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We are from out of town and whenever we want a tasty meal we stop by here. Special bonus that this place proudly uses local ingredients. This time we stopped by for a beer, a refreshing drink (their watermelon mint agua fresca was FANTASTIC), and dessert since it was hot out. We tried their seasonal special dessert which was a pluot sorbet with cut up cucumbers, plum powder, shisho oil, and honey. This was SO light and tasted like summer in a bite! HIGHLY recommend. We also got their ice cream sandwich as well. Pro tip move: wait for it to thaw slightly. That biscuit really shines that way. It's delicious and we truly recommend this one as well (which is why we visited!). Isaac helped us and he was fantastic. He was super friendly and checked in on us often to ensure we were having a good experience. This place is perfect for bringing family, having drink at the bar, or a date. Would love to come by when they have music! All in all always recommend! We walked there but there is street parking.
For my last supper in Sacramento, Sam and I went to Magpie. It's always on OPEN TABLE. We sat outside, and the weather was perfect. We both had the strawberry lemon basil fizz. The drink contained gin, strawberry syrup, and fresh lemon basil. It was light and refreshing and the perfect spring summer drink. Then we had the baby eggplant which was marinated in a soy glaze. It also had some sort of peanut sauce base. This was a delightful bite. Both of us were very impressed. The presentation was gorgeous. Clearly still on my eggplant craze. One of the reasons we went to Magpie was for the trout dip. In a shocking turn of events, they didn't have it. I think it was an old menu. Maybe their winter menu. This was a bummer. Instead, they had a salmon dip. We got that, and I wish it was more flavorful/smokey. Normally, I'm not a smokey seasoning person, but I think it goes nicely with fish. The chips though were really good. I love a kettle chip. I thought they would be thicker, since the dip was thicker. I'm glad they served the dip with the spoon. We also had the stone fruit salad. I was shocked it didn't come with a cheese, but after I tasted it, the creamy yogurt successfully filled that void. Once again, the plating was gorgeous. I think the peaches were good, but I can tell that later in the summer, these peaches will be even more delectable. I think the pistachios were an excellent choice to this salad. For my main course, I had the painted hills flat iron steak with a Chimichurri sauce and crispy smashed potatoes. The steak was well cooked, and with the seasoning of the chimichurri, it was a delightful bite. Sam had the gnocchi with pesto and fresh tomatoes. The gnocchi was fluffy. Both she and I thought that the pesto was good, but we both wish that we wish there was more of it. I love pesto though, so I am always going to think that. It came in dollops, rather than mixed in, so I think that was part of the problem. We also had to get dessert. I had the ice cream sandwiches. They were made with lemon thyme shortbread cookies with vanilla Guenther's Ice Cream. I wish it was a stronger vanilla taste or a flavored ice cream. The cookies were too good though. Sam had the lavender panna cotta. Normally I am not a huge panna cotta fan, but this one was delicious. It had such a strong lavender taste, in a good way. It kind of tasted like I was eating lotion because of the thickness of the panna cotta with the lavender flavor.
I have friends in the Sacramento area that have always touted the concept of "farm to fork" in that the region's farms are the direct source for so many restaurants. We decided for our last night all together we would pick a highly rated one for a special meal. Magpie Cafe right in downtown fit the bill and we were thoroughly impressed by everything. We ordered just about every special plus many other dishes, some multiple, from appetizers through to desserts. It's in a beautiful area of the city, open to the street and green park. We opted to sit outside as it was a lovely evening. The beer menu had some regional favorites, all small and well chosen. For food we went all out, and I'll let the photos speak for themselves. Everything was so colorful and presented beautifully. Highlights were the pickles, fried asparagus, anchovies, and croquettes. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable about our dishes, she added to the experience. If you're in the area, this restaurant is worth a stop. They even have a cafe in the airport!
I thought the food was just ok but not bad either. We went for happy hour and kind of disappointed by the selection, but that's the chance you take with happy hours. We got the happy hour fried vegetables, and there were literally 4 small vegetables on the plate. Happy hour or not, 2 small fried green beans and 2 peppers does not really warrant $5. We also got the heirloom salad, which we thought would've been entree sized but it was more like a side salad for $15. Overall both of those were overpriced for what you get, while the entrees seemed more fairly priced for being an entree. The craft cocktails were very good though. I think I would go back for snacks and cocktails but probably pass on food food.
Loved our lunch! Ambiance is super, the food was delicious and the staff was really friendly and attentive. I had one of the specials,heirloom bean salad with herbs soft cheese and a nice lite vinaigrette with a slice of toasted focaccia. My husband had the BLT and loved it! It comes on fresh bread with beautiful heirloom tomatoes, bacon and spinach. Great fries with herbs too. Too full to try dessert but will visit again when we come back through Sacramento.
