hours will begin again soon as this will become your favorite hangout.
