Best Food & Drink Spots Near Sacramento's Pride Parade And Festival
Sacramento Pride 2012 is just around the corner on Saturday, June 2nd. The parade begins at 11 a.m. along with the festival, which is held on Capitol Mall near the Tower Bridge, between 4th and 7th streets. During the festival, booths offer drinks and food, but many festival attendees like to get together for dinner or drinks afterwards. Check out these four locations for some post- or pre-Pride hot spots.
Zocalo
1801 Capitol Ave
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 441-0303
www.zocalosacramento.com
Zocalo is a popular Midtown neighborhood hang out. It's located in a historic renovated building on the corner of 18th Street and Capitol Avenue. The Arnold Brothers Building was originally built for a Hudson car dealership back in the 1920's. Today, Zocalo brings inspiration from the town square of Mexico City, embracing a contemporary look, but paying homage to the building's history.
Sacramento Pride revelers can enjoy many of Zocalo's menu items. One of best drinks is the blackberry margarita. All margaritas feature real agave nectar and freshly squeezed limes to highlight the true character of the blue agave tequila. The blackberry margarita features 100% blue agave blanco tequila, blackberries, agave and lime. With the ability to order a pitcher, this is a definite win with larger groups. If you prefer to get a jump start on Pride, Zocalo offers a weekend breakfast menu as well -- complete with a selection of interesting beverages. Build your own bloody mary or try the Zocalo Tomatada made with freshly squeezed lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, tabasco sauce, clamato juice, Maggi seasoning sauce and ice. If looking for more than just libations on the celebration day, order the Carne En Jugo for a delicious dish of braised beef brisket in a pasilla chile sauce. Also, Zocalo offers complimentary cornmeal muffins flavored with a cinnamon crumble. These muffins alone are worth the visit.
Hot Rod's Burgers
2007 K St
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-RODS
www.hotrodsburgers.net
Hot Rod's Burgers is a popular spot in the Lavender Heights neighborhood. With a basic menu consisting of burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fries and shakes, this is the place to hang late into the night after Sacramento Pride. Many people go partying at nearby clubs or bars and then make a late-night run into Hot Rod's for their burger and chili cheese fries fix. You can even get chili on your burger. Stack your chosen burger three patties high for the ultimate end-of-day meal, and order any of the beefy handfuls cowboy or breakfast style.
4th Street Grille
400 L St
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 448-2847
www.4thstreetgrille.com
The 4th Street Grille doesn't open on Saturdays until 5 p.m., so this is a spot to hit after the festival ends if you don't want to walk too far. As its name suggests, the 4th Street Grille is at 4th and L Streets, just at the edge of the Pride festival itself. In business since 1992, it has been a popular spot for locals seeking out good pasta, pizzas, salads and more. Chef Ron Fleming has taken his best dishes and created "New American" cuisine, which the chef describes as Californian, only in larger portions. Ethnic influences in his cuisine include French, Asian, Italian and Southwestern. Try one of the Grille's signature dishes: the smoked pork loin with grilled Granny Smith apples cooked in whiskey and brown sugar. If that's not enough to sway you, creamy mashed potatoes and vegetables are served on the side. If the thought of indulging in a huge meal after partying all day is a bit daunting, 4th Street Grille has a stellar selection of salads and appetizers for those seeking lighter or healthier fare.
Paesanos
1806 Capitol Ave
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 447-8646
www.paesanos.biz
Another favorite in the Lavender Heights area of Midtown is Paesanos. If you are craving Italian after Sacramento Pride, stop by Paesanos for some of the best pastas and Italian specialties around. A large number of starters are available to choose from, including fun options like polenta fries served with balsamic ketchup and gorgonzola sauce or bocce balls, which are lightly-fried balls of pizza dough smothered in garlic butter, parmesan and basil. Be sure to save room for a main course because the baked pasta is a local favorite. The popular dish consists of rigatoni baked with parmesan cream and Bolognese sauce.
The Depot Video Bar
2001 K St
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 441-6823
www.thedepot.net
Another late-night gathering spot to hang after Sacramento Pride is The Depot Video Bar on K Street. It has two big-screen monitors and 34 televisions showing a wide variety of music entertainment, including high energy, alternative, classic rock, easy listening, R&B and country. The Depot has been in business since 1997 and is a popular LGBT hangout in the Lavender Heights area. With 12 beers on draught and a full line of premium and well liquors, The Depot is a great place to grab a few drinks or play a game of pool with other Pride revelers.
Erin De Santiago is a freelance travel and food/wine writer and photographer from Sacramento, California. She is a regional membership coordinator for the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and writes for a number of publications in addition to publishing her own blogs. She has traveled to over 40 countries on five continents in search of the best food and wine around the globe. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