Yummy, can't wait to go back and try other things. Spendy but that seems to be the norm. Great service, excellent food, clean, and everything looked so delicious
We started with the fig appetizer, which was an absolute standout. Beautifully balanced and clearly made with thoughtful, seasonal ingredients. The crispy duck skin toast with miso butter was another highlight: rich, savory, and unlike anything we've had elsewhere. For our mains, we went with two of the house specials, the halibut and the shellfish, and both were cooked perfectly and full of flavor. The whole meal had that unmistakable feeling of a kitchen that cares deeply about sourcing and craft. We didn't get to try the cocktails this time, but based on everything else, we're already looking forward to coming back to give them a try. Highly recommend Magpie Café for anyone looking for a cozy, thoughtfully prepared meal in Sacramento.
Spent the weekend in Sacramento and Magpie has come up a few times to be on par with the Chicago food scene so I had to try! There is a really nice outdoor patio with heat lamps. Super spacious and dog friendly of course. Between four, we shared the fried panko asparagus, saffron arancini, and pork belly as our appetizers. We also ordered the black bean chili, winter BLT, and acme burger with fries. Fried panko asparagus - I'm not a huge fan of asparagus but this was super unique. I loved the play on the egg salad on top. I've never had egg salad that was super lemony but I think it helped pull everything together and make the fried part of the dish feel less heavy. Pork belly - Really tender and flavorful. I was a little thrown off by the apples but no comparison because our dog enjoyed it! Saffron arancini - Amazing. No words. Really fresh and love the addition of dill. I didn't try the winter BLT or black bean chili but I heard nothing but raving reviews. The winter BLT was honestly an art masterpiece. As for the ACME burger, the bread was fluffy and delicious and the burger was good but when I think about Chicago burgers, probably not on the same level. However! I can agree that the appetizers resemble those in some of my favorite restaurants in the Windy City. Overall, a serious gem in Sacramento and the service was amazing and friendly.
Magpie Café is exactly the kind of restaurant that defines how I love to dine. Their menu is thoughtfully driven by the seasons, shifting often to reflect what's freshest and most inspiring at the moment. Dishes are presented in a way that encourages sharing, making the experience feel both communal and intentional. I've yet to have anything that disappoints. Their salads are among the best in the city--vibrant, balanced, and far from an afterthought--and the anchovy toast is nothing short of exceptional. It's the kind of place I'd bring out-of-town guests to showcase why Sacramento proudly carries the title of America's Farm-to-Fork Capital.
Food: Codfish Dip, Miso Radish, Sautéed Greens and Gnocchi. Literally all of them 10/10. I was surprised at how well balanced and delicious everything was. Even though the taste was very rich, it also felt clean and didn't make my stomach feel bloated. Service is friendly and informative. Love how proactive they are. Ambiance is lovely. Low lighting, warm walls, carefully chosen art. I can't wait to come back again!
Love, love, love Magpie! They never disappoint. We went for dinner and made reservations ahead of time. When you enter, the lights are dim but it gives a great vibe. The drinks are also so good and you a get a bang for your buck! I don't think I've ever had a bad drink here. I had the steak and my friend had the gnocchi and let's just say our plates were cleared off by how delicious the food was. This is a nice place to have a girls date to catch up or to bring your partner for a special occasion. Also, there is metered parking. We parked across the street at the park so it wasn't a bad walk to the restaurant. You definitely want to come a little earlier to find parking as it can get busy in that area.
