Appetez Pub & Grill

I stopped for lunch here about a week ago with my wife. I ordered the fish & chips. It was greasy and flavorless. The menu prices were no bargain either. Too bad… I was hoping for a better experience.

This place is by far the worst ran restaurant in the central valley. I am in the industry & am usually patient & understanding. I’ve heard nothing but terrible things about the owner. I live close & like being able to walk up for a beer. NEVER again. Not only did the bartender SUCK (won’t name names, not doing this to get anyone fired) but hopefully the owner gets wind & fixes things. I waited 17 minutes for a beer (only stayed cause the game was on & we walked) bartender complained to customers constantly & claimed she was slammed (she was far from it)
This place has such potential & it sucks that not only is the turn over horrible, the owner treats his employee’s like shit which then customers get to deal with the poor performance and work ethic. Get it together, you are losing a ton of business!!!
I don’t own a business but have been in this industry for 20 years, change your ways or your place is done!

Food is good service here sucks. I had to continue to get up and take my drinks for a refill, just to get a bottle of ketchup

I’m so sorry to see all the negative ratings for Appetez Pub & Grill. I visit Modesto once a year and discovered Appetez several years ago. I was blown away by the food and service and continued to go back each year. As a woman dining alone, they made me feel very welcome and comfortable.
My experience a year ago was not the same. Upon arriving I found that the dining room I’m used to is gone and the restaurant has become a pub and grill. The Hungarian Mushroom Soup was as good as I remembered it and the sandwich I ordered was okay. However the service was a bit erratic. When dining alone, I like to take a book and read. I was given a private booth, but the noise from the adjoining bar area was so loud that it was impossible to read.
I will be visiting Modesto again soon and had considered giving Appetez another try. However, after reading the large number of negative reviews, I am having second thoughts.

Service– 0 stars. I sat with two friends at the bar. It took the female bartender 15 minutes (not exaggerating) to pour a beer and make a vodka soda. Mind you, it was just us at the high top, another couple across from us and two others on the patio.
I originally ordered a muddled watermelon with vodka, which I think annoyed her because she sat there washing glasses while yelling at the servers to find watermelon.
Anyways, My drink came without a lime (no effort at the watermelon) After asking for a citrus, I was delivered a shot glass containing one completely dried up sliver of a lime. Really?
A friend joined and asked to sample a beer, to which her response was, «Honey, do you even drink beer?» Wow! Rude much?
The fried zucchini was more batter than anything.
The salads earned the only star as they were very generous in portion, fresh and the salmon atop was delish.
All in all, I’m surprised we stayed (well mind you it was also 10:15, where could we go?) If it weren’t for the couple next to us who also seemed to be entertained by the horrible service, we would’ve left rather than laugh and vow to never return.

This review isn’t about the food, because we never got a chance to actually eat here. We walked in tonight after the Graffiti Parade looking for a bite to eat. It was just past 9pm and there were 2 other groups of people at other tables. We awkwardly stood in the doorway hoping to catch the attention of a non existent waiter or waitress. We finally sat ourselves down and waited. And waited. A server came out and looked at us and talked to people at another table. We waited for 10 minutes and we were never greeted. Thinking this was going to take a long time we eventually got up and left. It was as if we were invisible. We ate at the taqueria next door and were back home less than 30 minutes later.
This looks like a cool place that could be a hit with my family, but I don’t care how good (or not good) the food is. If the service sucks, the restaurant sucks. There are too many other local options in Modesto for me to waste my time (literally) here.

A few weeks ago I came here for a drink… I was asking the bartender a question and the owner (who was in his office eavesdropping) jumped into the conversation, made sure I knew he was the owner, and proceeded to try and make me look bad because for some reason he thought he was the beer expert of the world. I let him say what he wanted and then proceeded to prove him wrong by googling what he was trying to tell me was wrong with my statement thus, proving I was right and he was wrong. He was not too happy about that and skulked back into his office. I did not stay for a drink and I will never go back!

We made a reservation for a private room on Monday evening of this week. Throughout the week we checked in to discuss food allergies and also the possibility of bringing in a cake to celebrate someone’s birthday. No problem for all of those concerns. We arrive for our reservation tonight (Friday) and find it has been given to a wedding party. Needless to say that left us scrambling for another place appropriate for dinner. Not impressive at all. I’d like to support local neighbor hood business but this place was a big disappointment tonight.

This is one of my regular spots in Modesto. They have a fantastic and ever-​rotating beer selection, and the music is always tasty. The employees and owner are all super friendly.
As for the food, I’ve always left completely satisfied. I’m a «meat on the side» gal, and tend to eat mostly vegetarian. While their menu at face value is NOT vegetarian friendly, they have happily substituted sautéed mushrooms for meat every time I’ve asked (burger, hot dog, salad, etc.) which I really appreciate. One of my favorites is the steak salad (with steak!). It is huuuuuuge, really flavorful, and not healthy at all ;P Their beer battered fries are also incredibly addicting.
Will I be back? Oh yes. Again, and again, and again.

