Is it possible that California’s capital is underrated? We think yes. Take most of the perks of San Francisco—great food, impeccable weather, a short drive to wine country—and put them in a quieter, less congested area and you’ve got Sacramento. Besides the ample food options, it’s also quietly one of the best beer and coffee cities in the country. Read on for our guide to eating (and drinking) in Sacramento.
Morning Pick Me Up
Insight Cafe
Sacramento is kind of like a tiny Seattle in regards to its coffee scene: they take it seriously and they do it right. The original roastery opened in 2011, and since they’ve added three additional cafes. Pop in for a cup of joe you won’t soon forget, alongside light breakfast items. They also offer coffee and tea classes, if you’re so inclined.
Bacon & Butter
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and Bacon & Butter seems to agree. This is the place to go to load up before a big day of exploring (or after a long night of drinking…). The toughest decision will come when it’s time to order—do you want grilled cheese benedict or the biscuit sandwich? Chicken and waffles or chili verde hash? Good luck picking.
Lunch Time
Fish Face Poke Bar
You might not feel like you’re near the sea, but you are! Fish Face Poke Bar has been making waves since it opened with its create your own poke bowls. What sets Fish Face apart is the quality of their fish and chef-crafted sauce options—this is some gourmet stuff, amigo. Besides the fact that it’s a healthy and delicious, it also has vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, so everyone is happy.
Hawks Public House
The gastropub-inspired Hawks Public House is the kind of place you want to spend a day in. Both the interior and exterior are impressively cool, they have fantastic wine and cocktails, and their food is always a homerun. Most dishes are seasonal, but their signature Wagyu beef burger shouldn’t be missed. Save a little room for dessert and head next door to Hawks Provisions for a decadent cookie (or two).
Pastry Break
Estelle’s Patisserie
There’s no better way to break up your day than to pop into Estelle’s for a midday pastry. Choosing between their macarons, croissants, and other decadent French treats is never easy, but at the same time, there’s no wrong answer here. Just to be safe, get some extras for breakfast tomorrow—and maybe one of their freshly baked loaves of bread too.
The Dinner Bell is Ringing
Biba
If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine, look no further than Biba’s, helmed by Bologna native Biba Caggiano (you may recognize her name thanks to her nine best-selling cookbooks). Biba combines local ingredients with traditional techniques, meaning you should always be on the lookout for the day’s specials. If all else fails, stick with the famous ten layer lasagne verdi alla bolognese.
Localis
Localis knows what people like: seasonal ingredients, bold flavors, and a casual vibe. This is the kind of restaurant that’s just as perfect for a casual night out as it is a celebratory dinner. Take a seat in the dining room and order à la carte, or ask for the chef’s table and enjoy the totally reasonable five-course tasting menu. When you think of California cuisine, this is it.
Kru
If you ask anyone in town where you should go for sushi, Kru will be the answer (and if it’s not, don’t trust that person). The menu ranges from small plates to full-size entrees to sushi, but if it was up to us, everyone would do the chef’s tasting omakase. That means you’re getting not only their best arrivals of the day, but they tailor it to you—your mood, your tastes, your hunger, and so on. Let chef Billy Ngo be your sushi sherpa.
Nightcap
Track 7
When you’re in Sacramento, you have to partake in the local beer scene, and there’s no better entry into that world than Track 7 Brewing. The brewery is purposely unfocused, meaning they’re constantly experimenting with all types of beer. Signature brews include their light Bee Line Blonde, which incorporates local honey, and Nukin’ Futz Imperian Peanut Butter Chocolate Cream Porter, which is like a drinkable dessert.
Hook & Ladder
The best way to cap off a night in Sacramento is with Hook & Ladder’s inspired house cocktails, like the Habanero Painkiller or Kiwi Cobbler. Looking for something a little more classic? Their takes on both Manhattans and old fashioneds are available on draft! If you get hungry, they offer a full menu (and in true California style, even this bar menu is seasonal).
Thinking about moving to Sacramento? Read our moving guide!
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