6/5 stars for Magpie if I could! Magpie has been on my list to try for a long time, and I'm so glad we finally got to go during Dine Downtown week! My husband and I both went with the prix fixe menu for $45/person, and it was absolutely divine. We both chose the artisanal salad with house-made potato chips and onion dip. For our entrees my husband went with the gnocchi and batter-fried winter squash, while I went with the steelhead trout and seasonal roasted vegetables. Lastly, for dessert we got both the chocolate avocado mousse and meringue with lemon curd to share. We started off with some cocktails--I chose the Yeti and my husband chose the Rodeo Star. Both were made and presented beautifully, and wonderfully smooth. The salad was absolutely refreshing. I especially loved the crispy quinoa. I'm also a sucker for purple leaves, and the apple cider vinaigrette was right up my alley. The apple slices and radishes were a perfect pairing. The house-made potato chips and onion dip were spectacular. Our entrees were beautifully plated, and we were both so eager to dig in. Boy oh boy was the skin on my steelhead trout crispy, and paired with the beurre blanc sauce, I went straight to culinary heaven. The trout roe had a wonderful mouthfeel, and the smashed potatoes were perfect for soaking up every last drop of the beurre blanc sauce. The roasted veggies were a nice pairing with my trout as well! My husband was enamored with his gnocchi dish too. The duck confit was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the gnocchi had a lovely crispy bite. I tried a bit of both the duck and the gnocchi and was blown away by the texture and flavor of both. The batter fried winter squash was excellent as well. Dessert was a perfect way to end our meal, paired with their seasonal cider on draft. While I loved the chocolate avocado mousse, the meringue was definitely my favorite of the two. Service was attentive, and we were given a decanter of water to replenish our glasses, which I always appreciate. We were seated in the back corner, which I also enjoyed, so it was more of a semi-private dining experience away from the rest of the other diners. We left stuffed and happy. Definitely a meal to remember! I have eaten at many New American restaurants, including some in Carmel, but Magpie sits high on my list of favorite places for New American, and I will most certainly be back. The freshness of each ingredient and thoughtfulness of each element in every dish are main contributors as to why Magpie stands out from the rest.
My favorite Dine Downtown 2026 experience! This was my first visit, and I made a reservation for two on a weekday evening. When we arrived, the restaurant was packed! Service was excellent, and wait staff got us seated in a timely manner. We waited less than five minutes past our reservation, which wasn't an issue, but I appreciated how customer-focused wait staff were! Our server was quick, to the point, and less personable, but I didn't mind as we were ready to order. Magpie's Dine Downtown menu offers plenty of options to customize your own 3-course meal. I started with the artisan lettuces with a side of bread and hummus. The salad was a little overdressed, but it was nicely offset by the bread and hummus. For my entree, I got the steelhead trout, which was amazing! Crispy skin, beautiful presentation, and the right amount of beurre blanc. For the side, I ordered the roasted vegetables with Seka Hills Olive Oil - good variety of vegetables including carrots, cauliflower, and beets! Finally, my partner and I ended with the chocolate and avocado mousse. It was smooth and a little salty, but overall very satisfying. It would've been nice to have the orange flavor infused too! Magpie Cafe is a great choice if you're looking for somewhere nice to dine downtown and celebrate a special occasion! Low light ambiance and perfect for a date night, business meeting, or simply any occasion to celebrate.
Tyrone is super genuinely sweet! He was super apologetic when a certain table wasn't available. Not your fault at all! Thnx 4 being so sweet!! Looooved this place!! Super hip, trendy and top notch with food presentation, creative and delicious flavors! Did I mention fresh? 5+++ stars, take 10!! Service is incredible as well! Sooooo excited i finally tried this place and that it blew me away!!! Can't wait to come back for more and more!! Great job to everyone at this place! You guys n gals absolutely ROCK!!! read more
10 days ago
A little reminder that being happily partnered doesn't mean you can't take yourself on a date. My partner was working late tonight, so I took myself out to Magpie, sat on the patio, ordered exactly what I wanted, and enjoyed my own company. There's something really lovely about being comfortable enough to eat alone, explore your own city alone, and remember that being by yourself doesn't mean you're lonely. And the food certainly didn't hurt. The Point Reyes blue cheese on the heirloom tomato & cucumber salad was salty, pungent perfection. The California cheese board with Mt. Tam was so good, the house potato chips were honestly epic, and the scallop crudo had the perfect little kick from the pickled peppers with so many good textures. My server Audrey was absolutely lovely, too -- and surprised me with a carrot cake cookie to end the night, which was such a sweet little gesture. Good food. A Sacramento evening. No agenda. Just a little time with myself. Take yourself on the date. Order the cheese board. Sit at the table alone. Enjoy your own company. Whether you're single or happily partnered, you're pretty good company, after all. read more
1 month ago
