Rancho Fresco has expanded operations, bringing the 209 a cantina and nightclub at 950 10th St., downtown Modesto. Don’t let the name fool you, though, as this new hot spot has a rustic but contemporary country vibe and is more like a honky-tonk and far from their sister property Rancho Fresco Mexican restaurant around the corner.

The wide open space has two full bars, big screen TVs throughout, a VIP area, a stage for live entertainment, a PBR mechanical bull riding area and a barber chair that spins, rounding out this new adult fun zone. They have a pizza oven and a kitchen that will offer American cuisine to patrons. The cow skulls on the wall, the chandeliers hanging above and the muted colors and straight lines give this new place a cool country vibe.

Owner Ismael Covarrubias and his team, General Manager Stephanie Valgos and sound and lighting specialist Todd Davis have been working on the nightclub for several months and finally opened the day before Thanksgiving. They had their first big event in November that was very well attended. Since then they have been open seven days a week.

Bartender Jared Kalapsa and Valgos welcome guests to stop by and grab a cocktail or beer. The full bar offers up a variety of concoctions from the very basics to the classics and a few specialties.

Since opening a few of the guest favorites are the Black Bottom Lemon Drop, which has a splash of Chambord in it giving the traditional lemon drop a fruity raspberry twist. The Buck’n’ Bull is a peachy cocktail that has a good balance of sweet and sour with a tajin rim for a little zest. The Palomas have also been a hit and some of the more tropical cocktails like the Mai Tai and Blue Hawaiians.

The Micheladas are made from scratch and are very refreshing. They have 19 beers on tap including domestics, imports and local beers.

The Bloody Marys come with their own skewer of goodies making this cocktail a drink with an appetizer.

The crew at Rancho Fresco Cantina and Nightclub has big plans to keep the 209 entertained with comedy shows, live music, bull riding contests, karaoke, succulent nights and paint nights.

In February they plan a Dueling Piano show from a group out of Los Angeles and a Valentine’s Dinner. 

They have had Latin Vibes Wednesday where guests learned Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and more and on Thursday nights they have country line dancing. 

In March they have plans for some kind of St. Patrick’s Day celebration and other events like wine parings and whiskey tastings. 

Also on the schedule, a special spring showcase put on by VMI - Valley Music Institute, scheduled from March 7 through 9 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

They will be showcasing 50 bands over three days and the showcase is open to the public.

Covarrubias has been involved with rodeo and has lived a country lifestyle including bull riding and roping. Opening a country bar and club was an interest of his for some time and it has all came to fruition.

“We’ve got our hands full with a lot of things that are going to happen here,” stated Covarrubias. “We just want to take it step by step.”

For more information on Rancho Fresco Cantina and Nightclub visit Instagram and Facebook or call 209-303-1130. 

WHAT: Rancho Fresco Cantina and Nightclub

WHERE: 950 10th St., Modesto

HOURS: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday; and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday

CONTACT: Call (209) 303-1130