Looking for the Sacramento bar of your dreams? We've found a lineup of new spots worth checking out. Here are three top places to check out the next time you're in search of your new favorite bar.
Hop Gardens Taproom
2904 Franklin Blvd., Curtis Park
Hop Gardens Taproom is a beer garden offering craft beer, pizza and more from its space at 2904 Franklin Blvd. in Curtis Park. Owner Matt Hawkins is focusing on "rare" beers that are hard to find on tap outside of the breweries, the Sacramento Bee reports.
For example, among the two dozen taps on the beer list are selections from Santa Rosa's HenHouse Brewing Co. and Orange County's Unsung Brewing Co. A large outdoor area provides plenty of family-friendly seating.
The focus of the food menu is personal-size Neapolitan pizzas, with pies like the Sweet Pig (pepperoni, bacon, mozzarella and chile-infused honey) and the Farmers Market, a vegetarian option with summer squash and zucchini.
Hop Gardens Taproom's current Yelp rating of 4.5 stars out of 32 reviews indicates positive attention from users.
"Great taps, nice space inside and out, amazing back patio, really cool concept for a taproom," wrote Yelper Paul C., who reviewed the new business on May 6.
Lynn H. criticized the dirt floor of the outdoor area, but said, "The beer selection is good. There were a few brews from Mikkeller, which can be hard to find on tap. There were a bunch of newcomers I haven't seen before too, so kudos on that."
Hop Gardens Taproom is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. (It's closed on Tuesday.)
The Diplomat Steakhouse
1117 11th St., Downtown
The Diplomat Steakhouse, now open in the former Chops location at 1117 11th St., is a formal steakhouse with a full bar that also hosts private events. As the Sacramento Bee reports, it will likely step into its predecessor's shoes as a space for fundraising parties and general hangout for political insiders.
The bill of fare from executive chef Seth Prater naturally includes plenty of red meat items like the signature Tomahawk steak, served with an upturned bone "handle" attached to a chunk of rib-eye. But seafood, vegetarian and poultry options like duck breast with goat cheese risotto and cherry sauce are also available.
Sides like the roasted garlic mashed potatoes and truffled lobster mac and cheese can be ordered individually or family style. (You can take a look at the full menu here.)
At the bar, customers can order from an extensive list of wines with a focus on Californian reds. Also available are signature cocktails like the Capitol Punishment, with tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, agave nectar and Grand Marnier; and the Freedom of Peach, with peach-infused whiskey, simple syrup, lemon juice and muddled mint.
The Diplomat Steakhouse currently holds 3.5 stars out of 26 reviews on Yelp, indicating a mostly positive reception from patrons.
"If you are looking for a great ambiance with great food, I would definitely recommend this steakhouse," Yelper Bree W. wrote of her anniversary dinner there June 4. "The steak was cooked to perfection and I haven't enjoyed a steak like that in a while!"
But Lynelle M. said, "Unfortunately, the decor is about as positive as it gets. ... The duck breast was cooked OK but the risotto that came with it was ridiculously salty. The pork belly was overcooked and tough."
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.
Sac City Brews
3940 60th St., Tahoe Park
Sac City Brews is a beer bar and traditional American joint with an ever-changing menu of bar bites and craft beers. Located at 3940 60th St. in Tahoe Park, it bills itself as a "neighborhood taphouse" that is dog and family friendly.
The bar has 16 local and national craft beers on tap, like local West Sac outfit Jackrabbit Brewing Co.'s Paint The Town red IPA. Kombucha, ciders, barley wine and mead are also available. (Check out the full drinks list here.)
On the food menu, look for the SCB Grilled Cheese with whole milk mozzarella, pepper jack, sharp cheddar, Swiss, caramelized onions and chipotle crema, as well as sweet potato fries and chicken kebabs with shawarma sauce. (You can view the food menu here.)
With a 4.5-star Yelp rating out of 44 reviews on Yelp, Sac City Brews is off to a strong start.
Yelper Existential P., who visited the newcomer on May 2, wrote, "Friendly, fun and knowledgeable staff. Delicious, well-portioned and affordable food. Nothing over $10 on the creative menu."
"Customer service is excellent!" Yelper An C. wrote. "Another thumbs up is that this is a kid-friendly environment. Sac City Brews actually has a lot of board games, card games such as Uno, playing cards, and they have LEGO/Mega Bloks for kids."
Sac City Brews is open from 3–10 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Sunday. (It's closed on Tuesday.)