Went for my birthday a couple of months ago and it was amazing! Service was so great and accommodating for our larger group too. We walk by the specials menu on the chalkboard outside and the always look fantastic too. read more
2 months ago
We are from out of town and whenever we want a tasty meal we stop by here. Special bonus that this place proudly uses local ingredients. This time we stopped by for a beer, a refreshing drink (their watermelon mint agua fresca was FANTASTIC), and dessert since it was hot out. We tried their seasonal special dessert which was a pluot sorbet with cut up cucumbers, plum powder, shisho oil, and honey. This was SO light and tasted like summer in a bite! HIGHLY recommend. We also got their ice cream sandwich as well. Pro tip move: wait for it to thaw slightly. That biscuit really shines that way. It's delicious and we truly recommend this one as well (which is why we visited!). Isaac helped us and he was fantastic. He was super friendly and checked in on us often to ensure we were having a good experience. This place is perfect for bringing family, having drink at the bar, or a date. Would love to come by when they have music! All in all always recommend! We walked there but there is street parking. read more
For my last supper in Sacramento, Sam and I went to Magpie. It's always on OPEN TABLE. We sat outside, and the weather was perfect. We both had the strawberry lemon basil fizz. The drink contained gin, strawberry syrup, and fresh lemon basil. It was light and refreshing and the perfect spring summer drink. Then we had the baby eggplant which was marinated in a soy glaze. It also had some sort of peanut sauce base. This was a delightful bite. Both of us were very impressed. The presentation was gorgeous. Clearly still on my eggplant craze. One of the reasons we went to Magpie was for the trout dip. In a shocking turn of events, they didn't have it. I think it was an old menu. Maybe their winter menu. This was a bummer. Instead, they had a salmon dip. We got that, and I wish it was more flavorful/smokey. Normally, I'm not a smokey seasoning person, but I think it goes nicely with fish. The chips though were really good. I love a kettle chip. I thought they would be thicker, since the dip was thicker. I'm glad they served the dip with the spoon. We also had the stone fruit salad. I was shocked it didn't come with a cheese, but after I tasted it, the creamy yogurt successfully filled that void. Once again, the plating was gorgeous. I think the peaches were good, but I can tell that later in the summer, these peaches will be even more delectable. I think the pistachios were an excellent choice to this salad. For my main course, I had the painted hills flat iron steak with a Chimichurri sauce and crispy smashed potatoes. The steak was well cooked, and with the seasoning of the chimichurri, it was a delightful bite. Sam had the gnocchi with pesto and fresh tomatoes. The gnocchi was fluffy. Both she and I thought that the pesto was good, but we both wish that we wish there was more of it. I love pesto though, so I am always going to think that. It came in dollops, rather than mixed in, so I think that was part of the problem. We also had to get dessert. I had the ice cream sandwiches. They were made with lemon thyme shortbread cookies with vanilla Guenther's Ice Cream. I wish it was a stronger vanilla taste or a flavored ice cream. The cookies were too good though. Sam had the lavender panna cotta. Normally I am not a huge panna cotta fan, but this one was delicious. It had such a strong lavender taste, in a good way. It kind of tasted like I was eating lotion because of the thickness of the panna cotta with the lavender flavor. read more
4 months ago
I have friends in the Sacramento area that have always touted the concept of "farm to fork" in that the region's farms are the direct source for so many restaurants. We decided for our last night all together we would pick a highly rated one for a special meal. Magpie Cafe right in downtown fit the bill and we were thoroughly impressed by everything. We ordered just about every special plus many other dishes, some multiple, from appetizers through to desserts. It's in a beautiful area of the city, open to the street and green park. We opted to sit outside as it was a lovely evening. The beer menu had some regional favorites, all small and well chosen. For food we went all out, and I'll let the photos speak for themselves. Everything was so colorful and presented beautifully. Highlights were the pickles, fried asparagus, anchovies, and croquettes. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable about our dishes, she added to the experience. If you're in the area, this restaurant is worth a stop. They even have a cafe in the airport! read more
1 month ago
I thought the food was just ok but not bad either. We went for happy hour and kind of disappointed by the selection, but that's the chance you take with happy hours. We got the happy hour fried vegetables, and there were literally 4 small vegetables on the plate. Happy hour or not, 2 small fried green beans and 2 peppers does not really warrant $5. We also got the heirloom salad, which we thought would've been entree sized but it was more like a side salad for $15. Overall both of those were overpriced for what you get, while the entrees seemed more fairly priced for being an entree. The craft cocktails were very good though. I think I would go back for snacks and cocktails but probably pass on food food. read more
1 month ago
