This Modesto coffee shop serves treats with a Mexican twist. What I got for $25
I know I’ve said it before, but I really enjoy discovering new coffee shops.
In downtown Modesto, a new cafe is blending Mexican flavors with the local coffee scene.
Con Azucar Cafe opened its Modesto location in May, serving up conchas — Mexican sweet breads — bigger than the size of your head and drinks that are just as large.
As part of The Modesto Bee’s On A Budget series, I stopped by the Mexican coffee shop to see how far $25 would go.
Here’s what I got on a budget at Con Azucar Cafe:
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.
Where can I find Mexican coffee shop in Modesto?
Con Azucar Cafe has 11 locations across California, including Fresno, Sacramento and Modesto.
The Modesto coffee shop sits at the corner of 10th and K streets in a space that once housed a Starbucks location.
What’s on the menu at Con Azucar Cafe?
I’ve visited a few other Mexican coffee shops in the area — including Palo Santo Cafe in Riverbank and Delicioso Bistro in Modesto — but I was especially excited to try Con Azucar Cafe after seeing its creative, Mexican-inspired menu.
The menu at Con Azucar Cafe features a mix of coffee, sandwiches, sweets and more.
Several items caught my eye right away.
A glass case near the counter was filled with traditional Mexican breads, from seashell-patterned conchas to horn-shaped cuernitos, priced at around $2 each.
Options range from classic hot and cold coffee drinks to frescas and other refreshers, priced between $3 and $7.
Standouts include a seasonal pumpkin pie espresso made with oatmilk, plus a horchata-flavored matcha tea and a latte inspired by Duvalin, a kind of creamy Mexican candy.
Coffee drinks start at $6.50 for 16 ounces and $7 for 20 ounces.
Food options include caprese toast on brioche with avocado spread, mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes and balsamic glaze for $14.50, and the torta de jamon, a Mexican-style ham sandwich layered on soft telera bread with ham, cheese, tomato, onion, lettuce, avocado and pickled jalapeños for $14.
How I spent my $25 budget at Modesto coffee shop
Although I was tempted to order one of everything, my $25 budget only stretched far enough to cover two items.
I went with a 16-ounce Duvalin-inspired latte for $6.50 and the torta de jamon for $14.
While I waited, I soaked in the laid-back atmosphere. The coffee shop buzzed with songs by popular Mexican artists including Pepe Aguilar and Reik, and the space felt both vibrant and cozy.
Greenery and flowers decorated the room, alongside colorful paintings of Frida Kahlo and a Mexican grandmother sipping café de olla, a traditional Mexican coffee drink prepared with cinnamon sticks.
A swing hung from the ceiling, and a neon sign framed by artificial flowers playfully read, “Sienta el Pedorro” — Spanish slang for “sit your butt down.” It all felt warm and welcoming.
When my food arrived, it didn’t disappoint.
The torta de jamon tasted wonderfully homemade in the best way possible, reminding me of the ones I grew up eating in my Mexican household.
The sandwich was massive — nearly the size of my head — and definitely shareable. Half was more than enough to fill me up.
However, the real star was the Duvalin latte.
Duvalin candies have always been one of my favorite childhood treats, and I never expected to taste them in coffee form.
Somehow, Con Azucar Cafe nailed it. The latte tasted exactly like the candy, with just the right hint of coffee. It was a dream in a cup.
By the time I finished, I couldn’t resist trying one more creation.
I went back to the counter and ordered the Gansito-inspired frappe, blended with strawberry mix, dark chocolate and whipped cream, for $7.
Just like the classic snack cake after which it’s modeled, the drink delivered with every sip — rich, sweet and nostalgic.
Is Con Azucar Cafe affordable?
The menu at Con Azucar Cafe truly has something for everyone — from fresh-brewed coffee starting at $3 to creative specialty lattes for $7.
A small cafe de olla goes for $3.25, while a large is $3.75. If you’re sharing, you can even order a giant size for $40.
Food options range from toasts and sandwiches priced between $9.50 and $16, while traditional Mexican sweet breads are about $2 each. Of course, their signature “concha gigante,” made to share, is $40.
On my visit, I ordered a torta de jamon and a Duvalin specialty latte for $20.50.
With taxes, service fees and a tip, the total came to $24.50 before the Gansito-inspired frappe. The frappe itself came out to $8.
Between the flavors, creativity and nostalgia packed into every bite and sip, I know I’ll be back soon to try more of their Mexican-inspired treats.
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.
This story was originally published September 13, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
