If you're interested in the still-expanding Sacramento craft beer scene, consider dropping by one of these new spots. Here are the freshest places to check out the next time you're in search of a brewery near you.
Burgers & Brewhouse
1616 J St., Midtown
Burgers & Brewhouse is a brewery offering burgers and more that's now open at 1616 J St. in Midtown. The three-storey establishment, which features a rooftop patio, joins several others in the Sacramento area and is also home to the in-house Sacrament Brewing Co., as we recently reported.
Head brewer Brendan Megowan is working on beers like the flagship Rapture Imperial Brown Ale, the Sac-Religious Pale Ale and the Doggy Pils traditional German pilsner made with an heirloom malt variety.
The burger menu features options like the spicy guacamole burger with jalapeño mayo and the lamb burger with mint yogurt sauce and feta cheese, as well as vegetarian choices like the portobello and smoked tofu burgers.
The taproom's current Yelp rating of three stars indicates the newcomer is finding its way, but it's still early days for the fledgling business, which has 58 reviews after being open just two weeks.
Yelper Ha T., who reviewed Burgers & Brewhouse on July 6, wrote, "The fries are bomb! Definitely upgrade your fries with your burger because it's cheaper than just ordering a specialty fries. The portions are very big and filling!"
But Yelper Roger C. echoed several reviewers' complaints of disorganized service and other problems: "Zero for four on getting the orders correct. Forgotten and/or incorrect ingredient on all orders. ... Almost forgot to mention; crappy AC was the topper to a forgettable experience."
Burgers & Brewhouse is open from 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Wednesday and 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Thursday-Saturday.
Device Brewing
1610 R St., Midtown
The Ice Blocks taproom of award-winning local brewery Device Brewing has joined the original and Pocket locations. The project of Ken and Melissa Anthony, it's now open at 1610 R St. in Midtown, as we recently reported.
The brewery specializes in West Coast style ales: if you want to try the varieties that won awards at this year's State Fair, look for the Chairman's Choice (an American Strong Ale) and Salted Caramel Porter. (You can check out the full list of available beers at the brewery's website.)
For the moment, a rotating selection of food trucks provides food, and patrons are also encouraged to bring their own. This Thursday, July 12, the truck will be another recent arrival, Zintzuni Cocina Mexicana. (You can take a look at the upcoming truck schedule here.)
With a four-star rating out of thirteen reviews on Yelp, Device Brewing seems to be a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
"Walked right in and up to the bar, ordered our beers... great customer service," Manny L. approved. "Really great vibe, loved coming here and great location. Also, if you live anywhere near the light rail, the train pulls up right next door to this, so easy access!"
"The beer is excellent, cool new digs and the location will only get better as more options move to R Street," Yelper Michael S. wrote, but added that there were two "big misses": lack of shade on the west-facing patio and shaky service.
Device Brewing is open from 11 a.m.–midnight Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.–1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Golden Road Brewing
1830 L St., Midtown
Golden Road Brewing is an outdoor beer garden serving beers by Los Angeles-based craft brewery Golden Road. It has come under fire by local Sacramento-based brewers for its owner, beer giant Anheuser-Busch (makers of Budweiser), as we recently reported.
Beers on offer include the Wolf Among Weeds West Coast Double IPA and the Get Up Off That Brown English-style brown ale.
From a food menu heavy on bar bites like tacos and fries, the carne asada fries topped with beer cheese stand out as a mix of the two. Customers can also find offerings like the the deep-fried buffalo cauliflower with dill ranch sauce. (You can check out the food menu here and the list of beers here.)
With a 3.5-star Yelp rating out of 77 reviews on Yelp, Golden Road Brewing is still finding its footing after a chilly reception.
"Beer is meh. Too busy for their own good," said Chris W., who reviewed the taphouse on June 24. "Location is good, which is about the only thing going for it."
Yelper Mariah S., however, praised both the food and the drinks: "The beer is delicious, particularly the Hef, Mango Cart, and Melon Cart. The fruity beers are the perfect blend of beer/sweet flavor that won't give you a giant headache after a couple."
Golden Road Brewing is open from 11 a.m.–midnight Saturday-Wednesday and 11 a.m.–2 a.m. on Thursday and Friday.
