Sacramento's culinary scene is booming, and a significant part of that growth is its impressive collection of gastropubs. These aren't your average pubs; they elevate the pub experience by combining high-quality, creative food with a carefully curated selection of craft beers and other beverages. This guide highlights 15 of the best gastropubs Sacramento has to offer, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for a date night, a lively place to meet friends, or a sophisticated setting for a special occasion, you'll find something to love on this list. We'll delve into each gastropub's unique charm, highlighting their signature dishes, ambiance, and overall experience to help you plan your next Sacramento culinary adventure.
Exploring Sacramento's Top Gastropub Gems
This list isn't ranked; instead, it provides a diverse range of options, ensuring there's a perfect gastropub for every palate and occasion.
1. The Shady Lady Saloon
- Ambiance: Dark, intimate, with a speakeasy vibe. Perfect for a romantic date night or a sophisticated gathering.
- Food Highlights: Their elevated pub fare includes creative takes on classic dishes, like gourmet burgers and artisanal pizzas. They also offer seasonal specials that showcase local ingredients.
- Drinks: Extensive craft beer list, unique cocktails.
2. Track 7 Brewing Company
- Ambiance: Lively, industrial-chic space with a large outdoor patio. Ideal for larger groups and a more casual setting.
- Food Highlights: Their menu features hearty pub grub, including their famous BBQ ribs and flavorful sandwiches. They pair perfectly with their brewed beers.
- Drinks: Wide variety of their own craft beers, plus other local and regional options.
3. LowBrau
- Ambiance: Modern and stylish gastropub with a focus on craft beers and refined dishes. It is perfect for a more upscale experience.
- Food Highlights: The menu is known for its inventive dishes that blend traditional pub fare with modern culinary techniques. Think elevated sausages and creative salads.
- Drinks: Deep selection of craft beers, both local and international. Their cocktail program is also noteworthy.
4. The Firehouse Restaurant
- Ambiance: Housed in a beautifully restored firehouse, this gastropub offers a unique and historic setting.
- Food Highlights: Focuses on upscale American cuisine with modern twists. Their menu offers innovative dishes with seasonal ingredients.
- Drinks: Well-curated wine list, craft beers, and creative cocktails.
5. Broderick Roadhouse
- Ambiance: Rustic-chic ambiance with a lively atmosphere. Great for both casual and more formal occasions.
- Food Highlights: Serves classic American gastropub dishes with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their burgers and fish and chips are highly praised.
- Drinks: Solid selection of craft beers, wine, and cocktails.
6. Selland's Market-Cafe
- Ambiance: Upscale, yet approachable atmosphere perfect for a refined meal.
- Food Highlights: Gastropub fare with locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. Their menu often features unique and creative dishes.
- Drinks: Impressive wine list, craft beers, and carefully curated cocktails.
7. Hook Line & Sinker
- Ambiance: Casual and relaxed atmosphere with a lively bar scene. A great place for a casual gathering.
- Food Highlights: Seafood-focused menu with a variety of gastropub favorites. Their fish tacos and clam chowder are extremely popular.
- Drinks: Wide selection of beers and cocktails.
8. Sacramentals
- Ambiance: A more traditional gastropub feel with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
- Food Highlights: Offers classic pub food, with a focus on fresh and quality ingredients. Their burgers and fries are a must-try.
- Drinks: Good selection of local beers, wines, and cocktails.
9. Ten22
- Ambiance: Modern and stylish with a sleek and sophisticated feel. Ideal for a celebratory dinner or a date night.
- Food Highlights: Upscale gastropub cuisine. They're known for their inventive small plates and shared dishes.
- Drinks: Extensive craft beer selection, creative cocktails.
10. Mulvaney's B&L
- Ambiance: Classic Irish pub with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Perfect for a casual meal or a drink with friends.
- Food Highlights: Traditional Irish pub fare with a modern twist. Their shepherd's pie and fish and chips are well-regarded.
- Drinks: Extensive beer selection, including many Irish and international beers.
11. The Citizen Hotel's Restaurant
- Ambiance: Upscale and sophisticated dining experience within a historic hotel.
- Food Highlights: Refined gastropub cuisine featuring locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Their menu is frequently updated to showcase the best of what's available.
- Drinks: Impressive wine list, carefully selected beers, and creative cocktails.
12. Temple Coffee Roasters
- Ambiance: Multiple locations, each with a unique vibe, from industrial-chic to cozy cafe.
- Food Highlights: Great coffee, pastries, and light bites. Not solely a gastropub but worth including for its coffee and casual vibe.
- Drinks: A huge selection of expertly crafted coffees, teas, and other drinks.
13. Kebabery
- Ambiance: Modern and stylish with a focus on Mediterranean flavors.
- Food Highlights: Mediterranean-inspired dishes with unique twists. Their kebabs are highly recommended. May be slightly outside of the traditional gastropub style but worth exploring.
- Drinks: Selection of beers, wines, and cocktails complementing the menu.
14. Dive Bar
- Ambiance: A classic dive bar with a casual and friendly atmosphere.
- Food Highlights: Simple, but satisfying bar food.
- Drinks: Wide selection of beers on tap, with affordable prices.
15. Ella Dining Room & Bar
- Ambiance: Elegant and upscale dining experience.
- Food Highlights: Refined menu with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. This establishment may lean more towards fine dining than your average gastropub.
- Drinks: Extensive wine list, crafted cocktails, and a selection of beer.
Finding Your Perfect Sacramento Gastropub
This diverse list offers a starting point for your Sacramento gastropub adventure. Remember to check websites for menus, hours, and any special events before your visit. Happy exploring! Enjoy the best Sacramento gastropubs have to offer!
