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Burly's California Bistro

4.4 (157 reviews)
ModerateNew American, Bars
Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

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Burly's California Bistro Photos

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BURLY'S CALIFORNIA BISTRO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Happy hour specials

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Ciopppino

I have to say service and quality has gone down over the years here. We have been here multiple times and we used to love it here. Last few times I have been disappointed. This last time was the last straw. The server forgot one of our drinks (didn't even come back for a while, we had to flag the server down) and they also didn't have calamari appetizer available. The server didn't come to tell us that right away. It was about after waiting for 10-15 minutes, they come to tell us. I asked for bread and the bread was so hard, you can tell it was not fresh. The dinner plates were ok. At least the steak was cooked correct. Then we asked for desserts and they tell us all they have a cheesecakes balls and are out of all other desserts. This was a Friday night, you would think a restaurant would be stocked for a Friday night. Sadly, my business will be taken elsewhere now.

Turkey sandwich
Margarita H.

Today I decided to spoil my pups They got delicious hamburger patty (unseasoned, of course) And I got a delicious turkey sandwich We had a wonderful lunch Thank you, Kimberly for taking care of us today.

Calamari with a yummy aioli sauce
Carolina L.

First time coming in to eat! This place was very clean, seemed as though it was a new spot, turns out they have been open for about 3yrs. The food was delicious it was light and fresh tasting not heavy at all. Service was great she was so nice and attentive. The only complaint I had was the coffee I had was not good at all. I drank half just to get some caffeine in me, but could not finish it no matter how many creams I would put into the coffee. Will definitely be back and bring the hubs and parents. The food is locally sourced it says that in the menu which is very cool to know.

Rib eye steak dinner plate.
Jeff F.

I ordered the prime rib for take out before and it was great so I went back on 4/26/25. Big mistake! I ordered the ribeye for $48 expecting it to be a big juicy steak since it had a Fisherman's Wharf price tag. Well, it was thin and came with burnt Brussels sprouts and au gratin potatoes too hot to enjoy. I was able to eat a little of everything. Bread never came, they kept saying it wasn't ready, an hour after opening. There was no juice in the steak, I told them it was dry and they said they sent a message to the owner, or absent person in charge. I can get a better ribeye for $8 from the grocery store. I didn't order a salad as I planned on having bread. I didn't dare ask about dessert. It was so bad I won't even take a chance at the prime rib again. There was only one other table with customers. My table for two was wobbly, atmosphere is plain and service was satisfactory, except for being billed the whole amount, which I paid.

Chicken thighs
Lia P.

The food was very fresh and SO delicious! Family owned restaurant. We were served by the daughter of the owner. She was very kind attentive. Modern, cute restaurant. Will definitely be back!!

Chocolate explosion
Thomas N.

My first time visiting this place. The most amazing eating experience of my life. The staff was friendly and attentive. The executive chef/,owner Mike Ortiz went out of his way to come out of his busy kitchen to our table and meet us and see if there was anything we needed. my wife had the ciopinno (out of this world) and I had the tomahawk pork chops. We brought along our compadres they enjoyed it also. The dessert was amazing also. I highly recommend this place. GREAT FOOD GREAT ATMOSPHERE GREAT STAFF. I will definitely come back.

Ends of the asparagus were tough

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5 months ago

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1 year ago

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3 months ago

Got hungry after dress hunting with my friend. Searched Yelp and got here. Food was tasty. Loved the roasted beet salad.

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3 months ago

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1 year ago

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3 months ago

Food and service not as good as in the past. But i still think they are good esp the pizza.

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10 months ago

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2 years ago

Business owner information

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Daffani R.

Thank you for your loving comments! We appreciate you!

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10 months ago

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10 months ago

The atmosphere the appearance and the servers are friendly plenty of seating and they greet you with kindness

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

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10 months ago

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

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3 years ago

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

Wonderful food and wonderful service. What a great find! This will be my go to place when I am in Modesto.

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1 year ago

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

Great food and attentive service. A little pricey for my pocket book, but worth it for special occasions.

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Service was great. Entitled the food! We would come back when in Modesto in the future.

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Ask the Community - Burly's California Bistro

Do you have a separate room for meetings? I am looking for a new space to host our monthly lunch meetings with approx 20-30 people at a time.

Yesss we do!!

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Sidelines Whiskeyjacks - All Meat Pizza

Sidelines Whiskeyjacks

3.9(56 reviews)
0.7 mi

It takes a bit to get your food but definitely worth it. It's not an outrageous wait, the wait…read morestaff is very friendly and helpful. Ambiance is confusing because it looks like a bar, but it's a family restaurant. You just go sit on your own upon arrival and eventually get approached. 10/10 recommend

Gabby a waitress in the bar area was extremely rude. From the start I said hello and thanked her…read morefor coming over to chat with me and asked her about what was going on. She said rnb brunch but not to ask about it because it's sold out. From the start she was rude...I sat at the bar and ordered a drink and she came up and asked me if I wanted to close my tab, I said as confused because I was still ordering another drink with the lady behind the bar, in which the lady behind the bar told gabby "no, she's still ordering another drink with me and wants to keep it open". Gabby looked at me and rolled her eyes and said loudly "whatever I guess" and scoffed. The lady behind the bar apologized for her. I got my drink and left the area. My group ordered 3 family meals and it came out wrong and we politely mentioned to gabby, we'll gabby immediately got defensive and said "so what, what do you want me to do about it". The owner came out and apologized and offered to fix it. Never were we upset or blamed anyone, we just asked for it to be fixed. Overall gabby was so rude and not welcoming. We wont be coming back.

