Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Tower Cafe

    4.1 (5.6k reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Tower Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    TOWER CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - Tower Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    J B.

    Stopped in two times and the hamburger patty was burnt and under cooked. The service was good And the place is nice.

    Chorizo Con Huevos and Churro French Toast
    Angie L.

    Always have a great time at tower!! We went around 10:30am and were able to get a table outside. We ordered some La Frida mimosas which were really good. For food we ordered chorizo con huevos and churro French toast. The chorizo dish was so delicious and I like how the refried beans are a little bit spicy. The churro French toast was flavorful and moist on the inside. We were interested in some pastries to go, and our server was so kind to go inside to take a picture of the pastry case and let us know what they had available. We ended up picking out a blackberry cream scone (which was so moist and cakey) and a chocolate financier due to the glowing recommendation of the sweet lady sitting next to us (and it was perfectly crispy on the outside and like a gooey brownie on the inside!). Can't wait to come back!!

    French toast, huevos rancheros, and Thai steak and eggs
    Shannon C.

    Finally got back to Tower Cafe to try out brunch. A few years ago I came for dinner and enjoyed the Thai steak but of course I got the Thai steak and eggs. It was so so good. The French toast was incredible. The heuvo rancheros were also very tasty. The strawberry matcha had yummy chunks of strawberries. The service was great and the vibes outside were immaculate. Brunch at Tower is a must!

    Enjoying the shaded patio and relaxing waterfountian.
    Melanie G.

    What a special place!! We sat outside under the shade of mature trees near the water fountain. The menu had so many great options and we loved the Moroccan granola and greek yogurt, French toast and omelette that we ordered. Service was perfect.

    Madame Cristo
    Rich T.

    Overall pretty good brunch. I got the madam cristo with eggs over medium. They turned out over hard but still good. The wait can be pretty long on the weekends as well but worth an extra 20 minutes if you have time to spare.

    My Sister 3/6/26
    Marcia R.

    We really like this Resturant Tower Cafe We all gather after JABA was done. A big Bowling Tournament Japanese American Bowling Assocation it always in March always some State this time Sacramento. Our family in big in bowling To celebrate seeing family at this beautiful cool Resturant we enjoy the cool vibe here is so cute Inside and the patio too is very full of plants and Inviting We met for brunch and the service was great To drinks and food with the French Toast & breakfast dishes & Pozole we were happy the enjoy a good meal together Inside is a very large bar and bakery counter With amazing desserts I love the artwork

    Corn bread with bacon butter spread

    It was a Sunday around 10am we got there and already we see ppl waiting to be seated. My friend and I wait was 25 mins but we got called in at 10 mins! We got sat down outside, it was a nice jungle vibe and it's summer but it was nice, not too hot and sprays of water was going so that was refreshing. I got the French concoction. Consist of 2 eggs and any meat of your choice and a french toastI. I give it a solid 8 very filling. Also a side of corn bread. Over all customer service was great my server name is Taylor and he is such a vibe! It's a go to place you should try!

    bloody mary and mestizo tamarindo
    Cristina A.

    After nearly nine years in the Sacramento area, I finally visited Tower Café, and it did not disappoint. The outdoor seating is beautiful, and the interior is thoughtfully decorated with artifacts from around the world, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.The pozole was authentic and served hot, while the Thai steak was well-marinated, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Overall, it was a delightful experience, and I'm glad we finally made the visit. I look forward to returning. Staff were friendly and very welcoming!

    Madame Cristo
    Jacob M.

