Burly's California Bistro

Burly's California Bistro

1219 N Carpenter Rd suite 5, Modesto, CA 95351, United States

+1 209-312-9400

Bistro, American restaurant, Charcuterie, Hamburger restaurant, Pasta shop, Restaurant, Seafood restaurant, Steak house, Wine bar
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Modesto, Burly's California Bistro offers a vibrant and inviting dining experience that beautifully showcases American cuisine with a sophisticated twist. This charming bistro effortlessly blends the comfort of a hometown favorite with elevated dishes that delight the palate. Whether you're craving succulent steaks, fresh seafood, or expertly crafted sandwiches, Burly's menu promises a culinary journey brimming with bold flavors and thoughtful presentation.

Their extensive menu highlights an impressive range of specialties. Dive into the rich, tender Filet Mignon Whiskey Peppercorn or savor the perfectly grilled Atlantic Salmon, both dishes that showcase meticulous attention to flavor and texture. For those who love robust and hearty meals, the Peppercorn Steak and Whiskey Peppercorn Sirloin deliver bold, peppery notes that linger delightfully on the tongue. Seafood lovers won’t be disappointed with the Cioppino—a vibrant, spicy seafood stew bursting with mussels, clams, shrimp, and fresh fish in a savory tomato broth, paired perfectly with crustini.

Burly's is also a haven for sandwich aficionados. The Farm Club Chicken Sandwich is a standout, featuring a juicy chicken breast layered with crisp bacon, creamy avocado, and tangy pickled red onions on a soft brioche bun. The crispy chicken sandwich with chevre and spicy aioli adds a fiery kick, while the Foster Farm Turkey Sandwich balances smoky bacon with pepper jack cheese and fresh jalapeños for an adventurous bite. Each sandwich is crafted with fresh, quality ingredients that make every mouthful memorable.

The appetizers at Burly’s set the tone for the meal with delights like the Crispy Calamari—widely praised by guests for its perfect texture and bold flavor. The Almond Crusted Chicken Skewers paired with a creamy beer cheese dip offer a comforting yet sophisticated starter. And for cheese lovers, the California Cheese Board serves a thoughtfully curated selection ideal for sharing alongside a glass from their well-stocked wine bar featuring exceptional options like Chimay Grande Reserve.

Every dish is complemented by attentive, friendly service that respects your time and conversation, creating a relaxed yet polished atmosphere. Guests often comment on the warm, laid-back vibe that makes Burly's an excellent choice for date nights or family dinners alike. The setting may feel understated, but it’s a welcoming canvas for the rich and varied tastes Burly’s brings to the table.

Round off your meal with indulgent desserts such as the Chocolate Brownie Sundae, praised as “phenomenal and fresh,” or the creamy Cheesecake Balls rolled in espresso bean crumble for a delightful, decadent finish. Apple Cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream and the molten Lava Cake also offer sweet escapes that engage the senses perfectly.

In essence, Burly's California Bistro is much more than a place to eat; it’s a destination where quality ingredients, expert cooking, and genuine hospitality come together to create memorable dining experiences. From their thoughtfully curated menu to the sincere warmth of their staff, every visit feels like a celebration of Californian flavors done right.

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Great dessert Great wine list
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Healthy options Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Groups Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Saturday
    05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Robert Oxley
    2 week ago

    Food was delicious!! The wait staff was very friendly, they were there when you needed them but I never felt rushed or interrupted while enjoying time with my family. The atmosphere is laid back, with hometown vibe. The brownie with ice cream on top was phenomenal and fresh.

  • Brent Jackson
    2 week ago

    Can't say enough good things about this place Burley's Bistro. Went here for my Birthday dinner. The food was amazing we had appetizers, cheese board, Brussel sprouts, lamb meatballs, almond crusted chicken skewers. All of it was absolutely delicious. We had 18-20 people all of our food came out at the same time it was all hot fresh and delicious. We tried several different entrees and everyone loved what they ordered. They severed the kids first as they should have. Service wow I really want to express how wonderful our service was. These days you just can't find good service anywhere and to find exceptional service anywhere is unheard of. Well this place checked all the boxes of exceptional service. No one in my group had been there before with the exception of my son and every single person said they would be back. Excellent Food excellent service if you haven't tried Burley's Bistro you are missing out.

  • Rose Rose
    1 month ago

    Our food including our calamari appetizer was all so tastey . Alexandria was so nice and helpful a great first time there. We will be back! I will always bring someone new.

  • Antenette Jermanon
    3 month ago

    Best calamari, served locally (ever). I ordered their salmon dish; it was very tasty served with the rice and a gravy....mmm. yum. Service was very attentive. I'm definitely coming back. Hubby and I had a nice date night. It's a nice place not too fancy and nice enough to know this is a great date.

  • Kayla T
    3 month ago

    Appetizer was very good, food was also pretty good. The pasta sauce had an excellent taste but my steak was slightly overcooked for how I ordered it and the gravy was just alright to me. But overall enjoyed it. The atmosphere (walls, decor, lighting) were pretty bland but the food on its own was good.

  • Gabriela Cadena
    3 month ago

    Loved the beer! Would return for beer and cheese board. The peppercorn steak was liked by my husband who rated it a 5, while i gave it a 3.5. The portions are great. Pro tip, the dinner menu starts at 4 so we missed the lunch menu by a few minutes. It's inside a little strip center so not very visible from the street. Seems like not a lot of parking available.lovely mural.

  • American Angler
    3 month ago

    It's time to celebrate! And....Burly's California Bistro is the spot to be in for such an occasion. I was in Modesto to see an old friend, and once I was finished visiting I decided to head straight to Burly's Bistro because they're the best in Modesto, and right there on the corner of Marlow Ave and Springfield Street there was a dude selling 4 month old Porcupines, he had a tent set up up right on the sidewalk! Well...I have a Porcupine, Walter's his name and he's about the loneliest 2 year old Porcupine there is! So, I rip into a parking spot, and pick up the cutest little heifer Porcupine in the bunch...just for Walter! And...Celebrated with a filet mignon cooked perfectly, and just as I asked! 5 stars for sure

  • M.Y. Salyer
    4 month ago

    What a hidden gem! This charming little bistro is anything but pretentious—think cozy, welcoming, and tucked-away local favorite rather than anything stuffy or upscale. We absolutely love it here! The herb-crusted chicken is out of this world, but it’s the warm, attentive service that truly sets this place apart. Whether you’re grabbing lunch with a friend or enjoying a relaxed dinner with family, this spot hits all the right notes. If you’re in Modesto, do yourself a favor and check it out—you won’t be disappointed!

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