Loved our lunch! Ambiance is super, the food was delicious and the staff was really friendly and attentive. I had one of the specials,heirloom bean salad with herbs soft cheese and a nice lite vinaigrette with a slice of toasted focaccia. My husband had the BLT and loved it! It comes on fresh bread with beautiful heirloom tomatoes, bacon and spinach. Great fries with herbs too. Too full to try dessert but will visit again when we come back through Sacramento. read more
2 months ago
We started with the fig appetizer, which was an absolute standout. Beautifully balanced and clearly made with thoughtful, seasonal ingredients. The crispy duck skin toast with miso butter was another highlight: rich, savory, and unlike anything we've had elsewhere. For our mains, we went with two of the house specials, the halibut and the shellfish, and both were cooked perfectly and full of flavor. The whole meal had that unmistakable feeling of a kitchen that cares deeply about sourcing and craft. We didn't get to try the cocktails this time, but based on everything else, we're already looking forward to coming back to give them a try. Highly recommend Magpie Café for anyone looking for a cozy, thoughtfully prepared meal in Sacramento. read more
5 months ago
Spent the weekend in Sacramento and Magpie has come up a few times to be on par with the Chicago food scene so I had to try! There is a really nice outdoor patio with heat lamps. Super spacious and dog friendly of course. Between four, we shared the fried panko asparagus, saffron arancini, and pork belly as our appetizers. We also ordered the black bean chili, winter BLT, and acme burger with fries. Fried panko asparagus - I'm not a huge fan of asparagus but this was super unique. I loved the play on the egg salad on top. I've never had egg salad that was super lemony but I think it helped pull everything together and make the fried part of the dish feel less heavy. Pork belly - Really tender and flavorful. I was a little thrown off by the apples but no comparison because our dog enjoyed it! Saffron arancini - Amazing. No words. Really fresh and love the addition of dill. I didn't try the winter BLT or black bean chili but I heard nothing but raving reviews. The winter BLT was honestly an art masterpiece. As for the ACME burger, the bread was fluffy and delicious and the burger was good but when I think about Chicago burgers, probably not on the same level. However! I can agree that the appetizers resemble those in some of my favorite restaurants in the Windy City. Overall, a serious gem in Sacramento and the service was amazing and friendly. read more
Magpie Café is exactly the kind of restaurant that defines how I love to dine. Their menu is thoughtfully driven by the seasons, shifting often to reflect what's freshest and most inspiring at the moment. Dishes are presented in a way that encourages sharing, making the experience feel both communal and intentional. I've yet to have anything that disappoints. Their salads are among the best in the city--vibrant, balanced, and far from an afterthought--and the anchovy toast is nothing short of exceptional. It's the kind of place I'd bring out-of-town guests to showcase why Sacramento proudly carries the title of America's Farm-to-Fork Capital. read more
Food: Codfish Dip, Miso Radish, Sautéed Greens and Gnocchi. Literally all of them 10/10. I was surprised at how well balanced and delicious everything was. Even though the taste was very rich, it also felt clean and didn't make my stomach feel bloated. Service is friendly and informative. Love how proactive they are. Ambiance is lovely. Low lighting, warm walls, carefully chosen art. I can't wait to come back again! read more
Love, love, love Magpie! They never disappoint. We went for dinner and made reservations ahead of time. When you enter, the lights are dim but it gives a great vibe. The drinks are also so good and you a get a bang for your buck! I don't think I've ever had a bad drink here. I had the steak and my friend had the gnocchi and let's just say our plates were cleared off by how delicious the food was. This is a nice place to have a girls date to catch up or to bring your partner for a special occasion. Also, there is metered parking. We parked across the street at the park so it wasn't a bad walk to the restaurant. You definitely want to come a little earlier to find parking as it can get busy in that area. read more
6/5 stars for Magpie if I could! Magpie has been on my list to try for a long time, and I'm so glad we finally got to go during Dine Downtown week! My husband and I both went with the prix fixe menu for $45/person, and it was absolutely divine. We both chose the artisanal salad with house-made potato chips and onion dip. For our entrees my husband went with the gnocchi and batter-fried winter squash, while I went with the steelhead trout and seasonal roasted vegetables. Lastly, for dessert we got both the chocolate avocado mousse and meringue with lemon curd to share. We started off with some cocktails--I chose the Yeti and my husband chose the Rodeo Star. Both were made and presented beautifully, and wonderfully smooth. The salad was absolutely refreshing. I especially loved the crispy quinoa. I'm also a sucker for purple leaves, and the apple cider vinaigrette was right up my alley. The apple slices and radishes were a perfect pairing. The house-made potato chips and onion dip were spectacular. Our entrees were beautifully plated, and we were both so eager to dig in. Boy oh boy was the skin on my steelhead trout crispy, and paired with the beurre blanc sauce, I went straight to culinary heaven. The trout roe had a wonderful mouthfeel, and the smashed potatoes were perfect for soaking up every last drop of the beurre blanc sauce. The roasted veggies were a nice pairing with my trout as well! My