Modus Supper Club

While the whole vibe in the place was pretty chill and people were not too dressed up, I didnt like how they only had three employees running the place for the night. I felt so bad for them! It was a saturday night, and a graduation night to top it off. It wasn’t 11 yet and they already ran out of glass cups to use because they were everywhere!!! No one was cleaning up. So they ended up using a shorter plastic cups. I felt jipped! But whatever!
I give props to the dj spinning old school hits… from Tribe Called Quest to Micheal Jackson =) Loved it!!! Atleast it’s not one of those places that plays wack music that they play at the club (none of the lil wayn crap!)
First impression is always big for me. Maybe they just had a really bad day?

I live in Bankers Hill and went to Modus for the first time last night for a friend’s art showing. Right away, our waiter came to take drink orders and recommended a drink that when arrived, was a little strong for our taste. When asked if we could have something different, the waiter was so cool and easy, he immediately made us feel at home. We hung out for the next 5 – 6 hours and had the most fun. The dj was excellent and everybody working was friendly and chill, and while crazy busy at times, would make time to chat and just be «plain-​old-​nice». I highly recommend the mini burgers – they were a fantastic appetizer amidst a night of drinking.
The best part of the whole night? Our ever-​so-​cool waiter? He let us in on a little secret… he owned the joint.

I’ve been here a couple of times now and this place is an enigma, wrapped inside a mystery, shrouded by a riddle. I can’t understand how it isn’t more popular, but at the same time, I can’t understand how they haven’t gone out of business.
I like the location, because it’s all on it’s lonesome on a corner in Bankers Hill. Kind of like a hooker that’s been separated from the rest of the pack. But not a dirty wounded sickly hooker. A clean nice hooker. And I like that it’s dark inside and has that loungy feel to it. The dark wood Tetris-​shaped bar is one of the coolest bars I’ve rested my elbows on in SD.
I’ve gone twice now, and both times the place has been empty. I’m not talking slow. I’m talking dead. And without the clanking of silverware against dishes, or the noisy chatter from other tables, etc., it can feel a bit uncomfortable. Like it’s quiet in here… a little tooooo quiet. and at any moment you’re going to hear that Twilight Zone music. Perhaps I’ve been coming on the wrong nights. Or on the wrong dimensions.
I’ve tasted the pork sliders and one of the salads. I don’t remember any of the food being being anything other than average at best. My friend had the French Dip and said it was ungood.
Overall, I think Modus has a ton of unrealized potential. Which is what my Mom has always said about me. It’s a great space, and even has a nice enclosed patio area next to the bar. I don’t think I would go back for the food, but it’s a nice relaxed venue to start the evening off with a drink or three at the bar.
Btw: As I write this their official website says, «This account has been suspended.» I’m thinking that isn’t a great sign. And if you turn the sound on, you can hear the music from The Twilight Zone…

Modus, you’re pretty great from what I remember.
I came here a few years ago. This was before I was of drinking age, yes I suck. But that didn’t stop me from drinking that 5^th of jack when no one was looking.
I am a vegetarian. Has anyone noticed? Anyway, and from what I recall the menu doesn’t really give me that many options. I struggled to find something that I would enjoy, when the waiter noticed. I told him the sitch, and he asked me to hold on a few minutes, sure. He came back and told me that the Chef was going to special order me a few dishes. Awesome!
The service was good. The Chef was nice for doing me such a favor, and the waiter was nice enough for even thinking of it.
I LOVE the décor btw.
And the food ended up being realllllly tasty. Or maybe that’s what my whiskey coated tongue wanted me to think.
None the less, I got a little hammered that night, and the staff didn’t even care! YAY!

