I stopped by this Modesto spot seen on the Food Network with a $20 budget. Here’s what I got
One of the best parts of leading The Modesto Bee’s “On A Budget” series is uncovering spots across Modesto I never knew existed.
While I’m guilty of sticking to my go-to favorites — such as Poke Bowl down McHenry Avenue and Squeeze In on Floyd Avenue, this series has pushed me to explore Modesto’s hidden gems.
For this month’s “On A Budget,” Modesto Bee reader Susan Marshall recommended I go to Modesto’s Food Fix Butcher and Baker.
“I was watching an episode of ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ (the other day) and Modesto’s Food Fix food truck was being highlighted,” Susan wrote in an email in August. “I had never heard of it. So I Googled it and it is still in business. I would be curious to see what $20 gets you and what you think of the food.”
In 2016, Guy Fieri, host of the hit Food Network series “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” made a stop in Modesto and sampled three local eateries: Food Fix Truck, Bauer’s 66 1/2 Skillet & Grill and Commonwealth.
Although Food Fix Truck now operates exclusively for catering events, the food truck’s owners established their first brick-and-mortar location at 938 11th St. in Modesto in 2019.
On a recent Tuesday afternoon, I stopped by Food Fix Butcher and Baker with a $20 budget.
Here’s what I got:
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 on the menu at Modesto restaurant?
Before setting off for Food Fix Butcher and Baker, I did a little research on the restaurant — eager to see what awaited me.
To my surprise, the spot boasted nearly five stars on Yelp, backed by glowing reviews that piqued my curiosity.
“The root beer pulled pork and the swine dive were to die for!!!!!” Chelsea G. of Modesto wrote on Yelp, sharing a five-star rating. “I wish I could eat here every day.”
Another Yelp reviewer called Food Fix Butcher and Baker an “awesome place with great sandwiches.”
“We had the luau (pork) with the potato salad, and it was big enough for me and my kid to share,” Henry Y. of Palo Alto said, giving the restaurant a five-star rating.
When I stepped inside Food Fix Butcher and Baker at around 1 p.m., I was greeted by a quiet scene — an empty dining area and just two employees working behind the counter.
The menu was expansive, with a wide variety of signature sandwiches, burgers, salads and so-called “fancy sides.”
Items that caught my eye included a Porkstrami & Pretzel sandwich, featuring cured pork, havarti cheese, mayo and beer mustard on a scratch-made pretzel roll for $15.
I also noticed the Northern burger made with wagyu beef, cheddar cheese and house-crafted dill pickle chips for $21.
As I browsed the menu, one of the employees approached and offered assistance in selecting a dish.
Although I declined her help, she handed me a water to sip on while I searched for something appetizing that would fit within my $20 budget.
How I spent my $20 budget
I eventually settled on a Big Fat Grilled Cheese sandwich, which is made with scratch-made focaccia, cheddar, pepper jack and Havarti cheese, priced at $16. I added a side of fries for just 50 cents.
After $1.46 in taxes and a 15% tip, my total came out to $20.65.
Pro tip: When visiting, customers receive a 15% discount on their entire bill at the neighboring bakeshop, which is valid for two weeks after their visit.
While waiting for my food, I took in the surroundings. I couldn’t help but admire the restaurant’s quirky charm. Cheese grater lights hung overhead, while vibrant wall art by local artist Fasm brought the space to life.
A retro Street Fighter arcade game sat in the corner and a wall plastered with stickers added to the eclectic vibe.
There was, of course, a framed picture of Guy Fieri hung near the sticker wall.
When my food finally arrived, it looked so irresistible that I nearly forgot to snap a picture before diving in.
The fries were perfectly seasoned and served with a complimentary side of herby, creamy ranch that was impossible to resist.
After a few too many dips, I finally turned my attention to the sandwich — and, wow, it did not disappoint.
The scratch-made focaccia was crunchy and packed with flavor, while the blend of melted cheeses was perfectly balanced and deliciously gooey.
Is Food Fix Butcher and Baker affordable?
On Food Fix Butcher and Baker’s menu, there are signature sandwiches, ranging in price from $16 to $23. Ingredients for signature sandwiches include a range of meats, from cured pork to grilled chicken, as well as fresh-baked rolls and scratch-made sauces.
There are also wagyu beef burgers on the menu, which range in price from $21 to $22.
Side dishes vary in price, from a $4 basket of fries to a $10 six-ounce bowl of macaroni and cheese.
Other items on the menu include salads for $18 and shareable platters priced between $13 and $21. Drinks cost $2 to $4.
I got a sandwich and a side dish for $20.65.
I’m definitely adding Food Fix Butcher and Baker to my list of go-to favorites. I was able to get a delicious meal at an affordable price.
Thank you for the suggestion, Susan!
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.
