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    The Smart Axe Modesto

    4.5 (60 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM

    The Smart Axe Modesto Photos

    THE SMART AXE MODESTO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Edwin G.

    The place was amazing, the staff was friendly and helpful, it was a decent price and it was very fun. The wood is hard but you just throw the axe and hope it hits. It was about 70 for 3 of us and had to sign waivers online but it was quick and easy. Definitely recommend to try out

    Got it in the "kill spot"!!!
    Kelly M.

    This was so much fun! I booked my time slot to go with my best friend. When we got there, they showed us how to throw the axe, keep score, etc. We didn't even keep score, as we were just having fun throwing the axe. I booked the 75-minute time slot and was surprised when I looked down at my watch and saw we had been at it for 80-minutes! Great, wholesome fun that is a great activity to do with friends, as a date night or with the whole family. The staff is super friendly and helpful. And they serve drinks!! My bestie got a hazy IPA they had on tap and I chose one of their many options of Truly. Can't wait to go back!

    Channeling my Last of the Mohican
    Joseph N.

    Great times hanging out with the boys throwing axes and drinking beer. Absolutely safe and controlled environment.

    Fun time

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    1 month ago

    Very fun place. Good vibes . Brittany is cool af. The juke box bumpin. Come check this place out asap

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    7 months ago

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    2 years ago

    Great fun good beer. Helps get your aggressive feelings out. Decide prices. Really hate review requirements

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    11 months ago

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    It was fun. I like the environment. Not too bright, not too dark. Good place to go and have a drink and throw some axes.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Workers were really chill and attentive. I mean I don't know what else to say throw axes and have a drink

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    My daughter and I had a blast throwing axes at The Smart Axe, I highly recommend the experience.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Super fun place to go with great atmosphere and customer service! Just need a few more drink options.

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    3 years ago

    Took hubby for the 1st time as a date night. Absolutely had an amazing time! Staff is incredibly friendly and attentive.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Smart Axe Modesto

    Review Highlights - The Smart Axe Modesto

    Amazing customer service thanks to Brittany, very informative and made the experience memorable and fun!

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

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    P Wexford's Pub

    P Wexford's Pub

    3.7
    (371 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    I had tried this place years ago for a meeting and enjoyed it but it never seemed to stay on my…read more"gotta go" list even though I drive by there many times a week. The parking is easy and close; the staff is friendly enough. The choices for drinks and eats are way more than enough with plenty of variety. My wife ordered the chicken parm, and I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs. We both agreed that our dishes were spot on and that we WOULD be back. The total for the two entrees and a cocktail for my lady ran just under a hundred, including tip. One caution: this place is LOUD. We stopped by on a late Sunday around 5:30 pm, and the patrons were talking so loud you could hardly hear the person across the table. Earplugs would help.

    Met a female friend here for an early Happy Hour dinner last week (her selection). My first visit…read moreand upon pulling into the parking lot I was questioning her choice. Then I noticed the customers cars- all new nice vehicles (MBZ sedan, new Ford Bronco, Toyota 4-Runner, etc) The bar section was kind of crowded at 4:30pm, only a couple of seats open, so we sat in a funky raised booth with our backs to the window. Seemed like a lot of regulars as they all knew one another. Female bartender came out and took our beer orders and then brought menus. We ordered food (fish & chips, and a BLTA Club). Friend said they have great fish & chips and she was very pleased. i was surprised to find the BLTA far above my expectations for a pub. Fries were good too- perfectly cooked to a golden brown. I would go back for that sandwich when in that area of town. The food items were each just over $20-24, four beers $9 each. With tax and 20% tip it was just under $100 I'd go back 100%. Not a place I'd take a date, however.

    Photos
    Just a shot of part of the interior.
    Just a shot of part of the interior.
    Fried Pickle appetizer (so delicious!)
    Fried Pickle appetizer (so delicious!)
    Wyder's Berry Cider

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    Wyder's Berry Cider
    The Fox Pub

    The Fox Pub

    3.0
    (373 reviews)
    4.1 mi
    $$

    Cave-like and casual…read more The Fox Pub is conveniently located Downtown next to the Gallo Center. I came by with a few friends on a Saturday evening and was surprised that it was not as busy as I have seen it before. When I have walked by before, I noticed it was extremely busy, with a line to get in and many people hanging out on the patio. This night, it was nearly empty when we arrived. We were able to walk right up to the bar and quickly receive our drinks with no wait at all. Everyone in my group ordered a green tea shot. I was a little disappointed that we received the drinks in a tiny plastic cup. I understand that they're shots and meant to be drunk quickly, but I'd much prefer to be served an actual glass. The drink itself was good. I appreciate the quick service. I also appreciate how they had a large self-serve water station accessible next to the bar. The interior of the Fox Pub is quite cave-like. It is super dark and pretty quiet. It is definitely a chill atmosphere though. I liked that there were a number of options of where you could hang out there. You could hang out on the outside patio, by the bar, and upstairs. Upstairs there were many booths where you could have a chat and chill night. There is a balcony that overlooks the bar which makes for great people watching. I definitely want to explore this spot more in-depth on a busier night!

