I love the idea of speakeasies. The way that suddenly you are transported to a hidden space that you think no one else knows about but then you open the door and it's like you share a secret with other like-minded people. I had been to Bawk before but little did I know about the hidden space behind it. You do need to make reservations, which I did not do. Instead I got on a list until there was a space, close to midnight and way past my bedtime, to discover this hidden gem. Once your reservation time comes up, you are escorted to a booth or bar area and given a menu. We had welcome drinks upon arrival and could choose from a cocktail list. Drinks average about $20 each, so be prepared to spend some cash. You should definitely experience this at least once! Great spot for date night or a fun girls night out. read more

The Roost - Lit up bar in the background - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

The Roost in Midtown Sacramento is such a great hidden spot and one of those places you go for the full experience, not just a quick drink. The space is small and intimate with serious speakeasy vibes that remind me of some of the cocktail bars in San Francisco. The drink presentations are gorgeous, and you can tell a lot of thought goes into both the flavor and how everything looks when it arrives at the table. They have a great selection of gin, rum, champagne, and whiskey, and I often lean on the staff for drink suggestions because they're really good at recommending something you might not normally order. A few times now they've pointed me toward a drink that ended up being a hidden gem. I've been here a few times and it's always a great time whether you're catching up with friends or doing a date night. The food is also surprisingly good and pairs well with the cocktails. It is definitely on the pricier side, but that's part of the experience. Also, because the space is small and intimate, reservations fill up quickly and they do require a deposit, which goes toward your final bill. Helpful tip: make a reservation ahead of time and don't be afraid to ask the staff for drink recommendations -- they're excellent at guiding you to something special. Final verdict: absolutely worth it. read more

My friend and I came here on a weekday afternoon, and we were seated immediately after we passed the small, understated entrance that opened up into a beautiful, spacious bar area. It felt like a hidden gem! We tried the Equanimity, which had a bold and well-balanced taste with a scotch base. The blood orange added a nice depth, and it was not overly sweet. We also tried beer with a shot of rum on the side, which was a solid, classic pairing, and the beer was slightly more on the bitter side (to my liking). The drink presentation was gorgeous, especially how many bottles were displayed along a tall, brightly-lit wall, which really added to the atmosphere. Between the thoughtful aesthetics, the inviting space, and the quality drinks, The Roost is definitely a spot worth coming back to! read more

The Roost - Equanimity, beer and rum - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

I always have a good time at the roost went here for her birthday and I absolutely love walking through the hidden door the ambience it's great. The surface is always great. I've been saw a friend haven't seen in a while so that was great. I had sent overall five to me for everything I've loved their little bites so that's great and the bartenders are always nice. I always have a great old-fashioned there. read more

The Roost - Old fashion - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

These girls are awesome!!!they made me a special drink it was soooo good I'm going back today read more

The Roost - Yum - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Very cute, dim ambiance speakeasy. Me and my partner made reservations online cause we heard space can be limited. And it was fire sure packed when we got there! Chelsea was are bartender and she gave the best service. Answered all of our questions and was a friendly! The drinks were supper yummy and strong! We got the Clover club which was really refreshing. Yoshis story was super strong. And Evening in the valley. This was a great way to celebrate a special occasion. read more

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I don't usually gatekeep... but I have a soft spot for speakeasies, and this one is worth sharing. Reservations are definitely recommended. It's hidden behind Bawk restaurant, tucked between the kitchen, bathrooms, and a storage closet. To get in, squeeze the rooster's mouth a few times and the storage shelf will swing open. Inside, you'll find craft cocktails galore, a tempting tapas menu, and bites like oysters, chicken wings, deviled eggs, fried catfish, and more. Sadly, the charbroiled oysters were out of all their toppings during our visit, but the raw oysters were fresh and sweet. The house Bawk Hot Sauce was a total game-changer!! it elevated almost every dish we tried. The catfish was cooked perfectly light, crispy, and flavorful (though I wouldn't mind a touch more seasoning). With the hot sauce, it was spot on. My only wish? That they sold wine by the glass instead of only by the bottle. Atmosphere-wise, it's a fun yet elegant speakeasy with food that matches the vibe. My Porn Star Martini was perfect Mmm not too sweet, incredibly smooth. While waiting for our reservation, we popped into The Snug across the street, which also had fantastic drinks. Overall: a hidden gem worth the hunt. read more

