Because of all the agricultural products that grow within just a couple of hours of Sacramento, and the year-around growing season that we have here, “Sacramento chefs have ample access to an unmatched agricultural bounty to prepare fresh and delicious dishes any time of the year, writes Brandon Darnell in visitsacramento.com. However, to find an exceptional meal here can take some research. For your convenience, I’ve compiled a tried-and-true list of several favorite restaurants in midtown Sacramento. Full Disclosure: I am a dog person and having patio seating (dog friendly) ranks at the top when deciding where to spend my hard earned $.
AIOLI BODEGA ESPANOLA
Quality Spanish Dishes in an Intimate Setting
Address: 1800 L St | Sacramento
One can fly to Madrid or simply head over to Aioli for a genuine Spanish food in a perfect setting. Aioli offers a relaxing outdoor patio, lushly draped with greenery and an indoor space full of art to make one really feel like they are in Spain. The menu focuses on authentic Spanish recipes and includes a wide selection of tapas as well as full-size entrées.
ZOCALO🐩
Upscale Meal with a Party Vibe
Address: 1801 Capitol Ave | Sacramento
Not only is Zocalo’s cuisine “Mexican with a modern twist”, but so is their restaurant’s design, decor and beautifully crafted drinks. Their emphasis on “True Mexican Hospitality” is genuine. Every time we have been there, the service has been phenomenal. One can expect to be spoiled. Just their chips and salsa alone, is worth the trip. Most dishes come accompanied by savory black beans and Zocalo’s signature cilantro-lime rice. One yelper said”My fiancée and I had our wedding shower and the service was top tier!!! We had Aaliyah and Sarahi running point making sure everything went smoothly for our party of almost 50. The food was great, and our guests had an amazing time!!! Thank you to Nolan for helping us book the space. We also had access to their tv to play slideshows and pictures of the bride and groom.” Yelp Review
PAESANOS 🐩
One walks out with an Italian accent.
Address: 1806 Capitol Ave | Sacramento
Paesanos is one of the best casual Italian restaurants around. Their menu includes starters (Calamari Fritti is highly recommended) ample salads, and a variety of pastas, pizzas and sandwiches. Paesanos offers both inside and patio seating and is very dog friendly. Their Portofino Room is next door and may be reserved for private parties.
JACKS URBAN EATS 🦮
Inventive Sandwiches & Salads with Seasonal Veggies
Address: 1230 20th St | Sacramento
Since 1998, Jack‘s has been “an innovator of California’s farm-to-table movement”, making affordable meals “with certified Angus Beef, fresh poultry and local artisan breads”. At Jack’s one has the option of a salad, like Greek Chicken or Western BBQ Steak, a sandwich like Jack’s Classic or Pesto Chicken or a create- your-own salad with with all of the veggies and flavors you love. Lots of patio seating means a very dog-friendly restaurant for you and your canine friend. 🐕🦺
LOWBRAU🦮
Bavarian Pretzels + Sausages + Pilsner & Lager 🍺
Address: 1050 20th St | Sacramento
Runner up only to Munich in their food, beer selection and welcoming vibe, Lowbrau offers its customers authentic German bratwurst and a variety of other savory sausages. Don’t miss the decadent Duck Fat Fries and Pretzels! Located on the corner of 20th and K with plenty of patio seating available under mature sycamore trees makes Lowbrau a favorite for those who want to have something to eat with their canines by their 🐩 side. Also, on Saturdays, the Midtown Farmers Market takes place on 20th St. You can shop for farm fresh produce at the Farmers Market, then relax under the trees and order some Lowbrau specialties accompanied by a favorite 🍺. Please note: the check the Farmers Market rules restrict the presence of 🐕🦺’s.
TANKHOUSE 🦮
It’s all about BBQ 🍖 and Beer 🍺
Address: 1925 J St | Sacramento
Tank House is famous for its house-made BBQ, You can’t go wrong with their perfectly smoked briskets, chicken, burgers, and ribs. (Nate from Fairfield called it his “favorite BBQ spot”) And there’s no shortage of craft beer to wash the meal down with. Their Grub menu features: Baby Back Ribs, Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork and Half Chicken. While their craft beer features Ale’s, IPA’s, Hefeweizen, Pilsner and more. In short: Love ❤️ meat? Love ❤️ beer? You’ll love ❤️ Tank House. Plenty of patio seating means you can bring the canines 🦮 . #Sacramentodogfriendlyrestaurant 🐩
CAFE BERNARDO🐩
European Tradition of Cafe Dining
Address: 1431 R St | Sacramento
Cafe Bernardo is a comfortable place to go anytime for fresh, high quality food at a reasonable price. Their breakfasts are a delight. If you don’t know which salad to choose, then try the “Salad Sampler” and get two or three different salads to try in smaller portions. They also offer grass-fed angus burgers and pizzas, and some mouthwatering sweets from the pastry case.
Alaro Craft Brewery & Restaurant🐩
Spanish Inspired / Craft Beer (Brewed on site)
Address: 2004 Capitol Ave | Sacramento
Another top-rated regional farm to fork brewpub pairs craft beer made on site, an international list of wines, and fabulous food, making Alaro a not-miss dining destination. Over 30 years of brewing experience ensures that they make some of region’s tastiest brews. Their broad rotating selection includes: IPA’s, Porters, Pilsners, Stouts, Seasonal Ales and Lagers. One reviewer said”A super yummy stout… La Luna! I really like the vibe at this brewery. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly!” Alaro’s food menus- lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, are Spanish inspired, vibrant, and memorable. On Wednesdays, the chef serves paella on the patio- always a treat!
Iron Horse Tavern🦮
Industrial Heritage + International Feel
Address: 1800 15th St | Sacramento
Iron Horse Tavern is owned by famous Sacramento restaurateurs Mason, Curtis and Alan Wong. The restaurant’s name comes from the locomotives which “once rumbled down R Street”. When designing the restaurant, artisans made sure they maintained the vintage feel: “like the reclaimed wood and hexagonal tile constituting the floors in the dining room and bar”. Once there, these features will capture your attention as Iron Horse is appreciated both for its ambiance and the its menus. One happy customer said”Iron Horse Tavern is an awesome restaurant and located in a bustling area of the city. The restaurant has a trendy vibe and delicious food.I had a positive experience, everything was a real treat, starting with the prime rib sandwich, which is a classic dish that is always satisfying. The trio of Mac and cheese including the lobster, truffle, and tavern style is a unique offering that delighted my taste buds with rich and diverse flavors. Additionally, the farm salad provided a fresh and healthy option to complement the heartier dishes. Finally, the clam chowder was thick and full of flavor and very much went above and beyond my expectations.It is always a great experience to connect with friendly diners, and the table next to ours, offered us some of their delicious beignets. This is a true testament to the welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant.Overall, Iron Horse Tavern is a fantastic restaurant that serves delicious food and I highly recommend it.” Yelp Review
Mendocino Farms
A Welcoming Gathering Place
Address: 1510 R St | Sacramento
Mendocino Farms first opened its doors in 2005 and now has restaurants in Washington, Texas and across California, from San Diego to San Francisco and Sacramento. (Three more locations, Landpark, Arden and Folsom are scheduled to open in summer of 2023.) Mendocino Farms offers sandwiches and salads (and more) with emphasis on “fresh ingredients”. The midtown location is on the R Street Corridor, along with tons of other restaurants, bars, coffee shops and boutiques.
While this list is comprised of some of my particular casual dining favorites, it is only a small sample of Sacramento’s robust restaurant scene. It is worth further exploration, offering a plethora of delectable choices. There you have it, a list my favorite spots in Midtown Sacramento.
