Category Archives: Eats and Drinks

Local restaurants and bars

Yogurtagogo — 19th and L, Midtown Sacramento

It’s true, another frozen yogurt shop exists in the western world.  But this one isn’t totally brand-spankin’ new as it just recently celebrated its first year birthday and, to follow it up, they’ve decided to share this coupon with all of us for the month of July.  (I’m only assuming its meant for everyone.  I got my copy in an email, which means I probably added an email address to some list when I was poking about inside some evening. )  So, if you’re in the area, please stop in and give this little place a try.  On the corner of 19th and L, it’s perfectly located for a pre-night snack on a hot summer night and ,best of all, the fresh fruit is perfectly chilled.

Now that we’ve finished with that part, let me add that I’m not a huge fan of the dessert.  Which isn’t to imply that I don’t enjoy it when I do indulge, just that it isn’t my favorite concept.  Still, having said that, Yogurtagogo is a decent place to grab a chilled treat when topping off an evening out with, well…whomever, really.

I do have to admit that its proximity to one of my favorite eateries does play a key role in my frequenting such an establishment.

Just take the coupon and enjoy, maybe we’ll see you there.  Cheers!

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Hot Italian — Pizzeria, Boutique, And Gelato

Hot Italian, Pizza & Panini Bar Sacramento’s latest midtown mishmash of shopping, dining, and Dyson-cool hand drying can be found at the corner of 16th and Q, just east of the Freemont Park, in the old Young’s Fireside Shop building. Still in somewhat of a soft open mode and under construction, the place is coming along nicely and they have one of the more interesting bike racks around town.  (I’ll have to get back with a camera and capture the moment.)  High ceilings and a complete surrounding of hard surfaces (concrete and tile) make for the usual too-loud-to-chat-when-the-place-is-busy atmosphere, but feel free to talk louder.  However, don’t let this deter you, show up when things are slow and have a seat along the west windows to enjoy the view of the park while you eat.  Very nice.

I’ll get to the food in a minute.  Hot Italian is sporting the latest in hygienic hand drying hardware, the Dyson Airblade , part of an overall effort to go Green.  The Airblade is amazing and well worth the visit, even if all you do is stop in to wash up.  Although, I’m sure management would prefer you stick around a bit and have a bite to eat first.  Long story short, I send everyone I can to wash their hands for the experience.

Back to it then, eh.  Hot Italian is everything you’d expect from a trendy clothing shop doubling as a restaurant bar that comes fully loaded with a Gelato/Espresso station.  (Seriously, you can order your food then take a stroll through the clothing racks, if you fancy such an outing.)  The clothes shopping isn’t for me, surely you know this, but the food is tops.  I’ve enjoyed all the specialty pizzas and a couple salads, but I’m still eager to get back for the panini and a few of the other items.  The food is the real draw, even if you don’t wash your hands for the experience.

Most importantly, the service has been grade A, which is sometimes hard to come by, but will definitely keep me away if a place is lacking.  The crew is friendly, helpful, and patient…sometimes it takes me a minute to figure out what I want, but what can you expect with such a fine menu? An all around nice location I’ve been happy to talk up around town.

I’ll leave you with this:  Take a date, have a salad, split a pizza, top it off with a little Gelato, and enjoy the perfect start to a glorious night.

"È tempo di mangiare non di telefonare"

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Local Midtown Sacramento, Et Al

I have a few things to say about a place or two in the local midtown Sacramento area, but what I want for these folks to understand, is that they do not own my time or my dollar.  Especially the new establishments that are overcrowded by the scenester socialites.  Please understand that customer service goes a long way, especially in a "down" economy.  You get one shot at being new, and one more shot just because.  After that, expect nothing.  You’ve been warned.

Dot’s Dog, Stockton’s Red Hot Chicago Hot Dog

I’m in Stockton two to three days a week for work and, while I will usually pack a sack lunch, occasionally I’m lazy or running behind schedule in the morning and I leave the house with no lunch or snacks.  So I have reason on these occasions to leave the safety and comfort of my office to find a lunchtime meal.  Keeping with the spirit of my love for a  tasty hot dog, I found Dot’s Dog in Stockton.

