I stopped by a popular downtown Modesto brunch spot. What I got on a $25 budget
If you’ve been following The Modesto Bee’s On A Budget series, you know I’m always searching for new coffee shops — especially ones that serve great brews without breaking the bank.
Each month, this series gives me the chance to explore different corners of Modesto, uncovering local gems that are both flavorful and affordable.
For this month’s On A Budget destination, Bee reader Dorie Perez recommended I check out Lucille.
“I would love to see more focus on downtown Modesto,” Dorie said.
On a recent afternoon, I stopped by the downtown Modesto brunch spot for the first time — and it did not disappoint. Here’s how I stretched my $25 budget:
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 brunch spot in downtown Modesto?
Lucille is at 1218 H St. in downtown Modesto, just a few doors down from Phoenix Noodle House.
Lucille, which opened in 2023, has quickly become a local favorite for breakfast and lunch, according to Google Reviews.
“The food was exceptionally good and tasted quality,” Google user Ariane Solis wrote in a review.
“The staff are so kind and welcoming, and they even remade my coffee exactly how I like it,” Utkarsh Jogani wrote in a Google review. “The whole experience was so pleasant, I’d totally recommend this place to anyone looking for a cozy breakfast or coffee stop.”
Lucille serves up “incredibly fresh and delicious” scratch-made food, according to a Google review by Max Cervantes.
The cafe is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
What’s on the breakfast menu at Lucille in Modesto?
When I arrived at Lucille for lunch around 1 p.m., I was surprised by how busy the restaurant was.
The line of customers stretched to the door, and every table was filled with guests.
It was a bit overwhelming for my first visit, but a friendly waitress quickly noticed my hesitation and explained the process.
Seating at Lucille is first come, first served. After ordering at the counter, I would need to find a spot, which would be a challenged with every chair taken.
Lucille’s menu offers breakfast all day, with lunch options available starting at 11 a.m.
Prices for baked goods range from $4 for a buttermilk biscuit to $4.50 for a muffin, while what the cafe calls “morning mains” cost $6 to $15.
Some standout breakfast items from the “morning mains” section included:
- Daily Grain — House granola with honey, raspberry jam, whole milk yogurt and fresh berries priced at $6 for a small portion and $9 for a large portion.
- H Street Block — Blueberry French toast casserole with blueberry sauce and maple syrup for $12.50.
- South x Southwest — Scrambled eggs with linguica, green chile aioli and cheddar on a buttermilk biscuit for $12.50.
- Champion Breakfast Platter — Two eggs, choice of two bacon strips or a sausage patty, plus sourdough toast or an English muffin with jam, butter and a side of fruit for $15.
What are lunch, drink options at Lucille?
The lunch menu at Lucille features sandwiches, salads and bowls.
A few items stood out to me, including the Thee P+H sandwich — featuring roasted turkey, pepper bacon, pepper jack cheese, tomato, jalapeño and chipotle aioli on bolillo bread for $14 — and the Uptown Gal sandwich, with roast beef, giardiniera, Dijon aioli, arugula and white cheddar on focaccia for $15.
Drinks at Lucille include coffee, tea, beer and wine.
Coffee drinks — from drip coffee to lattes — range from $3.50 to $6.75, and tea drinks including iced black tea and matcha lattes fall within the same price range.
Alcoholic options start at $4 for a 12-ounce beer and go up to $12 for a sparkling wine spritz.
How I spent my $25 budget at Modesto restaurant
When Dorie recommended Lucille for my monthly $25 budget destination, she suggested trying the chai latte.
“Their chai is amazing and very filling,” she said.
At the counter, a glass case with coffee cake immediately caught my eye, so I ordered a square of coffee cake for $4.50.
Following Dorie’s tip, I also ordered a small pink chai latte — made with house chai, whole milk, simple syrup and a pistachio garnish — for $4.50.
For my main course, I chose the Benny on a Bun from the breakfast menu, featuring a brioche bun topped with white cheddar, bacon, cracked pepper, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce, for $12.50.
Just as I finished ordering, a seat at the bar counter opened up.
As I waited for my order, I took in the cozy, homey atmosphere of Lucille.
The checkered floors, sunny window nooks, live plants and antique plates all added a personal, inviting touch that made the space feel warm and welcoming.
Within minutes, my coffee cake arrived, followed shortly by the pink chai.
The coffee cake was rich and flavorful, while the pink chai was as beautiful as it was delicious — a unique drink with its pink hue and pistachio garnish.
The Benny on a Bun took a little longer, but I didn’t mind.
When my eggs Benedict-inspired breakfast dish finally arrived, it was worth every minute of my wait.
The brioche bun was perfectly toasted yet soft, soaked with runny egg and hollandaise sauce, while the bacon was crisp and flavorful.
Every bite left me wanting more.
Is Stanislaus County breakfast spot affordable?
Lucille’s menu offers something for everyone — from freshly brewed coffees and teas to hearty sandwiches, crisp salads and house-made pastries.
Breakfast options including pastries, yogurt bowls and toast range from $3.50 to $15. Lunch items, including sandwiches and salads, are priced from $5 to $15.
The drink menu features a variety of choices, from coffee and tea to beer and wine, with prices ranging from $3.50 to $12.
During my visit, I ordered a small pink chai latte, a coffee cake and the Benny on a Bun for $21.75. After tax and a 15% tip, my total came to $27.23.
Thanks for the great recommendation, Dorie. Lucille did not disappoint.
I’ll definitely be back for more tasty, 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.
This story was originally published November 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