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Maxi's Restaurant - Calamari

Maxi's Restaurant

3.7(57 reviews)
1.8 mi
$$

Maxi's Bar at the DoubleTree -- The Team That Keeps Me Coming Back…read more Let me tell you something about this place: You do not just walk into Maxi's for a drink.....you walk into a scene. Not the dramatic kind... the good kind. The kind where everyone is doing their own thing, the energy is light, and somehow the universe decides to let you breathe a little easier. Dino Dino is the kind of guy who can greet you without saying a word. You walk in, he looks up, gives you that "I see you" nod, and suddenly the whole day feels better. Steady hands, steady presence, and the type of human you're just glad exists in the world. If there was a Hall of Fame for good dudes quietly making the world nicer, Dino is already in it. Teresa Teresa is a whole mood. A whole vibe. A whole comedy sketch without trying. She will be pouring a drink, ask out loud "Single?!" and somehow you will look around the room like the universe is sending you a message, only to find out she was talking to you the whole time. Her smile is genuine, her timing is perfect, and she makes you feel like you just handed her the winning lottery numbers by simply answering a question honestly. She is the secret sauce of Maxi's, bright, sharp, and the kind of person who makes a quiet night fun. Ron (...yes, Ron) Now listen.... you have not lived until you have watched Ron run this place like he owns shares in time itself. He is direct. Efficient. Sometimes unintentionally hilarious. And absolutely part of the charm. Ron will tell you exactly what is what with the energy of a man who has already worked three shifts today. But here is the thing: he cares. He hustles. He keeps everything moving. And you cannot help but respect the guy. He' is the engine behind the bar, whether he admits it or not. The Room Soft lighting. Clean counters. A bar that feels like neutral ground, a place where the day calms down, the conversations soften, and the flowers (yes, the bouquet on the table) somehow match the mood perfectly. It is the kind of spot where you can sit with a beer and lime, watch the world do its thing, and know you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Final Word Maxi's is more than a hotel bar.... it's a little pocket of peace with a staff that makes it feel like home. Dino keeps it cool, Teresa brings the spark, and Ron... well, Ron makes sure the ship sails whether the rest of us know the route or not. Five stars. Easy. Wish I could give them six. I'll be back....and they already know it.

I think this meal would've been spot had it not been for the calamari being slightly, just slightly…read moreundercooked and a little too soft. The pizza was really good and the service was friendly. I would try again

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Maxi's Restaurant - Chicken pizza

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Mike's Grillhouse - Chili burger with fries

Mike's Grillhouse

4.3(1k reviews)
3.9 mi
$$

1 word - WOW! Came…read morehere 3/15. It was packed, but we got a table. Service was 10/10, super attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable - the whole staff, not just our waitress. My party was seated fairly quickly. Our waitress took all our orders by memory - we were a party of 8! I got the Chicken Marsala: Chicken, sauce, mixed veggies, mashed potatoes, and gravy. I started off with the mixed veggies - they were cooked soft, just how I like them. They were also flavorful! Not just regular ole steamed frozen veggies, they definitely were buttered and seasoned or something. Next, the mashed potatoes. I'm not a mashed potato connoisseur - matter of fact, I usually skip eating mashed potatoes when they're available. These mashed potatoes however were so flavorful! And it was not only the gravy doing all the talking, it was both the mash and the gravy. I was impressed! Lastly, the chicken Marsala. The chicken itself was cooked to perfection, moist on the inside & fully cooked - and with chicken breast, we all know how hard that is to accomplish. The sauce was incredible. I have never had any Marsala sauce as good as that. So much flavor, very savory. Altogether, the flavors worked together and worked perfectly. If only I wasn't an hour away, I would come here more often. I hope to be here again someday!

We ordered the Turkey Club and the Tri-tip sandwich. The menu stated that the club was piled with…read moreturkey, but in reality there was only 2 thin slice of turkey. Unfortunately the bread was not edible due to the taste of old grease. I simply discarded the bread and ate the 2 piece of turkey and bits of bacon. My son enjoyed the Tri-itip, but again the grilled bread tasted of old grease. He enjoyed the fries as well. The service was good and the atmosphere was pleasant, but at these prices, and the taste of old grease from the grill, I could not recommend this restaurant. The bill was $39.97 and we did not have anything to drink! Go democrats! Lol!

