end up eating+drinking || sacramento [summer 2023]
- gemini
- Jul 23, 2023
- 16 min read
self-proclaimed as the farm-to-fork capital, meaning there is an emphasis on supporting local farmers and highlighting seasonal produce, sacramento evolved into a foodie hub in the last few years, claiming that it has been "doing that s***" from the very beginning even if they didn't have a name for it" [not a direct quote].
to compile a complete list of all sacramento has to offer is a mountain i don't want to f***ing climb. there's also a preference to tastes and experiences that are unique to me as well. so instead of pretending like i know what the f*** i'm talking about, i've compiled a list of food highlights for this year thus far.
and since it's the summer, i'll be the "h.a.g.s" b**** and make a yearbook of my 2023 findings with some bulls*** superlatives. and like all yearbook superlatives, there will definitely be some noteworthies and great ones missed out of this list, but i hope to get to them in the future.
get buzzed, wired, and full-as-s*** || the farm-to-fork capital [summer 2023 edition]
summer superlatives 2023
get full as s*** - restaurant superlatives for 2023:
get sweet and flaky - bakery + confectionery superlatives for 2023:
get f***ing wired - coffee shops + cafes superlatives for 2023:
restaurant hit list [superlatives]
queen sheba ethiopian cuisine - "the reliable bestie"
when i need a good cry or to feel something nice in my frigid-a** heart, queen sheba is my reliable bestie. seriously, wrap me up in some warm [gluten-free] injera and i'll be f***ing golden.
this spot in the broadway district has been keeping sacramento sane for 15+ years. highlights on the menu are the combo platters with beef tibbs, doro wat, and awaze lamb, or the vegetarian platter [i can devour a bowl of the misr kik wot red lentils any day]. queen sheba can be eaten traditionally family style [per request] where they lay the injera at the bottom of the platter to soak up the good s*** from your entrees of choice, making it a great place to take family, friends, or a date [you can, of course, go solo and not have to share].
address | 1704 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818 |
cost | entrees for individual dishes range between $14.50 - $16.50, while combo platters range from $16.50 - $17 a person; full menu is here |
tips: if you are in the broadway district on a weekday for lunch, the vegetarian buffet is a great deal, because you get all the good s*** from the platter for around the same price, but it's all you can eat [extra cost for gluten-free injera].
southside super - "the new kid"
southside super opened in spring 2023 and was immediately a sac community fan favorite. the daily menu is small, with a handful of korean and vietnamese dishes and to-go options, but the menu rotates and changes often. this is what makes southside super so f***ing genius as a lunch spot. the menu is small, meaning food service is quick and reliable and you can go here every day they're open and have something different.
no this is not a vietnamese + korean fusion restaurant. this is two cooks [phuong tran + seoyeon oh], who share space in this lunch cafe to make downright f***ing great home-cooked dishes. follow them on social media for more information on their hours. since they are a small kitchen staff and a restaurant start-up, their hours may change.
address | 921 V St, Sacramento, CA 95818 |
cost | they don't have an official menu posted [mostly because this place is legit run by two best friends who love playing around with different recipes and dishes], but the dishes typically range from $10-$20 |
tips: get here early. i've gone to this place three times since it's opened and there are days where they sell out completely 1-2 hours before closing time.
sibling by pushkin's - "the nice one"
if you are like me and gluten sometimes disagrees with your stomach [don't get me wrong i still eat glutinous carbs all the f***ing time, i just pay a price for it later], then sibling should be on your list of places to try.
as the "sibling" [heh get it] to sacramento institution pushkin's bakery, this brunch and dinner spot isn't just about transforming your favorites like burgers, avocado toast, fried chicken sandwiches, and eggs benedicts gluten-free. it's about proving that these dishes don't need gluten in them in the first place [and thank f***ing god for that]. my general take on gluten-free restaurants is that, yes some dishes might not be better than the top glutinous counterparts, but that's also because there's not a lot of people doing gluten-free s***.
sibling is on the right track of figuring out the possibilities of gluten-free food to be more inclusive of all diners and dining experiences.
