I lunched at this downtown Modesto cafe and discovered a hidden gem. What I got for $20
Nestled within the heart of downtown Modesto lies a quaint coffee and bake shop.
As I discovered, Mocha Magic Cafe and Bake Shop is a hidden gem.
From the handwritten menus on chalkboards to the antique decor across the light blue walls, the cafe is a charming and welcoming stop near the Five Points intersection.
What’s more, the food and coffee made here are some of the best — and most affordable — I’ve had in Modesto.
After reading about my experience at Bookish in April, Modesto Bee reader Kimberly Gilbert asked me to put Mocha Magic Cafe and Bake Shop at 920 16th St. on my list of places to visit on a budget.
“Prices are very reasonable and your $20 budget would get you far here,” Gilbert wrote me about the shop.
On Tuesday afternoon, I decided to venture out to Mocha Magic Cafe and Bake Shop to see how far $20 would get me. Here’s what I ate:
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhy we did this story
Let’s face it, living in Modesto and going out can be expensive. That’s why Modesto Bee service journalism reporter Angela Rodriguez is bringing you along on her budget-friendly adventures. Born and raised in the Central Valley, Angela wants to help her fellow residents navigate life in the region (and have fun) without breaking the bank.
What’s for sale at downtown Modesto bakery?
By the time I arrived to the shop at around 2 p.m. for a late lunch, it was nearing closing time.
Mocha Magic Cafe and Bake Shop is open from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
To my surprise, the shop was empty except for the three employees behind the counter.
“Let me know if you have any questions,” one said.
The pastry cases and overhead menu displayed an abundance of items.
I skimmed the seemingly endless rows of cookies, muffins, scones and cupcakes. I had saved my appetite for this visit, and everything looked delicious.
How affordable is Mocha Magic Cafe and Bake Shop in Modesto?
I spent about 15 minutes looking over my options.
There was so much to look at, from the array of cookie flavors to the toppings adorning the muffins and the intricate swirls gracing the cupcakes.
Menu items included:
- Grilled wraps for $6.50.
- Avocado toast for $8.
- Granola bowls for $7.
- Sweet toast for $8.
- Egg frittatas for $6.50.
- Breakfast sandwiches, served all day and priced at $7.
- Salads for $11.
- Paninis for $11.
- Lunch sandwiches come with a cookie (choose between chocolate chip or snickerdoodle) and cost $10.
- Combos include half a sandwich with a side soup or salad, and half a salad with soup.
From teas and coffees to smoothies and espresso shots, drinks on the menu at Mocha Magic Cafe and Bake Shop were all priced under $9.
Some drinks were available in only one size, such as a grande cup at Starbucks, while others had 12- and 16-ounce options.
If I hadn’t been on a $20 budget, I might have ordered one of everything, considering how hungry I was.
I eventually settled on a Dirty Chai drink for $5.25 and a Californian sandwich made with turkey, provolone, avocado, mayo, Dijon mustard and lettuce. I chose a snickerdoodle cookie to go with it.
This brought my total $15.25.
Though I had covered all my bases with a sandwich, a coffee and cookie, I couldn’t help but eye the fluffy cupcakes in the display case.
I wanted to try something unique to the bake shop, so I asked the cashier for her recommendation. She suggested the Earl Grey Lavender cupcake.
While I typically prefer chocolate or cinnamon, I followed her suggestion — and was happy I did.
The cupcake, $2.50, brought my subtotal to $17.75. With taxes and fees, my grand total came to $19.40.
I made my way to the outdoor dining area to savor my treats.
The Dirty Chai struck the perfect balance between sweetness and coffee flavor, which is exactly what I look for in my cup of joe.
The snickerdoodle was tasty, with its cinnamon sugar coating and soft, chewy center.
While the Californian sandwich surpassed my expectations, packing more flavor than its simple appearance promised, the Earl Grey Lavender cupcake stole the show.
The cupcake was a delightful balance of moist cake and fluffy frosting. Each bite was bursting with flavor.
During my regular outings in Modesto, I might have easily missed Mocha Magic Cafe and Bake Shop on my way to a more visible coffee spot in the city. However, that would have been a mistake.
These were some of the most budget-friendly and delicious items I’ve had in Modesto — and having lived here most of my life, I’ve tried quite a few.
Thank you for the suggestion, Kimberly!
Where should I go next?
Have any ideas on where I should visit next in Modesto on a budget?
Send me recommendations at arodriguez@modbee.com or by filling out the form below.
This story was originally published May 23, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