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I am a fan of coming here for delicious drinks and quick eats. It's quiet and secluded. Feels very upscale and vip. I always want the karaage but the sliders are good too, as are the wings. I haven't been disappointed by any of the drink recommendations. Definitely lean on the experts if you don't know what to pick but generally know what you like cheers! One note - I typically come on weekday nights so I do not know how busy it can get on weekends or busier nights. So you may need to consider reservations but so far I've been fine with walk ins. read more

It was just me, so I showed up around 8 pm on a Saturday night without a reservation. They were able to seat me right away, but I would have to leave by 9 pm to make room for a reservation. That was no problem. It was fun being let in through the storage closet. Everyone was very friendly. The mixologists certainly knew what they were doing and seemed to enjoy their craft. I got the Yoshi's Story, which really packs a spicy punch (and is delicious!), and the Alibi, which was creative but a little too sweet for me. The vibe was laid-back and casual, while also feeling sophisticated. I definitely recommend checking it out but suggest reservations if you're going with more than one person. read more

The Roost - Alibi - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

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I absolutely love this place. I don't want to give very much detail because you really need to experience as a surprise~ just know it is FANTASTIC ~ food, craft cocktails and service ~ 100% A+ Hand down best in Sac! Love it! read more

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I've been to The Roost several times now and love that they have a rotating menu. My most recent visit was during their christmas/holiday menu and there were so many fun options on there it was hard to pick. I ended up getting the holiday take on an espresso martini with peppermint cream and it was delicious. The best compliment I can give of course is that it was "not too sweet." It was very well balanced with the creaminess of the peppermint cream and the espresso. Service was excellent as usual. read more

Met up with some girlfriends for dinner and ended up wandering into The Roost afterwards. Honestly, I had no idea it was even there! You knock on this secret little door, and suddenly you're in a whole different world...dark, romantic (my friend's words, not mine), and super fun vibes. The drink menu was extensive. They've got everything from strong, spirit-forward cocktails to low-ABV drinks and even a bunch of mocktails made with non-alcoholic spirits. Plus, their spirits list is vast. You can do flights of rare stuff or try one of their "cocktail experiences," which is such a cool touch. I ordered the White Old Fashioned with mezcal...so good. Then I tried the Wandering Woodsman, which they called a "Japanese old-fashioned." Totally on me for not reading the description closer, because it wasn't really my thing, but hey, I finished it anyway. They do have a small food menu too, but since we already ate, I'll save that for next time. Overall, such a fun little hidden spot...definitely worth checking out if you're in Sacramento. read more

I'm not sure if they call this a speakeasy, but there are no signs and you enter through a secret opening in the wall rather than a door. It's a cool little place with a ton of spirits and a great cocktail menu. I prefer bourbon and they have many delicious selections for me. read more

Cool little Speak Easy vibe! Top notch drinks in this hidden back room joint. The three barmaids on duty tonight were a hoot to watch as they whipped up tasty concoctions! Make a reservation, to make gaining entrance easier! read more

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For whatever reason (I can't figure it out) speakeasy's in Sacramento haven't taken off as they have in other large cities I've visited/lived in, but if there is a way to do it right- Roost is it. Their bartenders will pick your brain to curate the perfect beverage for you or suggest something from their seasonal rotation of well-developed creations. It's been a while since I've eaten at Roost, but they don't miss. Be prepared, it's quite dark and cozy, but what more could you want from a hideaway bar? read more

I got the Mezcal drink with a hint of pandan that was so yummy! My friend ordered a couple rum based drinks that she also really liked. My friend made a res for 9pm and all you gotta do is follow the feather. Great ambience! read more