address | 1813 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA 95811 |
cost | main dishes are $13-$19 for brunch or dinner meals |
tips: order coffee cake. that's it. that's my tip. i f***ing love their coffee cake.
shoki's ramen - "the returning champ"
shoki's is back after a devastating fire at their r-street location and the pandemic shutdowns in 2021. fully family-run and operated now -- as they are the only staff running limited weekends and seatings -- shoki's is back for one last triumph.
the gyoza was f***ing amazing, but the ramen [with the addition of a full set of toppings, egg, and sourdough bread] was one of the most unique food experiences i've ever had. i can't put my finger on why this ramen just can't compare to some of the best i've had in japan or l.a. this ramen is not better or worse in any way, there is just a different focus with how the ingredients are played with and how this ramen is meant to be enjoyed. if you love ramen, i would suggest you try it out for yourself to understand the mind-f*** i went through.
address | 2530 21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95818, United States |
cost | reservations require a $5 deposit fee that will go towards your order; a ramen bowl is $25+ and gyoza is about $16 |
tips: try to reserve as soon as the slots open up on mondays at 5pm. things are a bit easier now, but when shoki's first reopened, the slots disappeared so f***ing fast.
kinjo handroll bar - "the cool hottie"
kinjo means community, and in the last few times i've been there it feels like that. the ideal local sushi spot is where the chefs know your name, tastes, and whether you're right or left-handed, and without the fuss of high-end restaurants kinjo delivers this in full as a spot for regulars who need to satisfy their sushi cravings.
in the times i've gone there, i (1) saw the same couple in the same spot twice and (2) overheard someone saying that they went to kinjo's at least once a week. while not your typical place for sushi, the handrolls provide the perfect union of crispy seaweed, fresh fish, and well-seasoned rice [unpopular opinion but kinjo rice is way f***ing better than the more well-known kru's sushi rice]. as a locals joint the place is small with one long bar and a few small tables, but their individually wrapped handrolls make for great takeaway if the wait looks daunting.
address | 2026 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95818 |
cost | individual rolls are $6.50 - $12.50, but you can save a bit on the sets with 7 rolls for $35; for a full menu see here |
tips: if you can and there is availability, try to grab a seat at the bar. the chefs will pace out the rolls to your eating speed and you can enjoy the show of it all.
pizzasauras rex - "the munchies stop"
i've found myself entering pizzasaurus rex with mad munchies a few times now. honestly, i have no f***ing clue how to fully gauge this joint. all i know is that walking around midtown high, i am always drawn to the cartoon dino and the idea of having truffle fries and a hot slice of pizza.
pizzasaurus rex has a simple selection of full pies and three options for slices -- cheese, pepperoni, and the dino slice [a hodge podge of flavor combinations] -- all of which are enough to satisfy your cravings. this has solid-a** pizza and its location makes it conveniently located amongst establishments made to get you s***faced.
address | 2322 K St, Sacramento, CA 95816 |
cost | individual slices cost $6-$7 while full pizzas range from $30-$40; full list of pizzas are here |
burgerpatch - "the basic b****"
if you're hankering for a burger and a shake without feeling like complete s***, then burger patch is a solid less-guilty fast food option. burger patch is the vegan spin on your typical fast food joint with plant-based protein and alternative nut-based dairy.
this is something i would've talked absolute s*** about a few years ago, but now that my body acts like an old f*** every time i have too much meat or cheese, burger patch has been a saving grace for those moments of weakness when i need a milkshake and don't feel like s***ting myself.
address | 2301 K St, Sacramento, CA 95816 |
cost | burgers + sandwiches range from $7-$12, with sides at $4-$7, and drinks $4-9; the full menu is here |
hidden dumpling - "the cute crush"
hidden dumpling house has two locations in elk grove and midtown. as far as chinese restaurants go, the menu ranges from take-out classics like orange chicken, mongolian beef, and honey walnut shrimp to chow mein and fried rice, but they also offer a range of taiwanese dishes and drinks like beef noodle soup, xiao long bao, and boba.
full transparency, i first only wanted to come to this restaurant because i wanted to punch my boba straw in an adorable corgi a**. the cute-as-s*** branding should not distract you from the solid food at hidden dumpling house.
