Preservation Coffee & Tea

Coffee shop · Modesto

Preservation Coffee & Tea

Coffee shop · Modesto

1

1030 J St, Modesto, CA 95354, USA

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Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null
Preservation Coffee & Tea by null

Highlights

Eclectic coffee shop with VCRs, local art, and smooth mochas  

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1030 J St, Modesto, CA 95354, USA Get directions

preservationcoffee.com
@prescoffeetea

US$1–10 · Menu

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1030 J St, Modesto, CA 95354, USA Get directions

+1 209 409 4415
preservationcoffee.com
@prescoffeetea

US$1–10 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 30, 2025

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An independent café with an airy mezzanine and creative drinks, Preservation appears in downtown arts listings and serves as an Art Walk hangout. Expect house specialties, rotating art, and a steady hum of locals.

https://www.preservationcoffee.com/
Things to Do in Modesto (2025)
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Stephanie Ruiz

Google
This cozy coffee spot gives me HUGE Los Angeles city vibes. Very chill, has some good ol' VCR tapes and a tiny cute TV playing movies. I got the original Mocha Coffee with Oatmilk instead of regular milk. I also ordered one ham and cheese croissant. Which was pleasantly filling. The coffee didn't taste very strong and actually was very tasty. Not too sweet and not bitter at all. Would definitely visit again if Im in the area. The lady serving me coffee (I forgot to ask for her name) was very attentive and quick with my order. Overall it's great.

Margarita Barragan

Google
High quality coffee at a reasonable price. Street parking is easy and the service is fantastic. Love that the coffee shop features different local artists by displaying their work.

Andrew S

Google
This is my go-to place for coffee. All the food and drinks taste amazing and the baristas are friendly and talkative (unless you are just on your phone bc then they won't disturb you). I really like the matcha and lattes. The atmosphere is neat. I've heard people say that it's not the cleanest, but I think it's part of the grungy vibe. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a cool little hole in the wall feeling coffee shop

Kristi M

Google
Great coffee, but didn’t see any food.

Eddie B

Google
4.5 + stars . It’s Family time out for coffee after lunch. We had 2 Big kid hot chocolate, w/ cinnamon, a vanilla latte ( almond milk ) for one and I had the mocha. Mine was smooth and good taste.. the kids enjoyed their coco’s. Downtown Modesto on a frigid afternoon today. A quaint tidy place to hangout for a short time. As always, post wherever your heart desire.

Lucina Granados

Google
Not coming back a tall white guy taking orders with orange hair. Has really bad customer service when ordering he slammed 3 coffee cups on the counter not sure why. When he gave me my change he tossed my coins on my hand dropping them all. Never coming back customer service is a first person one interacts with and for being a person taking orders he definitely needs a lot of training specially coming from a person who is a business owner. Bread is good! Coffee is okay nothing special and environment definitely nice tho.

Dave B

Google
Came and got a coffee ☕ because apparently downtown Modesto doesn't really have much going on at 9am on a Sunday morning 😕 but if it didn't, we wouldn't have found this cool little spot. Has a nice upper deck to hang out and do whatever on (including sleep) I assume the owner or manager are Star Wars fans. Live long and prosper 🖖

Ro Taylor

Google
Excellent Expresso! It's a little eclectic, but it's the best coffee bar in Modesto. They have expresso, tea, hot chocolate, iced mochas, and pasteries as well.

Hannah B.

Yelp
I got an oat latte with chili powder and it was so good! The counter person was very friendly and accommodating, they made the effort to make sure my drink was to my liking :) the shop was cute and supports local artists. 10/10 would come back!
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Stephen B.

Yelp
Stopped over while in the area. Staff were friendly. Macchiato and pastry were both delicious. It's a small coffee shop but uses the space well. I'll repeat next time I'm in the area, and would recommend!
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Gladys E.

Yelp
We took their suggestion and it did not disappoint. Friendly staff and great coffee.

Mary S.

Yelp
So far I've tried the horchata latte, the Serrano, and the blackberry matcha. All are DELICIOUS. Service is friendly enough, but I also don't expect service workers to song and dance me just to make a living like some people need for some reason. The workers are nice enough and professional, they provide the service and make me good drinks. I appreciate them and always tip. The space is very cute and has noticed if local goings on. Overall a very cute shop that improves downtown with it's presence IMO. So much better than another soulless Starbucks.
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Tiffany M.

