Welcome to Penny University, your local Cafe in J St, 1202 J St, where great coffee and a welcoming atmosphere come together.
With a 4.80-star rating from 104 reviews, we’re proud to offer Fast service, Great coffee, Great tea selection, Breakfast, Solo dining and Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet for every guest.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Penny University
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, gluten free granola, and Burch Bees honey drizzle
Southern biscuit with butter and housemade jam
Sausage or bacon, egg, medium cheddar, and chipotle sauce on choice of southern biscuit or sourdough bread*
Ohana smoked salmon, cream cheese dill spread, pickled onions, arugula, cucumber, capers, and lemon zest on sourdough*
Avocado, arugula, and pickled carrots on sourdough*
Bacon or sausage, scrambled eggs, potato, cheddar cheese, w/ your choice of housemade red, or avocado salsa or chipotle aioli
Quinoa, sweet potatoes, carrots, chicken, apple, goat cheese, spinach, arugula, vinaigrette, and spiced pecans
Bacon, arugula, heirloom tomatoes, and basil aioli on sourdough*
Sliced turkey, spinach, havarti, chipotle dressing, cucumber on sourdough*
White bean hummus, arugula, pickled carrots, radish, cucumber, and garlic aioli on sourdough*
Bacon, apple, arugula, carmelized onions, blue cheese, garlic aioli, balsamic on Focaccia*
Potato, Squash, carmelized onions, and garlic aioli on Focaccia*
Savory spiced almonds, cashews, and pecans
Sliced sourdough with whipped butter, balsamic, sage and thyme
Lemon, garlic, white bean/garbanzo hummus cucumber slices, with baguette slices
Spanish style olives marinated in Sciabica Blood Orange Olive Oil
Pimento cheese, prosciutto, pickled carrots, with baguette slices
Salami, prosciutto, marinated olives, three cheeses, baguette slices
Hear from our valued guests
This is by far my favorite coffee spot! The food is always fresh and delicious, and the coffee never disappoints. On top of that, the service is truly phenomenal—friendly, fast, and welcoming every time.
This is such a creative coffee shop! I thought the touch of history in its design was so well imagined and brought to life. Excellent place to study or mingle with coworkers or friends. They have a really delicious breakfast burrito with chipotle aioli sauce!
The most delicious coffee in town. Cold brew is smooth and delicious. The iced butterscotch isn't too sweet and the coffee taste is amazing. The hot brown sugar cinnamon balances all flavors witht he delicious coffee taste as well.
Really lovely new spot! Bright open space and love the reading nook with a great selection of books. The staff was super friendly too and it was lovely but still enough seating inside and outside. Several people working on laptops too with a decent amount of plugs. Good to catch up with some, do some remote work, or read or just enjoy coffee. I ordered the hey day drink which is their match. It was SO GOOD. I was upset I didn’t get the large! Also had a cappuccino which was a bit strange. Not sure if too bitter or acidic or not sweet enough? I know staff is still in training. Excited to go back there though!
Penny University is such a breath of fresh air to downtown Modesto. The ambiance is so cozy and comfortable, it feels like a place you can stay for hours and hours. I had a pumpkin spice latte, the breakfast sandwich and biscuit with jam. The latte was delicious, not too sweet, huge fall vibes. The sandwich was really tasty with crispy bacon (I hate soggy bacon!) with a spicy mayo that really set it off. And the biscuit and jam was seriously top notch. Everyone I talked to was very friendly, service was quick, it's overall a great spot. I'll be coming here again and again!
Exceptionally kind staff, perfect cappuccinos and lattes every time, and food is always prompt and on point. Spacious place to study, read, or catch up with a friend. Music on the stereo is always good too. Library space has plenty of books to read to your kid while you hang out. Seasonal menu stays fresh and always has something new to try. Jams and pickles made in house too.
Penny’s University is one of my favorite spots in Downtown Modesto! I’ve been here several times — both for casual meetups with friends and even a portrait session I photographed — and it never disappoints. The coffee is always delicious (I’ve had both the latte and mocha — highly recommend!), and the atmosphere is warm, inviting, and full of creative energy. A perfect place to grab a drink, catch up, or get inspired. ☕✨
Penny University Coffee is one of my absolute favorite spots in downtown Modesto. The coffee is delicious, the food is amazing, and the atmosphere is always fun and welcoming. I especially love their cozy little library corner with the comfy couch. It is the perfect place to relax or catch up with a friend. Whether I’m grabbing a quick drink or spending a couple of hours chatting, I always leave feeling glad I came. If you haven’t been yet, go. You’ll love it!
Penny University was a great experience. Emily and Addy were so welcoming and definitely knew their coffee. Also if you get a chance to see one of the owners, ask them about why the name Penny University. A little history treat for those curious of the name.
This was my first time depending university. It’s a cute little coffee spot to grab a quick bite to eat as well. They have tables inside where you can sit down and what looks like some delicious pastries as well as breakfast foods. The staff was very friendly and accommodating, and delivered our drinks and food to our table. I would definitely go back.
Common questions about Penny University
Penny University is located at 1202 J St, Modesto, CA 95354, United States , J St, 1202 J St, United States.
Penny University has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 104 customer reviews.
Penny University features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Penny University features the following from the business: Identifies as women-owned.
Penny University features the following service options: Outdoor seating, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in, Delivery.
Penny University features the following highlights: Fast service, Great coffee, Great tea selection.
Penny University features the following popular for: Breakfast, Solo dining, Good for working on laptop.
Penny University features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Quick bite, Wine.
Penny University features the following dining options: Breakfast, Lunch, Dessert, Seating.
Penny University features the following amenities: Gender-neutral toilets, Restroom, Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi.
Penny University features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Trendy.
Penny University features the following crowd: Groups, University students.
Penny University features the following planning: Accepts reservations.
Penny University features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
Penny University features the following parking: Free street parking, Plenty of parking.
Penny University features the following pets: Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
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