If you’re looking for a joint where the fashionista/​young professional/​quasi-​hipster can hang then Modus is home.
For me, the only real saving grace of Modus is the music. There have been some great DJ’s spinning here. I am a fan of the bar-​music-​dancefloor combo however Modus lacks a defined dancefloor. The décor is as others describe «trendy», it’s dimly lit with tables and one booth that is next to the DJ’s (I want to say that this is the equivalent of a chef’s table, but i’m not sure).
The place sports an indoor/​outdoor smoking patio (a contained room sans roof) that was kind of nice even for non-​smokers who wish for some fresh air or enjoy drinks under the stars. Maybe someday this could be made into a dancefloor.
I was in the mood for a late night appetizer, but I have to say that I was not impressed with the menu, I think I remember sliders on the menu and in the 12 – 15 dollar range. I went for the Caesar wraps. What arrived was 6 pieces of lettuce wrapped around a couple of pieces of chicken (about the size of a pair of dice) that were pan seared these were drizzled with a balsamic reduction and rather bland and thinned down Cesar dressing.
I understand small portions but I believe that one should get what they pay for and I was expecting an amazing flavor combination but it was rather bland. My pallete did not agree with pan searing romaine lettuce. It doesn’t have enough flavor to stand out on its own without it’s crispness. It was like eating wilted lettuce… not good.
The service was not great also. I asked my waitress for a couple more minutes to decide on my appy and she did not return for another ten minutes. We were given water that was only slightly (out of the tap) chilled, and glasses with no ice. When my food came, I was handed my plate and no silverware, it took me a few minutes to to flag down another waiter in order to get a table setting.
I don’t think I will eat food from here again. I would come back for drinks, and music.

Once upon a time I spun at a friends wedding. At this wedding I met the cutest chick whom I sat near. Petite, half breed, independent, creative, sincere, non-typical…etc
I asked her, her sis, and her sis’s boyfriend to come by modus lounge after the wedding. I told them I’m spinning a birthday party later that night and they happily accepted. We ended up arriving at modus at the same time. I spun, she danced, we drank (a shot of hen, hennesey for you knownots), we chilled, we chatted…
At this point i believed I had caught a fish here… these are my reasons.
1. It’s after a wedding. Aren’t all chicks retardly horny after a wedding? Weddings are suppose to spark insecurities yah?
2. I used my powers as a dirtbag dj to provide the smoovest panty wetting grooves known to man-​kind.
3. It appeared that we were having a good time (notice the foreshadowing)
Then she gives me a hug and quickly bounces. I asked for her number and she mumbled it quickly so I had to ask her to repeat a few times. I got a bit frustrated so I slapped the hoe!
Lesson learned: Hennesey makes me angry.
But if you come by 1^st and 3^rd Fridays, (in which 2 of my friends I will be providing an array of freshly selected nufunk, nusoul, nujazz, mid to uptempoish beats) I will take a girly drink with you, like a red headed slut or a Strawberry Banana Colada…

I love the design of the place, unfortunately Unilocalers don’t give ratings only on how a restaurant/​bar looks.
This restaurant really tries to be on the trendy and exquisite side with the variety of drinks and offering of food items. But I have an issue when I am the only person at the bar, and there are two bartenders running around, and I don’t get noticed or served for well over 20 min. That is plain damn ridiculous. I agree have to agree with some of the other Unilocalers on here, that their service is a major issue. I hope it has been resolved.
Other than that, drink specials are a bit on the pricier side as is the food. Some of the food items are certainly delightful. It’s a good stop to go with friends for a couple drinks and be on your way. Not exactly an all nighter for me.

I think all eating establishments should give you a carafe of water to for self serve refills. Some of us get thirsty faster. Also, having a cool «house water» bottle on your table helps you forget how much of a broke bastard you are each time you get a refill on the tap water you ordered.
That note aside THE CHEESE PLATE IS SO BOMB! While not as large as some other places I enjoyed it throughly. Shrimp risotto was also equally amazing.
I had the opportunity to check this place out during Uptown Saturdays and for the SD Blogger 1 Year Anniversary. Both times were a blast. Service has always been solid and timely. Drinks are reasonably priced and not watered down. Place just gives off an awesome cool vibe. If you’re looking for a new lounge to hit up, here’s your new spot!

Went here for Halloween — no cover with a costume. The bf and I dressed up as pirates. No long line to get in so we cracked a pirate joke for the bouncer.
So, a couple of pirates walk into the bar and there’s really low lighting so I can’t really comment on the décor. Music was good. Dance floor was small but that wasn’t a problem for a group of kids next to us who were having a conga line of orgies. The freaks really do come out on Halloween! You can practically dance anywhere in this joint! I was waiting in line to use the restroom and I was still able to groove to the music. Oh, btw, this place has two restrooms. One for ladies, and the second was unisex. Yay! Beers are $ 4, AMF’s are $ 11, and Panna water is $ 5.50. That water is damn good after a night of working out on the dance floor!
By the end of the night, I go to the bar to close my $ 8 tab and guess what… they can’t find my card. The bartender took my number down and told me he’d call around 3am to let me know if it shows up. I decide to cancel the card anyway… I didn’t have to pay for anything but too bad I didn’t order more! Oh well. 3 stars for the bartender’s follow-​up call letting me know that they couldn’t find my card and that I should call them if it shows up – like I’m going to find it! Psh! Anyway, good place to hang out w/​your amigos and amigas.

