The Running Iron

Lousy drinks for a retirement toast a few weeks ago. Definitely not returning anytime soonread more

this place is so trashy! the bartenders are always drinking on the job or doing coke in the…read morebathroom. everyone is always too drunk and there are constant fights

The bar itself

June Bugs!!

See all

Arm wrestling machine, cool fireball sign

Speakeasy Lounge

3.4(111 reviews)

0.7 mi

If you haven't experienced karaoke at Speakeasy, you're missing one of the most steadily growing…read moremusic rooms in town. Neil and Tristan have built something that feels intentional. It's not chaotic karaoke. It's not ego-driven. It's a room where singers are respected, the sound is dialed in, and the energy rises and falls naturally throughout the night. What I appreciate most is how they run the floor. Rotation stays fair. The mic levels are balanced. Adjustments are made when needed. They're paying attention -- and that matters when you care about your performance. I've watched the room swell to 60+ and ease down to a tight circle near closing, and both versions feel good. Big crowd? Electric. Smaller crowd? Intimate and locked in. That's leadership from the booth. And here's the exciting part: Starting Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 8PM, they're opening another karaoke night during the week. That tells you everything. They're not coasting. They're building. Opening a Tuesday gives local singers another space to sharpen their craft, support a venue that supports them, and bring life into a traditionally slower night. That's good for the performers and good for downtown. If you're someone who: * Likes clean sound * Appreciates organized rotations * Wants to sing without drama * Or just wants a solid midweek night out Put Tuesday at 8PM on your calendar. Order a pizza--pepperoni or cheese--they are delicious. Neil and Tristan are doing it the right way -- steady growth, real community, and a stage that feels earned. I'll be back.

Stopped by for my Bachelorette, the bartenders were excellent and the vibes were great! 10/10…read morerecommend

See all

Watering hole

White Elephant Lounge

3.6(45 reviews)

3.1 mi

Knocked off one star due to drinks. I'm not in my 20's where I can welcome any drink to get drunk…read more My pallet is a bit more refined (lol not really), but I can appreciate this bar. The bartender was nice and attentive, the people sitting at the bar were welcoming. You never know what you're going to face especially nowadays but I didn't sense danger at all here. It's a cute bar with a sense of camaraderie. I'll definitely be back to chill and I'll ask for the types of beer they have next time.

Owner doesn't allow the employee to speak about Jesus won't be back but the bartender was a nice…read morelady

Modelo

See all

Old fashion

O'Brians Tavern

2.9(35 reviews)

2.9 mi

Been here once and I loved it. Service was amazing, drinks…read morecame right out. Was here on kareoke night and the crowd was having a great time. Older folks but it was vibe!

We stopped in from out of town and had a great time! The atmosphere is fun and the bartender was…read moreamazing!

Drinking with Veronica , John and Hubby. Remembering Christain. This was one of he's favorite places to hangout and get he's drink on.

After a girl fight at O'Brian's on my 27th b-day...we won. :)

See all

The Other Place

3.8(16 reviews)

2.0 mi

Great crowd.. Kinda reminds me of The Early Dawn that used to be in Modesto…read more The bands were cool.. and the semi-professional dancers were fun to watch for a bit, but when I wanted to dance I had to stay behind the black line? Phhh.. what? That kinda made me feel like we were only there to watch.. which made it feel like a "man's place" watching the dancers in their short shorts. Good thing I was there with a girlfriend and not a date. Anyway.. I've only been that one time.. maybe I'll go back some day.

I just recently stopped by after being away for a couple of years and wow; this place is amazing…read morenow! The vibe is very chill, the drinks are excellent and fairly priced, and the service is phenomenal. Gabby is an outstanding bartender and provides a very welcoming atmosphere. I have worked in customer service for 11 years and having someone like Gabby on your crew is an absolute benefit to have; she is amazing at what she does. I will definitely have to recommend to friends and I absolutely plan on returning in the future. Once again, thanks Gabby for providing an excellent experience!

See all

The bar manager, Gary, allowing his friends to drink outside & go behind the bar. THIS BAR MANAGER IS A JOKE.

The Rusty Hook

3.6(65 reviews)

15.3 mi

They didn't have Tito's or Jack Daniel's. They were having a lot of issues with their beer taps…read moretoo. Bartender was really unfriendly. I love dive bars but not this one.

Place is only for 20 somethings only,dj sucked, security asked for a 5.00 cover but didn't think…read morethey had one that night, scam security. Bartenders were friendly though.

See all

Vieira's Lounge

3.4(44 reviews)

1.2 mi

5 stars for Jackie & Michelle. This bar is a staple "dive bar" in Modesto. And I say that with all…read moredue respect as it's cool to be a dive bar:) located in Mchenry Village... it offers pool tables, a dart board, dice and a modern jukebox! I can not believe I've never had a PBR until coming here. It's my new favorite water beer. The coldest tall can w/chilled glass for only $3. Or, if you prefer, get it on tap. it's perfect for a hot day or if you want to hang out for a while & talk with the regulars. Or, have a mini Portuguese beer ice cold w/pull off top for $2.75!! cocktails you say? Yep.. just the way you order them. Also, they do have a few IPA's. I haven't tried the Chinese food next door, but it looks good. If you're hungry you can bring it in. go support this local bar and say hi to the girls working:)

I was dragged here because my cousin wanted to come here cuz it was close to the house... 3 stars…read morebecause of our nice friendly bartender ROXANNA. The place was completely empty. We walked in, and a couple was here playing darts, enjoying the place to themselves. They also have snacks like chips, popcorn, candy, & beef jerky.

See all

Bar

Low Key Saloon

3.1(21 reviews)

3.0 mi

It's definitely a locals bar! Super friendly staff . Some pool tables and you can pick your music…read more They didn't have the alcohol we were drinking but it's no big deal.

Customer service is non existent. Bartender can't count, pretended that our change was a "tip" and…read morethen lied about it. Drinks are subpar and so is the ambiance. Overall a waste of time, unless you want to spend extra money to be treated like crap, might as well go eat at Dicks last resort and actually have fun being treated with no respect.

Low Key Saloon

Darts

See all

Low Key Saloon

Crocodiles Nightclub

3.3(155 reviews)

2.5 mi

So fun and everyone here is always such a good vibe bartenders are the best in town and I've had…read morelong time friends who absolutely loved working here and every night here has been a good one!

Use to love going to Crocodiles. Checked the website to see the cover charge rate, different rates…read morefor different times were listed. Arrived whe it should have been a $5 cover only to be told it was $20 because it was a special event. The special event I guess was the birthday parade? I'm not sure but an additional $15 for that seemed outrageous. We had reserved tables, our server was rarely there to get drinks, I cleared our tables sever times. When we needed drinks, we just went to the ar only to be told that we had to order from our server. Problem was the server was not checking on us. The music has changed quite a bit with a few sings that were played several times. I know things change especially with new ownership, I highly doubt I'd ever go back. Definitely not worth the $20 cover charge and the very overpriced drinks, and not great service.

Dance floor

See all

Dance floor

Brave Bull

3.4(43 reviews)

2.2 mi

Fantastic bar loads of fun, good drinks and shows, great people and community, hope to see you…read morethere.

Such a classic! its always so fun being here, the only negative part about this place is its not in…read morethe best neighborhood of Modesto. There is a lot of homeless around so please don't leave anything valuable in the car.