The Roost - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Excellent speakeasy. We were able to be seated within 30 minutes of putting our names in on a Friday night. It definitely is unsuspecting. The drink list is expansive and the flights looked so good. I was excited to see caipirinhas on the menu as you don't find that often, and the bartender was able to add flavor to ours. It was fairly quiet and chill with a nice vibe and fantastic staff read more

The Roost - Passion fruit caipirinha - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

This hidden speakeasy, tucked inside Bawk Restaurant, was the perfect spot for my December book club! It's my second time here, and it never disappoints! The drinks are expertly crafted, the food is fantastic, and the ambience is cozy and inviting --I ordered the bone marrow, karaage chicken, grilled oysters, and pickled plate, all of which were delicious. The attentive service made the experience even better. The spot for a unique night out! read more

The Roost - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

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The ambiance was intimate and personal. Of course you have to reserve ahead of time because it does get booked pretty fast. The drinks were great and the foods were mostly appetizers. Overall good experience. read more

The Roost - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

Made a before dinner reservation around 6 pm on a Saturday. It was our first time going here - we had tried previously without a reservation and they had been full. Love the speakeasy entrance and vibe of the bar. The staff are super helpful and knowledgeable to help you pick a drink that matches your tastes. The cocktails are so unique! Could have spent all night there but had to leave for our reservation. Will be back! read more

A literal HIDDEN GEM! FOOD: The grilled oysters are amazing. The perfect balance of flavor with out over powering the oyster. I could have ate three orders. Next we dined on the Spanish potatoes. These wow'd me. They are perfectly crispy with this magical spicy sauce. Both of these items paired perfectly with their drinks. The Old Cuban is the best drink I have had in awhile. A little bitter but perfectly sweet. THEN we had the Pina Verde...this was BOMB. A lovely twist on a pinacolada. It was much more refreshing than the traditional version adding some green juice. SERVICE: Service was amazing. The sweetest part was when our waiter showed up with complimentary birthday drinks. I don't even recall telling her it was my friends birthday so she must of just observed us saying a birthday toast. So sweet! AMBIANCE: The vibe here is unmatched. Between the secret entrance, dim lighting, modern classic decor and jams playing in the background...you will not want to leave! Overall, will I be back? Oh yes! I am hoping to come back in a flapper dress next time to really do up the speakeasy vibes. read more

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What a fun find last evening. We were looking for a cocktail place with a chill vibe and The Roost certainly fit the bill. Who doesn't love the mystery of a Speakeasy that includes a secret knock!? We were greeted warmly and the complimentary cocktail of the day was poured (mini sample). Our service was impeccable & our server recommended the ribbed corn as an appetizer- absolutely divine. Cocktails are well crafted yet on the pricier side. My friends loved their Old Fashion & Citrus Gimlet. I was a bit disappointed with the Cosmo as I expected it to come in a martini glass yet was in a tall glass filled with crushed ice. I'm not a fan of drinks with crushed ice- it reminded me of drinking a soft drink. I ordered the featured gimlet after that and this drink was more than satisfying. Great music in the background. I'd recommend coming here on a date night to enjoy a cocktail & appetizer before a show or dinner. read more

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Now this is a fun spot! 5 Stars all the way!!!! This is hidden and if you don't know where to look, you just might miss it. If I were you, I'd get a reservation as they are quite popular and for good reason. Heads up, reservations have tight time limits and they stick to them! Which I appreciate because it guarantees table top rotations and that the food and cocktails must be timely if you're upholding customers to timelines. Thus the business produces items in a timely manner as well! The cocktail list is fun and different. The bar staff and waitstaff are both friendly and knowledgeable. Really delicious concepts they're creating here! The food is really solid! Hands down the best char broiled oysters I've ever had! I could just eat those all day! I would highly recommend and will definitely be back read more

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The roost in sac is legit! Tiny spot, super dope entrance into the speakeasy. Vibe is lowkey, dark, old school speakeasy. Drinks are fire!!! You can tell the mixologist's actually care and know what they're doing, good place to sit, chill, talk, whatever. Not to loud but definitely feels tight when it gets crowded, if you like real cocktails and you're not into the basic loud bar scene, hit the roost! One of the better speakeasy's I've been too. read more