husband was enamored with his gnocchi dish too. The duck confit was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the gnocchi had a lovely crispy bite. I tried a bit of both the duck and the gnocchi and was blown away by the texture and flavor of both. The batter fried winter squash was excellent as well. Dessert was a perfect way to end our meal, paired with their seasonal cider on draft. While I loved the chocolate avocado mousse, the meringue was definitely my favorite of the two. Service was attentive, and we were given a decanter of water to replenish our glasses, which I always appreciate. We were seated in the back corner, which I also enjoyed, so it was more of a semi-private dining experience away from the rest of the other diners. We left stuffed and happy. Definitely a meal to remember! I have eaten at many New American restaurants, including some in Carmel, but Magpie sits high on my list of favorite places for New American, and I will most certainly be back. The freshness of each ingredient and thoughtfulness of each element in every dish are main contributors as to why Magpie stands out from the rest. read more
9 months ago
My favorite Dine Downtown 2026 experience! This was my first visit, and I made a reservation for two on a weekday evening. When we arrived, the restaurant was packed! Service was excellent, and wait staff got us seated in a timely manner. We waited less than five minutes past our reservation, which wasn't an issue, but I appreciated how customer-focused wait staff were! Our server was quick, to the point, and less personable, but I didn't mind as we were ready to order. Magpie's Dine Downtown menu offers plenty of options to customize your own 3-course meal. I started with the artisan lettuces with a side of bread and hummus. The salad was a little overdressed, but it was nicely offset by the bread and hummus. For my entree, I got the steelhead trout, which was amazing! Crispy skin, beautiful presentation, and the right amount of beurre blanc. For the side, I ordered the roasted vegetables with Seka Hills Olive Oil - good variety of vegetables including carrots, cauliflower, and beets! Finally, my partner and I ended with the chocolate and avocado mousse. It was smooth and a little salty, but overall very satisfying. It would've been nice to have the orange flavor infused too! Magpie Cafe is a great choice if you're looking for somewhere nice to dine downtown and celebrate a special occasion! Low light ambiance and perfect for a date night, business meeting, or simply any occasion to celebrate. read more
Happy to have finally stopped in for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. While we made a reservation, there were still plenty of tables available. I would recommend a dinner reservation as the closer we got to dinner, the more people came in. The appetizer and meal both were delicious and full of fresh ingredients. The artichoke dip was more than enough for 2 adults and a kid, though they were very kind to bring out more bread for us. The gnocchi was cooked to perfection, and the whole meal left me feeling full but with room still for more. read more
2 months ago
Excellent vibe and the food was outstanding. Our server was on point and super attentive and knowledgeable! We loved it and will be back!! read more
2 months ago
Is my mom's first time dining in a western restaurant and she loves it! Everything taste good, above our expectation, only improvement would be the pork belly if it could have some simple marinate to have some base taste would be great, and great services with attentive waitress and waiters, great atmosphere for dating with the dark environment vibe. read more
5 months ago
The special of the day which was the beet salad was delicious and our first waiter provided excellent service. Our first waiter (tall, slender, brown/blonde hair) had to leave and our second waiter (tall, slender, dark complexion with a poinytail) took over while my friend and I were waiting for our food. There were only three other tables of 2-4 people each. When we finished the waiter asked if we were done and we said yes, so he removed our plates and silverware. We waited for him to bring the check for about 10 minutes before I tried to get his attention about 3 times while looking in our direction. I finally had to wave both my arms to get his attention and he finally came over. I asked for the check and he said "oh, you're done?" I said yes, since he asked us if we were done earlier and took our place settings away. He came back with the check and said "thank you" in a very passive aggressive way to where my friend noticed and made a comment after he left. I only gave him a 10% tip because of his attitude and started serving us (and not very well) halfway through the meal. Love the food, ambience; but that one waiter needs to know that what you give is what you get. read more
1 month ago
