Guidebook for Sacramento
Essentials
Fresh, fantastic shopping! A bit pricey. Great deli
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Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op
2820 R StFresh, fantastic shopping! A bit pricey. Great deli
If you're staying on a Saturday morning, this is a great place to pick up fresh and local food - this is the Farm to Fork Capitol after all :-)
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Midtown Farmers Market
1050 20th StIf you're staying on a Saturday morning, this is a great place to pick up fresh and local food - this is the Farm to Fork Capitol after all :-)
This is more of a lunch spot than the weekend Farmers Markets, but good to pick up some fresh, local food.
Tuesday
10:00am - 1:30pm
Franklin D. Roosevelt Park
1615 9th StThis is more of a lunch spot than the weekend Farmers Markets, but good to pick up some fresh, local food.
Tuesday
10:00am - 1:30pm
This is more of a lunch spot than the weekend Farmers Markets, but some really great street food at this one. If you are downtown on a Wednesday, head over here.
Tuesday
10:00am - 1:30pm
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Cesar Chavez Park
910 I StThis is more of a lunch spot than the weekend Farmers Markets, but some really great street food at this one. If you are downtown on a Wednesday, head over here.
Tuesday
10:00am - 1:30pm
24 hour brand new Safeway? Yeah, I shop here a lot. It's an easy walk or easier bike. There is even a convenient surface parking lot for those who want to drive.
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Safeway
1814 19th St24 hour brand new Safeway? Yeah, I shop here a lot. It's an easy walk or easier bike. There is even a convenient surface parking lot for those who want to drive.
This used to be the only real grocery in the central city - and it wasn't even in the grid!
Note - this was the site of the famous and missed Alhambra Theater. There a memorial in the parking lot
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Safeway
1814 19th StThis used to be the only real grocery in the central city - and it wasn't even in the grid!
Note - this was the site of the famous and missed Alhambra Theater. There a memorial in the parking lot
For those unfamiliar, this Berkeley grocery is literally an outlet for food. It's great for cheap food, but you won't know what you'll be buying until you walk in :-)
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Grocery Outlet Bargain Market
1630 W El Camino AveFor those unfamiliar, this Berkeley grocery is literally an outlet for food. It's great for cheap food, but you won't know what you'll be buying until you walk in :-)
Drinks & Nightlife
One of the simplest and best dive bars in town - and there is plenty of competition!
Better yet, they have a great kitchen. Order the tacos, great with either Tri Tip or Potatoes.
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Round Corner
2333 S StOne of the simplest and best dive bars in town - and there is plenty of competition!
Better yet, they have a great kitchen. Order the tacos, great with either Tri Tip or Potatoes.
I don't care what they call it, this will always be Benny's to me. My favorite martini. Make sure to get to the back patio.
Q Street Bar & Grill
2013 Q StI don't care what they call it, this will always be Benny's to me. My favorite martini. Make sure to get to the back patio.
Cocktails anyone? Shady Lady is the much disputed champion. I think these guys still rule the cocktail world in Sacramento, but things are getting crowded.
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The Shady Lady Saloon
1409 R StCocktails anyone? Shady Lady is the much disputed champion. I think these guys still rule the cocktail world in Sacramento, but things are getting crowded.
These are right next to each other and the top social spot in Sacramento. Unpretentious with quality stuff. The whole block is really fun.
Block has great meat plates too.
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LowBrau
1050 20th StThese are right next to each other and the top social spot in Sacramento. Unpretentious with quality stuff. The whole block is really fun.
Block has great meat plates too.
There are a cluster of Gay bars around K and 20th. This is a great place to start. Why? They pour the stiffest drinks in Sacramento.
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The Mercantile Saloon
1928 L StThere are a cluster of Gay bars around K and 20th. This is a great place to start. Why? They pour the stiffest drinks in Sacramento.
It's kinda the basic standard of a Midtown Sacramento bar. Could be filled with hipsters or old school hip hop lovers. That's what makes it fun.
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The Press Bistro
1809 Capitol AveIt's kinda the basic standard of a Midtown Sacramento bar. Could be filled with hipsters or old school hip hop lovers. That's what makes it fun.
This is a bar, but notable for the late night food. If you were even thinking of driving to Denny's, go here instead. On weekends, it's a great place for American food after 2am.
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Ink Eats & Drinks
2730 N StThis is a bar, but notable for the late night food. If you were even thinking of driving to Denny's, go here instead. On weekends, it's a great place for American food after 2am.
Big, young, brash nightclub. If you can stand the uninspired top 40 music, the atmosphere is great--especially on a hot summer night.
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The Park Ultra Lounge
1116 15th StBig, young, brash nightclub. If you can stand the uninspired top 40 music, the atmosphere is great--especially on a hot summer night.