The Roost - Menu - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

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This one hurts. I really really wanted to run this one a lot higher on the stars. But the overall experience got badly influenced by one person's either over-confidence or lack of ability. And I know I'm not over-selling this because in our group of eight, six were very disappointed by the end. We came to The Roost with the highest of expectations and things started off really good. The introduction to the environment was fun and made us feel like we were special and individually recognized. We were seated and had a good time looking at all of the environment around us and the decor and the ambience. It was really cool. Our server seemed to be very friendly and initially quite talented in remembering our individual orders. But unlike a server at a different bar from the night before who was humble enough to come back and admit they had forgotten a little bit of the order, this server not only got the drinks in wrong places, but completely fouled up the bill at the end. Two of our party had to leave early due to previous commitments and so they paid what they thought was their bill. By the time they were gone, and we started to look at our bills, we realized they had been given the wrong bill as had all of us. Now we have to sit in this dark, noisy environment with a little bit of libation in our system, trying to figure out who really had what and who owed what. One could say well why don't you just split it three ways and call it? No. Some drinks are more than others and some people have one drink and others might have two. How about bring the right bills to the right people? We tried to point out to the server the errors made, and she decided instead to debate with us about what she thought was right. Remember earlier, when I said she also had brought the wrong drinks to the wrong people? Then to top it off, she decided to say that she used AI to determine what some of us owed as a forced gratuity of some sort. We debated and batted back-and-forth until we finally got some semblance of accuracy and then we left. That whole experience really put a triple layer thick, sopping wet blanket on what should've been a really cool experience from start to finish. If you're coming here I suggest you make very, very sure of what you order versus what you get, and what you get versus what you get charged for. You've been warned. Oh, by the way, the drinks were pretty good. read more

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A true speakeasy! Great service and amazing drinks! Tried a lychee martini & Carajillo, both 10/10! Highly recommend this place for a drink with a friend or a date because it's not too loud and super cute inside! read more

The Roost - Bar - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

I love speakeasy bars and have been to a few in different cities. This is my first time visiting The Roost in Sacramento. I won't spoil the entrance for you and will just say - it was funny. We got here at 5:00 pm on Saturday without reservation. We figured it's still early enough that we should be able to get a table/seat. We were seated at the bar right away, and I was just captivated by the magnificent bar with at least 200+ bottles. It really set a nice vibe for the place. We took our time with the menu. There are so many cocktails to pick from, and if you still don't find what you want, the bartender can make something off the menu by your preferences. Here's what we had. Cosmopolitan Oldie but a goodie. For the longest time, this was my go-to cocktail. It's not a difficult drink to make, but you can screw it up if the portions are off. It was perfect and delicious! Naked and Famous The best cocktail name there is with Mezcal, Chartreuse, Aperol, and fresh lime juice. It's got a really strong flavor and incredibly fruity. Yum! Tranquility This was off the menu based on preference. It's similar to Equanimity but replaces Scotch with Tequila with a variety of flavors, including sweet, bitter, and citrus. A refreshing and slightly tart cocktail. Perfect for the summer! Karaage We didn't want to drink on an empty stomach. The karaage was perfect, deep-fried lightly with dipping sauce. They also have a few other food items on the menu - raw oysters, cheese plates, and olives. If you enjoy a well crafted cocktail, you must try The Roost. It was a fun night, and I will definitely be back. read more

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Love the vibe and theme of this spot. Great drinks and kitchen items. Only thing that can be better is the service. The host and servers can be a bit uptight and snotty. Have had a completely opposite experience with the bartenders though. They kept things light and were very attentive. read more