DINNER REVIEW: Stopped into Magpie on a Tuesday night around 7:30 PM for dinner. Magpie has been on my list of places I wanted to check out for a while so this was really exciting for me. I appreciate farm-to-table/local farmer restaurants and dining. I ordered: * Farmer Fritto * Crudo (scallop) * Western Lamb Chops The farmers fritto was 4/5. Texture of the fried batter was incredible and the vegetables remained al dente. What I didn't love was the sweet mayonnaise type of sauce served with this dish and the fried bell pepper...it's a weird vegetable to batter and fry because of its water content. I enjoyed the string beans, artichoke, carrot, and zucchini. Everything tasted fresh and I would order again. The scallop crudo was delicious. Although it probably deserves a five, I give it a 4/5 because when it arrived to my table I could not help but notice the strong scent of raw fish/seafood. The fresh pluots and cilantro added a lovely brightness to the dish, as well as a subtle contrast of sweet to savory/salty. I loved, conceptionally, the teeny dollops of pluot sorbet but I struggled to decide if it did anything for the dish other than add lovely pop of color and more sweetness. If you love seafood and scallops, it's definitely worth the try. Finally, I settled on the lamb chops. It took me a few bites to settle into the dish and decide...4/5 is where I'm landing. The dish seemed middle eastern inspired, pulling together baba ganoush, summer squash, cherry tomato, pickles, fresh herbs and sumac yogurt. Instead of the roasted eggplant flavor that I was excited for, it was giving more "hummus" than baba ganoush. Yummy still. Cherry tomatoes were excellent and I'm not even a huge tomato person. The vegetables again were al dente and the pickles were a nice touch. What made this dish for instead of a five for me was the glob of sumac yogurt that was dumped on top of one of the two lamb chops. The yogurt was cold and I would have preferred a little off to the sides. The restaurant is dimly lit, and I loved the music selection. The music was not loud, but at the right volume to where you could hear it, but still enjoy conversation with others. The staff was very friendly and attentive. I would return to magpie and it is somewhere I would recommend for those who appreciate local menus. read more
7 months ago
A really great meal if you're looking to splurge. The staff is always extremely professional and welcoming and we even got a glimpse of one of the co-owners, Janel Inouye, a local restaurant celebrity! The vibe is very crisp and modern and everything is plated beautifully! Offerings - Cauliflower Fritters - I think this was the star of the meal. Extremely well fried and well seasoned. The sauce was very flavorful and other accoutrements paired perfectly. - Crudo - I think this was decent. I remember going to a talk once about Magpie's dedication to sustainable seafood and was excited to try it. I think it was good but not special. Flavors were very subtle, which may have been intentional for the fish. - Lamb - this was my partner's favorite. Cooked extremely well, perfect texture. The side veggies were a fine addition. - Steak - I may be biased but I don't think this was very spectacular at all. It was cooked medium rare as ordered, but lacked flavor and seasoning. A bit of salt or even a sauce on the side would have helped. Or is that sacrilegious for steak? Perhaps my simple palette could not appreciate the meat on its own. The sides were also a bit too oily and again, lacked flavor. Overall, I would say it's a great restaurant with good quality ingredients but they rely (heavily) on the ingredients shining and may sometimes lack taste and flavor. Cooking techniques seem 10/10 too! read more
7 months ago
This place has been on my must try list for forever and I was finally able to check it out for date night. It's a nice casual spot for dining with great drinks and great food. Service is friendly and their menu is on rotation. We decided to try the pomegranate mint fizz cocktail and it was nicely balanced and the vodka wasn't noticeable at all. I ordered the gnocchi and my husband ordered the burger. The gnocchi was extremely fluffy and delicious; it just melted in my mouth. The burger was cooked perfectly, and even though it only has pickles and cheese, it was the best tasting burger I've ever tried. Will definitely be visiting again! read more
Went to dine on a busy Friday night and the host was super nice and he was able to sit three of us with no reservations in about 20ish minutes. The drinks were great and the Pilsner was really good. The food was the perfect amount of portion and the Burger was top notch. Service throughout the night was stellar and wanted to thank them for a great experience. read more
3 months ago
Last time I was at Magpie Cafe was at their previous location. We visited this time during lunch. Restaurant wasn't too busy. Ordered a small plate, salad, and large plate for sharing. The pork schnitzel was very good. Creamy mashed potatoes. Apple sauce and cabbage were great accompaniments. Really loved the freshness of the food. Saw crates of fresh vegetables brought in the side of the restaurant. I appreciate living in a place where we have access to year round fresh produce. Service was just ok today. read more
Such a beautiful dining experience can be had at Magpie. Stopped by on a Wednesday evening and was able to get seated right away. The staff that was serving us was very knowledgeable, helpful, and kind. Everything on the menu is fresh and locally sourced. We tried the pork belly, bread and hummus, seasonal Nantes carrots, strozzapretti, and anchovy toastettes. My favorite dishes were the pork belly and bread and hummus. Everything was cleverly plated and flavorfully thoughtful. These dishes will definitely give you a unique experience. The restaurant itself is small but efficient and beautiful. There are big windows, an open bar, and a romantic vibe. I will definitely visit again to try more of their seasonal dishes! read more
20 days ago
1 year ago