address | 2801 P St, Sacramento, CA 95816 |
cost | most dishes and combos range from $12-$20; full menu is here |
binchoyaki - "the overachiever"
binchoyaki is an ambitious izakaya -- bringing in charcoal from japan, having a long-a** menu from rice bowls, sushi, ramen, and grilled veggies/meats, plus constantly changing and adding new daily/weekly offerings -- giving this restaurant acclaim in the sac area.
due to its extensive undertaking, binchoyaki is successful and not so successful in different ways. the menu, while able to cater to many different tastes, also has a few items that some may not find worth the price tag. however, the majority of the food is consistent and f***ing amazing. i've eaten whole plates of agedashi tofu with zero guilt and i crave their curry udon on cold nights.
address | 2226 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95818 |
cost | i don't even know where the start... the menu is long as s***, see here [and this doesn't include the long list of daily and weekly specials] |
tips: the menu here can be f***ing overwhelming. the staff at the restaurant are knowledgeable about the food offerings so don't be afraid to ask for ordering advice.
the bakery + confectionary dream list [superlatives]
real pie company - "the mom in the group"
i am a sucker for a nice-a** pie: they are well-rounded with texture, have a more experimental edge when it comes to ingredients and fillings, and of course in the early 2000s people were f***ing them. real pie company has been my home for the last year, like the warm bosom of a mother. for every birthday party, family gathering, and work shindig, i have bought a pie from real pie company. at this point, my introverted a** only wants invites for the excuse to buy a pie.
started by a husband-and-wife power couple, real pie company puts an emphasis on homemade crusts and fillings highlighting seasonal ingredients [so basically all the good s***]. the menu rotates regularly with a few classics available year-round like key lime [f***ing delicious], chocolate cream [absolutely f***ing glorious], and jumbleberry pie [the best s***].
address | 2425 24th St, Sacramento, CA 95818 |
cost | whole pies are about $30; full menu of current flavors is here |
tips: real pie company is closed monday + tuesdays with only pre-orders available on wednesdays + thursdays. if you have a midweek party or soiree, you'll need to call in ahead of time.
osaka-ya wagashi - "the inbetweener"
open since 1963, osaka-ya is a japanese confectionary institution. soft and chewy with a balanced sweetness [like a perfect soft belly to cuddle with], the mochi here sometimes feels like the best-kept secret in sacramento. osaka-ya is well known in the sacramento community, but arguably not as popular [which i don't f***ing get] as some of the other confectionary stores in the area, making it an underdog and in-betweener.
the manju is the prized possession of osaka-ya, which is one of only three remaining confectionary shops in norcal that makes this traditional japanese sweet. the daily selections are made in small batches, so if you have a mochi or manju that you're craving, you should call in or pre-order.
address | 2215 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95818 |
cost | each piece of mochi is $2-$6; full list is here |
tips: in the summer osaka-ya offers japanese style shaved ice, but you'll need to bring cash.
moonbelly bakery - "the ride-or-die"
i've spent a ridiculous-a** amount of f***ing money at moonbelly bakery this year. in my opinion, moonbelly bakery is the best bakery in sacramento [calm your s*** this is just an opinion]. the croissants [shout out to sesame] and kouign amann are beautiful b******s, the veggie sandwiches are my happy place when working on saturdays, and the loaves are f***ing biblical.
the single-looking glass of goodies is food porn for those who love carbs. with an emphasis on small-batch baking, moonbelly bakery's offerings taste like home and make you feel a sense of community.
address | 6511 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95819 |
cost | pastries, sandwiches, and loaves range from $4-$15 |
tips: buy a jam to eat with about a dozen croissants just for yourself and die in bliss.
mahoroba japanese bakery - "the huggable one"
if you want to squeeze your face between two anpanman like a** cheeks, then visit mahoroba japanese bakery. the soft buns filled with creamy, sweet, and savory goodness are great for snacks or desserts. known for their kobe cream delights, mahoroba translates to the "good place" or as i would like to say "f***ing wonderful place."
