Take it Outside

Posted on August 3, 2010 – 1:21 AM | by OldManFoster
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By Sarah Singleton photos by Scott Duncan

People wonder how we Saramentans survive the heat every summer. Besides a dunk in a pool or one of the rivers and air conditioning, it’s the knowledge that by 8PM, our beloved Delta breezes will kick in and somewhere, someplace there will be a patio on which to relax, have a drink and maybe get a bite to eat. I spent several days and nights searching out the best of Sac’s patios. It was a tiresome task, but somehow I muddled through. May I present to you the more noteworthy of Sacramento’s outdoor eating and drinking locales.

Firehouse Restaurant: Situated across the alley from the Back Door Lounge in the heart of Old Sac, The Firehouse’s big brick patio is filled with twinkling lights, the sounds of Frank Sinatra as well as happy diners living it up. The Firehouse is happy to serve up a full meal on the patio, or just bring you a drink and a snack. On my last visit, I sampled the smoked tenderloin carpaccio—tissue-paper thin slices of raw beef with capers, onions, shavings of Parmesan and a bit of truffle oil. It came with crostini and an herbed chevre croquette, which was good on it’s own but it overwhelmed the beef. I had a glass of the J Brut rose sparkling wine, which is always a good choice on a warm Sacramento evening. (1112 2nd St., Sacramento, CA (916) 442-4772)

The Mercantile: You want a nightcap after The Firehouse? Or maybe an oasis to get out of the heat on a sultry late afternoon? Look no further; The Merc has the misters running and great deals on stiff drinks. The crowd is always friendly, and when we were there, we had the great pleasure of watching a patron serenade the crowd with “Here I
Go Again” by Whitesnake. People, I couldn’t make this stuff up. (1928 L Street
Sacramento, CA (916) 447-0792)

Tres Hermanas: Cool off with an enormous shrimp cocktail, a perfectly balanced goblet, loaded with the crustaceans and avocado, swimming in a mildly sweet and tangy sauce with just a little bit of heat. It’s served with saltines, Tapatio and lime wedges to season it to your liking. Have a margarita, a glass of sangria or a beer to wash it down. Good free chips and salsa, so go ahead and splurge and get the guacamole. If you prefer an al fresco breakfast, look no further, because Tres Hermanas’ breakfast is outstanding. The huevos rancheros and chilequiles are my favorites, but there are also standard egg or omelet breakfasts as well. The patio has some street-side seating, but the patio runs between the buildings, giving shade on extra-sunny days. The bright colors and eclectic décor is somehow perfect for a hot weekend evening. (2416 K St., Sacramento, CA (916) 443-6919)

Old Soul at the Weatherstone: An old favorite in Boulevard Park, given new life by the guys at Old Soul. The coffee’s better, the food’s better and the patio is the same as ever—except that Bobby Burns wasn’t there to hang out with me. There is WiFi, with outlets available outside. Or go old school and play a game of chess while you sip your iced coffee. Might as well get a sandwich too—the TPA (turkey, proscuitto and avocado) was memorable. (812 21st St., Sacramento, CA (916) 443-6340)

Faces: THERE’S A POOL. Need I say more? Shade, volleyball, and half-naked people. Oh, and on Sundays, there are 2-for-1 drink specials. You might want to have a designated driver—those drinks knocked my socks off. (2000 K St., Sacramento, CA
(916) 448-0706)

Mulvaney’s B&L: This delightful sliver of brick and white tablecloth patio, located between the 19th Street restaurant and the B&L Next Door behind the iron gates, is a perfect spot for a romantic dinner, a bite and glass of wine with a friend, or even dessert and a coffee. Mulvaney’s never fails to welcome each and every guest like a treasured friend. I love all the potted plants placed here and there, it feels like my own backyard—only better. Try the cheese course and ask Dan to pair a glass of wine for you. (1215 19th St., Sacramento, CA (916) 441-6022)

Coffee Garden: Another option for coffee is the delightful patio behind Coffee Garden. A comfortably diverse atmosphere with lots of tables and a sofa for lounging, this place is great for hanging out, playing games or checking your email, since they’ve got the free WiFi. Coffee Garden is also dog friendly, with a bowl of water and treats ready. Besides coffee, there are a selection of salads, sandwiches and pizza to munch on. Stop in for open mic on the patio, and classes on native gardening and plant sales on the weekends. Their calendar is on their website—www.coffeegarden.com. (2904 Franklin Blvd.,
Sacramento, CA (916) 457-5507)

Aioli Bodega Espanola: The best for last. From the brick patio, to the colorful tiled water fountain, to the cheerful yellow chairs, to the lush greenery—Aioli’s patio, which can be glimpsed at through the gate on the 18th Street side of the restaurant, truly seems like Sacramento’s own secret garden. Sip sangria or a glass of wine and order up a few tapas. The charcuterie and manchego plate is always perfect and the seasonal tapas menu (a separate paper inserted into the regular menu) has recently had a few hits—notably some head-on shrimp in a jalapeno reduction—sweet shrimp, with all the flavor and spice of the jalapeno, but the heat was mellowed out just enough so as not to overpower the subtle flavor of the seafood. This dish is even better when you let yourself go and dig in with your hands—suck the heads and mop up that sauce with the bread. Your white napkin will likely appear as if you’ve committed a crime but you’ll leave happy. (1800 L St., Sacramento, CA (916) 447-9440)

Honorable Patio Mentions:

Golden Bear: Good casual front patio for drinkin’, eatin’ and smokin’. Cheap Hi-Life, good cocktails and a terrific bar menu. Try the famous tacos or the bacon Reuben. Brunch available on the weekends. (2326 K St., Sacramento, CA (916) 441-2242)

Dad’s Kitchen: While I’m not always crazy about the consistency of the food at Dad’s Kitchen, you can rely on their charming Curtis Park patio, cheap pitchers of PBR and a good sandwich—which are now available gluten-free for those of you with wheat allergies. (2968 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA (916) 447-3237)

Headhunters: This huge patio with fireplace is a great place for late-night hanging out, especially when the Delta breezes begin to cool things off. Bar menu available if you get the munchies. (1930 K St., Sacramento, CA (916) 492-2922)

Red Lotus: Chef Billy Ngo’s newest restaurant is primed and ready to be the next greatest patio in town. An outdoor bar, paper lanterns and strings of lights are overhead and a leftover giant fireplace from the former tenants all speak to the potential of this space. Not to mention a terrific menu of small plates—try the kung pao chicken wings, the five-spice roasted bone marrow or the long beans with XO sauce. Wash it all down with their cucumber cocktail. (2718 J St., Sacramento, CA (916) 231-0961)

The Shack: Not the best customer service in town, but a terrific kid and dog-friendly patio with lots of plants and a staggering array of good beers. You might want to go inside to the bar and get the beers yourself, though. (5201 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA (916) 457-5997)

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  1. One Response to “Take it Outside”

  2. avatar

    By Dane Henas on Sep 6, 2010 | Reply

    I know why you left out The Tower Cafe–because the food sucks! I would have put Paragary’s in the list before Tower…

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