Empress Tavern

1013 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 662-7694

The masterminds behind Mother (the all vegetarian restaurant on K Street that blows our skirts up), took over the basement theater at the Crest and transformed into a modern meat market (the meat kind, not the douchebag kind). The place is barely recognizable except for two curved walls to the bathrooms that remain from the original theater. Everything else from the cavernous brick arched, the gold flake wallpaper and the gorgeous bar at the center of the room is all brand new!

Empress has a demonstration kitchen, which we couldn't see from the lounge side, but it's beautiful and the chef's skills are on full display. We did a lot of cocktails, snacks and a couple of main dishes. We really need to come back and do a sit down dinner and try all the family meals. Poor us!

The smoked trout dip was light, fluffy and delicious. Perfect to add to a cocktail for a post work recess. The beef cheek stroganoff was a favorite and a rich, hearty meal on homemade pasta. All the cocktails are beautifully on point and the tea service is just a fun way to share booze.

Even though they have only been open for a month, the front of house, food and service are like they have been open for months. They are killing it and it's a beautiful thing to watch. Three cheers to Empress!

PS. There is no cell reception down there so enjoy the anonymity!

Smoked Passmore Ranch trout dip.

Tea Service No. 2. So much booze!

No. 3 Native Grass

No. 2 Rose

Crazy burger with pastrami and pickled veg.

Sardines

Primo Pizza Burger & Brew

2600 Sunset Blvd #103
Rocklin, CA 95677
(916) 259-1010

We have some drunks in the Rocklin area to we try to venture out when they can make it. Enter Primo Pizza in a quiet strip mall off of Sunset Boulevard in a suburb. This place was packed on a Thursday night with families and for good reason. The pizza has a classic fluffy, doughy crust with fresh toppings. They also have gut-busting portions of pastas, fresh salads and the best thing ever - cheesy knots. Add in some crack-like ranch and we might have filled up on knots before the pizza came. Also, they pour some very generous glasses of wine, so drink up!

Bombay Bar & Grill

1315 21st Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 441-7100

This is our favorite Indian restaurant on the grid. the staff and family who own it are always gracious and nice, their menu is more diverse than most and their food is richly spiced and each dish is unique. Add in a full bar and this place is a great addition to midtown.

Hit this place up, get then thali and enjoy!

Nido Bakery, the Oldpie

1409 R St #102
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 452-7594

This place, in the old Magpie spot, is a gem although a lot of people don't quite get it yet. Let us help you understand. It's right in the center of all the action without needing to elbow your way to get a drink. Top notch espresso, ALL the baked goods, a colorful selection of foccocia pizza, a couple of soups, a salad, beer and wine. The staff is friendly and rad. That's it!

The trick is that it's crazy affordable and the food is by the masterminds behind Magpie and Yellowbill so it is WAY better than other late night coffee shops. You can seriously have a quick, top-notch meal and a beer or an amazing coffee and handmade buttery croissant for less than $10.

Cheese plate & half glass of wine $10
Pork and fresh bean soup & a salad $9.50
Pizza al taglio with meat & a beer $9.25
Cappuccino & a fresh, local peach hand-pie $6

This is a place you can stop in, visit with a friend, read a book or get some work done and run into friends and neighbors. Or just get a glass of wine and watch the R Street world go by during these lovely Sacramento evenings. Any way you slice it, it's a great addition to the area for those of us who don't want to unload our wallets or wait for a table.

Check it out, visit with a friend and take your time. You won't regret it.

Then mosey on down to Portal while it's around!

Cheese plate & a half glass of rose. Vegetable miso soup with a corn muffin & half glass of red wine.

Cheese plate, wine and pizza

The Spritz, description in the next photo!

A couple of appertifs on the menu as well. Both light & refreshing.

We took over the outside area on a lovely night.

We might have also taken over the inside!

And a quick trip to Portal.

Reflections of some drunks.