I stopped by this budget-friendly bagel shop for lunch. Here’s what I got for $25
If there’s one thing I love as much as finding a good deal, it’s enjoying great food.
That’s why The Modesto Bee’s “On A Budget” series, which highlights affordable fun and cheap eats across Stanislaus County, is one of my favorite things to write.
After reading about my budget-friendly trip to Pottery Magic Modesto, Bee reader Celeste Crawford recommended I try Posh Bagel.
“It’s right next to Pottery Magic! It’s got the best bagels, coffees, and bobas,” Celeste wrote me in July. “Very affordable.”
On a recent Tuesday afternoon, I checked out the bagel shop for the first time — and it did not disappoint. Here’s what I got on a $25 budget:
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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.
Where can I find bagel shop in Modesto?
I may have been a little biased when I chose Posh Bagel for August’s “On A Budget” stop. Bagels are one of my all-time favorite foods.
I eat them almost every day, and I’ve even convinced my husband to bake me homemade bagels whenever he has the time.
My expectations were high when I finally stepped inside Posh Bagel, 3501 McHenry Ave., Suite B2, in Modesto.
I’d passed by the eatery in the Promenade Shopping Center plenty of times while heading to paint pottery or browse at Ross Dress for Less and Barnes & Noble, but I had never gone inside.
What’s on the menu at Posh Bagel in Modesto?
Before heading out on any budget-friendly adventure, I always like to a little research on my destination.
Posh Bagel in Modesto already had my attention — and Yelp sealed the deal.
The shop has an impressive Yelp rating of 4.2 stars on average, with more than 300 reviews. Yelp reviewers have raved about its fresh ingredients and tasty drinks.
“The bagel was absolutely delicious as well! They pack that bagel up with all the ingredients,” Yelp user Ciara D. of Austin, Texas, wrote in a five-star review in June.
Sabrina S. of Modesto left a glowing review on Yelp in July, calling Posh Bagel “perfect every time.”
“It’s awesome that they’re close by and so convenient,” the Yelp reviewer wrote, giving Posh Bagel five stars. “Also, their Vietnamese coffee is fabulous, yummy, authentic and the best! Must try!!!”
With those promising reviews in mind, I picked up my sister and headed to Posh Bagel.
The smell of freshly baked bagels greeted us the moment we stepped inside, along with the buzz of the lunchtime crowd.
The tables were full and the line of customers snaked toward the door as the staff hustled behind the order counter.
We were hungry, but we didn’t mind the wait. It gave us time to check out the menu and figure out just how far my $25 could go.
The menu at Posh Bagel has something for everyone — including sandwiches, wraps, coffee, tea, smoothies and, of course, plenty of bagels.
A few items instantly caught my eye.
I wanted to try the turkey avocado melt loaded with turkey, avocado, mayo, mustard, tomato, onion and cheese for $11. I was also tempted by the turkey cranberry bagel, stacked with turkey, cream cheese and tangy cranberry sauce for $9.85.
However, it was the bagels themselves that really stole the spotlight.
Lined up in a glass case at the counter, they ranged from classic sourdough to playful creations such as a pizza bagel, making it hard to not order one of each.
How I spent my $25 budget at Modesto eatery
When I reached the counter, I spotted another customer’s sandwich and it looked too good to ignore. Curiosity got the best of me, so I asked what it was.
The customer didn’t hesitate to recommend the chicken pesto melt — so I ordered it.
The sandwich came with grilled chicken, pesto, cheddar cheese and tomato on a plain bagel for $10.28. To drink, I went with a medium iced hazelnut latte for $4.25, bringing my total to $15.53.
With room left in my $25 budget, I couldn’t resist grabbing three bagels I’d been eyeing — a cinnamon crunch bagel, a pizza bagel and an everything bagel for $1.95 each.
My sister and I found an open table, and in less than 10 minutes our order was ready.
The hazelnut latte hit the spot, with just enough coffee to balance out the sweet, nutty flavor.
The chicken pesto melt was just as satisfying. It was light yet hearty, full of flavor and perfectly paired with a creamy side of potato salad.
However, the bagels really stole the show. They were soft, fluffy and baked to perfection.
The everything bagel was simple but stood out above the rest I’ve tried at other shops.
The pizza bagel tasted like a homemade Wetzel’s Pretzel treat in the best possible way; and the cinnamon crunch bagel instantly reminded me of warm rolls with cinnamon butter from Texas Roadhouse.
By the time I finished my meal, I was stuffed, satisfied and already thinking about what I’d try next time.
Is Posh Bagel affordable?
Posh Bagel’s menu has something for everyone — from fresh-brewed coffees and creamy milk teas to smoothies, sandwiches, wraps and signature bagels.
Sandwiches and wraps range in price from $6.35 to $12, while bagels cost $1.95 and $2.70 each.
You can customize your bagel with extras, including cream cheese, avocado, lox schmear or butter. Prices for add-ons range from 50 cents to $5.45.
There’s also a wide variety of iced and hot coffee drinks, teas and smoothies, with prices starting at $2.85 and topping out at $6.25.
During my visit, I ordered a chicken pesto melt sandwich, an iced coffee and three bagels for $20.38. After taxes and a 15% tip, my total came to $24.35.
Both my sister and I were impressed by how much I was able to get without going over budget.
Thanks for the recommendation, Celeste!
I will definitely be back for more delicious and budget-friendly bites.
Where should I go next?
Have any ideas for where I should go next in or around Modesto? I’m exploring the area on a $25 budget.
Send your suggestions to arodriguez@modbee.com or fill out the form below.
Can’t see the form? Go to tinyurl.com/3euwab47.