Dive Bar:
Want to see some 50 somethings making out? Me too ;-). I love this dive bar so much, I once tried to lower it's ratings on a website so nobody else would know.
Now it's our little secret.
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Back Door Lounge
1112 Firehouse AlleyDive Bar:
Want to see some 50 somethings making out? Me too ;-). I love this dive bar so much, I once tried to lower it's ratings on a website so nobody else would know.
Now it's our little secret.
Food Scene
Hidden Gem. You have had Korean Tacos, right? These guys have a fresh take and a fun location.
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Tako Korean BBQ
3030 T StHidden Gem. You have had Korean Tacos, right? These guys have a fresh take and a fun location.
The food and drinks here just keep improving. It's simple farm to fork and craft cocktails at reasonable prices.
Casual atmosphere and good prices are the key here.
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The Red Rabbit Kitchen and Bar
2718 J StThe food and drinks here just keep improving. It's simple farm to fork and craft cocktails at reasonable prices.
Casual atmosphere and good prices are the key here.
My favorite. Modern Japanese cuisine. Sit at the sushi bar. But don't get trapped into thinking it's a "sushi" place. Kru rewards the adventurous.
Pricey.
And if you see Bill, say hi from me :-)
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Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine
3135 Folsom BlvdMy favorite. Modern Japanese cuisine. Sit at the sushi bar. But don't get trapped into thinking it's a "sushi" place. Kru rewards the adventurous.
Pricey.
And if you see Bill, say hi from me :-)
Looking for the perfect date spot? Adam is the owner/chef/waiter. American food or anything you want - they will make it. It's the kind of Manhattan restaurant that got pushed out by celebrity chefs.
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Moxie Restaurant
2028 H StLooking for the perfect date spot? Adam is the owner/chef/waiter. American food or anything you want - they will make it. It's the kind of Manhattan restaurant that got pushed out by celebrity chefs.
Some of the best food in town. Continental. Local ingredients. Very elegant. Pricey of course.
For drinks: I'll have the home made gin and tonic. She will have the white linen.
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Ella Dining Room & Bar
1131 K StSome of the best food in town. Continental. Local ingredients. Very elegant. Pricey of course.
For drinks: I'll have the home made gin and tonic. She will have the white linen.
The most hyped spot in town. Vegetable focused. The real deal in highlighting local ingredients. In my opinion it lives up the hype.
Reasonable services. Counter service for lunch. Expect a wait.
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Mother Restaurant
2319 K StThe most hyped spot in town. Vegetable focused. The real deal in highlighting local ingredients. In my opinion it lives up the hype.
Reasonable services. Counter service for lunch. Expect a wait.
Hidden gem. The lunch buffet is a great value and save some room for pastries at the front counter - great Baklava!
Darna Mediterranean Kitchen
925 K StHidden gem. The lunch buffet is a great value and save some room for pastries at the front counter - great Baklava!
The best patio in Sacramento. If the weather is good, sit out here and get a desert and coffee! Also, the eclectic menu and casual atmosphere makes it family friendly.
In the summer: white sangria
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Tower Cafe
1518 BroadwayThe best patio in Sacramento. If the weather is good, sit out here and get a desert and coffee! Also, the eclectic menu and casual atmosphere makes it family friendly.
In the summer: white sangria
Hidden Gem. This tiny diner has the best quick service Egg Foo Young and great pancakes. Yeah, so good! Don't sleep on their eggs an fried rice.
Best in breed for Asian American diners, period.
Harry's Cafe
2026 16th StHidden Gem. This tiny diner has the best quick service Egg Foo Young and great pancakes. Yeah, so good! Don't sleep on their eggs an fried rice.
Best in breed for Asian American diners, period.
Best soup in the grid. Great place for lunch. Counter service and simple. They will make you try everything.
Reasonable prices
Muntean's Soup
1225 J StBest soup in the grid. Great place for lunch. Counter service and simple. They will make you try everything.
Reasonable prices
My favorite Thai restaurant in the grid. Modern atmosphere and slightly out of the box food. Counter service. Reasonable prices.
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Thai Canteen | Midtown
1501 16th StMy favorite Thai restaurant in the grid. Modern atmosphere and slightly out of the box food. Counter service. Reasonable prices.
I love this place. I proposed to my wife here (she said yes).
Continental with local ingredients. Great service and beautiful atmosphere. The classic Midtown neighborhood restaurant.
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Mulvaney's B&L
1215 19th StI love this place. I proposed to my wife here (she said yes).
Continental with local ingredients. Great service and beautiful atmosphere. The classic Midtown neighborhood restaurant.
There are two contrasting popular ramen spots in Sacramento. Here, go with the Kiro ramen with a side of the hot sauce.