Yes I’m a big fan… We started coming here a couple months ago for the burgers and beer. The Fungus Burger aka mushroom burger is to die for. Once they didnt grill the mushrooms which wasnt as tasty. The bbq brisket and balsamic bleu cheese burgers ate also awesome. My favorite beer is no longer there and supposedly not available til next year… thats weird oh well gives me a reason to try other cold ones! My fav waitress/​bartender is Laura. She is alwaysvery friendly and never hasgotten our orders wrong. I have brought in my peepscause thats what I do when I like a place. Oh did I mention theres a mini bucket of peanuts at each table that ya get to throw the shells on the ground! Oh and when I go in with my one group of peeps we take one of the side rooms because we get a litlle loud. We call it the champagne room but its just a side table kind of off to the side. I almost forgot I love the music they play. Fridays is 80’s night. I asked about the music once and I was told its the owners iPod. Well kudos we like a lot of the same stuff. Check out Appetez for a nice refreshment-​full bar and calamari, burgers and tunes.

I can’t speak to the food menu as I only stopped in for drinks. The bartender was friendly and they offer a full bar along with a good selection of beers on tap that rotate every month or so. It is a small bar, but a nice spot to hang out for a bit and grab a drink.

I’ve been here many times and the service is always consistently horrible. If it weren’t for the few dishes they serve that I liked, the service alone would have me never return.
I’m not sure if they still serve pizza but if they do, avoid it. I made that mistake once and boy was it awful. I had to send it back and order something else.
If you can deal with crappy service you’ll probably enjoy a lot of their food. The question whether it’s worth dealing with is up to you. I haven’t returned in some time because it was too much to deal with.

Came here for a beer lunch. Jennifer, the pregnant bar tender, I didn’t tip you or stay for a second beer because there was an inch of head on my beer and you were non existent. Terrible service. Elderly atmosphere. Terrible.
I used to come here for beer when it was Buddy’s, the bar step-​child to whatever this restaurant is. Places like this make Modesto look bad. Inside the men’s bathroom is a poster about customer service and this place has always been the opposite of. I don’t care if the beer is shit, or the food is the opposite of what it says on the menu… but when the service is shitcan on top of poor food but a great selection of beer… it is like you have a great thing to offer but you are too fucking lazy and dumb to provide it. I kept on thinking while I was waiting (15 to 20 minutes for another) the beer is right there… right fucking there… I just need service and a friendly face… no one… and my experience with the food… well…I usually go across the parking to Obriens for something to eat.
This place would be great if you kept the beer selection and exterminated everything else.
It. Is. That. Bad.
Now that I have given it some thought I think it is in business because people are too stupid to know what good food or good service is. If you’re used to being neglected and fed shit then this is the place for you.

2 stars is based on their banquet service
We walked into the place. No staff in sight… we looked around and walked out after about a minute. We ended up coming back because we were part of a banquet. We found the banquet room. Joined the party. After waiting a long time, the servers took everybodys orders (We had already placed orders ahead of time by the way).So now we had to wait a while for the servers to take everyones orders, then another long wait for the food. Service was just very slow. And the food was gross. The chicken marsala had WAY to much wine. Mushrooms didnt taste like anything, the vegetables tasted frozen and it was all a nasty gray color. I dont think anyone there really liked it.
If you want to have a nice event, dont do it here. Especially if you want to have some type of schedule or agenda (reception or meeting).

Modesto is a town whose charms are not immediately apparent, so it was a relief to stumble upon Appetez. We were a bit early for picking up our pizza from a take-​out joint and noticed this place. It seemed like a good place to have a beer while we waited. They have a nice selection of craft beers on tap and a bow of peanuts to munch while you drink. It’s dark and cozy inside, and there is a nice patio outside.
We didn’t eat here but the menu looked pretty appealing. We’ll have to save the food for next time.

This rating is from March 2013.
Pretty hip place. Half sports bar half restaurant. My rating is on the sports bar portion. There’s a few tall bar tables with stools, a small bar to sit at and outdoor table seating right next to the bar. Lot’s of tv’s. Lot’s of micro brew handles not currently in use lining the ceiling and 23 handles of killer micro brews. I recommend the $ 6.00 flights, four glasses four ounces each. Eat your peanuts and throw the shells on the ground. I enjoyed e perfectly cooked order of fish and chips. This is a cool place to go and hang out and enjoy good brews…

I’ve been eating here for a long time & always been very satisfied, amazing food & great service.
We called and asked them to cater the reception following my Mother’s memorial service.
They arrived on time (not always the norm with a lot of businesses now days), the food was amazing, they brought everything needed and 2 women that were there from setup to clean up and seemed to be everywhere in between.
I am very thankful for the wonderful service & support on such a difficult day.
THANK YOU!!!

