I spent an afternoon at a cozy Modesto bakery. What I ordered on a $25 budget
I’m a firm believer that life is all about enjoying the sweet moments — and there’s nothing sweeter than spending a relaxed afternoon in a cozy bakery, especially with a coffee and a pastry in hand.
As part of The Modesto Bee’s On A Budget series, reader Gene Craig suggested I check out Village Baking Company & Cafe in Modesto’s McHenry Village.
The bakery has been a Modesto favorite for more than 25 years.
“Excited to see your take on the various coffee offerings,” Gene wrote. “Thanks for trying this long time Modesto business.”
If you’ve been following this series, you know I love when readers send me coffee recommendations. I’m always looking for new spots to explore.
On a recent afternoon, I stopped by Village Baking Company & Cafe to see how budget-friendly the Modesto staple really is.
Here’s what I got 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 is popular Modesto bakery?
Village Baking Company & Cafe occupies a spacious spot inside McHenry Village Shopping Center at 1700 McHenry Ave. in Modesto.
The bakery is open 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
What’s on the menu at Village Baking Company?
I arrived at Village Baking Company & Cafe around 1 p.m. on a weekday afternoon— and it was buzzing.
Customers streamed in and out of the bakery while employees worked quickly behind the counter to keep up with orders. Nearly every table was taken, with people chatting over coffee or quietly working on laptops.
At first, the setup was a bit confusing. There were three separate lines, and it wasn’t immediately clear where to go.
After watching for a moment, I realized each line served a different purpose. One was reserved for coffee orders, another for deli items and a third for bakery orders.
Not wanting to fall farther behind, I joined the deli line before it grew even longer.
While I waited, I scanned the display cases filled with sweet and savory choices. Doughnuts, pastries, casseroles and pies were neatly arranged behind the glass, each one more tempting than the last.
As a mom of two, I’m used to putting my kids’ meals first and rarely stopping to think about what I want. I hadn’t eaten that morning, so standing there surrounded by fresh-baked treats made the decision even harder.
When I got closer to the counter, I picked up a menu to take a closer look at the options before placing my order.
The menu at Village Baking Company & Cafe truly offers something for everyone — from vegetarian-friendly dishes to kid-approved classics.
On the main menu, you’ll find wraps, salads, soups, paninis and more. Prices range from about $6 to $19, depending on the item and whether you upgrade to a combo with a side salad or chips and a drink.
The kids menu keeps things simple. A grilled cheese sandwich costs $8.75, and a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich is $6.75. Both come with a “complimentary cookie,” according to the menu.
A few standout items immediately caught my eye.
The Italian grilled chicken panini — made with grilled chicken, pesto mayonnaise, roasted red peppers and pepper jack cheese on pressed focaccia — is priced at $14.95 and comes with a cookie.
The breakfast wrap, filled with scrambled eggs, jack and cheddar cheese and your choice of sausage, ham or bacon in a flour or wheat tortilla, is $12.50. A cookie is included.
How I spent my $25 budget at Modesto bakery
Gene recommended I try the quiche, and I’m glad he did.
Village Baking Company offers several varieties of quiche for $10.95 a slice: bacon, spinach, chicken and mushroom and spinach and bacon.
Every kind of quiche is served with a cookie and bread. When I asked for clarification, the cashier explained that meant a standard chocolate chip cookie and a plain slice of white bread — not a pastry, to my slight disappointment.
I took Gene’s advice and ordered a slice of bacon quiche, made with bacon, eggs, jack and cheddar cheese, for $10.95.
Gene also suggested trying one of the bakery’s coffee drinks.
The beverage menu includes hot and iced coffee and tea options, ranging from a simple espresso shot to an iced pineapple matcha.
The most affordable option was an espresso at $1.25, while specialty drinks such as flavored lattes topped out at $6.35 for a 20-ounce cup.
I ordered a 16-ounce creme brulee latte for $5.65.
By the time my order was placed, the lunch rush had tapered off. I found an empty table and settled in.
Soft tunes played in the background, adding to the cozy, relaxed atmosphere. I pulled out a book while I waited.
My latte arrived first. It was on the sweeter side — sweeter than I typically prefer — but still enjoyable.
I overheard another customer mention that the bakery’s coffee was “better than Starbucks,” and I definitely agreed.
When my quiche came out, it was steaming hot. While waiting for it to cool, I ate my slice of bread with butter. Once ready, I added a spoonful of sour cream that came on the side.
I don’t usually order quiche when dining out, but this one was delicious. The slice was generous — around eight ounces — though I still found myself wishing for more.
Each bite was savory, rich and satisfying. It easily became the highlight of the meal.
I finished my meal with the complimentary cookie. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, but it was still delicious.
Still, I couldn’t resist the pastries displayed in the glass case.
Though Gene had recommended the pineapple Danish, the miniature cheesecakes caught my attention.
While not every pastry had a visible price, most were under $10. Turnovers were $4.50 apiece, danish pastries cost $4.75 each and tiramisu was $7.75.
In the end, I chose a peanut butter chocolate mini cheesecake for $5.95 — and it did not disappoint.
It was a perfectly sweet ending to my bakery visit.
Is Modesto bakery affordable?
Village Baking Company & Cafe offers a wide range of options — from fresh pastries to hearty sandwiches — with most food items priced under $19.
Drinks are also reasonably priced, ranging from a $1.25 espresso shot to a $6.35 specialty beverage.
During my visit, I ordered a slice of bacon quiche, a 16-ounce creme brulee latte and a mini cheesecake for $22.55. After tax and tip, the total came to $26.28.
Overall, the experience felt well worth the price.
Village Baking Company & Cafe is a cozy place to slow down, unwind and enjoy quality food without overspending. Whether you’re stopping in for coffee or a full lunch, it offers flavorful options that fit within any budget.
Thanks for the recommendation, Gene! I’ll definitely be back.
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.