Yelp
This is my favorite coffee shop overall in Modesto ! The employees are friendly, and I usually don't have any issues finding any seating. I really like l their matcha drink as I think it is mixed with another herb/spices. There is first floor and second floor seating inside. The second floor showcases some artwork (as does the first floor). However, if it is available, I think I prefer to sit on the first floor as those are closer to the windows that provide more natural lighting. I'm not from the area, but I come to Modesto to visit my lovely in-laws. If there's a time when they're all busy with something, at times I have come by here to get something to drink and read/journal.
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mateo r.

Yelp
Terrible customer service experience. Not a smile, not a good morning. A slight mumble under the breath followed by confusion when I asked about coffee. I'd give this place one star but I did get a cup of coffee and it's not awful.
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Brent F.

Yelp
Stopped by for an espresso while traveling around route 99 and enjoyed the visit. Espresso was very good, they had plenty of seating, good wifi and staff were friendly. I don't visit Modesto often but if I am in the area and need a coffee this will be top of my list.
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Rashi T.

Yelp
Quick review - not a fan ! although my friends liked what they got. I got a cappuccino, which was very flat almost like an Americano. The coffee shop itself is bright and well lit and I saw a lot of people working there.
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Caitlin H.

Yelp
Very cool vibes in here! There's always a vhs movie playing a ton of really good beans from a variety of roasters. The coffee itself is always dialed in and amazing. Baristas are always polite and cool.
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Michelle R.

Yelp
After our lunch we decided to try this coffee place out. This spot is small and has a few tables inside. They have a small tv with a vhs player and many vhs tapes on the shelf against the wall. We decided to order an iced Havana with oat milk and a clubhouse mocha. Both coffee drinks tasted good and service was quick and friendly.
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Amparo M.

Yelp
Very nice little coffee shop! I ordered an iced Orchata Chai. It was super yummy! This coffee shop has cool 1990's hipster vibes which i enjoyed! They have two little tables outside and a few tables inside, I got some work done, and my two daughters did a bunch of homework, they loved it so much they have been back many times! Cant wait to come grab some coffee here again. The staff was super nice and welcoming!
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Ben B.

Yelp
Preservation Coffee is a charming, laid-back atmosphere that's perfect for a coffee break or a low-key work session. It's a small but hip spot, filled with character and quirky touches that set it apart from the typical café. For example, It cracks me up there there is a small TV playing old VHS tapes. I like the nostalgia and making it feel like a trip back in time a bit. There is not a ton of seating, but enough. There are a couple of tables outside for those who prefer some fresh air and people-watching (like I do), and a small upstairs area if you want some privacy or to get some work done. I enjoy the intimate setting. Overall, Preservation Coffee strikes a perfect balance between hipster charm and practical functionality. Whether you're there to enjoy a cup of quality coffee or knock out some work in a unique setting, it's a spot that invites you to stay a while and enjoy the slower pace.

Francis B.

Yelp
Straight espresso shot was a little disappointing, lacked clarity and nothing special; muddy- if you will. Barista's hustled out orders though!
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Rocky G.

Yelp
Thought the space was very cute and calm, so I came here for the first time to attend an online lecture with a warm drink. I ordered my personal favorite- a hot dirty chai latte with oat milk (?)- and it was terrible. I was asked if I wanted it sweet, but it tasted sour and left a bad taste in my mouth as I went home. I was really upset as this place had really good reviews and I was looking forward to it (and even left a tip). Wish I had asked for another drink as the menu seems interesting.

C R.

Yelp
I love this place soooo much and I have been coming here since I was 17. I just wish they upped their matcha gameee like it would be sooo sick if they got like some really great quality matcha (I recommend rishi hehe wink wink ) and played around with their matcha options too!! Also, please dial your espresso a tad bit better and I really really ride for preservation but hey I miss having a good espresso shot here! Love what yall do for the community and I keep coming back because its a staple in modesto tbh.
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David F.

Yelp
Definitely enjoy coming here and relaxing while drinking coffee with some sort of food. Service tends to be pretty positive
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Grey S.