Or skip the ramen altogether and order a Gyu Don. mmmmmm...
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Ryujin Ramen House
1831 S StThere are two contrasting popular ramen spots in Sacramento. Here, go with the Kiro ramen with a side of the hot sauce.
Or skip the ramen altogether and order a Gyu Don. mmmmmm...
Peet's Coffee
3711 J StYeah, we have one. Are you from the Bay? You're welcome.
Ready for some real coffee? This place roasts their own. It's good without being pretentious or serious.
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Temple Coffee Roasters
2829 S StReady for some real coffee? This place roasts their own. It's good without being pretentious or serious.
This place is as much about the conversation as the excellent coffee. Simple, clean, leave the laptop at home.
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Insight Coffee Roasters
1901 8th StThis place is as much about the conversation as the excellent coffee. Simple, clean, leave the laptop at home.
It may be divisive, but for me it doesn't get better than the Tan Tan Men at Shoki. Really good Ramen. Great broth. quick service.
There are two locations, but they rotate the chefs.
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Shoki Ramen House
2530 21st StreetIt may be divisive, but for me it doesn't get better than the Tan Tan Men at Shoki. Really good Ramen. Great broth. quick service.
There are two locations, but they rotate the chefs.
Single counter burger joint from the 1930's. This is the place if you prefer a classic.
Look, Sacramento has many, many good burgers, but this is the whole package if you can get a seat.
Jim-Denny's
816 12th StSingle counter burger joint from the 1930's. This is the place if you prefer a classic.
Look, Sacramento has many, many good burgers, but this is the whole package if you can get a seat.
Late night food is a Midtown must. GoGi has some of the fastest and best. Korean tacos are made to be eaten after 2am.
GoGi's Korean BBQ
1431 L StLate night food is a Midtown must. GoGi has some of the fastest and best. Korean tacos are made to be eaten after 2am.
This place is as much about the conversation as the excellent coffee. Simple, clean, leave the laptop at home.
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Insight Coffee Roasters
1901 8th StThis place is as much about the conversation as the excellent coffee. Simple, clean, leave the laptop at home.
Mother's naughty sister. Where Mother is hip, fresh and vegetarian--Empress is underground (literally), moody and all about meat. It's also exceptional and is poised to be a Sacramento institution.
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Empress Tavern
1013 K StMother's naughty sister. Where Mother is hip, fresh and vegetarian--Empress is underground (literally), moody and all about meat. It's also exceptional and is poised to be a Sacramento institution.
Cute little cafe with just the right pastries, sandwiches and a good tomato soup. French macarons? I'll take a dozen :)
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Estelle's Patisserie
615 David J Stern WalkCute little cafe with just the right pastries, sandwiches and a good tomato soup. French macarons? I'll take a dozen :)
If you're from the Bay Area or like your coffee fancy and drip, we've got you covered. It isn't really a secret, but their mint mojito is a treat.
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Philz Coffee
1725 R StIf you're from the Bay Area or like your coffee fancy and drip, we've got you covered. It isn't really a secret, but their mint mojito is a treat.
Basic Mexican - but so good! I like the cilantro house dressing on the salad.
Reasonable prices and a fun atmosphere.
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Tres Hermanas
2416 K StBasic Mexican - but so good! I like the cilantro house dressing on the salad.
Reasonable prices and a fun atmosphere.
Great place to gather and have fun. It may be a little loud for some. Pitchers of sangria are a must. Bread is good, but add the $1 dipping sauce and it gets way better.
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Tapa the World
2115 J StGreat place to gather and have fun. It may be a little loud for some. Pitchers of sangria are a must. Bread is good, but add the $1 dipping sauce and it gets way better.
A fantastic new restaurant in town. New American, continental and fusion. Lunch is tasty and unpretentious. And dinner is sit down with a touch of class.
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Magpie Café
1601 16th StA fantastic new restaurant in town. New American, continental and fusion. Lunch is tasty and unpretentious. And dinner is sit down with a touch of class.
Classic Italian done to perfection. On Friday I order the lasagna, it's superb.
Dress up, and expect a pricey meal. This is a white tablecloth place. It's classy.
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Biba
2801 Capitol AveClassic Italian done to perfection. On Friday I order the lasagna, it's superb.
Dress up, and expect a pricey meal. This is a white tablecloth place. It's classy.
Sunday only. This is the best Farmers Market in the grid. It's right under the freeway. Get there early or the little old ladies will clean up!
Open 8am-noon on Sundays
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Certified Farmers' Market
1689 Arden WaySunday only. This is the best Farmers Market in the grid. It's right under the freeway. Get there early or the little old ladies will clean up!
Open 8am-noon on Sundays
Everything Else
Devine Gelateria & Café
1221 19th StGreat little gelato spot. Already a Midtown classic.
