Perhaps we could characterize Sacramento as “city-lite,” but it has a some gems hidden among the urban sprawl. GBHS students often exist solely within the Granite Bay bubble, only venturing to Sacramento occasionally for a family outing or a concert with friends, but with everything from tacos to tackling girls, the Capital City offers a refreshing variety of eats and events outside the normal spots.
Brunch is the 21st century tea time; a great excuse to get dressed up all fancy in floppy hats and fedoras and hit the town with friends or spend long hours of the weekend discussing politics over a stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes or chocolate banana waffles. Cafeteria 15L is the place for the classic brunch experience, especially if you have a group of friends in tow (as the menu is plenty large to accommodate both your vegetarian and gluten free buddies). If the weather is nice, their patio in the heart of bustling Midtown is urban chic enough to make your instagram followers drool.
If you’re looking for something a little more quick and dirty, or you want to picnic at one of the many parks spread throughout the city, track down one of the Brunch Boys food trucks. The quasi-brunch menu features savory treats like the Brunch Chicken and Waffle Sandwich aka fried chicken and egg, smothered in cheese and spicy aioli, and all sandwiched between two belgian waffles.
Fresh local produce and homemade goods abound at the Midtown farmers market so if you’re a do-it-yourself kind of bruncher, or just someone who like to take it easy and browse the local scene with your fresh brewed coffee from Old Soul Co. down the street, hit up 20th street for a relaxing morning filled with fresh air and even fresher pears.
The question you will be asking after finishing your tacos with a korean flare. Tako, located on the outskirts of Midtown, is a historic gas station turned hip quick-bites rivals. Or if you’re looking to beat post concert depression after seeing your favorite band at Ace of Spades, grab some fresh ahi tuna with the build your own poke feature at Fish Face on R Street. Not feeling so adventurous? Try the Federalist for some awesome pizza and sandwiches. Tucked in an alley behind Sacramento’s famous Waterboy, the restaurant resides in an old shipping container and boast a great indoor/outdoor space with a bocce ball court so you can get your game face on (they even have a Thursday night summer league).
Sacramento, although a city full of cool events that shouldn’t be missed like a favorite 80s film at the old school Crest Theater or rocking out to one of your favorite bands in a small venue like Ace of Spades, the Golden State capitol offers some more alternative options and hosts more sports teams than just the Kings. For those who breathe, live and die for powderpuff season, you may want to consider checking out a Sacramento Sirens game, and see how the pro’s do it. The IWFL (Independent Women’s Football League) season is in the spring so it’s not too late to see ladies take on ladies like real men. Or if you’ve wanted to try roller derby ever since you saw that episode of Psych, Sacramento has two teams so you can catch a bout with the Sac City Rollers or the Sacred City Derby Girls. Haggin Oaks golf course offers something for the more passive and late night owls with their 24 hour driving range. And since when 2am rolls around, you never want to tee your own balls, Haggin Oaks has this nifty little contraption where it gets teed for you. Swing away. Top it off with whipped cream and a cherry.
Although not necessarily a hidden gem of Sacramento, Rick’s Dessert Diner is a classic Sac-Town staple. Taste the tangy lemon cheesecake or let the red velvet cake melt in your mouth. Whatever you choose, there is no way to go wrong.
Fast Facts:
Cafeteria 15L brunch recommendation: Chocolate Banana Waffles with salted caramel sauce, fresh bananas and maple cream– $11.95
Federalist Public House dinner recommendation: Midtown Pizza with crushed tomatoes, sauteed peppers & onions, and roasted kale– $13
Event Recommendation: Hit a bucket of golf balls at Haggin Oaks Driving Range, open 24 hours– $6