Been here twice so far, both on a Saturday night. I really like the décor. It seems very welcoming. The music was ok. It is more of a place to hang out with friends and have a few drinks. It is a relaxing feel to it and i’d probably go back.

If it weren’t for the good company and the fact that I had already had a couple drinks before heading over, I would’ve turned around and walked out… but I am glad I didn’t because the food is excellent.
Seriously, my biggest pet peeve when going to a restaurant, party, whatever shindig, is waiting for drinks. We waited for 30 minutes for our first drink and almost an hour for our food… and we were ordering all appetizers! It was a Wednesday and not too crowded, but it seemed that there were only two people holding the fort down.
First of all, we almost drove past the building. It is pretty nondescript fromt he outside. On the inside it is ultra modern, with a supper club-​esque twist. The bar area was scattered with 20s and 30s couples on dates. It was Wednesday, «happy hour all night». That means half off cocktails, and 3 for two appetizers, salads and sandwiches.
Finally, my drink arrived. It was the Candied Ginger. This was a stiff gingery cocktail that riminded me slightly of my beloved Sidecar, but with a gingery twist… they are stiff little drinks.
We ordered the roated tomato caprese salad, which was a delicious twist on a traditional caprese, a roasted pumpkin salad, which was original and delicious as well. We also had the brie and galic crostini, which I would definitely love to eat again sometime.
My second Candied Ginger came much more quickly… and with a few sips, I was feeling slightly numb and much at ease. There was a DJ really getting into some reggae grooves. We then ordered the Kaluha chocolate mint pot de crème. This arrived quickly as well. There was no Kaluha flavor, and only a slight mint flavor. The texture was a bit of sometihng that had been refridgerated throughout the day… and as bad as that sounds, it was really delicous.
With 3 drinks, 2 salads, crostini and dessert, our bill barely topped $ 40.
I hope the service gets faster and we just caught them on a bad night. I’d really like to come back to try the halibut and have a few more Candied Gingers.

What can I say about this place. Went here for reggae night to here some great music with a couple of friends. I must say I love the décor of the place and that is why I gave it one star. Other than that everything was a disaster.
First of all the drinks were horrible. One of my friends order a mojito. It was one of the nastiest things I have ever tasted. It tasted like salted bell peppers. When my friend sent it back the bartender said that they make their mojitos different there. She said we didn’t want it and the took it way. I order this strawberry cocktail that was just terrible. I had my friends try to make sure it wasn’t me and they both said it was pretty bad.
\We wanted to leave but by then I had order the pork tenderloin so we waited to try it. Let’s just say the pork tasted like dry chicken from a school cafeteria. The vegetables we salty and watery with no flavor. When got the check the bartender had charged us for the mojito that we didn’t drink.
As much as I wanted to like this place I couldn’t. It was just plain horrible. Maybe it was just a bad night but I just can’t get down with this place. I also try a place twice before I write it off for good but I don’t think I will be giving Modus a second chance.

I read all of the negative reviews but dragged my feet into Modus anyway, fully expecting to be served overpriced drinks by a pretentious bartender. The verdict? Meh.
I met a friend there for a business meeting and while he downed Dirty Girl martinis, I sipped some drink I don’t remember that combined rose water with champagne. It was good, but I could see why people on Unilocal bitch about this place trying too hard. Exhibit A: me choking on the freshly torn rose petals the bartender thought would be way cool to put in my drink and looking like an ASS as I struggled for air. I’m not going to blame the bartender because some hyper-​trendy bar manager is probably to blame for that idea. The bartender was actually nice and kept checking in on us. Bar food was unimpressive — double mehhh to the Ginger Garlic Fried Chicken and the Brie & Garlic Crostini.

