For the past five years, Lo-Fidelity Laboratories has cultivated a community centered around crafted cocktails, curated sounds, and collective creativity, providing downtown Modesto with a much-needed space for those in search of diverse offerings in a down-to-earth environment. 

“I grew up in Sacramento…so moving here in the beginning was really hard for me, because over there it’s very community driven. There’s stuff to do every day and there are very creative people who have spaces to do those kinds of things,” bar manager and co-owner Shawna Love said. “I really saw Modesto struggling in that aspect. A lot of things gain momentum at first and then die out. It’s really hard to keep people coming for these return events. People are bored. There’s not a lot to stimulate them.” 

Love’s solution to the Central Valley stagnation has been to bring concepts from around the country back to Modesto to share with her bartenders and patrons. Bar camps in New York, distillery tours in Kentucky, and cocktail seminars in New Orleans – these are just a few sources of inspiration that have helped Lo-Fi bolster its profile. The result is a zero-waste, bespoke approach to making drinks that showcases fresh juices, syrups, and tonics all made from scratch. 

Not to betray its low-key nature, this elevated approach is balanced by dive bar vibes that include a low-cost menu featuring classic beers like Hamm’s, Coors Original, and Miller Light, Mickey’s malt liquor hand grenades, and Carlo Rossi wine. 

The full bar also includes a rare Amaro selection along with a wide range of mocktail options.

“This is the most diverse bar as far as the age range of people that come here and the demographic…I really like the fact that I can look around the room and feel like we’re not catering to one type of group,” Love said. “I think that’s the highlight of my job, being able to do that for people.”

In addition to the drink selection, visitors can also enjoy themed nights like Dive Bar Mondays and Tiki Tuesdays along with events like Mommy Paint Night, Air Dried Clay classes, Photography Showcases, Write Nights, Friday Night Vibe DJ parties, Poetry Nights, Drag Lab Brunch shows, and much more. The space also caters to underground hip hop fans with past performances from the likes of Equipto, Pep Love, and an array of local artists.

“Lo-Fi Labs is a little bit of everything,” Love said. “Community is really important because some people are here by themselves and they don’t have family or a support system…And so being able to come into a place and feel a sense of community, or meeting people that you can have just a 30-minute conversation over a drink with, I think it’s such a huge relief.”

Crowd Favorite: Clover Club

Classic gin, house-made raspberry syrup, egg white, and lemon juice.

“She’s pink and she’s cute. It’s citrusy and balanced with the raspberry, light and easy to drink,” Love said.

Bartender’s Pick: Trinidad Sour

Angostura bitters, rye, lemon juice, almond syrup

“It’s good for both men and women. It’s got a little bit of spice, but that almond syrup also makes it a bit tropical,” Love said.

Fresh Choice: Naked & Famous

Mezcal, lemon juice, Amaro Nonino

“It’s a cocktail I’d recommend to people who have never had mezcal because it’s perfectly balanced. It’s light on the palate, it’s lightly smokey and not too heavy.”

Lo-Fi Exclusive: Pretty When You Cry

Mezcal, orgeat, lemon juice, Pimm’s Cucumber Liqueur, hibiscus syrup

“It’s a great mezcal cocktail for girls. It’s served over ice, so it’s easier to drink, and the hibiscus syrup and cucumber makes it super palatable.” 

Hours:
Wed-Thurs 5pm – 12am
Fri & Sat 5pm – 1am

Happy Hour:
5 – 7pm

Instagram:
@loficocktails

You Should Also Know

There is a full food menu available via the adjacent restaurant that should be fully remodeled by Halloween.

It’s tradition to take selfies in the bathroom and post them to the @lofi.selfies Instagram page.