Oak Park Brewing Company

3514 Broadway
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 660-2723

Oak Park Brewing Company is a great addition to the neighborhood. It was packed on a Thursday night even on their patio in January. It's nice to see a place like this succeed. We were put in the back room so I really can't speak to the atmosphere of the main room but it looked nice as I walked through. The service was slow but that might have been because we were in the back. The rabbit fries were really really good! And they had a great selection of beers on tap.

Robert Burns Dinner

Undisclosed Elk Grove Location

We have some strong Scottish blood in our group so of course we celebrate Robert Burns, his poetry and haggis. Que the whiskey, the plaid, the internal organs of sheep and drunken limericks.

South

2005 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 382.9722

South is a win. Recently opened, we put off going because of the small space and large crowds. Lo and behold, we got a table for 10 at our usual 7 pm time with no problems. I personally love a walk-up-and-order arrangement for our large drop-in-drop-out crowds so this was right up our alley.

They use family recipes for your traditional southern food like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, barbeque plate, red beans and rice but they also have some less traditional fare like a really amazing burger. The fried chicken was moist, not greasy, crisp and flavorful and on top of a lovely pile of kale.

They don't have their liquor license yet but that is actually a good thing because it's BYOB and our group didn't disappoint. Growler of Oak Park Brewing Co beer, bottle of bubbles, wine, whiskey - you name it, we had it. They are so generous about glassware and it always helps to pass a beer to the kitchen.

The owners are lovely and we wish them the best! Highly recommend it.

Photo by Naked Bob

Zpizza for Matt's Birthday

7600 Greenhaven Dr,
Sacramento, CA 95831
(916) 424-4222

It was Matt's actual birthday! And he wanted pizza and beer! This place has been open for a few months and seems to be a great addition to the area. The parking is troublesome when the giant gym is busy. January may not been the best time to go, but it was worth it!

The set up is a little confusing but the staff is helpful. You order at the counter on one side then find a seat on the other. The food is good, nice choices and large salads. The coolest part is that if you give them an ID and debit card, you get a little wristband and you can serve yourself beer from the 18 choices on the beer wall! They have a selection of glassware and even have some chilled. You walk up, pick a 3 or 6 oz pour, wave your bracelet by the little star in the corner and pour. I love being able to try whatever beer I like in tiny little pours. It may not suit a beer snob, but we sure enjoyed ourselves.

Mehfil for Bump's Birthday

1605 Douglas Blvd
Roseville, CA 95661
(916) 791-1199

Bump is wise because Bump is old. He picked arguably the best Indian food in Roseville. Mehfil is never very busy on a Thursday night so it's always an easy big crowd place to go. Each curry comes in its own little candle warmed cooper dish. It's always a little spicier than you think it will be but that is just fine! Overall, really good flavors and spice, friendly service, add a Kingfisher beer and you are set.

Federalist Public House

2009 N Street (via Matsui Alley)
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 661-6134

Starting off our 12th year with a new place! The Federalist recently opened a swanky set of shipping containers. It has a refined industrial feel to with a beer hall heart. Long community tables are housed in an open sided set of containers with a bocce lane as well. The most charming part is that you enter through an alley behind the Waterboy.

They've really stepped up the pub grub that you would expect with wood fired pizza much like Masullo (which makes sense since their chef spent considerable time learning Robert Masullo's ways). I would say the food is a bit pricey for what you would expect to find here, but that's because it's great! And NOT what you would expect to find here.

They have an array of local taps: Bike Dog, Track 7, Yolo Brewing, New Helvetia, Rustaller. They do have some wines as well in case you're not feeling the beer but you'll pay the price for those.

Overall, this is a really great addition for the area and a nice new mix of beer garden/great food. This one is a keeper - check them out!