Yelp
So I've been frequenting preservation since my job is downtown. The coffee I've had is great, and I love the atmosphere of the place - it's mainly the staff I have issues with. I'm pretty old school, plus I've worked in customer service 5+ years so that's contributing to my bias. But I feel like the staff are rarely ever welcoming and don't seem to have any sense of professionalism. Maybe it's just the vibe of the place, but I've never actually felt welcome or relaxed there. It kinda feels like a yard sale thrown together with some coffee. Again, this from my personal bias and experience, and I think it's great that a small business is doing well. But as a customer I wouldn't go back unless I had literally no other option, if they could improve anything it would be the demeanor of the staff. A smile goes a long way!

Luis P.

Yelp
Great coffee here. They also have tasty pastries. Service is awesome! Staff are very friendly! Nice little coffee place !
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Jasman R.

Yelp
My favorite coffee shop in Modesto! They are simple, and that's the best part of my experience here. Not a huge menu but all great options and the staff is super helpful if you are confused about what to order. They have pretty strong coffee, and they have a points system to earn a free coffee after a few visits. I like the contractor iced because it's not as sweet as the clubhouse mocha, and I also enjoy the zephyr if I am looking for something not coffee based. Highly recommend this place to my coffee connoisseurs.
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Briana V.

Yelp
Very friendly coffee shop. I got the matcha latte which I believe is called the zephyr . It was so delicious and the ginger that gets added was just enough. I recommend trying them out and I'm curious how the coffee is:
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Shawn M.

Yelp
Great coffee and service to chill and read a book. It was the first time going there and my wife and I had about 45 mins to kill.
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Isaiah G.

Yelp
We were in the area and looked this place up online. It's downtown so you'll find street parking. It's a little shop there was two tables outside and a few inside. They have the menu on top where you can see. They sold some other drinks in the refrigerator and bars. They service was really good. The guy who rang us up listen to my request. I asked for an extra pump and that I like my coffee on the sweeter side. Our coffee were strong but not overpowering in taste. It was really good and I would definitely be back.
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Ronald E.

Yelp
I encourage all coffee drinkers to support your local small business and give Preservation Coffee & Tea a try. So I went on my first coffee date, and let me tell you Preservation has that real deal coffee. To go with my strong cup of joe, was a delicious chocolate croissant. Surprisingly delicious. It was that good. What I appreciated about my experience with the coffee and croissant was the coffee was not sweet, so the croissant added that sweetness. Its a mom and pop shop. And and thanks to Preservation, if I'm in Modesto im never drinking Starbucks again.
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Jaspreet S.

Yelp
My favorite coffee spot in Modesto. Old school feel, amazing coffee- and super nice baristas. My favorite of all time is the contractor- not too sweet and still lots of coffee flavor. If you want a great hot Coffee- the classic vanilla latte always hits the spot!
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keilana O.

Yelp
my father has been taking me here for years and we've always been treated good up until today blonde girl with bangs has the nastiest attitude and i work in customer service. First of all i was waiting at the counter for a couple of minutes but that's not the problem the problem was i was never greeted and than i get handed my coffee with a side of attitude instead of a thank you. If you don't enjoy your job to the point where you're bring others down that quit! seriously stop hiring everyone off the street and actually take the time to know who you're bring into your company to represent YOU
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Renee P.

Yelp
I come here whenever I'm passing through downtown for a nice refreshing pomegranate green tea, especially during the summer. But it is way to unbearable when this amazing coffee shop doesn't have working AC, when walking into any establishment you expect to escape the heat outside, not feel even more disgustingly hot. It was unbearable and the Baristas looked exhausted and so tired I wouldn't want to be there any longer than I was to get my drink and promptly left. It was over 100 today that is unacceptable for any establishment let alone an establishment that you would want your customers to sit and feel comfortable in, I feel awful for the Baristas here let alone the customers. Drinks are always amazing, fix your AC.
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Tbtbs F.

Yelp
My mom and I were searching for a good coffee place on a Sunday afternoon as every other place was closed. We were craving coffee and some pastries and I seen online that they have pastries. When we got there they didn't have anything lol. They def do have a simple menu. I got a Serrano coffee (spicy and chocolatey) it was pretty good. The customer service was great! The barista that took our order was very sweet and cleaned our table for us so we wouldn't sit in crumbs. When our drinks were ready she brought them over to us which was super sweet of her! The ambience is pretty loud as people go there and chit chat. It's a cute little retro place that has an old school tv with a built in vhs and a bookshelf filled of "vintage" vhs tapes. They do have a second floor but the seating area isn't too big. I'd come back! And I hope they have pastries this time around!
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Angelique M.