Dot’s, located at the corner of Pacific and Adams, prepares a mighty fine Chicago Dog, boasting that all their ingredients are flown in from Chicago.  (Except for a few of the fresh vegetables.)  Let me tell you, I’ve eaten a hot dog in Chicago, where you don’t even think about asking for ketchup, and Dot’s does a darn good job of bringing that authenticity to the West Coast.  From the neon green relish to a poppy seed bun, you’d never know you weren’t eating at Super Dog in Chicago.

There are a few other hot dog choices, as well as a meatball sandwich, and a french dip authentically drenched with au jus.  (Probably the only thing I haven’t had yet, and I’m looking forward to it.  I just have to be in the right frame of mind to eat wet bread.)  Dot’s Dogs offers chips as a side, which I’d like to see replaced with fries.  I don’t know what it is, but something about cheesy Doritos just doesn’t sit well next to an awesome Chicago dog.  (Sometime I order two dogs and skip the side orders.  They’re that good!)

As per the usual, I’m not that concerned with the interior decor, which they’ve done up in classic rock paraphernalia.   It’s nice.  The strange thing here is that they’ve fenced off a portion of the inside of the building for potential lease to a tenant.  I don’t know who would open up shop inside a hot dog stand, but hopefully it works out and Dot’s stays in business.  And there’s plenty of sidewalk seating along Pacific and along Adams, which also sports a walk-up window for ordering.

Another solid eatery offering quick and delicious food that I recommend whole-heartedly.  Make sure when ordering, you tell them to “drag it through the garden.”  They’ll know what it means.  You won’t be sorry.


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Capitol Dawg’s Midtown Hot Dog

I’ve been here a few times now, most recently because of a coupon for a free dawg sent out via snail mail, and I’m a fan.  I should start by saying I’m an all around fan of hot dogs.  From the late night corner street-vendor to the big box Costco brand — the Costco Polish dog being one of my favorites, just because you get so much for your dollar fifty.  It’s a deal and a half!  You can’t go wrong with a hot dog.

Located on 20th between “L” and Capitol streets, it’s sitting in prime walking space for most of midtown’s daytime busy bodies looking for a deliciously quick meal.  Service is fast, and seating is aplenty with a large outdoor patio that has just enough shade and sun to keep comfortable. Setting and atmosphere aside, I’m not sitting down to eat because of the decorative memorabilia on the wall.  No.  I want a hot dog, and that’s what you get.  Keep it simple, and give me some spicy mustard and sour kraut.  I’m hooked and sold.

The menu offers more than twenty ways to prepare a dog, so it can take a minute to read through the list and figure out what you’re craving.  The real problem being that once you decide, you might keep reading and find that you fancy another type, and now you have a real choice to make.  I’ve so far enjoyed the self named Capitol Dawg, the Midtown Dawg, and the Hotlink.  I still have a bunch more to try.  I’m very curious about the Sacramento Dawg which sports guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.  (On a hot dog?!  I know.  But you have to be adventurous when it comes to food.)

I have to say it’s a solid 3.75 out of 4.  Good times.


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Sacramento’s Park Ultra Lounge Dances Up

The Park, where you can eat play and drink, is located near the heart of downtown Sacramento across the street from 3 Fires Lounge.  (Yes, there seems to be a little theme at this intersection of town.)  The Play piece of The Park is its Ultra Lounge.  On its way to becoming, if not already, Sacramento’s premiere nightclub.  If, and not only because, in addition to being perfectly located, it offers dance music AND a dance floor. Something other local lounges seem to have forgotten and, sadly, left out.

Let’s not sell the Lounge short, this place has a lot going on in addition to music and dancing, which are just my favorite parts.  Catering to a lot of big, flashy money, Park Ultra Lounge has gone to all extremes to ensure a classy establishment ready to please.  Seating is plush.  Lighting is decadent.  Staff is friendly.  Drinks are reasonably priced for the setting (Voss Water – $4; Jameson – $7.25; Sapphire – $7.75).  The package is worth the cover.  They feature an amazing first bar, but also offer a second and third bar (on the dance floor and patio, respectively) which are fully loaded, unlike some venues which only keep the most-sold bottles stocked.  AND, another plus, if for some reason you happen to be sitting — table service.  You’re never very far when you find yourself in want, and you don’t even have to leave your conversation.

