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The Modesto Bee

partner publisher · 26.9K followers
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New Oakdale restaurant should be mentioned when talking about good barbecue

A question I am frequently asked and see on social media often is, “Which restaurant has the best barbecue in the Stanislaus County region?” After visiting recently opened Craft BBQ Smokehouse & Catering in Oakdale, I believe it should be part of the conversation. Craft BBQ restaurant opened Nov. 12 on E. F St., two years after owners Jesse Padilla and Matt Martin launched the brand as a catering company. Martin, former Valley Meal Prep owner, and Padilla, a longtime Modesto chef, expanded with a food trailer, which they opened behind an old Valley Meal Prep building in Modesto June 2025. The duo planned to open a restaurant in that McHenry Avenue space, but it was sold to different restaurateurs — more on that later. When they found the building in Oakdale, a former Chinese food and sushi buffet, they acquired a prime location and a new business idea : a salad bar and barbecue buffet. Menu items you cannot miss at Craft BBQ The $11.97 one-trip or $17.97 unlimited salad bar was launched with the opening of the restaurant. The barbecue buffet equipment is set up but, per my previous conversations with Padilla and Martin, the option will likely

Oakdale, CA · 1d

The Modesto Bee

partner publisher · 26.9K followers
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I tried out a Modesto doughnut shop on a $25 budget. Why it's ‘the best in town'

As someone who was born and raised in the Modesto area, I know how passionate Modestans are about Mr. T’s doughnuts. Although I’m a little nervous to admit this, I’ve never been a big fan of Mr. T’s. Delicate Donut Shop . For the longest time, doughnuts just weren’t my thing. Growing up, I was health conscious and pretty picky about how I chose to indulge. Don’t get me wrong — I’ll take a chocolate chip cookie or sweetened iced coffee any day of the week. Doughnuts just never seemed worth the calories or extra sugar to me. However, my attitude has definitely changed thanks to my latest On a Budget adventure. Modesto Bee reader Claudia Newcorn, who previously suggested I visit Modesto’s Village Health Foods , recommended another local place for me to try on a $25 budget: We Donuts . “They have a wide array of pastries as well as a good, well-priced lunch menu,” Claudia told me. “The prices are surprisingly low for the size of these items. I had to double check my receipt to make sure she hadn’t under-charged me.” I headed to the doughnut shop chain’s newer Modesto location to see what I could

Modesto, CA · 1d

The Modesto Bee

partner publisher · 26.9K followers
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Classic rock group set bring its mega-hits to Modesto's Gallo Center. Who, when

Get the Eat. Sip. Play. newsletter in your inbox Available now: Sign up here for the best food, drink and entertainment coverage in Stanislaus County. Gallo Center audiences will be ready to get down at an upcoming concert. KC & The Sunshine Band is set to perform at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at the downtown Modesto venue. Limited tickets remain available. Led by Harry Wayne “KC” Casey, the rock/disco-centric band formed in 1973. Casey said in an online story on ktalnews.com that “he wants to keep uplifting people and getting them to dance with his music.” “I think people are looking for any kind of escape to feel good and to feel happy,” he was quoted in the story. “It’s kind of a blessing for me, because that’s what it was intended to do. I’m so happy that it’s still doing it generation after generation.” The band usually features 15 artists playing horns, singing backup and dancing, according to the story. The group’s well-known mega-hits include “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “Get Down Tonight” and “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty.” Remaining tickets are $78 to $118 for the show at the Gallo Center, 1000 I St. in

Modesto, CA · 4d

fastfoodclub.com

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Six Gold Rush Towns In California Where Old Saloons Still Serve Lunch

California’s Gold Rush towns still have a few old saloons where you can grab a midday meal under the same roof miners once knew. Some of these buildings date back to the 1850s, and they still open their doors for lunch today. This list covers six of them, from...