Yelp
Woof this place is awesome. Great little coffee shop with quality coffee and great options in the downtown area. I love the options of fresh baked good that they offer. They also have a rotating art display for local artists. LOVE! My favorite thing to get is the Serrano Mocha but I also get their cappuccinos and lattes. If you're in the downtown area, be sure to check out this little gem!
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Kiana A.

Yelp
We ordered the cold brew and oatmilk latte! It was very good. We were also able to sip, read, and study during our visit. The ambience was perfect and the staff was nice. We will be back!
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Eric R.

Yelp
Whenever I'm in Modesto, CA Preservation Coffee is a MUST. Forget about Starbs and all the other big chains. If Preservation is open, there's no excuse. Every single coffee item hits. My favorite is the BFH. Be careful! BFH is enough to last me for two days of energy. Support your local business and slide through
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Jenn D.

Yelp
I had to come back and change my review, even if that meant retrieving my password since it's been like a year since I signed in. Let me just say that it is quite obvious this place went through a big change, and it is heavily reflected in the quality of product. I used to love the cold clubhouse mocha, and was excited when they began to offer it with oat milk, but they must have changed the recipe, as the last few times I've decided to go back to Preservation, as it is more bitter, and even had a grainy texture to it. I decided to try a chai the last time I went, since the new clubhouse was so disappointing... it was the most dull chai latte I've ever had. It's disappointing, as I used to regard this as the best coffee establishment in the downtown region. I used to send everyone these, whether if it was for drinks or a job, as the environment was once inviting and fun to be around. Even THAT has gone down the drain. At least this place enforces masks on their employees, but none of them seem happy to be there -- a complete contrast to what this place was like just in the beginnings of summer of this year! Now, sorry to say this, but Starbucks is better in all regards -- and they're just down the road at their new location, so everyone is just better off just walking that extra distance.
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Felicia G.

Yelp
Okay! I'm back with a current review because looking back at my old review I just no longer agree with it because I know people and places change people evolve places get better! I've been getting the Cookie Butter Latte with Oat or the Maple Cinnamon with Oat. So much body, so much creamy thickness I'm here at least 3 times a week with NO EXPERIENCE of any bad staff what so ever. I've been there consistently to meet almost everyone that works there they are all awesome and most of all they know their coffee to water ratios! Big recommendation to all looking for real espresso with out artificial flavors.
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Jean A.

Yelp
This is my go to spot for a cup of coffee that is local. I prefer supporting local businesses and unfortunately, modesto does not have a huge variety of coffee locations. During the hot months, i enjoy the cold brew. There have been times I've ordered the contractor, but personally, i only order it when i want something sweet. Winter months I tend to stick to their drip coffee and on special occasions I'll order their clubhouse mocha. I'm not a big mocha drinker, but i have to say that the clubhouse is the only mocha based drink I'll get (beside the every once in a while contractor). I've tried a few of their pastries and have been delicious. My personal favorite is the almond cake. However, the lemon tart pairs really well with the drip coffee (since it has some citrus notes). Parking is much better since the city has improve the parking. The seating is VERY limited, two tables inside and two outside (due to Covid). I do wish they would utilize the seating that was built outside on the street. It would be really nice to enjoy a coffee with in-house cups. I do appreciate that I can take my own (clean) cup for coffee!

Taylor A.

Yelp
Stopped by on my way back to Folsom from Sequoia Park, pretty good third wave coffee for all us coffee snobs out there just got an Americano. Ps (Modesto doesn't seem so scary anymore)

Daisie V.

Yelp
The barista was really rude. First time there at the coffee shop, barista had been rushing us by aggressively tapping her pen (no one had been in the shop). The ice coffee was not good at all, and had been an uncomfortable setting to stay in.
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Cassandra H.

Yelp
The Havana is quite tasty not too sweet and comes in an 8oz cup. The Cortado is also very smooth. I have 4 stars because the decor is just blah. But the coffee is awesome!

Scout P.