    Tower Cafe is one of the pillars of Sacramento, a longtime fixture in the city's zeitgeist. People understandably love it. It's been years since I've been, mainly because of the long wait times and no reservations on weekends. As a planner, I gravitate toward places where I can make a reservation. However, it was a special occasion, so we committed to it on a holiday weekend. The wait was estimated at 1.5 hours for a party of 7, but it ended up being closer to 40 minutes, which honestly wasn't bad at all. The patio and waiting area are gorgeous and make the wait worth it on a beautiful day. Great shade from the trees, solid service, and a really nice ambiance overall. The menu is massive with a little bit of everything and huge portions, so it's quite hard to decide. I settled on the Madame Cristo because it sounded decadent and somewhere between lunch and breakfast, which felt perfect for brunch. And decadent it was. The cheesy ham and béchamel blended into this super rich, fatty bite balanced by the French toast it was sandwiched between. The eggs on top were almost overkill, but still a welcome addition for some protein. The chipotle raspberry jam was surprisingly good too, almost like a smoky raspberry salsa that added sweetness and helped cut through some of the richness. The potatoes were standard and nothing to write home about. It was definitely a lot, but pretty good and exactly what you expect from a brunch spot like this. I'm not going to say the food is mind-blowing, but it's solid and they have unique dishes, great vibes, and something for everyone to enjoy. Nice to see that Tower Cafe is still doing well after all these years and remains a great place to celebrate special occasions.

    Thai Steak and Eggs
    Ryan L.

    This place is really well reviewed so you know it's going to be good. It was pretty busy when we came and there was really unique dishes all around. We just wanted a little brunch but I really really impressed with all the cool selections they have. I like the interior as well feels very international and the outside has a cool fountain waiting area. Since they text you before you get in it's really convenient, though the wait can be really long.

    Lin L.

    A long standing local favorite brunch place!! Located near the Tower Theatre. This place gets crowded quick, come as early as 8am to avoid the long line!! Their famous French toast is to die for!! I totally recommended this! MUST TRY!! It is melted in your mouth! I have never have such a marshmallow-ish French toast in my life!! Life changing brunch!! The cafe is beautifully decorated inside with garden style patio with water fountain. The service was fast with unlimited coffee!! Price: decent Restrooms: several , clean Parking: free in their complex

    Outside

    Our server was Jordan very nice gentleman The service was 10+ He recommended a few different items from the menu Food was excellent We sat inside Ambiance was great Ate at 1 pm Ordered 4 different alcohol drinks that were good

    Bobbi A.

    Historic spot alert! The Tower Theatre has stood in this location for decades, and it's always nice to see historic spaces thoughtfully reimagined--this portion now houses a truly lovely restaurant. The decor is absolutely stunning. We opted for outdoor seating and were surrounded by waterfalls and lush greenery, creating a peaceful, garden-like atmosphere that felt both quiet and intimate. If you have allergies, indoor seating may be the better choice, but the outdoor ambience is undeniably beautiful. Service was warm and welcoming, adding to the relaxed vibe. I also appreciate that they offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it an easy choice no matter the time of day. As for the food, the All-American burger was decent but lacked the bold flavor I was hoping for. That said, the fried portobello mushrooms, guacamole, beverages, and puff pastry were definite highlights and well worth ordering. Prices lean a bit on the higher side, but the generous portions and standout ambience help justify the cost. Overall, a memorable dining experience set within a historic landmark--perfect for those who enjoy great atmosphere with their meal.

    Thai steak salad

    See all

    17 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of J B.
    20
    883
    1491

    8 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    11 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    20 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 6
    Love this 14
    Oh no 1

    5 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    27 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ryan L.
    1022
    306
    4555

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 3
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 140

    Tower Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Tower Cafe

    Is it kid friendly?

    Yes, it's very kid friendly. They are also pet friendly with outside dining.

    Do they have misters on the patio?

    I didn't see any

    Do they allow dogs at patio seating?

    No. We tried to bring our dog there for outdoor seating last year and they said no dogs.

    Do they take reservations?

    Not on weekends. They consider Friday a weekend day also, so essentially, no reservations on Fri, Sat or Sun.

    How do you make a reservation?

    They don't take reservations.

    Do they offer bottomless mimosas with brunch?

    No they don't

    Do they take reservations?

    No advance reservations. You show up and, if a table's not available immediately, they take your name and phone number and text you when they're ready.