mahoroba bakery is filled in the mornings with family members mass-buying buns for gatherings and parties. the regulars will list off long-a** orders and the staff will in stride fill boxes to the brim, smashing carb goodies into one another. it's a local's spot or a place of food memories and nostalgia for people coming back home to sacramento.
address | 4900 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95822 |
cost | pastries range around the $2-$3 mark; full list here |
ginger elizabeth - "the teacher's pet"
ginger elizabeth chocolates is the "sweet"-heart of the sac dessert scene. having grown up sac-adjacent in apple hill territory, ginger elizabeth took all of the care for local ingredients and sweets from this area and took that s*** to the next level. as the successful child of sacramento's food scene, this dessert shop is seen as the safe go-to for locals to take visitors and say "look we got this s*** over here too and we can do it better."
the bonbons at this shop are almost too pretty to eat and are like bougie little mosaic tiles with a perfect snap on the outer shell and a gooey center. of course, you can't be an expensive dessert shop without macarons [but also they f***ing suck to make, so i'll pay any day], which ginger elizabeth has plenty of. if you need a great sweet treat during the sweltering f***ing heat of sac, their macaron ice cream sandwiches are amazing [shout out to my f***-buddy tiramisu].
address | 2413 J St Suite 120, Sacramento, CA 95816 |
cost | chocolate boxes range from $18-$95, a dozen macarons is about $30, and macaron ice cream sandwiches are $7.50-$8.50; the full menu is here |
freeport bakery - "the one always invited to the bday party"
a local's cake shop since the '80s, freeport bakery is the go-to shop for birthdays and weddings. the range of weird s*** you can decorate a nice-a** cake with is wide. if you have an uncle that loves beer, there's a beer cake for that. bar/bat mitzvah coming up? mazel tov! got a friend that just f***ing loves watermelon, there's a cake for them too. gotta catch'em all? get a birthday cake with a cute-a** little pikachu. if you're looking for a normie time for some sweet snacks or savory treats, then freeport bakery also has an array of pastries and pretzel items available.
address | 2966 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95818 |
cost | prices range from cookies at $6 to a half-dozen cupcakes for $20 to custom cakes at $30-60; full items list here |
tips: if you are ordering a cake for a birthday, party, or a self-care day [no judgments], you'll need to preorder at least 48 hours in advance.
estelle bakery & patisserie - "the fancy b****"
as that bougie-a** friend who is kind of a lot and makes you spend a s***ton of money whenever you're together, estelle bakery and patisserie is the fancy b**** of sac. don't get me wrong, their baguette and sandwiches are solid, and their desserts [love their st. honore cake] are aesthetically pleasing and delicious.
estelle bakery and patisserie is an inst-h** putting equal effort into the looks and the substance. the cases are filled to the line with identical macarons, dessert cakes, and croissants. offerings range from brunch to lunch and a full espresso bar, or just keep s*** simple and grab a croissant.
address | 2530 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95825 |
cost | meals range from $8-$14, while pastries are from $4-$10; the full list of items is here |
tips: as a cute picnic date, you can buy one of their high-tea packages for $55 for two people including mini pastries, desserts, savory bites, and teas.
conscious creamy - "the loyal one"
i am f***ing thankful for conscious creamery, because as a non-dairy gluten-free gelato shop i could enjoy as much as i want without hurting and s***ting my brains out. and hear me out, this may be an unpopular opinion, but the choco-tacos and gelato cake slices are much better than their dairy and glutinous counterparts.
favorites like cookie dough, brownie, and birthday cake are turned into vegan and gluten-free like a f***ing boomer nightmare. conscious creamery is my go-to spot when i have a hankering for cold sweets and it's hot as s*** and i don't feel like sweating and dying on a toilet at the same time.
address | 3400 Broadway Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95817 |
cost | $6 for a scoop + $2 for a gluten-free cone or $9 for an gelato cake slice |
tips: we unfortunately had to say goodbye to conscious creamery on july 31st; i'm gonna f***ing miss that gelato cake.
the ole' watering holes list [superlatives]
nitty's cider - "the class clown"
what rhymes with my favorite body part, looks like it belongs in a kids book, and has great f***ing drinks? nitty's cider! an adult fun house with a cute-a** photo booth and skee ball tournaments, nitty's cider is the best way to release your inner child while intoxicated. crisp and with a variety of flavors, the cider offerings are unique and terrific conversation starters [making it great for dates].