Cooler than thou never works for me — ever. But, I gave it 2 stars for architecture.
Great concept, great location (plenty of parking after dark) progressive, modern architecture, but alas — poor execution and most disappointingly — mediocre food. Yet another concept restaurant that emphasizes appearance over substance.
Yawn.
Our waiter was a raven-​haired Fabio look-​a-​like who didn’t know his ass from his elbow, and couldn’t explain over 60% of the menu to us. (Don’t restaurants do a pre-​seating tasting so their waiters know what they’re schlepping to the tables?? No? Well start now!) However, hunky McWaiter-​guy was a stone-​cold Steve Austin BABE and my gay friend would have done naughty (if not filthy) things to him given half a chance… but then, so would I…
Dinner was so unremarkable I don’t remember what I ate — probably because we brought two bottles of wine (really good wine) and ended up sipping and enjoying it instead of the food — because dinner was so forgettable (even with their claims of fancy-​pants ingredients). I really cannot remember one single thing we ate — not a good sign. More than half of our order went down the trash chute (my pre-​dog days). If not for the shag-​able waiter and a couple of BYOB moments, the place had me stifling a yawn most of the evening…
But, what finally chased us out of the eatery without dessert of the sugary or sinful variety, was the cigarette smoke wafting into the dining room from the bar. Bleck.
The Bar — packed with a sorority house of chain smoking clones — who went to LA Rack en masse and bought the same trashy outfit in various shades of pink, all frontin’ like they’re rich with knock-​off $ 3K handbags, and phony Gucci windshields… You know — the tragically typical, starved young «starlets» of the next reality TV show variety – maintaining minimum body mass by sucking down as many Virginia Slims as possible without self-​asphyxiating. (Is it just me, or does a pretty young thang turn into crone-​like ogre the minute she lights up? Nasty, nasty, NASTY habit kiddies.)
Drop a few {insert your designer $ 24 cocktails here} on the Paris/​Lindsey/​Ashlee wannabes and you’ve got a drunken orgy in the making. Ho’s up! I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many polyester tube tops propped up by faux D cups in my entire life.
Okay — maybe at Stingaree once.

This place is a cookie cutter of the «hip» supper club popping up all over this fine country of ours: Dark paint jobs? Check. Dark wood bar? Check. Bored waitstaff? Check. Hipster neighborhood? Check.
Their website says they open at 5 pm, and like the dutiful happy-​hour-​seeking worker bees we are, we pounded on the door soon at 5:04 pm. We were told they «weren’t open til 6 pm, but to sit our asses at the bar for some liquor.» Hey, I take no offense to that.
We ordered some wine… (yum, pretty hard to mess that up). We ordered a martini… (again, yum). We ordered a cheese plate that was ordinary enough, until a middle-​aged gentleman came over and inquired what that delicious looking plate of food was, ‘was that the «grilled cheese“‘ (it would be cheese slices, bread, and strawberries, sir) while his wife glanced over with a tight smile.
I dunno. I guess I am getting old, but by 9 pm on a Friday I was tired and over it and ready to head home for the night. I will probably try again one of these days– nothing was terrible, but nothing was SOO special that I would leave my own neighborhood to try it again…

Oh how I tried so hard to like this place.
What is all the hype? Why do the bartenders think they are too cool for school?
I’ve eaten here three times. Don’t get me wrong, this is a cool place for a first date or for a special occassion. The food is ok (frites were the best thing we ordered) but overpriced and the bartenders are all mean. It takes forever to get service even when you are the only people sitting at the bar.
All in all, it’s an ok date place to impress but the bartending service needs work.

Pomme Frites and a Pimm’s Cup. Two things I will not soon forget thanks to Modus. This «supper club» is pricey; but for what I’ve tried, worth it. We had very attentive service at the bar, and all our choices were delicious.
Modus twice-​fries their french fries (excuse me, Pomme Frite) in peanut oil, and then tosses them in course ground salt before serving them up with a side of ketchup and a mayo/​dijon mixture. They are absolutely delicious. Down side is that their portion size went down since the last time I visited. (From a large bowl, to a flat oblong baking plate holding fewer fries.) Still, at $ 5, this item is a must have when you visit.
My dinner companion, Lyn, also introduced me to my new favorite drink here: The Pimm’s Cup. It’s not on the menu, but just ask and the friendly boys behind the bar will mix one up for you. They made it beautifully. Pimm’s is a liquor made from juniper berries, and related to gin. The drink mixes Pimm’s, Gin, lemon, and cucumber into a delicious potion of yumminess. (And I dislike gin as a rule.)
We ate an array of goodies and shared our food: charcuterie plate, pomme frite, bacon wrapped dates, roasted winter squash soup, and plenty of crusty french bread. We also had 3 drinks between us, and the bartender’s let us sample some tasty liquors and a new drink option they’ve been dreaming up for the future (it pays to sit at the bar). All this came to about $ 40 each after tip. It was well worth it, and I’ll definitely be back!