    I've called numerous times too and you cannot leave a message either . It says mailbox full?

    That's the only downside for this amazing place - it's super busy! You have to head over there and put your party on the list. Trust me, it's worth the wait!

    Do they ever answer the phone? I've tried to place to-go order and all I get is a continuous busy signal. For weeks. Curious is anyone ever gets their call answered.

    When we went there a couple of weeks ago I heard the hostess say they were having quite some difficulty with their phone line for a while now. Not sure if it's been repaired since then. They also seem super busy during brunch hours, especially on… 

    Are dogs allowed?

    I called last month and was told me dogs were not allowed inside or outside.

    Is this place allergy friendly?

    They have the presence (or not) of many major allergens listed on their menu for each food item (but I'm pretty sure they weren't all there, just some). Wheat and milk are definitely on there, I can't remember which of the others are.

    Do they stop serving their famous French toast after a certain time?

    Weekdays until 11am and weekends until 3pm

    Is this establishment wheelchair accessible?

    Yes

    Is breakfast served all day?

    no, its not

    Do they have there regular desserts back?

    Yes, they have all of the classics: Napoleon, whole cakes, etc in the glass display case next to the bar!

    Are they open?

    They moved the opening date to June 2021

    When will Tower cafe reopen?

    July 12, 2021!!!

    Is it true this place is permanently closing?

    No On their website they say temporarily closing with that it's been open for 30 years in fact I was there the day it opened and I was doing massage on People💗

    Is the restaurant closed permanently?

    No...just temporary because of the COVID19

    What's the average wait on a Sunday at noon for 2?

    I would say like 15-20 minutes if you just say you don't care if it's inside or outside

    View All 37 Questions

    Frog & Slim

    Frog & Slim

    4.5
    (680 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$$
    Romantic vibe
    Locally sourced ingredients

    Yesterday was my husband's birthday! I was thrilled that he chose Frog & Slim, because, as you know…read moreby now, it's my favorite restaurant. My new favorite bartender makes a great Sazerac. Ok, our second ones were also delicious. My new favorite server, Janelle, really knows her stuff. She's attentive, engaging, and "tells us the truth and brings us food," which is our family's highest honor. I had the Caesar salad and charcuterie. Excellent, and I had plenty to take home for today's lunch. My husband had the chicken. He recommends it, and had enough left over for today's lunch. We always love the music and the vibe. I'm not sure that I want to wait until my birthday to go back. Brunch? A cocktail and dessert? We'll see.

    Frog & Slim is definitely worth a visit if you're in Sacramento!…read moreWe parked on the street about a block away, which wasn't a bad walk at all. We went on a Saturday night, and the restaurant was pretty busy, so I'd definitely recommend making a reservation. From the appetizers to the entrées and dessert, every dish was absolutely delicious. We especially loved the bruschetta and the Kobe beef carpaccio. The deviled eggs were also a great starter. For our entrées, the ribeye was cooked perfectly and incredibly flavorful, and the Wagyu burger was just as tasty. We wrapped up the meal with the bread pudding and crème brûlée, and both desserts were the perfect sweet ending to an amazing dinner.

    Photos
    Setting
    Setting
    Let the rhythm of jazz set the tone for your evening one sip, one bite, one song at a time
    Let the rhythm of jazz set the tone for your evening one sip, one bite, one song at a time
    From bold reds to crisp whites, our wine list is ready to pour the perfect pairing for your night at Frog & Slim

    See all

    From bold reds to crisp whites, our wine list is ready to pour the perfect pairing for your night at Frog & Slim
    Adamo's