California · 3d
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Merced Sun-Star

partner publisher · 8.8K followers

‘Vermin attractant' found at one spot in latest Merced County health inspections

One Merced County business evaluated during the latest round of inspections by the county Division of Environmental Health received an “unsatisfactory” grade. Of the latest businesses to be evaluated Nov. 5-10, six received a rating of “good” and two received a rating of “satisfactory.” What the ratings mean Businesses that accumulate zero to six violation points during an inspection receive a “good” rating. A rating of “satisfactory” is given to businesses that accumulate seven to 13 points. Businesses that accumulate 14 points or greater receive an “unsatisfactory” rating. Violations recorded by inspectors can range in severity from minor to major. Major violations are “very likely to get people sick” and must be corrected immediately or the business, or parts of the business, must close until the issue is corrected, according to the Division of Environmental Health. If a business fails an inspection, a reinspection is required at a later date. The Division of Environmental Health said a minor violation is one “likely to get people sick but does not require the location to close.” Businesses that received ‘Unsatisfactory’ ratings Rare Earth Coffee Los Banos, 2510 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos Rare Earth Coffee Los Banos received an “unsatisfactory” rating (19

Merced County, CA · 2d

balleralert.com

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Third Woman in Ole Miss Monkey Video Reportedly Expelled, Cut Off by Friends as Family Seeks $20K

Sara Whitehead, the third woman in the viral Ole Miss monkey video, has reportedly been expelled from the university and dropped by her former friends. Now, her family is seeking $20,000 to fly her back to California, with her alleged uncle claiming the other two women in the video have turned against her as the fallout continues.

California · 4d

The Coconut Mama

partner publisher · 40.2K followers

Frozen Mexican food giant to cut 176 California jobs after moving HQ to Texas

A major frozen Mexican food manufacturer is preparing to eliminate more than 100 jobs at its California facility, adding to the employment challenges facing the state’s food manufacturing industry. The…

Dinuba, CA · 10d

The Coconut Mama

partner publisher · 40.2K followers

Beloved California waterfront restaurant closes after 20 years as rent was too darn high

California’s restaurant landscape has lost another gathering place, joining a growing list of beloved California restaurants that recently closed. Zio Fraedo’s on the Vallejo waterfront served its final customers on…

Vallejo, CA · 1d

takingthekids.com

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The Hidden California Bulk Grocery Spot With Wholesale Prices Locals Keep Secret

A warehouse that started as a single meat stall in 1969 now packs roughly 2,000 products under one giant roof. And nobody asks you for a membership card at the door. That detail alone changes everything. Restaurant owners shop here for wholesale prices, yet regular home cooks can push a cart right alongside them.

California · 4d

csusignal.com

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Offline Comedy brings secret standup comedy shows to the 209

Offline Comedy brings no-phone, secret-location comedy shows to the 209. It offers residents of Turlock, Modesto, Merced and more a chance to get off of their phones and check out live standup comedy. Offline Comedy’s creator, Andrew Nosrati, wanted to bring excitement to the 209. As a Turlock native, Nosrati...

Turlock, CA · 1d

Animal of Things

partner publisher · 22.7K followers

Can You Keep a Stray Cat in California? What the Law Says

Explore amazing animal stories – visit Animal of Things Now and follow us! Stray cat laws in California are less scary than most people expect. If you found a cat outside, the law mostly asks you to act in good faith: look for an owner, don’t abandon the animal, and use the shelter system when it fits. The rules sit in a few different places. The Food and … This article, Can You Keep a Stray Cat in California? What the Law Says , appeared first on Animal of Things . Discover more animal wonders – VISIT Animal of Things NOW AND FOLLOW US FOR FRESH UPDATES! Related Posts: • 20 Popular Cat Breeds in Nevada: From Desert Shorthairs to Cold-Climate Companions • 13 English Cat Breeds: British Shorthairs, Rexes, and Rare Orientals • 19 Loudest Cat Breeds That Will Talk Your Ear Off

California · 8d

bayareatelegraph.com

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California’s Burger Price Crisis Is Getting Worse, New Study Shows

CALIFORNIA STATE – California’s reputation for expensive food has reached a new milestone, with a nationwide study finding that the Golden State dominates the rankings of America’s priciest places to order a burger. The findings come from DoorDash’s 2026 State of Local Commerce report, released November 10,...

