How budget-friendly is this Modesto wine cafe? Here’s what I ordered for $25
At the corner of 10th and Needham streets sits a wine cafe with a name that might fool you at first glance.
While Camp 4 sounds like a spot for burgers, beans and campfire fare, you’ll find something entirely different inside.
The cozy Modesto cafe is known for serving wine, beer, paninis, salads and more.
Modesto native and owner Damon Robbins named the wine cafe after Camp 4 in Yosemite National Park, where some of the world’s best rock climbers — including his father, Royal Robbins — trained in the 1960s.
In another tribute to his father’s legacy, Robbins opened the cafe in the same 10th Street building that once housed a Royal Robbins outdoor clothing store.
For this month’s On A Budget destination, Bee reader Dorie Perez recommended I check out Camp 4 Wine Cafe.
“I would love to see more focus on downtown Modesto,” Dorie said.
On a recent afternoon, I stopped by Camp 4 Wine Cafe to see just how budget-friendly the Modesto spot really is.
Here’s what I was able to order on a $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 wine cafe in downtown Modesto?
Camp 4 Wine Cafe sits quietly at 1508 10th St., Suite B, in Modesto.
The cafe is open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It is closed Sunday and Monday.
Although I’ve driven past it countless times on my way to other downtown favorites — including Mocha Magic Cafe & Bakeshop and The Queen Bean Coffee & Social House — I never would have guessed what was behind the burgundy door framed in wooden planks.
What’s on the menu at Camp 4 Wine Cafe?
When my sister, daughters and I first stepped into Camp 4, the ambiance immediately caught my attention.
Guests were quietly chatting at their tables while soft house music played in the background. The restaurant was dimly lit, creating a cozy, relaxed vibe.
Even though we arrived around 1 p.m., many tables were already full and several others had “reservation” signs on them.
Before our visit, I had done a little research on Yelp to get a sense of the menu, whether reservations were needed and if the cafe was kid-friendly.
Reviewers reassured me that prices were reasonable, a children’s menu was available and it was possible to be seated without a reservation.
“Great upbeat atmosphere, professional staff members, good menu quality food products and a good price,” Yelp reviewer Tom C. of Ceres wrote in a January 2023 review.
“I met up with a friend to catch up and we just walked in, no reservations made on a Saturday afternoon & were seated immediately,” Camille M. of Modesto wrote in a May 2024 Yelp review.
True to the Yelp reviews, we were seated right away at the only available table and received attentive service.
Our waitress promptly brought two high chairs for my children and helped me navigate the kids’ menu. She even brought my 3-year-old daughter some blank paper and crayons to keep her entertained.
The children’s menu at Camp 4 offered plenty of options, including a cheese plate with apples, an almond butter-and-jelly sandwich and a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
Prices were very reasonable, ranging from $4 to $6 per dish.
Other items on the menu included salads priced between $12 and $13, paninis ranging from $10 to $20 and appetizers from $5 to $34.
A few standout dishes caught my eye — including a poke bowl featuring ahi tuna tossed with sesame seeds in a light ponzu, served with greens, sticky rice, pineapple, apple, wakame salad, cucumber, ginger and sriracha mayo for $20.
Another highlight was the chicken and bacon panini, made with roasted chicken, bacon, tomato, lemon-rosemary mayo and pepper jack cheese for $15.
The drink menu at Camp 4 offers a little something for everyone, from teas, soft drinks and lemonade to a selection of wines, beers and cocktails.
Prices range from $2 for a soda to $14 for a glass of wine.
How I spent my $25 budget at Modesto wine cafe
To stay within my $25 budget, I ordered a lemonade for $3 and the turkey club sandwich for $19, made with browned turkey, prosciutto, avocado, tomato, pepper jack and Dijon mustard.
Each sandwich comes with a choice of house-grilled ciabatta chips, a spring salad or a spinach salad.
I went with the ciabatta chips. I firmly believe that you can never have too much bread, and I’d never seen another restaurant serve chips like that before.
As I waited for my order, I took a closer look at the restaurant’s decor.
The space blends industrial touches — including exposed pipes and simple lighting — with Yosemite-inspired details, such as trail signs and vintage photos of climbers.
The mix feels intentional and eclectic, creating a cozy and cohesive atmosphere that fits the cafe’s theme.
Even with the dining room nearly full, my order arrived in under 10 minutes.
The panini did not disappoint. It was savory, well-balanced and flavorful enough to make me pause and enjoy each bite.
The lemonade was refreshing and not overly sweet.
The ciabatta chips were incredible. They reminded me of oversized croutons, which worked in my favor since croutons and dressing are usually my favorite part of any salad.
Is Modesto wine cafe affordable?
I wouldn’t call Camp 4 Wine Cafe in Modesto one of the city’s most budget-friendly spots, but there are still some affordable options on the menu
Kid’s dishes range from $4 to $6, salads are $12 to $13, paninis run $10 to $20 and appetizers are $5 to $34. The drink menu includes everything from soft drinks and lemonade to wine, beer and cocktails, priced $2 to $14.
While I would have loved to try a cocktail or the poke bowl, those options would have made me go over my $25 budget.
Instead, I ordered a lemonade and the turkey club panini for $22. With tax and a 15% tip, my total came to $27.26.
My meal at Camp 4 was one of the most delicious I’ve had in Modesto.
Thanks again for the recommendation, Dorie!
I’ll definitely be back — with a slightly bigger budget next time.
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 December 13, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