    Adamo's

    4.3
    (999 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    The food here is really delicious. My wife and I had Bruschetta, Carbonara, Ravioli, and the house…read moresalad. The bruschetta was perfectly crisp and the four different flavors made it a really dynamic appetizer. I was partial to the onion jam beautifully roasted and sweet with the right amount of salt. My wife loved how fresh the herbs were on the pesto topping. Everything was properly seasoned. The carbonara was good, but I'd probably try something else next time. They didn't skimp on the pecorino Romano! It made it a little thicker than I'd usually like, but that's only personal preference. The Ravioli was delicious, spicy with slight crunch of the pine nuts and the cheese combination was a delight. The service was friendly and fast! The place is cute, and lively. It was quickly packed with happy customers. I'd recommend a reservation. Now the cons... they were out of the octopus appetizer I really wanted. No big deal. They didn't have gnocchi on the menu. That made me sad. Either of those I can get over. What I can't get over is that it was SO HOT INSIDE!!! Like sooooooo hot!!!! It ruined my meal and I couldn't even eat desert because I needed to escape the suffocating heat inside. Also, my bad for wanting pasta in 100 degree weather so I won't let it make me take a star away when they deserve it. Maybe I won't go back until fall though.

    The theme of today's meal was unfortunately S A L T…read more The Octopus appetizer was the best part of the meal. The yukon gold potatoes were amazingly crispy with a nice bite to the skin. The inside was pillow-y soft, and when mixed with the salsa verde was full of flavor with a fabulous punch of garlic. The salsa verde could be put over a nice flank steak and it would absolutely kill. That said, the octopus was a bit *too* crispy. I felt I had to really chew to get it down, and I just wanted a nice snappy skin for some textural juxtaposition. For my entree, I got the Bolognese which was definitely full of salt. The pasta was wonderfully thin and bouncy, but I feel the chef may have had an off-day. My friend and I had to down like multiple cups of water with our meal which made it hard to enjoy. Plus, the garlic bread felt like biting into a brick. The inside was quite fluffy and soft, but the crust was simply too crispy. I almost felt like my teeth were going to give way. Honestly, I can't in good faith recommend this place to my friends, so neither would I recommend it to you. (aside from the pasta classes)

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Bolognese
    Bolognese
    Bruschetta Appetizer!

    See all

    Bruschetta Appetizer!
    Magpie Cafe

    Magpie Cafe

    4.3
    (772 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Women-owned & operated

    I have friends in the Sacramento area that have always touted the concept of "farm to fork" in that…read morethe 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!

    For my last supper in Sacramento, Sam and I went to Magpie. It's always on OPEN TABLE. We sat…read moreoutside, 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.

    Photos
    Magpie Cafe
    Plates at bar
    Plates at bar
    Fritto

    See all

    Fritto
    Cafeteria 15L

    Cafeteria 15L

    3.9
    (4k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    I've been to Cafeteria 15L a few times now, so whenever I'm in town, I try to make it a habit to…read morestop by. Breakfast usually isn't my favorite, but for this place, I'll gladly make an exception! The staff is always friendly, and I usually make a reservation just in case. The ambiance is relaxed, and the staff stays on top of everything without being overbearing. There's also a nice variety when it comes to both the food and drinks. This visit, I went with the Florentine Benedict, and it did not disappoint. The sauce was smooth and flavorful, and the poached egg was cooked perfectly. My drink was refreshing and definitely warranted during this heatwave! Another great visit to Cafeteria 15L. Until next time--thanks for another great experience!

    It was a busy evening and we had excellent service. The watermelon heirloom salad was delicious…read morealthough there was very little tomato. The prime rib was very thin cut, and the horseradish sauce was very light would not order this again. The rotisserie chicken salad was very basic would not order again. The chicken and waffles were absolutely delicious. The country gravy is not our thing, so it was on the side. The cinnamon butter that came with it made it extra delicious and the syrup was great too. The Seabass was absolutely terrible. It tasted like really overdone cod and the crab coating just tasted like burnt flour base crust. This was a severe disappointment. I ordered asparagus on the side which was cooked the way they did in the 1950s to a point of mush and what was another severe disappointment. The chocolate bomb was absolutely delicious. I have to say when I come again, I will stick to my usual Thai steak salad as it is always incredibly good and for the main course, I will probably order that chicken and waffles again too!

