Best Bars For Foodies In Sacramento
When people go out to a local bar for an adult beverage, often times they might crave a bite to eat. Historically, bars have rarely gone beyond the offerings of buffalo wings and potato skins. Recognizing the void, the bars on this list have compiled menus which would attract any food lover. Sacramento has no shortage of talented chefs and some of them have put there skills to work at bars which you may or may not expect the food to be anything but average. Hats off to the following five bars for not settling for the mundane and reaching far outside the box.
Shady Lady Saloon
1409 R St.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 231-9121
www.shadyladybar.comThe Shady Lady is truly one of our finest successes as a community. The bar is one of the first to properly execute the craft cocktail culture in Sacramento, making drinks from scratch with fresh-squeezed ingredients. The bar also gets points for its classy, speakeasy style. Only owners with true passion and knowledge of the industry could have pulled off what the guys at The Shady Lady are doing on a daily basis. The Shady Lady earned a spot on this list for more than just its cocktails. The menu selections include things like a honey-lime chicken salad with romaine, avocado, cilantro, peppitas, corn, red onions and peppers, black beans and tortillas. As an entree, you can delight in a plate of bone marrow with fried parsley, tapenade, sea salt and a baguette. Brunch is also a big hit with items like the cinnamon, black currant and walnut French toast.
Fox & Goose Pub And Restaurant
1001 R St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-8825
www.foxandgoose.comFox & Goose is a Sacramento staple which has truly withstood the test of time. The bar sits in a building originally constructed in 1913. Work on the pub began in 1972 followed by the opening in 1975. The pub is well known for its selection of draught beer from both Great Britain and England. Over the years, the Fox & Goose has gained recognition for its catering business with a strong draw from downtown and midtown local businesses. Menu selections include things like the hummus vegetarian prepared with cucumbers, tomato, marinated red onions, sprouts, lettuce and garlic vinaigrette dressing. This dish comes with old-fashioned fried potatoes and your choice of bread. Another house favorite is the Erin go Bragh: hot house-roasted corned beef brisket served open faced on swirled rye with Swiss cheese accompanied by grilled red onions, lettuce, tomato and a special sauce. This plate includes fresh fruit and old-fashioned fried potatoes.
River City Brewing Company
545 Downtown Plaza, Suite 1115
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 447-2739
www.rivercitybrewing.netRiver City Brewing Company is a great escape for shoppers in Downtown Plaza. While the business is known predominantly for its beer, tasty treats accompany the beverage list. For over 14 years, the crispy eggplant Napoleon has been on the menu. The dish consists of three stacked rounds of eggplant with goat cheese, basil pesto and sundried tomato tapenade on a red pepper coulis, garnished with a crispy basil leaf. Also available is the ginger hoisin pork medallions prepared with stir-fried vegetables and jasmine rice. If what you crave is beef, then you may want to try the grilled kobe beef sirloin. The kobe is a six-ounce portion plated with roasted red potatoes, sauteed broccolini, mushrooms, onions and a red peppercorn demi.
Rubicon Brewing Company
2004 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 448-7032
www.rubiconbrewing.comThe Rubicon is known for having a beer selection as well as being a spot where locals gather in droves. Foodies can relish in items like the tri tip dinner, prepared with grilled Rubicon Ale-marinated tri tip on crispy onions strings alongside seasoned vegetables and a baked potato. A popular vegetarian option is the vegetarian sandwich served with lettuce, tomato, red onion, guacamole and provolone on multi-grain bread with a side of sprouts. The beer goes amazingly well with the humble yet well-executed menu. If casual fare with flair is on the agenda, this is a place you should take time out to experience.
58 Degrees And Holding Co.
1217 18th St.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 442-5858
www.58degrees.com58 Degrees And Holding Co. is a haven for wine lovers who are in it for the experience. While a full bar is not something to be found, what patrons will find is delicious wine, knowledgeable staff and menu items with pairing suggestions. The turkey osso bucco is served with a cornbread polenta, carrot puree and cranberry jus. A pappardelle plate is available with a shortrib ragout, broccoletti and wild mushrooms. A twist on a classic is the four cheese macaroni with truffle oil and seasoned bread crumbs. Be sure to ask questions as staff members have lots to talk about.
Related: Best Bars To Celebrate Your Birthday In Sacramento
As a hospitality professional Andy Soto has worked every facet of the industry. He currently leads the team at Spectrum Restaurant Consulting. He started writing a hospitality blog in 2009 and restaurant writing for Sacramento Press in 2010. In 2011 Andy became a Sacramento Restaurant Examiner for Examiner.com. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