This place has been long on our list to try. The space inside is small and cozy. The tables are really close to each other, can feel a little stuffy at times. The food options are spectacular. The beef tartare was delicious, a must try! The pork chop was the least dry chop I've had in a while, very well seasoned and the fruits add a delicious sweet touch. The polenta photographed, was soak in oil. Not sure if it's because it has been sitting there but the taste wasn't bad. My husband had the lamb chop and no complaints there either. The bill for a bunch of apps and four entrees, and 3 drinks came out to 300 bucks. Not a cheap dinner option if you're looking for one but you get a good amount of food for what you're paying. Will definitely return! read more
1 year ago
The food here is so so good and different! My mom and I split the bay shrimp & avocado salad and the BLT. Both were delicious! The salad was huge and had amazing flavors and the blt was on really yummy bread and was really tasty. All of the employees are very friendly! The inside isn't anything special but the food is worth it read more
Our office held our annual holiday lunch here this year. I was unsure what to expect from a place named, "Cafe" but was throughly impressed. From table set-up for ~ 30, to the service that was attentive and on point, to perfect portions with great flavor profiles, it was a great experience. The housemade honey-infused lemonade was great! Fries didn't need salt or dipping sauces (note: I overheard they don't have ranch dressing). And they cooked my steak exactly as ordered. Fantastic they had the right amount of staff to get us lunch - preselected appetizers & salad, choice from 3 entrees, and preselected dessert bites - in about 2 hours. Ambiance is classy casual but could welcome under or overdressed, too. I never enjoy parking downtown - cost and hassle - so I rarely go. It was a mid-week lunch and I found a metered spot about 12 car spaces away - just shy of O Street. I love exploring new eateries but if someone wanted us to dine at Magpie Cafe, I would definitely return. Highly recommend! read more
Food was excellent, service was great. Had a leisurely lunch here and everything was great. The pork belly wasn't as crispy and the glaze really stuck to my teeth but that didn't stop me from enjoying all the flavors. Lovely place for a meal. read more
1 year ago
Magpie Cafe had me at avocado. Perched on a beautifully lit corner, this little gem offers an intimate dining experience that feels both relaxed and refined. Ambience: Magpie has that perfect low-lit glow that makes every table feel special. The space is cozy without being cramped. The tables are thoughtfully spaced so you can slip by with ease but still enjoy that quiet, close-to-your-date vibe. Each wooden table is dressed with a petite floral arrangement and a soft table light, adding to the charm. There's a mix of booths and chairs, and for those who prefer a bit of fresh air, outdoor seating lets you soak in the street-side energy. Food: The seasonal menu is full of adventurous options that make it hard to choose. I went with the avocado salmon toast, which was a beautiful balance of hearty and fresh. The bread was substantial, the avocado creamy and flavorful, but I do wish there had been a touch more salmon given its in the name. For dessert, I couldn't resist the chocolate avocado mousse (because, well, avocado everything). It was decadent, rich, and definitely meant to be shared. What truly earned Magpie Cafe its five stars was the exceptional service and inviting atmosphere. The staff were attentive without hovering, and everything about the experience felt intentional. I'll definitely be back to explore more of the menu. read more
Came here for Valentine's dinner with my date. We made a reservation for 5:30. Once we arrived, we were greeted and seated right away. They had a Valentine's Day menu. Our server Michael was awesome. He answered all my questions and was very attentive. We ordered the lamb chops and chicken chanterelle. The chicken was super tender. Veggies were cooked perfectly. All the flavors were on point. My date enjoyed his dish. Had an amazing experience here. read more
My sister took me here for lunch on a Friday afternoon & I loved the food. She took me to the original location a few years ago but this was my first time at this location. It wasn't too busy. For starters, we ordered the STEELHEAD TROUT DIP -Herbs, crispy skin, roe, house potato chips. Loved the creaminess of this dip with the perfect amount of trout in each bite. Loved the roe & wish there were more but great dip to share. We also tried the ALL THE FALL THINGS salad, a local hearty greens, fruits & roots. Loved the pickled beets & onion, & the pistachio yogurt was delicious. We also tried the CHICKEN FOR SHARING-Mary's chicken pan roasted with white wine cream sauce. It includes a generous vegetable plate. The cream sauce was so tasty & loved all the veggies especially the mushrooms. I didn't try the PT RANCH PORK SCHNITZEL but I did try the mash potatoes & apple sauce & mustard seed it came with & loved it. Staff were ok. Our server was a bit slow & food took awhile. There's street parking. Overall still had a great experience. read more
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More info about Magpie Cafe
1601 16th St
Sacramento, CA 95814
Midtown
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(916) 452-7594
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http://magpiecafe.com
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Ask the Community - Magpie Cafe
Any Keto friendly foods?
It's not "menued" as "Keto friendly" since they make everything fresh, you have more options.
Is anything on the menu 100% organic?
Most of everything on the menu is organic. They even have organic spirits if you like. Probably one of the best places I've eaten in Sac.
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
42 reviews that are not currently recommended
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