Yelp
Very cute little spot! Good coffee, chill and casual atmosphere. Workers were very kind. Got a dirty chai and my husband got cold brew.
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Kelsey C.

Yelp
Wanted to support a local coffee shop while I was in town visiting and a friend suggested Preservation. Such a fun shop and adhering to all covid protocols. Ordered The Contractor - half mocha, half cold brew. Not too sweet and perfect on a hot Modesto day. Nice service and a few small tables if you want to enjoy it outside on the sidewalk. Parking on the street.
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Elle H.

Yelp
Cute cafe with good coffee and space to work. In a nice part of downtown - street parking wasn't too difficult. There's a bathroom but you have to ask for it!

Jayme J.

Yelp
We enjoyed the coffee and ambiance of Preservation! Great cafe option for Modesto for more upscale drinks and lovely latte art. :) The service was excellent and friendly as well, we will be back!
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Kong L.

Yelp
To be honest, couldn't fine anything special about this coffee shop. I was only my way back to Fresno and this was the closest place to get coffee. Well, I could've opted out for the Starbucks off the exit and next door but I decided to support a local business. I ordered a latte with homemade vanilla syrup but I couldn't really taste the vanilla. Overall, the customer service was good and coffee came out quick.
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Harleen B.

Yelp
First time here so I asked the barista for a recommendation which ended up being really good. She asked me what I liked (nothing too sweet and iced) and didn't like and based off of that recommended a Havana. I would come back to this place!
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Erika L.

Yelp
Such a cute little coffee shop! I did not get the girl working the counters name, but she was so sweet and inviting I felt like I was talking to a friend while asking about the menu. I ordered a lavender vanilla latte for my mom and I along with the most delicious lemon meringue tart! Although I do wish the lavender taste was a little more present, it was a great substitute to my fav lavender latte from back home in Fresno. Will definitely be making another stop here very soon!
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Yvette G.

Yelp
I wanted to find a great coffee shop in Modesto. However, the coffee I ordered was okay. The coffee actually tasted like they might have over roasted the beans or have not cleaned their coffee machines recently. It just tasted a little burnt. The atmosphere was okay inside the coffee shop. The customer service was okay as well. Really nothing special. Just an okay coffee shop.
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Lulu H.

Yelp
My favorite coffee shop EVER and in town! It's very lofty, and small town feel, I love the originality of this coffee shop in such a beautiful location. The mornings here are crisp and friendly. Especially on a fall morning. The staff members always seem to be different however they are always so nice. I usually order like this "something strong and very sweet" and each time they give me something different and it's ALWAYS amazing!!!
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Allison O.

Yelp
Tried the Serrano Mocha which was mostly molten chocolate, but that's what I needed anyway. They sell some snacks on the side including a locally-made oat and banana bar. If you need to work, there is a cool quiet seating area upstairs with a power strip on the left wall!
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Sonia A.

Yelp
I really enjoyed my drink here. First-timers here. I had the Serrano mocha and it was not that spicy at all. Definitely more chocolatey. It was good had a lil kick in a few sips. I'd definitely come back and try their other drinks.
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Luzviminda S.

Yelp
Absolutely such a nice vibe here, quaint and great people their zephyr is really good and yes they hav munchies as well carrot cake is bomb- radest part they sell/feature local artists of the area
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David R.

Yelp
Preservation gets 2 stars because their coffee is honestly some of the better offerings in Modesto, I love their little shop and go out of my way to frequent local businesses. However, the staff literally treats you like a leper if you are over 35. (and especially if you are a Man) 2 of the last 3 visits I left with a really shitty feeling added to my decaf Americano. Not what you want with a simple cup of Joe. I can feel seething resentment from the Millennials that work there as they take my order and never make eye contact. I'm not entirely sure if it's because I'm a handsome tall straight middle-aged white dude and most of the staff have been trained since they could walk to hate me, but I really don't care what their issue is. It could be a demographic thing, but discrimination is not fkn cool in any way, shape or form. Which is sad to me given that I am an RN who has devoted half of my life in service to others and have always battled for the marginalized and folks that just want a simple cup of coffee. I waited 20mins for one cup of coffee once while other customers were ordering and leaving. I am quite sure I was made to wait deliberately. I will go to Dutch Bros or Starbucks where the staff greet you and do not treat you with outright hostility.