    Definite Speak-Easy atmosphere -- fun, friendly, cozy with a bar and tables upstairs. The drinks…read morewere good and so was my pesto turkey sandwich. Big "sad face" they had just sold out of fish and chips. Seems others have found that same issue. Be aware that "cozy" does mean a bit small and a bit rickety I'd still go back again to try the fish and chips tho

    Photos
    The Fox Pub
    The Fox Pub
    The Fox Pub

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    The Taproom Pub and Grub

    The Taproom Pub and Grub

    3.5
    (250 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Stopped in about 1:30pm midweek for lunch. I had never been here, but found it online when…read moresearching for craft beer locations in the NE Modesto area. Inside room is ok, a bit cold feeling with concrete counters, floors, etc. There were several groups at the bar, 3-4 guys on one end, 2 guys at the other, so I sat in the middle. The first red flag was the female bartender, who was dressed in sweats and a ball cap, like she had just rolled out of bed. Very unprofessional, even for a beer/pub. She seemed disinterested in serving me and was more concerned about talking with the 4 guys. Then another guy & girl joined that group. They all knew one another, obviously regulars. The beer list was decent and well-balanced. 4 IPAs, a couple of Pils/Lager and Stout/Porters, Hazy IPAs, Cider/Selzer, and 4 grocery store beers: Coors Light, Modelo, Bud Light, and ? IPAs were from Henhouse, Drakes, Dust Bowl, and ? Large food menu for such a small place. From the bar, you can easily watch the cook on the flattop. After reading the list of sandwiches, I figured the turkey/ham/etc. was the Sysco-type, inexpensive kind, so I opted for a cheeseburger. Burger & fries arrived on a metal sheet pan. The burger looked good, and the fries looked a bit undercooked (not golden brown). Bun was toasted on the flattop and had a bit of mayo, no mustard, ketchup, etc. Fries came with a small 1oz thimble of ranch. As I suspected, the fries were undercooked. I cut the burger in half, and the center was undercooked. Then I noticed the burger patty was actually two thin patties pressed together. WTF? First bite was a warning- the meat had no seasoning and tasted like cardboard. Thankfully, I got a second beer and washed down the burger. Only ate half of the burger. I'm guessing they sell a lot of booze, because there is no way people are going for the food. I wouldn't be surprised if this place is closed by the end of 2026.

    This is a very friendly place with great service. The servers were so nice and accommodating. We…read morehad our dog with us and they welcomed her as it is a very dog friendly place. I would give it 5 stars for the friendly service! But I had to knock off 2 stars because what I ordered was not very good. I ordered the Thai tacos and they offered a low-carb version on a bed of lettuce instead of tortillas. The presentation was nice and I know they really tried, but it was pretty bad. The sauce tasted more like ketchup and did not taste like a Thai sauce at all. It was supposed to have chopped peanuts in it but it hardly had any. The chopped chicken pieces were drowned out by the ketchup tasting sauce. I thought there would be more avocado on it but there was only a tiny piece on each taco and they chose a bad avocado because the avocado was turning brown with stringy fiber in it. I couldn't eat it after a few bites. On the other hand hubby had fish and chips which he liked. The french fries were good. So my dish was a bomb while hubby's was decent and predictable. I would return if I'm in the area because the service is so friendly and nice, but I would not order that again. I would try something more mainstream that's hard to botch up like maybe a hamburger or a sandwich.

