FoodView
Rivets American Diner
By Chris Murphy
Hard work, great fun and tasty food are some of the most rewarding things in life. Especially when that food comes with great service, amazing sides, great cocktails and features live music regularly. Over the years, Rivets American Grill has been one of my go-tos. Not only do I really enjoy the ambience and food, I have been lucky enough to play music with my band Third Party and Tim Allen on some evenings and really enjoy the people at Rivets. There is something great about the places that are owned by Roman Wagner as his team is really focused on making the theme and the experience great for customers.
Candace Fleming at Rivets truly believes that each customer is special. “We want people to come back and enjoy Rivets over and over. Giving that extra customer service makes people want to come back. It should be a happy place”. And it is. From the friendliness at the bar, to the severs that explain the menu and the magic that Chef Juan delivers from the kitchen, Rivets works hard to make sure that you have a truly great American experience. From the moment you walk in, the giant paintings of the Statue of Liberty, the oversized flag and “We the People”, you know that people are working hard to make your visit special.
Beyond all of that, the food will keep you coming back. Rivets has a big menu, so there is truly no way that someone in your group won’t find something tasty. First, you have to have one of Rivet’s cocktails. They have a really fun menu and since rum is my favorite, I started with a “Little Hot Mess”, dragonberry rum, lime and strawberry puree. Yum.
My go to appetizer is always the Fried Pickles. This gets your visit off to a good start and gets us ready for our great American summer experience, we dive in to the biggest cheese we can get on the Hall Of Fame Fort Knox burger. This is a big giant burger, topped with a slab of golden deep fried cheese, appropriately named after America’s gold repository. With cheese that big on a big burger, is has to be good. And it is. If you are craving a sandwich, the American Rueben is so delicious. The pastrami, the rye bread and on the side, TOTS. I love tots.
Of course there are lighter items on the menu like chicken ceaser and apple walnut salads, wraps and exquisitely grilled fish like the almond crusted cod . There is also a great selection of pastas and their specialty, the short ribs. Chef Juan also makes gluten free and will customize to your particular needs. But this red white and blue July, we are here for the selection of over 26 different burgers, fries and of course, dessert! Our experience was topped with the the All American Sundae. Friends, this is served in a big pint glass and this is a true cherry topper. We also spied the Molten Lava Cake as it was being served, amazing. Also, don’t forget to check out the strawberry shake. (I get mine with a shot of vodka in it. Don’t judge me) There is so much to like on this menu and if this helps get you started with your Rivets experience, you are welcome.
One thing you will notice at Rivets, is that it feels open, friendly and easy to hang out. The team at Rivets is always welcoming and you won’t wait long to run into someone you know, or if you don’t, you soon will meet new friends and regulars. They also have a rotating selection of local craft beers, like Dust Bowl, King Kong, Last Call and more. Even if you don’t have time for a long meal, you can come in, grab a seat and the bar and enjoy on your own. I have done this more than a few times on a busy day.
If you go to Rivets on most Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays, there are live bands as music is always celebrated at Rivets. Additionally, they have a few fun video games and you can enjoy some nice patio dining. Bottom line, get your hard-working self over to Rivets American Grill, enjoy the burgers, the cocktails, music and the great service and you will soon become a regular. Plus, lots of easy parking. See ya there.
Rivets American Grill
2307 Oakdale Road
Modesto, Ca 209-846-0501
Hours: 11 am – 11 pm Mon-Thu, till midnight Fri & Sat
@rivetsgrill
