These Stanislaus County spots have ‘great’ food, drinks. One has a $4.50 cocktail
Well, Stanislaus County, this is a first for our “best in” series. The vote to determine the best hangout ended in a tie.
And not just a tie for first and second, there was a tie for third, fourth and fifth also.
There was a small but influential turnout for the voting period of this poll.
Family Pizza & Cocktail Lounge, in Ceres, and The Twisted Pig Bar and Grill, in Modesto, each had 37 votes. Contentment Brewing Company, Chinn’s International and P Wexford’s Pub each had seven votes.
Family Pizza & Cocktail Lounge one of two winners
Family Pizza, which I’ve learned is called “Family P” by regular customers, was voted one of the best hangout spots in Stanislaus County because of its “great food,” “great drinks” and “great prices,” according to readers.
A number of people who nominated the bar/restaurant said they visit it multiple times per week.
Doug Lane opened Family Pizza in 1969, the Ceres Courier reported. Around 20 years later, Sukhi Mann took it over and in 2013 moved it to 2921 Whitmore Ave., where it is today.
“Everyone at Family Pizza is truly family,” Tiffany Schurr said during the nomination period of the contest. Gilbert Campos said it’s “like the show ‘Cheers,’ where everyone knows your name.”
Local food influencer Cuzzo Eats (more on him later) said the Paloma — at $4.50 — is one of the most popular drinks, and pizza sandwiches ($5-$6) are also commonly ordered.
“Cuzzo Spuds, which are their spuds topped with white sauce and combination pizza toppings, are a secret menu item,” he said.
Aside from eating and drinking, customers can play pool, pinball or music on the jukebox.
Family Pizza is open from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. After 9 p.m., the bar/restaurant is open only for ages 21 and up.
The Twisted Pig Bar & Grill also a top hangout spot
I have information to spill soon about The Twisted Pig Bar and Grill, but for now I’ll stick to the facts stated by readers on why they like to hang out there.
Owned by Thom Guerrero and Seth Bassett, The Twisted Pig is one of the best hangout spot for similar reasons as Family Pizza: “great drinks,” “great food” and “great energy and atmosphere.”
One reader said there are “lots of regulars. Customers are treated like family.”
The restaurant serves appetizers like loaded brisket fries and pork belly bombs, burgers, sandwiches and salads.
With an outdoor patio, The Twisted Pig is dog-friendly.
The Twisted Pig, at 2717 Coffee Road, is open Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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