the pricing is reasonable for most tasting rooms and if you really enjoy a flavor you can take home a can with some weird-a** doodles. nitty's cider is coloring book themed, adding to the quirky atmosphere. if you want a taste of that animation and the vibes, check out how nitty's makes cider.
address | 3201 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA, 95816 |
cost | $7.50 for a pint or $12 for a flight; the current list is here |
tips: if you think you're a smart cookie, you can join trivia night at nitty's on tuesdays.
lucid winery - "the quirky kid"
an experimental micro-winery? what the actual f*** is that? lucid winery is everything that you didn't know wine could be in the best f***ing way possible. if you want your wine aged and preserved with coffee beans or to have your wine tastings paired with books, quotes, and movies, then lucid winery is your s***.
imagining what wine could be and just making it taste f****ing good is the goal at lucid winery. beyond the fuss and politics of the wine world, the work being done at this industrial micro-winery proves that wine should and will always be about the craft. no f***ing fuss, no frills.
address | 1015 R St, Sacramento CA 95811 |
cost | wine tastings are $15 for 1.5 oz glasses or $25 for 3 oz, while wines to cocktails are from $7-$13; full menu is here |
tips: if you're really into trying something new, ask for the "chaos" tasting, a selection of all of the drinks lucid has to offer in wine, mead, and beer.
franquette - "the hipster"
looking to get buzzed and wired simultaneously in a swanky joint? then stop by franquette in the bridge district. brought to you by the folks who made canon in east sac, this boutique wine bar and cafe provides clean aesthetics and plenty of options for a morning coffee with pastries or an evening drink with small bites.
franquette is a spot for yuppies and locals from the bridge district apartments and is a full reflection of the target demographics. cute-as-s*** and with solid options for food and drink, franquette may not be my go-to cafe or wine bar, but it's a nice place to swing by if you're in the area.
address | 965 Bridge St Ste. 100, West Sacramento, CA |
cost | the cafe and wine bar offers brunch, lunch, and small plates; full menus are here |
betty wine bar & bottle shop - "the dreamy-eyed romantic"
if the aesthetics of "daria" and wes anderson f***ed while drunk on wine, they would give birth to the most beautiful wine bar named betty. charming and surprisingly punk, betty wine bar and bottle shop is by far my favorite place to drink on a sac winter night or a hot-as-the-devil summer day. featuring an in-house bottle shop, bodega [to fulfill all of your picnic desires], and bar, betty's has all of the foundations for a cozy grandma "wine" down including the desires to stuff your face and all of the loving expertise.
the indoor seating and outdoor patio are intimate and give the space a romantic ambiance. the space is filled with the chatter of friends meeting after work, dates, or the sommeliers offering their wisdom. what i love about betty's is that they highlight wines and winemakers that usually are small production or are under the radar [like my newest love, cab pfeiffer]; the sommelierss here are also willing to work with your tastes if you know your preferences without any of the s***ty pretension of some wine joints.
address | 1103 T St, Sacramento, CA 95811 |
cost | glasses cost $12-$18, bottles $30+, and food is $6-$18; the full menu is here |
tips: check out their themed thursday weekly tastings for $15, which are revealed on betty's instagram.
darling aviary - "the popular gossip"
darling aviary is usually bustling because of its proximity to the golden one center and trendy rooftop bar. the pretty cage that houses this downstairs and rooftop bars are vibrant and filled with music. the cocktails are f***ing fantastic with a variety of hard liquor and flavor combinations to satisfy any palate. darling aviary is popular and for a good reason, however during peak times their rooftop bar does accumulate a wait.
when a lot of people talk about darling aviary the discussion usually revolves around whether it lives up to the hype or not. like most places it's going to depend on what you're feeling. if you're looking for chill vibes and cocktails then it wouldn't hurt to peak through the bird's cage.
