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The Best Bars for Foodies in Sacramento

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated February 26, 2020

California's capital city of Sacramento has a rich culture and history paired with countless things to do. Old Sacramento forms the epicenter of visitor activity, with glistening river views, abundant eateries and historical museums, including the popular California State Railroad Museum. History buffs love the downtown area with Capitol Park and Sutter’s Fort, while families with young children have fun visiting the Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town. The city also hosts a thriving art scene - you can see local works at The Crocker Art Museum and modern pieces at the Verge Center for the Arts. Make sure to check out live music events and concerts, like the Sacramento Music Festival, Concerts in the Park and the many venues around town. In case you didn't know, Sacramento has earned the title of Farm to Fork Capital of the Country! Not only does Sacramento have international and contemporary American food, but the city also boasts a lively nightlife. But where are the smartest, savviest locals going out? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. If you’re looking for a place to go for a cocktail or two while in town, check out our Tastemaker List of where to find the best bars in Sacramento.

A photo of Capitol Garage restaurant
4.5
4.5 (1258)
$30 and under
Fusion / Eclectic
Sacramento
About the restaurant
Capitol Garage, located at the corner of 15th and K, is within walking distance of the capitol, convention center and Sacramento community theater. A midtown icon for over 19 years, it has a fantastic bar and a great bar staff pouring awesome drinks as the cafe by day turns into a nightclub and lounge by night. The Happy Hour is the talk of the town with delicious appetizers and great drinks specials. They also have a killer CHampagne brunch on the weekends! Plus, they have a huge vegan menu so it’s a great nightlife spot for those who prefer to skip the meat in their meals.
Top review
susan
Dined on Nov 2, 2024
Very impressed how efficient and very kind service along with good food and reasonable prices. Our group ate there prior to attending the Woman’s rally, so got us fed and cashed out in plenty of time. Highly recommend.
A photo of Paul Martin's American Grill - Roseville restaurant
4.5
4.5 (5526)
$30 and under
American
Roseville
About the restaurant
The Paul Martin of Paul Martin’s American Grill is actually Paul Fleming, co-founder of P.F. Chang’s and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse! This restaurant concept is all about the commitment of restaurateurs to buy their produce and products from farmers and artisans within a tight radius. Located in Roseville and Stone Point, an outdoor shopping plaza within the Sacramento metropolitan area, they feature classic American fare with ultra-high standards. Come in for their killer Happy Hour at the bar, with specials on all of their signature cocktails as well as burgers, sandwiches and small plates!
Top review
foodforfun
Dined 2 days ago
We had a great experience! Food was fantastic and so was the service. Will be back!
A photo of Zocalo Midtown restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2800)
$30 and under
Mexican
Sacramento
About the restaurant
Zocalo, located on Capitol Avenue in Midtown, is a fantastic place for great Mexican food and drinks. It is kid-friendly and great for families, groups and celebrating big occasions! They offer excellent regional Mexican cuisine, craft cocktails and a super lively and inviting environment. The restaurant occupies a beautifully refurbished 1920s automobile dealership and features original architecture from Tlaquepaque, Mexico. Come in for their fabulous Happy Hour and get a taste of their warm hospitality, fresh food and delightful beverages, like the Classic Paloma of the Cadillac Margarita.
Top review
Jordan
Dined 3 days ago
The service was outstanding and accommodating for our big birthday group!
A photo of Station 16 restaurant
4.2
4.2 (343)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Sacramento
About the restaurant
For an awesome, locally-owned bar with excellent seafood and great drinks, check out Station 16 in Midtown. The setting features modern industrial decor, a fresh raw oyster bar, a private dining room, full bar and an outside patio dining area. They also offer a carefully crafted menu featuring fresh seafood and simple raw preparations, with additional local produce and meats. Their specialty is garlic roasted seafood served on sizzling cast iron skillets. They have a lively happy hour, too! Be sure to try one of their signature cocktails, like Purple Rain or the Station Margarita.
Top review
Donna
Dined on Nov 4, 2024
Food and service was very good. Need to work on timing so table gets their meals at the same time. Some of our party were almost done eating by the time the rest of us received our food.
A photo of Canon restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2030)
$31 to $50
American
Sacramento
About the restaurant