    Photos
    The Taproom Pub and Grub
    Wonton Thai Tacos
    Wonton Thai Tacos
    The Taproom Pub and Grub

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    108 Sports Lounge

    108 Sports Lounge

    3.7
    (71 reviews)
    4.2 mi
    $$

    First time in and I'll say this right away--this place lets you settle in…read more It's a country bar at its core, but not in a way that boxes you in. Pool tables, darts, TVs on, people hanging out... it feels like a spot that's been doing its thing for a while. About 50 people in the room when I was there, and it sat in that perfect middle--alive, but not chaotic. What stood out to me was the flow of the night. KJs Angie and Scotty ("The 2 Hotties") run a smooth rotation. No weird gaps, no rushing people, no favoritism vibes--just steady, fair, and easy to work with. That matters more than people think. It keeps the whole room relaxed, and you can feel it. Amy behind the bar was on it all night. Friendly, quick, and consistent even when things picked up. Drinks came out right, no attitude, just good energy. That kind of presence anchors a place. From a singer's standpoint, this is a good room: * Sound is workable * Crowd is open * You've got space to actually perform, not fight for attention It's not a "look at me" kind of bar--it's a "be yourself and let it land" kind of place. I came in new, no expectations, and left feeling like I could come back and build something here. That's always a good sign. I'll be back.

    A great place to go on comedy night. Roman from 105.5, The River is the producer and provides a…read moregreat line up. I have attended many shows there and have not been disappointed.

    Photos
    Lounge
    Lounge
    Bar
    Bar
    108 Sports Lounge

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    Ann’s Fish & Chip’s

    Ann’s Fish & Chip’s

    4.7
    (126 reviews)
    6.8 mi
    $$

    The wife and I were in the neighborhood and she brought up Ann's Fish & Chips. I was definitely…read moredown. We ordered the #1, two fish and chips. We did substitute the chips for onion rings. I am not mad not mad at that decision. The fish were what seemed like two whole filets with a beer batter that would knock your Sox off. Tender fish with a crispy batter. The batter on the onion rings was thick and crispy. SO GOOD!! The service was good super nice. You walk up to the counter and order. And I'm really not a fan of this for the fact, I tip small here. Thats just me. I want to give bigger but you didn't do anything yet. Give me some good customer service and I will give you a ble$$ing. Ambiance was ok. Nothing fancy but your coming here I think, for the hang, beer and food. Definitely check out this place. The food and beer were on point!! SO GOOD!!

    We ordered the 2 piece fish and chips (16.99) Vege Combo…read more(7.99) Soda (1.99) Wine (7.00) The total for our meal was $62.50 Which we thought was pretty high for fish and chips meals. The food was delicious but the service is very slow (probably because they make each meal as the order comes in). The dining space is very small but for a little hole in the wall restaurant it worked. I ordered a water and never received it. We also ordered coleslaw and didn't receive that either. I had to wait in line to ask for it. The staff were all very friendly. Maybe they just need to hire more help. I'm not sure we would make the trip out to Hughson again for their fish and chips but the food was really good.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Ann’s Fish & Chip’s
    Ann’s Fish & Chip’s

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    First Street Alehouse

    First Street Alehouse

    4.0
    (2.4k reviews)
    45.4 mi
    $$

    Came here for dinner on a weekend night and this place was packed - quite busy, but we got a table…read morefor 6+ of us without much issue! The place was loud and lively - great ambiance for watching a sports game or a casual night out. Menu had typical Americana and good came out in a reasonable amount of time - overall, solid food and drinks. The sandwich I got was a bit expensive and the salad was nothing special, but otherwise it was a nice experience. I wouldn't be roaring to come back, but I enjoyed the meal and it was nice to connect with friends.

    It saddens me to have to leave a bad review, since I frequent this place quite often... but the…read morequality of their to-go orders has gotten so bad. In-house we haven't had much issue, but I don't know what's going on with door dash/delivery orders. Almost every time, there's an issue. My littles absolutely love the mini corn dogs, and even though the listing says "with fries" they've suddenly stopped delivering with fries for the past few months ( and don't allow customer notes.) It's also a 50/50 chance the mini corn dogs will be dark and hard... I have a sensitive stomach with dietary restrictions, so I find great comfort that I can get the seared ahi tuna tacos while my husband enjoys a hamburger... but the last few orders have been so wrong. Once I was missing avocado, next I was missing the sauce, and this time my tuna was completely raw, not seared with hard jasmine rice and very tiny avocado slices. I always put input in to DoorDash, but I don't think it's getting to the restaurant... and it's reached a point where I feel like I have to leave this review and maybe find a new go to for quick family dinners. I enjoy visiting, the staff is always so kind and the kids like the back patio. Perfect vibe for a laid back dinner.. but why are the to-go orders so terrible suddenly? Absolutely heartbreaking.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Bavarian Pretzel
    Bavarian Pretzel
    Seared Ahi Tacos with Jasmine rice

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    Seared Ahi Tacos with Jasmine rice

    The Smart Axe Modesto - pubs - Updated July 2026

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