Still, there’s more.  The Lounge sells a range of VIP packages, from reserved over-sized sofas and chairs to private rooms.  Each includes a variety of perks, usually well worth the money if you and your group are up for it.  The Lounge has plenty of security, including a group of police officers that show up later in the night to keep an eye on things.  The Lounge introduces you to a really neat hand washing experience, which has nothing to do with the bloke dispensing hand towels.  You’ll have to live it to get it.

Undoubtedly, the Lounge has a dress code, described as upscale.  It’s not as stuffy as it sounds, no business casual nonsense and you don’t have to wear a dorky, button-down, striped shirt.  I’m not a fashion kid and I managed to gain entrance, which is saying a lot if you’re familiar with my disdain for dress codes.  Although, you can imagine, if I’m willing to alter my attire, my look, myself, for a good night out, this place is worth the extra effort.

Which brings me to my final point, and the real reason you’ll find me frequenting the dance floor at Ultra Lounge.  The women are gorgeous.  Absolutely!  (Approaching Q’s in Santa Barbara, CA levels.)  It makes the dress code, the cover — the whatever other hangups you might typically have about a place like this — tolerable;  for the women.  A lot of whom show up with groups who think knowing how to dance is a requirement to getting on the dance floor.  Umm…okay.  Believe me, it’s not.

Check it out.  You won’t be disappointed.


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Susie Burger — Ham, Not Burger

If you find yourself hankering for a good burger, and you’re in the midtown area near 29th and P streets, take this friendly advice from me and Thompology:  Do not eat at Susie Burger.  The food is overpriced, undersized, and lacking necessary burger flavors.  See how that doesn’t work.  One thing they do well, though, is make you chuckle.  Our meals came with sliced pickles in a baggie that included some mini carrots.  I put the pickles on my burger, but I could not figure out what to do with the carrots.  Thompology ate his carrots separately from his burger, but noted that they tasted like pickles.  If I’d have known that, I would have put them on my burger as well (I like carrots,) but he didn’t tell me till I was done eating.  (His meal came much later than mine because he deviated from the standard menu item — he wanted it done his way.)

The layout is exploits a poor design inside and out.  Not that layout has anything to do with food quality, but it was bothersome and distracting.  The ordering line cuts across the finishing line, which impedes access to the hamburger condiments, ultimately delaying the eating process and resulting in mild irritation to the mind and stomach.  This can probably be fixed.  But even a savvy, efficient layout with super cool decor will make up for bland, expensive food.

I’m not a Susie Burger fan, and I do not suggest eating here.  There are plenty of other burger joints around the Sacramento midtown grid, so save your money and eat somewhere else.  You can thank me later.

Susie Burger is owned locally by the Haines Brothers, who own the Riverside Club and Bistro 33.  I like those places.  But here we have the brothers attempting to target a new audience.  Either they’ve clearly missed it, or clearly it dones not include me, and I’m a hamburger lover.


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New Hotel Bar — 3 Fires Lounge

Bar at Marriotts Residence Inn on 15th & L

Aside from a sandwich board sign, there isn’t much going on to let you know this place exists inside the Residence Inn, which would lead one to believe this bar is meant only for hotel guests, except that it’s not.  It’s meant for all the passers-by to enjoy.  Hence the sign on the sidewalk.

Positioning themselves nicely on the corner of 15th & L, they’re walking distance from the after-hours Capitol workers, making this is a decent place to visit at the just-after-five-o’clock hour.  Stop on in for a little bit of that Happy Hour loving, we all love to have make us Happy.  It’s the usual discounted beer, wine, and commonly made mixed-drinks you’d find at any Happy Hour setting, but what sets 3 Fires Lounge apart from the rest is its Happy Hour menu; small plates going for three to five dollars, offering a variety of salty treats to tantalize your taste buds.  I’m a fan of the Cilantro Ceasar Salad, which is regularly priced at $8 but goes for $5 during Happy Hour.  Unfortunately, my favorite small plate, the Frizzled Squash Blossoms (loaded with cheese and chorizo then deep fried), did not make it to the Happy Hour party, but still well worth the time if you’re willing to pay full price.