The reviews on this place did not disappoint. This place was worth it! Stopped in tonight for a date night and we had a blast. Upon arrival it was told we might not be able to attend the speakeasy due to limited reservation times but we ended up staying a while to get our reservation and check out the whole place. Between the two of us we ordered the Kentucky bawk, lavender Lemon drop, and green tea shots! Sooooo good. Idk who the DJ was or the playlist but it was poppin! I mean all the jams. The front part of the restaurant was your typical bar/ booth seating with wall art. The back was a whole different vibe with both table / bar seating and a beautifully designed bar station. We decided to get food after all. I ordered the peach burrata and the house burger made with wagyu beef and side of crispy potatoes. Sorry I forgot the photo. Everything was soo good! This is most definitely a nice date night, hang out, or just evening outing spot. Aesthetically pleasing, good service, good food and even better drinks! Give them a go! read more

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Really chill, relaxing and romantic ambiance. The entrance is pretty cool with a nice element of a surprise for a 1st timer. Check in with the host inside Bawk (follow the feather). Plenty of seating area, with a long communal table in the middle of the room, a few booths on one side, and a few tables on the other side. Great drinks with the smoothest and tastiest old fashioned I've ever tried. Good selection of food as well. We had half a dozen really fresh oysters, nicely battered chicken karaage, and a creative plate of grilled asparagus with fried egg. Overall it's a clean place with clean restroom inside. Street parking is not too bad. Would highly recommend this place to chill with friends or for a date night. Reservation is recommended but not a must especially if you come early. read more

The Roost - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

Love love love this place!!! Came here on a whim after a quick trip to Iron Horse across the street and throughly enjoyed this hidden speakeasy. Glad to see you can now order small bites and wine. The ambience is a complete vibe for date night or to chill with friends or NEW friends :D The service was great and loved the complimentary libation upon arrival entrance. Word of advice make reservations if you want to get in. Thankfully my companion knew someone that worked there and they weren't that busy so they were able to accommodate our party of two to drink. read more

The Roost - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Perfect date night idea! This has an all in one exclusive date night experience. From the illusion, surprise, to elegance. On top of that it's very inexpensive for everything you're wanting to. Presently you make reservations on their online site for $30/person, which go towards the entirety of your bill. Walk-ins are available, but limited to space and are not guaranteed. So be sure to plan ahead and plan accordingly. This is in downtown Sacramento in a busy popular place as a hidden speakeasy inside Bawk! restaurant. Bawk itself is very rustic and hippie joint which eludes you from The Roost. You're taking back to a janitors closet where once you walk in opens up to this elegant and sophisticated place of a cocktail bar. The place is dim in contrast to the bar lighting showcasing the many selections they have for drink options. The start of the show are the bartenders. They are both entertaining and knowledgeable on cocktails and enthusiasm. As first timers, we let the bartenders make it dealers choice as the beverages we received were a sort of sour and some emperor's new groove beverage. Both were perfect pairing that were able to share with one another. The main event of this evening was this roasted asparagus. It took me by surprise, completely out of left field! Of all small plates they offered, I didn't expect "roasted asparagus" to be a featured item and man was I wrong for underestimating this dish. The aioli base was mixed with a citrus, kind of yuzu and Dijon mixed together. Light, citrusy, and creamy. Topped with a little baby green for garnish and a "6-minute deep fried egg". This egg beats any ramen style egg by a mile as the whites were perfectly set and the yolk was jammy and runny as the same time and to deep fry it in a light crust? Perfection of crispy and gooey! The asparagus was lightly smoked and roasted with a bit of butter and oil. It was cooked enough like an Al dente pasta. Soft, but still had a bite to it. This plate was simple, yet complex. Light, yet bold. It had every component to entice your palate and keep you wanting more. read more