Sure, at first glance, the small corner Bankers Hill storefront housing Modus could easily be missed. Yet, through the front door of this sleek, sophisticated little eatery is a modern milieu almost too hip for our fair city’s ‘laidback’ lifestyle.
Modus provides a seductive synergy of ambiance, décor and exquisite eats. It is more than a mere bar, lounge and restaurant — it’s a Supper Club, one that articulates a contemporary European-​inspired dining experience where conversation, cocktails and cuisine ARE the evening, not just part of it.
Wall-​to-​wall deep charcoal banquettes, dark wood and pale gray walls, cushy chairs and both two and four-​top tables illuminated by swanky mid-​century modern pendant lights make the main dining room as cool as it is comfortable. The oversized bar area with its eye-​catching deep red walls and lava fireplace opens to a posh patio where a sky-​high brushed metal waterfall beckons you to knock back a cocktail or app under the night sky.
Modus’ small but smart menu is gimmick-​free featuring a simple, fresh and organic selection of appetizers, salads and entrees, each with its own Euro-​mod flair. Perfect starters include the avocado and beet salad with citrus vinaigrette or the spinach and prosciutto salad with goat cheese, sesame oil and balsamic vinegar. Entre selections, like the succulent roasted free-​range pork loin with Brussel sprouts, bacon and new potatoes, the braised prime short ribs or the 10 oz. steak frites keep the carnivores happy while a fresh wild king salmon or the chef specialty confit de canard round out the offering.
And, if the tempting selection of desserts, courtesy of Michele Coulon’s Dessertier, don’t keep you past dinner, the clubby vibe, fun signature drinks and live DJ spinning grooves into the wee hours sure will.

I’ve only been here twice (I need to get back!) but both times, I was not disappointed. The first time I went with a group of people. We were all pretty hungry, so we started off with a couple of orders of the pommes frites, which we all thought were really good. My friends ordered entrees (one was one of the daily specials), but I ordered the Charcuterie Plate. Um, Foie Gras Crème Brulee anyone? We all enjoyed our meals, but couldn’t resist dessert. The smores dessert is completely decadent. Graham cracker tart with homemade marshmallow filling, topped with a glaze of chocolate, with more chocolate cookies on the side.
We were also adventurous with the drink menu — the Fresh Start (43, champagne and rose water) and the Candied Ginger (ginger, lemon, Hangar One Citron vodka, sugar cane) were my choices.
I’ve also been here with a friend from out of town. We sat at the bar and had a pretty good time. He was impressed by their liquor selection. He and I both travel for work, so we see a lot of bars. He is a bit of a vodka snob and he noticed a vodka from Austin — Tito’s. I had never heard of it, but yeah, it was damn good.
One more plus — the kitchen closes at midnight. There is a lack of nice places in SD that serve food after 10pm, so hooray for late night dining. Also, check out their DJ’s on Thursday nights, I have heard good things.
Update (¹⁰⁄₁₄): I’ve been back a few times since I wrote this and am still digging on this place. The menu has changed a bit since the first time (no more foie gras crème brûlée on the charcuterie plate, but it has been replaced with a nice portion of foie gras terrine so it works out). And since they make a mean Pimm’s Cup, they are high on my list of bars right now.

I can’t decide between 3 or 4 stars. Modus has pluses on its side that makes me think of it fondly, but I wouldn’t call it an amazing place.
The Good:
+The food is very, very, very good. The fries are uneventful and too crunchy, the Smores dessert too sweet, but the potstickers and the various burgers are AMAZING AMAZING. I return for the food.
+The atmosphere/​place is pretty sweet. The area by the bar is big so it never feels really packed when ordering drinks. The booths are comfy and the one in the corner by the DJ booth is really private and perfect for parties, etc.
+My most favorite gin and tonic in the whole world is here, made with micro-​distilled gin that I wish I could remember. Bin [insert number here]. If I ever return, I’m getting that gin, it was absolutely delicously smooth and fantasticly made. hoy gosh im salivating.
The bad…
–the service is ridiculously slow! Granted, we were there late. 12ish late. But should it take 40 minutes without any reassurance to get the food out? More than one person I have spoken with have complained about the slowness of service. There’s something that bothers me about the service there that I can’t quite put my finger on.
but ohhhh, the gin!!!