Churchkey — Restaurant in Modesto

Great food but unfortunately our large party wasn't received with a welcoming greeting at all. I try to keep things positive yet I just can't not say something about how unwelcome we were made to feel upon arrival. 😭 In spite of calling in advance announcing our group of potentially 20 people and that we would be coming after 8pm and being told they didn't take reservations...nothing was ever said about the staff not being able to handle us. Our party was a celebration for my daughter Kalea and her friends and family for a successful performance. We had planned on paying for the entire tab between only 2 people. Yet as soon as we arrived staff kept telling us how they couldn't split the bill certain ways or how we were supposed to split it..they mentioned the bill immediately to most of the adults...it was uncomfortable...kept saying they just sent staff home and one staff member even rolled her eyes at me. It was overwhelming. All we were doing was taking 8 accomplished kids and their parents out for pizza. After the staff kept mentioning how complicated large parties are half of our party asked that they just treat them as their own party to keep things as uncomplicated for them as possible the kids agreed to just drink water. 😭 again...great pizza [we ordered 2 pepperoni, 1 cheese, 1 specialty, nachos and an app...it was so uncomplicated. Maybe some more training for staff on how to handle bigger parties? Also make sure whoever answers the phone is honest about what can be accommodated. We would have easily gone elsewhere had we known it wasn't a good night. 3 stars for food. Service was prompt once the conversations about the bill and the tension...

This place is about the beer, that's it. As I don't care about beer this is about the food and service. My opinion after having lunch there thee times. Two different burgers and a pizza. Let's start with the pizza, not much more than something you would find in the frozen food section of Save Mart. Sour dough thin crust, not very sour by the way, with a light layer of cheese and a sparse topping. Not much to it, not a lot of flavor and over priced and only comes in one size. Not sure of reasons but if you order pizza plan on 45 to 60 minutes before it gets to your table, to slow for any body with only an hour for lunch. Let's move on to the burgers, there is a few to choose from I've tried two different ones. For a coke and burger plan on spend about $15 plus tip. The burgers only come with tots, yes tots like got as a kid in the school cafeteria. So if you like tots your set, I don't nor do I want to be reminded of tots on a cafeteria tray. Yep it even comes with a tray, if you'd rather have something else than tots for $3 more you can have small plan salad. That's enough about the tater tots, let's talk about the burgers themselves. In a single world average, better burgers to be had elsewhere in downtown Modesto for the same or less money. The service seams to run on the slow side. Don't plan on having your glass refilled, but there is soda dispenser in the back if you get tired of waiting for that refill. Also the place is very very noisy, bad place for a business lunch or to have a conversation at a reasonable voice level. If you are just interested beers this may be the place for you, otherwise better places for lunch in downtown Modesto...

I've been here more times I can count but I figured I should finally write a review. Being a local, these are one of our go-to spots to take out-of-towners. The menu has something for everyone & even if there is sometimes a wait, the place is big enough that you don't have to wait too long.

They have a ton of indoor seating - your choice at the bar, high seating, or a regular table. They have a good amount of outdoor seating, both at front & back of the restaurant. The back of the restaurant has super cute murals!

I've always had friendly waiters/waitresses, no matter how busy it is.

My go-to drink always is the Aperol Spritz - super refreshing & bonus, it looks super cute! There were two instances where two other customers asked me what I was drinking because it was so interesting to look at.

Okay, okay, okay - What you came here for - THE FOODS!

Coconut Curry Cauliflower Bites: MY FAVE! Super yums, so much flavor! Yum Yum Cauliflower Bites: This used to be my favorite but the last couple of times I've ordered this - it's had this burnt taste. Lemon Pepper & Spicy BBQ Cauliflower Bites: These flavors are both good. Jacked Up Poutine: Yuuuuuums, love me my fried potatoes & gravy. I always ask for the bacon on the side. Seoul Bowl: I've tried this twice & it's yums. Love the spicy sauce.

You can substitute any of the burgers with an impossible burger for an extra charge. Love it! My favorite burger is the Bonanza - the house BBQ sauce is so delicious.

Overall, we will definitely be back so I can get my Aperol Spritz & Cauliflower...