    Photos
    Inside dining area
    Inside dining area
    Cafeteria 15L
    Cafeteria 15L
    Brick Chicken

    See all

    Brick Chicken
    Ella Dining Room and Bar

    Ella Dining Room and Bar

    4.1
    (2.4k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$$
    Available by appointment
    Romantic vibe

    BEST. DINNER. EVER…read more Picture This: We are one of those obnoxious couples who have the audacity to hold hands and sit on the same side during dinner. Maybe steal a kiss. Yep. That's us. We arrived at Ella just before our 9:15 reservation and were promptly sat at a beautiful table. And wow, this table was gorgeous! The beautiful design of the space keeps your eyes entertained on every level. Both beauty and intrigue. It is a feast for the eyes before you get to the actual feast. However, we were hoping for a more intimate date experience so we asked for somewhere a little more secluded. Without hesitation, we were moved to another, equally beautiful table. Enter Kelly and Hunter. These two help to make our evening even more spectacular. The ambience was perfect. We started with their signature cocktail, gin and tonic with their homemade tonic and a martini. Hey-ooo! Dang that was a good drink. And efficient ;) We moved onto the heirloom tomato starter. Here is where I realized it started to get a little difficult. I was trying to look polished and refined, and really, you could've licked the plate. My handsome man is a vegetarian so he got the Barada spaghetti. I'm assuming he liked it because he ate every last bite. That, and he told me it was delicious. I ordered the lobster risotto. I have a hard time with food that looks too pretty to eat. But, I stopped staring at the beauty of the plate once the delicious smell rose in the air. Best risotto I've ever had. Hands-down. Makes a second place look pretty sad. No dessert but that can be remedied the next time we visit. We ended up having one of those dates where we ordered the appetizer and an hour later we hadn't finished it because we were still talking. I realized we hadn't even finished our appetizer course and yet, the restaurant was almost empty. When Hunter came by to refill the waters, I apologized that we hadn't even started eating yet and asked what time they closed. Hunter proceeded to provide the most amazing interaction. Making eye contact with both of us, he very kindly explained how they wanted this dinner to be an utterly unique experience and not worry. That we are here to enjoy ourselves in this beautiful restaurant so drink in every moment. And so we did. Kelly was awesome. We chatted for a bit about the musical tattoos on her hands. Just kind and sincere. Incredibly diligent service. At no time was I in need of anything. Waters were kept full, table kept cleared, food served exactly on time. It's a well oiled machine underneath the vibrant atmosphere. The food was spectacular. The ambience was one of a kind. A feast at every level. PS - I'm positive the open kitchen in the back would've been fun to watch, if I could have peeled my eyes off of who was in front of me.

    Yesterday, I visited Ella Dining Room and Bar in Downtown Sacramento for the first time, and the…read moreexperience was exceptional. Ella is an upscale restaurant with a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. I felt perfectly at ease wearing shorts and a polo, which speaks to how approachable the space is despite its refined reputation. Although I didn't order an appetizer, the staff surprised me with a complimentary cup of soup. It was delicious--rich, balanced, and a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the meal. For my main dish, I ordered the Crispy Fried Half Chicken with roasted garlic. It arrived with a small bottle of their house‑made hot sauce and was served in generous cuts: two drumsticks, a wing, and a breast (or thigh). The batter was beautifully flaky without falling apart, and the chicken itself was juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked. The crisp coating practically melted before giving way to a light crunch, and the hot sauce added just the right amount of subtle heat. I enjoyed it so much that I found myself wishing for a dim corner where I could privately eat every piece straight off the bone with my hands. The next time you are in Sacramento, please visit Ella Dining Room and Bar.