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Mike's Grillhouse - Cherub bites that are absolutely amazing

Cherub bites that are absolutely amazing

Mike's Grillhouse - Everything was good!

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Bauer's By Sazon - Pastrami Burger With Onion Rings

Bauer's By Sazon

4.3(202 reviews)
2.0 mi
$$

Had an overnight work trip that had me in Modesto so I was trying to find something fun to eat…read more After a bit of research I found this place. I showed up around 7pm and I thought it might have been closed because no one was here. But they were open. I ordered a Bauer burger with the house seasoned fries. They asked how I'd like the egg cooked and the burger cooked: I asked for medium for both. Given how dead the place was, it did take a minute to get my food. The burger was ok, not worth $21. The bun fell apart very quickly which is a bit of a cardinal sin in the burger game. The bacon on the burger was not bacon strips but a bit of bacon crumble. The patty was a bit overcooked so it was dry and it wasn't seasoned so it was bland. The egg was cooked perfectly, but the aioli and the egg yolk with a disintegrated bun made for a huge mess. The fries were interesting. The house seasoned fries are not salted. So the fries were almost sweet due to the spices, but no salt. And they do not have regular table ketchup or malt vinegar. I did ask for some ketchup and they brought me their house ketchup. While not like a classic ketchup, it was actually quite good. Oh, be aware. They will charge you a 4% fee when they bring you the check (what would have happened if I'd paid with cash?). I do not see anywhere on the menu where they say their is a payment fee so that is a pretty shady business practice. Overall: meh. I think for the price point the burger should have been great, but sadly I can't say it was great or even good. I'd likely not return.

Food menu was so on point. Everything sounded good! Everything was delicious! The restaurant had a…read moregood amount of people and we got a nice table right away. Our waitress was so nice and in a good mood so that was nice too. The restaurant doesn't have have music and I liked that, we could actually have a conversation and not yell at each other. Lol our food was super flavorful and we will be back! The ketchup had a unique & I will say my black berry coulis & Brie burger was delicious. I loved the flavor combo. The seasoning on the fries and the Mac and cheese was also unique and kind of sweet.

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Commonwealth - I dont remember the 5 tacos

Commonwealth

4.0(1.2k reviews)
1.9 mi
$$

I work next door to Commonwealth and really enjoy the quality of the food and the variety of…read moreseating options, both inside and outside. It is always a great spot to invite colleagues, family, and friends. They offer a solid selection of burgers and craft beer, and the location is very convenient in downtown Modesto, within walking distance of the Brenden Theatre and nearby venues like the Gallo Center. The customer service is phenomenal and they truly make you feel at home. If you need pickup, just give them a call and they will get you situated right away. Definitely recommend it.

Sadly disappointed…read more My friends and I stopped by Commonwealth on a Saturday afternoon for a late brunch. It was a beautiful day so it was busy for both indoor and outdoor seating. Here, you order your food, grab a number, and find your own seat for the food to be brought out to you. We sat at a table outside to decide what to order. There were no menus available so we just had to search for it online before heading inside to order. Despite being third in line from the register, we had an extremely long wait to order. There was only one person running the register who also had to make the drinks, meaning the service incredibly slow. We wanted to order the five taco platter, garlic fries, chicken Caesar salad, and mimosa pitcher. Sadly, we were only able to get the pitcher and salad. The cashier told us "sorry, we aren't doing fries right now." Not doing fries? Every plate in the vicinity had fries on them. She said that because it was brunch hour, only food on the brunch menu could be ordered. We looked at the brunch menu again and literally saw garlic fries as an option as a side for the burgers/sandwiches. No where did it specify that you can't order off the other menu and both were available online. What bothered us about this is that we placed this order at around 1:50pm, and brunch ended at 2:00pm. I understand that we are not entitled to things on the lunch menu during brunch-time for items like the tacos, but considering the menu swap was less than 10 minutes away and they were quite literally were "doing fries" at the time, it didn't make much sense to us. The only food that we ended up ordering was the Chicken Caesar Salad. This one dish took a super long time to receive. By the time it was brought out, the three of us nearly finished the Mimosa pitcher. The waitress noticed we had no silverware and said she would go grab us some. Because of how the service had been going thus far, we placed a bet on whether or not the waitress would come back with the silverware. Surprise, surprise. She didn't. We had to go inside later and search for silverware ourselves. We weren't even able to get sharing plates which was upsetting since the waitress asked us if we would be sharing the salad. The salad itself looked delicious, but was bland. The dressing was missing that zing and zest that a Caesar dressing typically has. I do appreciate that is was a chopped salad, had avocado, and seasoned croutons. It is just unfortunate that it was lacking any flavor at all. The food prices are quite affordable for the quantity of food you receive though. This experience was disappointing because I was so optimistic about the place. The menu looked good, it had fun and casual vibes and a cool crowd of people. If Commonwealth worked towards better service practices, it would have been a more positive experience.

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Commonwealth
Commonwealth
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Cranberry mimosa

Burly's California Bistro - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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