Canon, located on 34th Street, is one of the coolest new restaurant and bar options in town. Tucked away from the downtown bustle, the cool space features deep tones contrasting with bright whites and a cozy, intimate environment. Chef Brad Cecchi is the culinary mastermind here and his menu focuses on playful small plates. Sip a cocktail and snack of bar bites like Urfa chili drumsticks at the bar and you’ll see why locals love it so much. They also offer a wide selection of vegan and gluten-free items to cater to picky palates.
Top review
Jaime
Dined 7 days ago
We had a wonderful birthday celebration at Canon. Each dish we ordered was excellent and the service couldn’t have been better.
A photo of Ella Dining Room and Bar restaurant
4.7
4.7 (5324)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Sacramento
About the restaurant
Ella Dining Room and Bar is hands-down one of the best bars in Sacramento! A downtown institution, they serve New American, farm-to-fork cuisine for lunch, dinner and happy hour, with seafood, steaks, pasta, small plates, oysters and more. Opened by the family behind The Kitchen and Selland’s Market Cafe, Ella offers a warm, welcoming ambiance in an inspiring place that evokes European rustic luxury. The bar features signature handcrafted cocktails, an eclectic and impressive wine list and a fresh seafood bar!
Top review
Tiffany
Dined 1 day ago
Top service, excellent Happy Hour and bites. Will be back!
A photo of Midgley's Public House restaurant
4.3
4.3 (1402)
$30 and under
American
Stockton
About the restaurant
For deliciously creative cuisine and a wonderful setting for drinks, check out Midgeley’s Public House! Located in Lincoln Center in Stockton, it’s a restaurant from “Top Chef” Michael Midgley. The menu features true California cuisine with a wide array of steaks, seafood, appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers. They also have a hand-selected wine and cocktail list and a super fun patio and bar area to enjoy them! Try one of their signature cocktails or choose a bourbon from their long list - it’s a great place to get your night started or head for a nightcap!
Top review
Merisa
Dined on Oct 27, 2024
Such a lovely place to celebrate a birthday with all my kids and grandkids! Wait staff was such a terrific help. Food and drinks delicious!
A photo of Echo & Rig Steakhouse & Butcher Shop - Sacramento restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2218)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Sacramento
About the restaurant
Echo and Rig Steakhouse, located on J Street, is a new concept in steakhouses. They put a unique nose-to-tail spin on the traditional steakhouse, allowing diners to indulge in the best cuts of meat for super affordable prices. The 7,000 square foot space sits in the Downtown Commons Neighborhood in the lobby of The Sawyer Hotel. They have a private dining room, a beautiful outdoor patio and an outdoor bar! The bar menu features a variety of small plates and delicious cocktails, like the Smoked Sage Daisy made with Espolon Tequila, lime and smoked sage agave.
Top review
Paulo
Dined 4 days ago
My wife and I had a lovely experience with everything from the bread to the drinks, appetizers, and main course!! Bone marrow asada is a must try!! Pork belly burnt end melt in you mouth crazy good!! Pea tendrils also amazing side!! It's slept on! Spencer steak nice piece of meat recommended by my good friend and chef Christopher!! Thanks again for the great food. My wife had sea food shrimp and artichokes, and it was also amazing as well!! Will be coming back soon!!
A photo of Market Tavern Stockton restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2395)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Stockton
About the restaurant
Market Tavern, located on Lincoln Center in Stockton, features farm-fresh ingredients across all menu items and a super laid-back place to drink and dine. The menu includes delicious wood-fired pizzas, all-natural pork chops and steak and signature meatballs. And the bar features craft beers on tap and a modern take on classic cocktails using fresh-squeezed juices and in-house infused liquors. Sit outside and sip on a cocktail while savoring a freshly made pizza.
Top review
Brian
Dined on Nov 18, 2024
It’s time for an update to the seating and in main dining. Too tight to sit and furniture and lighting getting a bit long in the tooth! People, food, management - great.
A photo of Scott's Seafood on the River restaurant
4.6
4.6 (5807)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Sacramento
About the restaurant
Opened in 2008, Scott’s Seafood on the River features the freshest of seafood flown in or delivered daily from around the world. The staff is warm and knowledgeable and the atmosphere is super comfortable and welcoming. Often referred to as Sacramento’s favorite seafood restaurant, it has a gorgeous dining room at the Westin Sacramento with lovely views of the River. Come in for alfresco dining and drinking in the gentle Delta breezes! They have a fantastic wine list and a great happy hour featuring Oysters, small plates and specials on the featured cocktail of the week.
Top review
Hector
Dined 6 days ago
My first time here. Took wife out for Anniversary & we both love it! Ambience is very nice calm, classy restaurant with wonderful service. Will return again. Thank you to staff
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