Title: Strong Pour, Stronger Spirit The Running Iron pours more than just great drinks...it pours atmosphere. From the moment we stepped in, we felt the spirit of the place: real, rugged, and full of warmth. The staff was quick, the energy upbeat but never overwhelming. It's a place where locals mingle and newcomers are welcomed without question. There is something honest about this spot, like it knows who it is, and lets you be who you are. Just what we needed after Karaoke Night. read more

The Running Iron - PRESENCE - Dive Bars Near Me - Modesto, California

Friendly service very outgoing mart Anderson really attentive I like the pool tables and the ambience

If you like dive bars and fading into the darkness as a space of comfort - This spot is for you! I am a bit remiss in stating anything bad about this spot, given the ideal vision is just as i originally stated! I'll put my Batman gear on next time I roll through read more

Bert, Miranda, Olivia and the whole are welcoming always on point! I really enjoy the atmosphere and how friendly the staff is. They have great bar games like pool tables, dart boards, air hockey and shuffle board!! I will definitely be coming back and enjoy a delicious micholata!! read more

The running iron is an exquisite spot to relieve some stress. While they claim to be a dive bar, I would argue this claim. Silimilar to Elliot's in AlamoCa, a shuffleboard table is provided and pool as well. The establishment is clean and a friendly crowd hangs out. Plus the bartender Lauren is an old soul who is transcendently knowledgeable. read more

Since moving to this area, The Running Iron has been an amazing place to go, really makes it feel like home. Pool tables and 2 shuffle boards. Amazing staff and plenty of space. Fair prices and a great selection of alcohol and brews. read more

The Running Iron - Best bar in MODESTO - Dive Bars Near Me - Modesto, California

$7/beer seems a little steep for a dive bar but hey who knows maybe I'm out of touch. It's 2022 and taking cards is a must. I don't always carry cash and couldn't even break a hundred bill... read more

Worst service ever . The bartender caters to her friends before anyone else . If your not her friend don't go here because you'll get bad bad service. read more

Great local bar. Bring cash they stopped excepting credit cards...3 pool tables and other bar games to play and a jukebox. No drama like other bars. Nice place to come out with your friends and the bartenders all seem to be cool. It's not a fancy place and maybe that's why we like it so much. read more

See all

Nice drinks nice people and fun game room. Been here a few times and have not had a problem with patrons of bartenders. Most are friendly and considerate. Smokers smoke outside and the set up is nice for them and me a non smoker. I will go back again soon. read more

The Running Iron - Dive Bars Near Me - Modesto, California

This is a fun place! Our bartender Shannon was wonderful, quick and courteous. They have a shuffleboard table in the same room as the bar so you have a front seat for the action. They have a good selection of pinball games as well. No taps, but you can get your canned or bottled beer poured into a glass. The restrooms were neat and tidy as well. If you're looking for a fun afternoon of day drinking (or any other time), stop in. A lot of nice people hang out here. Cheers!! read more

So tonight we were having fun playing shuffle board and Buddy sucker punched my husband what a fucking asshole then he punched Nick the bartender really he better be not ever be allowed back in, Nick is the coolest guy and bartender read more

Nice little dive bar. Cheap drinks and the bartender was really nice! Would recommend taking a chance on this place! Small and everyone is really friendly! read more

I love how intimate and divey the atmosphere is. Bartenders and security are cool. The pool tables are $1 and $2 respectively. Not too loud but good for small groups. Drinks are pretty inexpensive but it's all cash only. Pinball machines are a nice surprise. It's cool to see Andy singing/humming to herself and just being generally bubbly. I love a good cold and shaken 3 wise men and they deliver. Sometimes I'll just enjoy sitting and listening to the background noise. read more

This is probably the best dive bar in Modesto! I don't fear getting shot at this place and the bartenders have always been helpful! The drinks are reasonably priced and the ambiance is very chill! My only gripe is the damn juke box. It can be a bit loud at times but if you ask the bartender, he or she will turn it down a bit. I really like that!!! I have had Jager Bombs, Martini's, beer on tap, etc. I am always very satisfied! The parking can be a bit shady since it's in the back and very poorly lit. If you are a female, be careful when walking to your car. read more

Best damn bar in Modesto. Cheap cold beer. Not too many bars can claim this these days. They got some weird folk hanging out there. I went there for a wedding party for some close friends in the area and remember some interesting conversations. Small bar with darts, shuffleboard, jukebox, outdoor smoking area... It has this western ghetto shady feel to it, that I kinnda liked. Check it out. read more

The Running Iron - running iron sign - Dive Bars Near Me - Modesto, California

Went out looking for a good dive and the running iron popped up. We showed up close to six through the rear entrance. Off to a good start, went straight to the bar past the shuffle board and pool tables. To a gracious bar keep that had served the two ladies I was with some of the strongest mixed drinks they have had in a while, for cheap. There's a really sweet juke box and a lot of things to look at beside the tv. Don't know if the tables are free but no cost on the shuffle board, I belive I saw a dart board on one of the walls also. read more

The Running Iron - a bar full of alcohol bottles - Dive Bars Near Me - Modesto, California

I love this bar. This has gotta be the best bar in modesto. This bar doesn't even need karaoke or bands to liven the place up. Anyday of the week you can go here and it'll be happening. Last week I went here and this drunk Guy tried to fight me it was funny. The drinks are cheap. The pool tables are in great condition. And the shuffle board is really fun. The karaoke machine has a great selection of hits. Mondays are my favorite day to go here. Great bartender and cool crowd read more