California · 2d

Yahoo!

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13 Changes In-N-Out Burger Needs To Make

I have a few beefs with In-N-Out Burger (bun intended), but I, like so many with ties to California, grew up eating here. Founded in Baldwin Park in 1948, the fast-food chain feels like it's woven into the fingerprint of the Golden State at this point. And with generations of my mom's side born and raised in Southern California, it should be no surprise that it was a family tradition to eat at In-N-Out when we were visiting our loved ones. With these meals marking our gatherings, reunions, and Disneyland trips with everybody, In-N-Out Burger has never just felt like some random fast-food joint to me. It feels personal.

California · 6d

unearththevoyage.com

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New Finds Arrive Every Week At This Huge California Antique Warehouse Where Treasure Hunters Lose Hours

Some buildings look plain from the parking lot and then swallow your whole afternoon once you step inside. That is exactly what happens at a big antique spot tucked into California’s Central Valley, where dozens of dealers fill the aisles with glassware, records, furniture, and odd little treasures. Regulars...

Salida, CA · 3d

fastfoodclub.com

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Six California Barbecue Joints Where The Tri-Tip Sells Out Before Dinner

California tri-tip has a funny habit of vanishing early. At some of the best barbecue counters in the state, the smokers start before sunrise and the doors close by mid-afternoon, so a late lunch can turn into a missed lunch. This list covers six spots from the Central Coast to...

California · 2d

USA TODAY

partner publisher · 2.1M followers

In-N-Out offers free meals on Wednesday. How to score a burger

Many of your favorite restaurants are offering freebies and deals on Wednesday, Nov. 11 — and In-N-Out Burger isn’t missing out on the opportunity. Veterans Day is Wednesday, a federal holiday when Americans honor those who’ve served in the U.S. armed forces both in the past and present In-N-Out is promoting on its website that those who’ve served or are in active duty can enjoy a free meal at their restaurants on Wednesday. A meal includes any burger, fries and drink on the menu. Other places in California offering Veterans Day deals include Chili’s, Chipotle, Dunkin’, Olive Garden, Starbucks and Shake Shack. What time does In-N-Out open and close? All In-N-Out locations are open from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, according to the fast-food chain. What’s the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? Veterans Day is slightly different from Memorial Day, which is focused on honoring those who’ve died in service, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs . Veterans Day invites Americans to show gratitude to those who’ve served in war and peacetime. Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA

California · 4d

juliescafebakery.com

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8 Small-Town Diners in California That Are Worth a Road Trip

Some of California’s best meals happen far from any freeway exit with a name you’d recognize. They’re on desert highways, coastal main streets, and mountain roads where the only sign is a neon one. These eight diners come from travel roundups, local guides, and visitor reviews. Each...

California · 2d

familydestinationsguide.com

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This No-Frills California Restaurant Got So Famous, It Inspired An Entire Theme Park

A plate of fried chicken in Buena Park, California once drew such enormous crowds that the only logical response was to build an entire theme park around it. That’s the origin story of Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, and it’s one of the most delightfully unexpected tales in California history.

Buena Park, CA · 12h

Yahoo!

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Major California Aquarium Replaces Decades-Old Exhibit

An aquarium visit requires young children to spend hours observing animals behind static glass, but one California attraction has dismantled its legacy youth wing to break the traditional barrier to viewing. Following a multi-year redevelopment, the Monterey Bay Aquarium opened Ocean in Motion, a bilingual gallery that replaces the facility's...

California · 4d

familydestinationsguide.com

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Hike And Camp For Free At This Hidden 93,000-Acre California Wildlife Preserve

California has been hiding something from you, and honestly, it’s a little rude. Tucked just south of Bakersfield, Wind Wolves Preserve is one of the largest privately owned nature preserves in the United States, and most Californians have absolutely no idea it exists. Let that sink in for a...

Bakersfield, CA · 5d