It’s a two-sided bar with one side facing the hotel lobby, so sitting on the west side is a good idea and makes it easy to forget you’re in a hotel.  The ambiance and decor are what you would expect in a lounge that sells a nine dollar Jameson.  Quiet atmosphere, comfortable sofa-chairs, plenty of low lighting, four televisions (which seem to host a little too much Larry King Live), local art work for 2nd Saturday Art Walk participartory actions, free coffee, and a wonderful serving staff.  The bartenders are friendly and patient, which is an absolute must when encountering the loudness that is our laughter and commentary while seated at the bench reviewing the surroundings.

Definitely consider 3 Fires Lounge for a few snacks before making your way East to enjoy the rest of your night — It’s a nice place to meet your friends after work.


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MARRS Building Home To Luigi’s Slice

Ever since I can remember I’ve been a huge fan of pizza, eating it whenever I can get my grubby hands on it.  I don’t care if it’s two in the morning just before bed, or four in the afternoon and I’m ruining my appetite for dinner — if a slice is available, I’m going to eat it.

Imagine my joy and pizza-eating delight when Luigi’s Slice found its way into the MARRS building on 20th between J and K.  It’s central to all of midtown, so I can get to it from any of my local hangouts whether I’m up on 29th & E or down at 16th and P.  Granted, there are quite a few pizza-by-the slice locations around the grid, but this is my favorite, so that’s why I’m mentioning it here first.  (I mean before I mention any of the others, which I will eventually get around to typing to you about.)

Prices for a slice range from $4.15 to $4.85, which isn’t bad given the going rates and the size of the slice.  Several beers are on tap, as well as some wine from a bottle, in addition to the usual soda fountain.  (I typically take my slice with water, so as not to fill up on fluids.)  The slice itself is somewhere between New York Thin Crust, and Chicago Deep Dish.  It’s filling.  It’s good.  Check it out for yourself next time you’re out.  It’s a great follow-up after enjoying the night at Lounge on 20.

Many a weeknight I can be found running down the street in an attempt to beat their eleven-o’clock closing hour; that’s when the pizza tastes best.


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Lounge On 20 – Grand Soft Opening

Last night wasn’t the first night, but it was the first night.  It’s strange to try and understand, because there could quite possibly be another first night.  That’s right, Lounge On 20 had its soft opening to the public, but it was mostly friends, family, and regulars of the local bar community.  Probably not the typical crowd you’d find once the newness passes.

It’s a lounge, so this isn’t the kind of place where you go to sit at the bar.  Hence the very short and small sitting area at the bar.  The rest of the building is great.  Wide and open areas with high ceilings.  (Not sure why the ceilings matter, but I guess it makes you feel like you actually have more room for you and your group.)  Clean, crisp lines.  Adequate low-light levels for proper dilation of the pupils.  The front walls open for patio seating.  And table service, so you don’t have to leave your conversation to go order drinks.

There is a small dress code that forbids the wearing of hats or tank tops.  (I usually take off my hat when entering a restaurant, so this isn’t a real problem for me.)  They had no issues with my wearing of sneakers and shorts — a plus, especially in this summer Sacramento heat.

I was a little late on ordering food, which stops at 10 during the week (at least for now.)  From what I gathered while talking to one of the line cooks, it’ll be mostly appetizers and snacks.  You wouldn’t come here for dinner or lunch, unless you want a bunch of small plates, which isn’t a bad idea if the food’s good.  (I’ll check back on the menu, and let you know.)

Of course my favorite part was the price of a single Bushmills.  Five Dollars.  Will this last?  I don’t know, but if it does, then it’s fair to say that my GV Hurley’s hours could be transferred to Lougne On 20.


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