Best of Modesto – The Lunch Pail

Modesto does not enjoy a reputation as a world class city. Based on the reactions of some of my acquaintances, you’d think I moved to the slums of Redneckville, USA.

OK, OK, Modesto has it’s share of problems. But there is a whole lot to love about this place, and one of my favorites is the number of independent local businesses. If I wanted to eat out in my last hometown, the chances were pretty close to solid that I was going to find myself at a national chain restaurant. If I was willing to drive throughout the county I could find some gems, but usually it was going to be the same stuff anyone can get anywhere. Here I have found some really wonderful stores and restaurants run by passionate local people invested in their community, and I want to support that. I thought that every once in a while it would be fun to feature one.

A couple of weekends ago, on our way back from the ill-fated U-Pick adventure, we stopped off for sandwiches at one of my favorite lunch spots. The Lunch Pail.

This place is nationally recognized for it’s pies, and oh my goodness do they deserve it. Every pie I’ve ever eaten from this place has been a little miracle.

All their ingredients are fresh, all their food is cooked on sight. Even their turkey and roast beef are roasted in their kitchen everyday. You can absolutely tell.

My favorite part about this place, though, is that when you get your lunch, it comes with a taste of the salad of the day, and the pie of the day. This is Bear’s pastrami on rye with potato salad and a bite of the boysenberry cream cheese crunch.

And the sandwiches are not just the same five things you see on every lunch menu. This one is a simple ham on fresh baked sourdough, but with cream cheese and pickles. Oh it was yummy.

My only complaint is that they close at three. Food this good I want to be at my beck and call day and night.

3 thoughts on “Best of Modesto – The Lunch Pail

  1. This is by far my favorite sandwich place!!!! I LOVE the pastrami sandwich. I always get a green salad instead of the salad of the day-yummy homemade croutons! And I agree their pies are the best. Its about the only place we get pies from. Okay, I am so hungry now!!

  2. My favorite lunch time restaurant closed. Sure wish we had something like this closer than California to where I work.

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