Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Premier Nightlife Destination in Modesto, CA
Crocodiles Nightclub has been Modesto's premier nightlife destination since 1978, offering a vibrant atmosphere where generations of patrons have gathered to dance and celebrate. Founded by Jack Phillips, our venue has evolved through four music formats while maintaining its core focus on creating unforgettable dance experiences. Our new ownership team, led by Christian and Kasandra Gonzalez alongside Fernando and Joanna Beltran, continues this legacy while implementing modern improvements to infrastructure and customer engagement. With a massive dance floor and a diverse music selection spanning six decades, we cater to a mature clientele aged 25-70 who appreciate everything from classic rock to slow dance ballads.Our commitment to community and tradition remains strong, evidenced by our second-generation customers and ongoing partnerships with local businesses. We host themed events like Freestyle Friday and Latin dance nights, while maintaining our reputation as California's largest nightclub. Our team combines decades of experience with fresh perspectives to ensure every guest enjoys a safe, inclusive environment where memories are made. Through social media outreach and careful preservation of our founding principles, we continue to evolve while honoring our rich history. Our HVAC, plumbing, and electrical upgrades demonstrate our dedication to long-term sustainability and customer comfort.
Services
Nightclub Events
Themed Parties
Dance Lessons
Private Reservations
Live Music Nights
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We've hosted over 2 million customers since 1978 with proven event expertise
- Our DJs play music spanning six decades for diverse audience appeal
- Family ownership ensures personalized attention to guest experiences
- 5,000-square-foot dance floor accommodates large groups and special events
- Modern infrastructure upgrades ensure comfort and long-term reliability
Services
Nightclub Events
Experience our legendary dance nights featuring music from the 60s to today. Our DJs play diverse genres including classic rock, disco, country, and slow dance ballads. With a massive dance floor accommodating hundreds of patrons, we create vibrant atmospheres for both casual outings and special celebrations.
Themed Parties
Enjoy curated themed events like Freestyle Friday and Latin dance nights. Our calendar includes Halloween parties, Great Gatsby nights, and New Year's Eve celebrations. Each event features unique decorations, special performances, and immersive experiences that attract both regular patrons and new guests.
Dance Lessons
Learn dance styles from experienced instructors during our scheduled lessons. We offer Latin dance instruction including salsa and bachata on Thursdays, plus free line dance lessons on Sundays. These sessions cater to all skill levels in a welcoming environment that emphasizes fun and social interaction.
Private Reservations
Reserve space for private celebrations with our table and party accommodations. Our venue supports birthday parties and special gatherings with flexible seating arrangements. Reservations guarantee space until 8:30 PM with arrival required by 9:00 PM to maintain bookings.
Live Music Nights
Enjoy live performances from regional artists and touring acts. Our stage hosts Friday Night Live events featuring bands like Red Shift 7 and Betty Dee. These performances create dynamic energy that complements our regular DJ-led dance nights while attracting diverse musical audiences.
People
Jack Phillips
Founder
Established the nightclub legacy in 1976 with The Sports Page Discotheque, evolving through multiple formats before creating Crocodiles in 1991. His vision for diverse music selection and large-scale dance events shaped the venue's enduring success.
Christian Gonzalez
Co-Owner
Led transition to new ownership in 2022 after extensive preparation. Maintained founding traditions while implementing modern improvements through mentorship from Guy Phillips and hands-on venue management experience.
Kasandra Gonzalez
Co-Owner
Partnered with Christian Gonzalez to preserve Crocodiles' cultural legacy during ownership transition. Played key role in maintaining operational continuity while introducing social media strategies to connect with new generations of patrons.
Fernando Beltran
Operations Manager
Assumed daily management responsibilities in 2023 after relocating to Modesto. Focuses on maintaining venue standards while ensuring guest satisfaction through consistent event quality and facility improvements.
Guy Phillips
Former Operator
Provided mentorship during ownership transition, sharing institutional knowledge about venue operations and customer preferences. Maintained involvement behind the scenes during initial phase of new management.
Questions
What makes Crocodiles Nightclub unique?
We're Modesto's longest-running nightclub with continuous operation since 1978, featuring the region's largest dance floor and music spanning six decades.
What music genres do you play?
Our DJs play Oldies, Rock, Disco, Dance, Country, and Slow Dance music covering the past 60 years to cater to diverse age groups.
Are there age restrictions?
We cater primarily to a mature clientele aged 25-70, though younger adults may attend with proper ID verification and adherence to our dress code.
Can I reserve tables for events?
Yes, we offer table reservations for special occasions with guaranteed seating until 8:30 PM and arrival required by 9:00 PM.
What special events do you host?
We feature Freestyle Friday, Latin dance nights, Halloween parties, Great Gatsby themes, and New Year's Eve celebrations throughout the year.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, we maintain a smart casual dress code to ensure appropriate attire for our mature clientele and special events.
