As you come into Oakdale heading north on Yosemite Avenue and arrive at the iconic Oakdale Mural, you have found yourself at Bistro 120. The first mural in a series was created in the community in partnership with OakdaleARTS and painted by Cameron Moberg. Its magnificent presence is a symbol of the pride and loyalty the owners of Bistro 120 have for the City of Oakdale and its historical heritage. As the sole contributor to the project, it serves as a true statement piece that embraces the passion and long-term commitment owners Matt and Kelly Budine have in contributing to our unique community. 

Bistro 120 was founded on the desire to give the residents of Oakdale and the surrounding communities a place to gather and celebrate with good food, handcrafted cocktails, and easy conversation. Since opening in July 2023, Bistro 120 has quickly become a favorite among Oakdale residents and a destination restaurant for visitors from nearby towns and beyond who appreciate its thoughtful cooking and relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

Bistro 120 is an elevated casual environment where all cultures and attire are welcome. Guests will find scratch-made dishes that blend California freshness with creative twists. Bistro 120 is a stand-alone restaurant in the area offering only prime cut steaks, including Filet, Ribeye, and Snake River Farms Wagyu New York Strip. Other popular items include Cedar-Planked Salmon, Miso Seabass, and Shrimp Scampi. On the more casual side, you will find a rich Prime Rib French dip and the “Cowboy Capital” Cheeseburger served on a toasted sweet Hawaiian bun, which has already earned its own fan base. For dessert, the Butter Cake has become a can’t-miss indulgence that brings people back again and again.

The restaurant offers a full bar with craft cocktails, daily pressed fresh juices, and a growing list of wines, making it a great choice for everything from date nights to birthday dinners to a relaxing evening out with friends.

What truly sets Bistro 120 apart is the care and vision brought to life by owners Matt and Kelly Budine. Longtime Oakdale residents, the Budines built a stylish yet comfortable gathering place for the community. In a thoughtful nod to local history, they acquired the large letters from the old Oakdale Theatre marquee and hung them inside, giving the dining room a sense of nostalgia and connection to the town’s past. The décor throughout is an intentional balance of both masculine and feminine, inviting a spirited girls’ night out, lively sports viewing at the bar for sports fans, couples, business meetings, families, group celebrations, and more.   

The dining experience is based on excellent service and quality, with a simple idea in mind: a place where quality food, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality all come together. Friendly and knowledgeable staff embrace each and every guest with genuine appreciation. 

The newest addition to Bistro 120 is The Venue at Bistro 120, a boutique, intimate event space designed to host a wide variety of gatherings. Open to the public in November 2024, The Venue has grown rapidly and now hosts events such as wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, bridal and baby showers, birthdays and anniversaries, corporate and business meetings, class reunions, and celebrations of life, among many others.

In 2026, The Venue will introduce additional restaurant-hosted events, including wine dinners and other themed experiences that allow guests to connect and build relationships within the local community.

Open daily from 11 a.m., with extended dinner hours on weekends, Bistro 120 offers the flexibility for a quick lunch, a lingering dinner, or a special night out.

In a town like Oakdale, it can be hard to find a place that feels both elevated and down-to-earth, but Bistro 120 manages to strike that balance beautifully. Whether you are craving a steak, an inventive burger, or a cozy evening with friends, it is worth stopping in. If you haven’t already, you might just discover your new favorite spot in the Cowboy Capital.