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We've been to The Roost three times now, always in a group of four and so far we've experienced it as my husband and I with his parents, a couple friends our age and some friends a bit older than us. Each time the people we were with had never been in and it's always fun seeing people enter for the first time. I love that there's a little surprise and mystery to the speakeasy entrance. Since they've opened they have had some slight changes with the menu and food offerings, but as they've become more established we've continued to have nothing but great experiences. The Speakeasy is smaller, romantically lit and really gives a fun and unique experience. The staff has always been great and with each group of people we came with, we had very different experiences because of the spirits we imbibed. I would recommend really reading the menu and talking with the team there about your preferences and asking questions. They have some cool options and have always been happy to create surprise drinks for me. I'm a big fan of the daiquiri options. When we've been here we've experienced great gin, rum, mezcal, champagne and whiskey options. We usually share some sips with the friends we go with and it always makes for great conversation. When you make a reservation they have you put money down in case you no-show, but it does go toward your final bill. They also automatically include gratuity, so keep that in mind when you're signing the final total. The reservations fill up fast so plan ahead and be ready to drop a good amount of money. It's a special experience after all. read more

Interesting speak easy! Definitely make a reservation, because we tried to walk in, but they were packed. Although our wait was not long. Entering was super cool. You enter a pantry, knock on the door--and wallah! You're in! Once seated the staff offers their recommendations, and try and figure your taste. All drinks we ordered were good, and their food was flavorful. We enjoyed our time here. read more

The place is so cool! The patas bravas and chicken wings are yummy and the drinks are all bomb! I appreciate the craftsman ship that goes into making the menu and each cocktail. read more

The Roost - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

Cool speakeasy with an extensive and interesting menu. The Alibi was great, but the other drinks, while they did not suit my palate, were fun and creative. I hope to try more of the menu in the future. read more

Well let me just move into The Roost because I just found the PERFECT bar! You want a unique speakeasy bar experience? THE ROOST. You want tasty bites and delicious cocktails? THE ROOST. Looking to impress friends/date(s) on an adventurous night out? GO TO THE ROOST. I can't a speak highly enough about this experience (and it truly is an *experience*)! I decided to stop by here as a group of three one random Friday night and was not expecting much. Let me tell you, it went BEYOND my expectations. I won't spoil the speakeasy experience but be prepared to say "wow" once you get into the bar. You are welcomed with a house made aperitif to start off with and it was a great touch. Yummy too! They also give you water at your table (love this). We each ordered a drink that suited our tastes and we all loved them! They do have some pricier tastings on the menu but from what I saw, many people ordered single drinks. The karaage was a last minute order for our table and we couldn't eat it fast enough! Overall, this is a must in my books. It was worth both the wait (we didn't make a reservations so about 40mins) and the price (not "cheap" cocktails but not overly expensive either, you get what you pay for). #TeamRoost read more

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Knock twice and enter that was fun!! The drinks were great, the service was great and the food was pretty good. The ambiance was cool and the staff was friendly checking in asking if we had questions or anything. This was our first time and a great experience. read more

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If you're looking for an unbelievable drink EXPERIENCE in DT/MT Sac this is the spot for you! This speakeasy is located within the restaurant 'Bawk.' One needs to get on a waiting list (which is completely worth it) and when called, go through a hidden door to a bar that nobody would suspect is within the restaurant! It gives off fun, '1920s prohibition' vibes! I went with my fiancee and best friend. We were FLOORED by how nice a setup this speakeasy is. The ambiance/ environment is so elegant and personalized. The servers are fantastic too, answering our myriad of questions and giving cocktail recommendations. There are large booths in the back of the speakeasy, but we were sat at the community table in the middle. For my drink, I got the 'Sleight of Hand,' a spicy tequila cocktail that was absolutely phenomenal. The presentation of this drink was the best I've seen for a cocktail in forever. I felt like a VIP! The attention to detail with each ingredient was superb. I've never "babied" a drink like this before, simply because I wanted to enjoy every last sip of it! I was sad when I was finished with it. We also got a side of kaarage to snack on and it was delicious (something about nice drinks makes me hungry lol). I'm assuming this came from Bawk's kitchen? Overall, I'm really into 'experiences' with my restaurants these days. I'm willing to spend more money on food/ beverages if the entire experience will be something memorable! The Roost did so, and more! I cannot wait to return. read more

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Great food, fun atmosphere, and in one of the best locations in Sacramento. We have great service everytime we come here. Highly recommend, whether you're ready to the front or the back. read more