$5 get's you in and the gym is worthy, plus a pool. One of the best deals in town.
Sacramento Central YMCA
2021 W St$5 get's you in and the gym is worthy, plus a pool. One of the best deals in town.
Rite Aid
2211 F StJust in case!
Sterling Cleaners
2417 BroadwayFantastic #1 Yelp rated Dry Cleaning - just in case!
Sightseeing
Tour the Capitol. Just do it. It's a quick tour and you might even see some action on the Senate floor!
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California State Capitol Museum
1315 10th StTour the Capitol. Just do it. It's a quick tour and you might even see some action on the Senate floor!
$100 Million renovation put this once hidden gem on the map. But the best part is still the old Mansion - do not miss it!
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Crocker Art Museum
216 O St$100 Million renovation put this once hidden gem on the map. But the best part is still the old Mansion - do not miss it!
It's a classic! Taffy and T-shirts here. And buildings that either are old or look old.
Don't go on a hot day. If you drive, park in the parking garages - streets are full and they ticket like mad
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Old Sacramento
It's a classic! Taffy and T-shirts here. And buildings that either are old or look old.
Don't go on a hot day. If you drive, park in the parking garages - streets are full and they ticket like mad
Yes, that's right - it's in the river. It's a boat afterall!
This is a quick hitter, but fun. Stop by and walk around. Grab a drink at the Pilothouse. The theater is cool, but the restaurant is not.
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Delta King Hotel
1000 Front StYes, that's right - it's in the river. It's a boat afterall!
This is a quick hitter, but fun. Stop by and walk around. Grab a drink at the Pilothouse. The theater is cool, but the restaurant is not.
The State Capitol building is beautiful. My tips are to book a tour and spend at least an hour exploring the park--no need to rush.
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California State Capitol Museum
1315 10th StThe State Capitol building is beautiful. My tips are to book a tour and spend at least an hour exploring the park--no need to rush.
Governor's Mansion State Historic Park
1526 H StNewly restored and stunning.
Entertainment & Activities
Best railroad museum I've even seen. Amazingly fun with kids.
And go see the movie first thing!
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I-California State Railroad Museum
125 I StBest railroad museum I've even seen. Amazingly fun with kids.
And go see the movie first thing!
It's a small, older zoo. But renovations have been made to make for nice habitats for the residents.
Great for kids and near other kid friendly destinations.
I go straight for the red pandas!
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Sacramento Zoo
3930 W Land Park DrIt's a small, older zoo. But renovations have been made to make for nice habitats for the residents.
Great for kids and near other kid friendly destinations.
I go straight for the red pandas!
A glorified playground, but a fun one. Good for young children.
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Itheka le-Fairytale
3901 Land Park DrA glorified playground, but a fun one. Good for young children.
A little amusement park. Good to finish the trifecta with your younger kid when visiting the Zoo.
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Funderland Amusement Park
1350 17th AveA little amusement park. Good to finish the trifecta with your younger kid when visiting the Zoo.
A hidden gem for parents. This historic home has been converted into a children's focused library. Charming beyond words.
2112 22nd St
2112 22nd StreetA hidden gem for parents. This historic home has been converted into a children's focused library. Charming beyond words.
Don't get me wrong--Madison Square Garden is the Mecca of Basketball. But Golden 1 is the best modern sports experience, period.
If you have the chance, go to a game or a concert. And if you can afford it, opt for the lower bowl as the upper bowl seating is literally quite steep.
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I-Golden 1 Center
500 David J Stern WalkDon't get me wrong--Madison Square Garden is the Mecca of Basketball. But Golden 1 is the best modern sports experience, period.
If you have the chance, go to a game or a concert. And if you can afford it, opt for the lower bowl as the upper bowl seating is literally quite steep.
Parks & Nature
For Runners: Take the extra bit around Park Way and it's a full mile loop. The trail is decomposed granite and easy on the knees. The playground is also amazing for kids.
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I-McKinley Park
601 Alhambra BlvdFor Runners: Take the extra bit around Park Way and it's a full mile loop. The trail is decomposed granite and easy on the knees. The playground is also amazing for kids.
Has a wonderful new playground--especially for kids 8 and younger.
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Iphaki le-John C. Fremont
1515 Q StHas a wonderful new playground--especially for kids 8 and younger.
Fantastic 27 mile (!!!) parkway for biking, running and river access. From Midtown, the entrance is a little tricky and starts next to Blue Diamond on C between 19th and 20th. Message me if you have any questions about access.
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American River Parkway
Fantastic 27 mile (!!!) parkway for biking, running and river access. From Midtown, the entrance is a little tricky and starts next to Blue Diamond on C between 19th and 20th. Message me if you have any questions about access.