Awesome place to start your night. It's been awhile since I have been a "regular" in the Modesto nightlife scene, BUT this place used to be a must. You can't beat $1.50 beers and $3 mixed drinks. We're talking POTENT drinks! I once heard someone tell the bartender her drink was too strong and she needed more juice in it, his response "IF you want a sissy-lala drink go downtown to Fat Cat and pay double the price!"...Ah good man, took the words right out of my mouth. Oh and they have shuffle board, YES!!!!! Woohoo! ... FYI: It's more of a dive, so don't go in expecting a club scene, just good ol people wanting to have fun. read more

My buddy took me here on a Monday, Never been to a bar on a Monday Night so I was thinking it was gonna suck! But I had one of the best Monday Nights here haha Mustache Mondays! read more

The Running Iron - Me And My Buddy Having A Few shots! - Dive Bars Near Me - Modesto, California

This place is a gem. The drinks are cheap and they have plenty of stuff to do while You hang out: shuffle boards, pool tables, dart boards, etc. I would have given a 5 star - but they don't accept plastic here. You have to use an ATM machine located in the corner. read more

If you want to have a great time, head to The Running Iron. So many diversities of people young or old laughing and having a great time. Plenty of things to do, Pool tables, Shuffle board tables, Darts, Dice and the Juke Box is always ready too be played. Fast and friendly Staff ready to pour you a drink or get you beer. Oh by the way great selection and variety of ice cold beer. Just remember to bring ID and parking is in the rear. read more

The Running Iron - Come have fun on our very first Poker Run. Starts at Running Iron. - Dive Bars Near Me - Modesto, California

See all

The greatest dive bar ever ... It's always entertaining even during the week at 3pm the variety of people is great and if any drama seems to start they catch it fast ... As long as they are open right now then they will keep the 5 stars read more

The Running Iron - a bar filled with bottles of alcohol - Dive Bars Near Me - Modesto, California

I've been coming to this establishment when it was only old men & me it has changed I do like quiet places to have a drink it now is more catered to a younger crowd as I now an old man. But probably allays was. The drink prices are great the bartender is a younger brother of some friends of mine and very professional if you want a dark quiet place in the daytime it's yours if you want to be with a lot of people then it's a different story but I like it there and I'm very close so don't hesitate to try take everybody read more

Cool place to hangout have a few drinks play games. Service is always great good atmosphere will definitely go back.

Pros: good atmosphere, friendly bartenders, no drama and good prices. Cons: they have been out of Patron and Modelo on more than one occasion. I feel like those are staples in a bar. Always understaffed. Will be back. read more

Cheap and stiff drinks!!!! need i say more? Apparently they just remodeled inside and overall this place os pretty cool. I will be back sooner rather than later.... read more

Always a great time... Bartenders are crazy fun and engaging with customers. Perfect spot for a quick drink or wild night with friends

Awesome little laid back bar. Good, cheap drinks, lots of typical bar amenities (shuffleboard, jukebox, electronic darts). Everyone in the place was friendly and having a good time. read more

Have'nt been to this place in years but we went to have a few drinks and check out the cars. Someone picked pocket me in the bar. Got my wallet and cell phone. Really bad thing right! Then when I ask the "security guard" to ask the bartender if anyone had turned my stuff he basically told me" get the hell out" and I'm like WHAT!! just had my stuff stolen out of my purse!! Could care less about me or my situation. Wont step foot in there again. AND WATCH YOUR PURSE OR POCKET THERE:( read more

Cute hole in the wall, really found my time here enjoyable. Great drinks, good place to take friends for a sit down!

this place can be cool,.. if Hank isn't working, the guy's an asshole my friend gave him a twenty for two bud drafts and he gave change for a ten. when my buddy said something about it he just shrugged it off like it's some kind of joke. little does he know we broke enough glasses to make up for it. ha! "...hey, those guys are breakin glasses, gett'em outta here!.." read more

Small and intimate with pool tables and this cool sand game thing. Drinks we're good and enviroment is chill with good variety of people.

I came in on Sunday for a bloody Mary...to my surprise I was pleasantly greeted and even fed! This nice lady made my Sunday! Thank you!

Chill place. Cheap drinks. Jukebox. Pool, darts and shuffle board. Nice bartenders. What more can you ask for?

Always been a chill time . Drink prices are fair . The do have access to pool tables , jukebox and shuffle board (but THURSDAYS are competition days so we were told we couldn't play ) just to let you know :) service is quick and people are friendly for the most part . Just looks a little rough ;) read more

I've been going to this bar for years and love it but sadly the atmosphere has changed the girl bartender with dreads was completely rude crude and socially unattractive! Getting a drink took 20 minutes with 4 people at the bar! I complimented her more than once thinking we started on the wrong foot but she was just so off putting! Left early due to being uncomfortable! So sad this was home bar :/ ........... read more

I love this bar!!!! Dark dive bar and full of character and good drinks. I always have fun here.

The down town scene is a holy nightmare of 21 year-old trainwrecks. I avoid it at all costs, and much prefer the iron. Drinks are stronger, the staff more friendly and helpful, and though it can get busy, its very seldom packed. Its definatly my home away from home. read more

Cool little place, been here for a while. They have pool tables, shuffle board, and usually a live DJ. Staff was friendly and drinks were priced well read more