    Photos
    Ella Caesar Salad
    Ella Caesar Salad
    The Real Gin & Tonic
    The Real Gin & Tonic
    Oysters on the Half Shell

    See all

    Oysters on the Half Shell
    Historic Star Lounge

    Historic Star Lounge

    4.4
    (296 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$$

    Great food great drinks and above and beyond service! The place is beautiful and sophisticated…read more For my first drink I ordered a martini. This is my first classic martini (unlike lychee martinis I've had before at other places). My server asked how I like it, with olive juice or with lemon twist or another option I don't remember. To be honest I don't know how I like it because it's is my first classic martini. So I was honest with him. I said I'll do whatever you recommend because I wanted to try a classic martini cuz I've been watching Gossip Girl. I felt silly admitting I wanted a martini because of a tv show. But my server actually did his research and found that Blair (a main character in the show) likes her martini with a lemon twist. And that is the martini I got. He brought frozen glass and poured the drink on the spot. It was such a vibe and a great drink. For food I got the grilled prawns. This dish is delicious and goes so well with my martini! For my second drink I got the shiso fresh. I was debating between two drinks and asked my server for suggestions. He is absolutely right with this recommendation. Shiso fresh is refreshing and sweet but not too sweet. I loved it. Service is wonder and drinks are tasty. I can't wait to come back!

    First and certainly not last visit to this unique bar on the third floor of the Hyatt House on K…read moreStreet. The interior is dark and light simultaneously, with its rich textiles and colors, high ceilings and the large south-facing window on the long exterior wall. Really nicely done and quite inviting. Travis mixed up what could very well have been the best Old Fashioned we've ever had. It's not my preferred cocktail, but if more were like this one, that may be another story. I opted for the Kumquat Kiss, which was delicious and different. Besides that Old Fashioned, the Hash Brown Lyonnaise really stole the show. Pillow-light hash brown sticks (how did they do that?!) with a scrumptious onion dip with crispy shallots and finely chopped chives. This is one of my top happy hour dishes of the year. Just wow! Try it yourself and tell me you don't agree. The Grilled Prawns missed the mark for me a bit, although the husband liked them. Tasty, but just not as much of a star as the other dish. Only suggestion is to have a happy hour menu for bites as well as beverages, as is found on the website. This would help avoid the need for staff to present a dinner menu (which admittedly, I was confused by) and acknowledge that the first course options are all available but at no happy hour discount (which felt a bit awkward for all involved). Overall, a delightful discovery!

    Photos
    Rich interior with high ceilings
    Rich interior with high ceilings
    Whole roasted game hen
    Whole roasted game hen
    Lovely interior

    See all

    Lovely interior
    Citizen Capitol Craft House

    Citizen Capitol Craft House

    4.4
    (105 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    I have to say the food was good. The smash burger was a hit. The ribeye was a little lacking in…read moreflavor and thickness - lol. But the veggies were good. Their devil eggs were ok. The service was decent. They did forget to tell us about happy hour until we had ordered - but no worries. The space is well organized. Lots of dark woods and comfortable leather. There is a nice big bar in the middle of the space. Large selection of libations. My cocktail was very tasty - a rye and brandy mix.

    When I tell you these portions are huge, yall, I mean HUGE!…read more I ordered the fish and chips and it was honestly enough for 3 meals! I couldn't believe it. My dad got the jambalaya and couldn't finish his - which is insanely rare for him. We started with the crab cakes to share and our food came out almost immediately after the crab cakes were served - it was A LOT of food at once! But it was all delicious so no complaints here! The fish was perfectly battered and their fries were absolutely delectable - both the fries and fish were perfect GBD. I tried a happy hour margarita which was good, very standard happy hour marg. My dad ordered a specialty beer which is definitely the way to go at this craft house. Our waitress was lovely, incredibly friendly. The restaurant itself is very cool - black seats and tables for a more intimate ambiance. They have great happy hour options so I would definitely take advantage of those!

    Photos
    Citizen Capitol Craft House
    Back few days later for this
    Back few days later for this
    Espresso martini, house margarita

    See all

    Espresso martini, house margarita

    Tower Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...