Interested in getting intel on the newest businesses to open downtown? From an organic grocery to an eyelashes expert, read on for a rundown of the newest hot spots to make their debut in the heart of Sacramento.
Market 5-One-5
915 R St.
Market 5-One-5 is a new organic supermarket and deli from the owners of the Raley's chain of supermarkets. Its location at 915 R St. makes it the first full grocery store to operate downtown in decades, and the only organic grocer in the city center besides Midtown Sacramento's Natural Foods Co-op.
As we recently reported, the market focuses on sustainable, organic and minimally processed foods from its bakery, in-house butcher, large deli and takeout section — which serves wine, beer and kombucha that can be enjoyed on-site in a small outdoor seating area.
Market 5-One-5 currently holds four stars out of 28 reviews on Yelp, indicating a positive reception from customers.
"I love that they have their own parking lot, and an enclosed bike cage for those that want to ride and park," Darci K. noted. "Initially, I wasn't impressed with what I was seeing, but it took a moment at the fabulous meat counter to realize that this is the perfect store!"
And Yelper William L. praised the convenience, tidiness, decor and service: "The employees here are doing a great job. ... Friendly and approachable."
Market 5-One-5 is open from 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 7 a.m.–midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Toasted
1424 14th St.
Toasted is a spot to score creative toasts piled with toppings. Located next door to its sister restaurant Cap City Squeeze at 1424 14th St., it specializes in grab-and-go food and has few options for seating or drinks (except coffee).
On the menu, look for the salmon lox toast: cream cheese, arugula, sliced tomato, purple onion and smoked salmon on French bread. Or if something sweet appeals, try the Chunky Monkey Toast: honey wheat bread topped with peanut butter, bananas, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, cinnamon and honey.
And yes, there is an option for smashed avocado on toast, which can be added to a customizable toast or in the form of the restaurant's specialty Greek Avo Toast with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives and feta cheese.
Toasted's current Yelp rating of 4.5 stars out of 20 reviews indicates a positive reception for the newcomer.
Steve P., who reviewed Toasted on May 15, said, "The staff are really helpful and friendly! The food is really great too. I got the salmon lox toast and subbed Avo Mash in lieu of cream cheese and that was an awesome recommendation by the owner."
"Everything was fresh and well balanced," Yelper Alex L. wrote, but added, "This is a small shop and the only downside is that they don't have anything to drink. You have to make a separate trip to their juicery next door or a nearby market to get a drink."
Toasted is open from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
Echo & Rig
500 J St.
New American steakhouse Echo & Rig is located at 500 J St. inside the Sawyer Hotel. Las Vegas transplant and executive chef Sam Marvin has brought with him the concept of a steakhouse with an in-house butcher to Sacramento, as Sacramento Magazine reports.
Due to that in-house butcher, large, shareable steaks like the 42-ounce T-bone are brought raw to the table for diners' approval before cooking. Echo & Rig also offers a wider variety of cuts than a typical steakhouse, such as hanger, bavette, skirt, flat iron and tri-tip.
Sides like potato gnocchi with mint-pea pesto or portobello fries with herbed aioli are available to accompany the meal. Echo & Rig is open all day and serves brunch on weekends.
Echo & Rig's current rating of four stars out of 116 reviews on Yelp indicates generally positive reviews for the new arrival.
Candace C. praised the service and food, noting, "Great food, great atmosphere and vibe, great service and great location."
And Yelper Sarah L. added, "The cocktails are really good and service is fast. The staff were all friendly and seemed happy to be there."
Echo & Rig is open from 7 a.m.–9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.–3 p.m. and 4 p.m.–11 p.m. on weekends.
The Diplomat Steakhouse
1117 11th St.
The Diplomat Steakhouse is a formal steakhouse, lounge, bar and private event venue at 1117 11th St. in the former location of Chops steakhouse. As the Sacramento Bee reports, the boutique beef joint is expected to step into its predecessor's role as a political hangout and setting for fundraising events.
The signature Tomahawk steak, featuring a large chunk of rib-eye meat attached to a bone "handle," is one of the dishes on offer from executive chef Seth Prater. Roasted garlic mashed potatoes and truffled lobster mac and cheese round out the sides.
At the bar, look for signature cocktails like the Freedom of Peach, with peach-infused whiskey, simple syrup, lemon juice and muddled mint, as well as an extensive wine list with a focus on Californian reds. (You can check out the full menu here.)
With a 3.5-star rating out of 26 reviews on Yelp, The Diplomat is still finding its way, but it's early days.
Yelper Amrita P., who reviewed the restaurant on April 25, wrote, "I can't wait for this place to establish their name in Sacramento because it's a great new steakhouse with a solid bar."
But Yelper Ashley R. said, "The food had great potential. If I had a better dining experience I might go back to try the dinner menu, but the overall experience wasn't worth the price in my opinion."
The Diplomat Steakhouse is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.–midnight on Friday, 5 p.m.–midnight on Saturday and 5–9 p.m. on Sunday.
Lavish Beauty by Corey
621 Capitol Mall, Suite 10
Lavish Beauty by Corey is a beauty salon specializing in eyelash, eyebrow and waxing services. It's located at 621 Capitol Mall, Suite 10, inside Sola Salon Studios.
Services on offer include multiple types of semi-permanent eyelash extensions and eyebrow waxing as well as spray tanning.
Lavish Beauty currently holds five stars out of six reviews on Yelp, indicating glowing feedback in its early days.
Yelper Chelsea., who reviewed Lavish Beauty on March 13, wrote, "I absolutely love Corey. I have never had lash extensions before and to say I was ecstatic when I saw the finished product would be an understatement. Her salon is super cute, very posh, very comfy and a totally relaxed environment."
Stephanie R. agreed, "Corey is amazing! I have gotten so many compliments on my lashes. I wasn't sure if I wanted to do it but am so glad I did. It is very nice at the salon, it's private and cozy. ... I was nervous to have someone working on my eyes but she is so gentle it was more like a relaxing spa treatment."
Lavish Beauty is open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Monday-Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