address | 712 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814 |
cost | most cocktails range around $15; the full menu is here |
tips: you can make reservations for weekend brunch. i went with my family and they all had mixed reviews on the food; it is asian-hawaiian inspired, so a lot of the foods like pandan pancakes and hawaiian bread avocado toast, we make at home. so, we thought it was good food but pricey for what it was. we all loved the cocktails though; the full menu is here
the caffeine fix list [superlatives]
seasons coffee - "the theater nerd"
seasons coffee is what i imagine the inside of an old-white-lady-hoarder-who-loves-to-craft's heart looks like in the best f***ing way possible. this homey cafe is tucked away behind the blue doors of the historic clara, the e. claire raley studios for the performing arts [not sure if this is a s*** acronym or just an abbreviation], building. a family affair, seasons coffee is owned by the cotta's, who also run a blueberry farm in galt.
the walls are covered in pink and fine china, while the shelves are filled with trinkets and mini-art [most of which are available for purchase]. if you forgot a book to enjoy with your coffee, seasons coffee has a bookshop in the back corner of the cafe [some cute vintage clothing too]. the coffee is solid, but i'm mostly a sucker for their ice matcha w/homemade matcha whipped cream.
address | 2420 N St, Sacramento, CA 95618 |
cost | drinks are $4-$8 while food offerings are $10-$14; the full menu is here |
scorpio coffee - "the best dressed b****"
where a japanese cafe meets a fine-dining restaurant, scorpio takes the goddamn prize for most aesthetically pleasing cafe in sac. this cafe has the perfect balance of presentation and substance with ceremonial matcha, complex and yummy lattes, and f***able toasts.
scorpio is not a coffee shop to simply grab-and-go [although you definitely can]. the food is meticulously made and almost looks too pretty to eat [i said almost]. beyond fueling your caffeine addiction, scorpio's ambiance forces you to sit down and chill the f*** out.
address | 1905 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95811 |
cost | drinks are $4-$6.50 while food is $11-$13; the full menu is here |
tips: this cafe has very limited seating and the smallest f***ing tables, so if you're looking for a place to work this might not be the best option for you; there are high top tables and a few larger tables in the back, but you'll have to get there early and fight for that s***.
milka coffee - "the old soul"
named after great-grandmother milka, this coffee shop in mansion flats opened up when owner samir returned back to his hometown. with an emphasis on roasting for enjoyability and not necessarily prestige [although this s*** is good], milka coffee shop is a soul pleaser. in a restored historical building, milka feels like visiting a friend's home [except in this case your friend is a talented-a** barista].
i f***ing love milka's drinks, especially their special lattes, because they are unique and provide a balance of flavors that go beyond that of your typical coffee shop. past the coffee bar and into the heart of the home there is plenty of seating, where you'll find the usual caffeinated grind and clicking of laptops or conversations between friends.
address | 1501 G St, Sacramento, CA 95814 |
cost | drinks are $4-$8, with a small version of their menu here |
tips: all prices on milka's menu includes tax + tip to provide liveable wages for the folks who work in the shop, so keep that in mind.
camellia coffee roasters - "the beauty queen"
camellias are the heart flower of sac and it is only fitting that the sweetheart coffee shop of this city is named after it's namesake. camellia coffee roasters focuses on intentional craft coffee without the pretension. don't let the pink fool you, camellia's isn't f***ing around. starting out as bean wholesalers across sac, camellia's roast offerings are adorable-as-s*** and taste great. so it only makes sense that their coffee shop would be delicious and centered in highlighting the sac community.
located in the historic r street arts district, camellia's is usually packed with people looking for their morning pick-me-ups and fluffy-as-s*** breakfast sandwiches. the coffee shop's atmosphere is laidback with a keen eye on detail [the themed claw machine, neon sign, full wall mural, and tile decor on the coffee bar]. but there is still an emphasis on the craft of it all and on some days you can watch as the bags of coffee are roasted and packed up beyond the small divider of the shop.
address | 1200 R St Suite 130, Sacramento, CA 95811 |
cost | drinks are $3-$5 and their breakfast sandwiches are $9 + whatever add-ons; the full menu is here |
land acknowledgment
sacramento is the home of the nisenan, maidu, miwok and me-wuk peoples.
thank you for dealing with this long-a** f***ing list, hopefully there will be more in the future.
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