Our family loves Appetez. My now-​husband, and I went there on our our second date. They catered our wedding. Now, with the new comfy-​casual makeover, we take our kids there to throw peanut shells on the floor, while we enjoy the ever-​changing selection of craft-​brews on tap. I’d give them 5 stars, if they expanded the menu to include some more healthy grilled options, but the limited low-​cal options just gives me an excuse to order the delicious Señor Pepe burger.
If you haven’t been to Appetez in the last few months, you owe it to yourself to check it out. Lately we’ve had great service (had a few marginal servers in years past), and they’re really adding some cool elements like live music on the weekends, the aforementioned peanuts, with shells you’re free to toss on the ground & did I mention the craft beers, and tasty desserts? At any rate, the new re-​vamped Appetez is a treat for young and old, alike. They’ve kept a few of the old booths for folks that liked the atmosphere of the old Appetez, but overall, it’s new & drastically improved. Check out the restaurant & consider them for your next catered event.

Here for wedding reception. The service is the worst I’ve ever experienced! 8:30 they announced salad coming out, arrived at table at 8:55. It is now 9:30 and dinner is yet to come out. Not to mention some of the guests had to help serve the food.
I spilled my drink earlier in the evening due to an uneven table and asked for a replacement, the waitress said it would be 5 minutes, that was almost 90 minutes ago.
This place blows!!! This is my first and LAST time here. I’m never coming back here… EVER!
Update: 9:50 and servers are going table to table asking who ordered what! Food finally got to the table and its stone cold! The mashed potatoes are brown!

MODESTOIDS SUFFER TENTICULOPHOBIA!
Todays lunch mission… check Unilocal (check), close to work (check), good reviews & prices (check), iphone working (check), pants on (check)…I drive to another of many mini-​strip malls that seem to infest Modesto like Alien pods & do a great job of hiding the good, the bad, and the pathetic.
I go in wondering if I am doing this more for me or you guys? Just kidding, I am damned hungry and they better have some damn good food.
This place is yet another food place hiding in plain sight
…I had been to this mini-​mall a couple of times before, for the ever popular Root Canal therapy, at the other side of this mini-mall…and I guess that since my face was half paralyzed and I was gonked out on Nitrous… I hardly noticed this restaurant and just randomly guessed which woman was my wife in the waiting room. Thank god for me, I guessed the right one… because who else in the known multiverse would put up with me!
Well, I went into Appetez, and was impressed with the understated décor. The was nobody but me at 12:30 in the «lonely singles section», which was fine since I could have a partial view of the jogging path on Virginia Ave. Nicole E (pleasant & nice) brought me a menu & plain H2O with a lemon wedge. I hungerly ordered the Calamari first & then the BlueCheeseburger (but with double beef). After playing with my iphone and overhearing the cackling of the Birthday group over the wall, my Calamari came…
I glared at my appetezer in frank disbelief… where’s the squid? I want my Calamari to look like a bread deep fried hacked up sea-​monster giant squid from the deep… like the one from 10,000 leagues under the sea but bigger and tastier… all giant tentacles and body rings! This was shear blasphemy and only then did I pull some Unilocaler’s admonition from the fog that I vainly call a memory. I then remembered,” beware of Calamari emasculation”.
It appears that some MODESTOIDS suffer from a rare form of idiotpathic chronic intermittent TENTICULOPHOBIA!
DAMN IT, DAMN IT, AND DOUBLE DAMN IT!
OK, now that was out of my system, I now had no choice but to eat it. Not bad, good in fact… it was really sliced tender squid fillet seemingly sautéed in tons of garlic and oil… but not what I was expecting… damnit!
Then the Bluecheese Burger & fries came… where’s the fries? Where I was expecting a heaping mass of coronary-​artery-​clogging fried-​sticks, there was only maybe a paltry dozen sticks. They were nicely oily, spicey, and quite tasty…
Friend could you spare me a few dozen more…
they were much better than the overrated Surlas (but Surlas gave you more bland ones like McD’s).
I then bit into the Big Burger with high hopes… good mouth feel, flavor, aroma, almost to the touchdown line, but wait… the texture was wrong. Oh no, it was well done… nope, no score, fumbled at the 5 yard line!
Still very tasty with a charcoal broiled coating on both patties (Surlas wins here on the medium rare beef, but losses on a tiny half-​dollar sized Bluecheese bit on their version). Next time, I got to get them to do medium rare if I can, or try something else. Most of the lunch choices were $ 7 – 9 dollars and next door at their Sports Bar they have ½ BBQ chicken right from their own outside BBQ for only $ 8.
Despite all the grips, I did like this place for the follow reasons:
Not too pretentious, not too crowded, not too expensive (Appetez full stomach= $ 24 with tip, Surla’s full= $ 35 with tip via (micro)Poke then BlueCheese (macro)Burger)
This place is also far game for catering to my workplace or getting a group over there… we are getting tired of BJ’s…
Also a message to the MODESTOIDS who are TENTICULOPHOBIC…
GIVE ME TENTICULES OR GIVE ME DEATH! STOP YOUR REIN OF CULINARY TYRANNY… OR…I AM GOING TO CRY & POST LOTS OF TENTACLE PICTURES ON Unilocal… SO THERE! HA! THAT WILL TEACH YOU!