FoodView
The 7th Street Modesto Market
By Chris Murphy
Sometimes the best things are on the other side of the tracks. But interestingly, the other side of the tracks is relative from where you are and in fact, wherever you are is the right side of the tracks. One if these places that checks every box is the 7th Street Market. Located between F and E streets, it is along the railroad tracks. Pulling in the parking lot, you see a cool outdoor patio, with amazingly enough, a built-in stage. This pretty much tells you all you need to know, great food, good company, good community and live music.
Community is really what it is all about. The 7th Modesto Market has a history reaching back to 1849 with the Chinn family in Truckee, later moving to Isleton in 1900. Patrick Chinn is a 4th generation Californian store owner and started working in the store when he was 8. The family market sign that dates back to the 1800s is on the wall and the 100 year old cash register they used is proudly on display. After nearly 100 years of operation in Isleton the family store was sold. After a brief foray into the golf industry, Patrick connected with the Rinaldi’s Market in Linden and got the bug to open his own market and wanted to create a unique place, with hard to find specialty products with a huge selection of indie craft beers and a meat counter. People soon discovered this amazing variety, the curated selections and Patrick would even drive to San Diego to get some craft brew favorites.
Today, the store is so much more, but it is still focused on relationships, high quality and their own brewery. Three years ago, Persuasion Brewery was created and there will be celebration events this month. Brewmaster Jonas Dixon has been creating some great new tastes, including a Cherry Rhubarb Pie Sour beer that will debut October 1. We got a sneak taste and it is amazing. L.J. Combs who large scale beer making experience has been working hard to increase the brewery’s capacity as they expand their flavor offerings. The heart of the market is the bar, with 20 different offerings on tap and is the store’s social center. With one or two tastes, Patrick and the other bartenders are confident that there will be something for everyone there.
Over the last few years, the beer selection has expanded, the deli has gotten busier and the meat counter is one of the best in the region with everything from grass fed Carne Asada, pre-prepped Tri tips to big giant Tomahawk steaks and specialties from Niman Ranch.
One of the Market’s not-so-secret weapons is Sandra Rios, who creates entrées on a regular basis, steak and fries nights, burger specials and one of the most amazing things ever, Birria Tacos.
I have a confession, a year ago ago, I was not really hip to Tacos de Birria. Well, I was the poorer for not knowing about these delicious Birria stew-dipped and pan fried tacos. Sandra’s are out of this world and now I am a junkie. They come in a plate of 4 and once you have one, you will be hooked. You need to stay tuned to their Instagram to know what days they are being made. Our band Third Party will be playing on October 1st to celebrate the 3rd Anniversary and these tacos are on the menu. You won’t want to miss these and you can enjoy them with your beer out on the patio built by Mark Runnels and enjoy with the music.
7th St Market has become the go-to place for specialty hard to find Mexican and Asian foods, amazing meat counter and one of the largest selections of craft beer anywhere. This is truly a small world of amazing tastes with a staff that can really lead you in the right direction. Customers are dedicated, the staff is very attentive to what the needs are and are really helpful. The wall of beer coolers has just about every flavor you can think of from light Pilsners, IPAs, fruity flavors and stouts and porters. There are a couple of leather chairs so you can sit and contemplate all of the choices.
Long time Market regular Chad Johnson explains it this way, “The Market on 7th street is a Modesto treasure. For years they have been my favorite place for everything I need. I come here for a quick sandwich at lunch, groceries for dinner and for the freshest beer selection in town. Over the years I’ve watched it grow to become a fun, social space that serves up live, local music, Persuasion Brewing and Sandra’s amazing cooking. And the foundation of it all is Patrick’s sincere belief in premium customer service; a philosophy that has resulted in the best that Modesto has to offer.
So take it from the regulars and discover what makes the Modesto Market so special. You can even find bread from Genova Bakery, Bloomingcamp pies and you can order an amazing Ruben from the Boars Head deli to eat on the patio or to go.
You can expect to see new flavors from Persuasion over the next year and even find them at other craft beer places, and look for a revamped website and Facebook so that you can find out what is on the menu so you don’t miss your faves. Right now, stay connected on Instagram @themarketmodesto
M-T 9 am – 7 pm, W-Th open till 8, Fri – Sat open till 9 and Sunday to 5pm The tap room opens at noon. Take time to stop in and check it out.
500 C 7th Street, Modesto, 95354
209-338-3660
www.marketmodesto.com/
@themarketmodesto
www.persuasionbrewing.com/
