A year, and loads of new businesses, later, we’ve added to our list of top patios to wine and dine at in downtown Sac:
1. WHIRED Wine
Wine and dine on WHIRED Wine’s charming patio and feast your eyes on stellar views of the arena. Friday nights get busy with live music so get there early!
2. Ella
Ella is a local favorite for many reasons, but have you ever sat on their patio? It’s right on the corner of 12th and K, away from the action but close enough to still keep a pulse on it. The experience is more upscale and you’ll probably see groups of people coming from the building there at lunch or at Happy Hour.
3. Firestone
Filled with long and high-top tables, this bustling patio is the perfect place for large parties and/or intimate get-togethers. Catch a game on one of many big screen TVs, or just sit back and enjoy the ambiance with a great meal and friends.
4. Ten22
If you haven’t been to the patio at Ten22, you’ve got to get there. Beautiful exposed brick, fire pits – it’s perfect for hanging with the crew…with some brew! Ten22 has some great local brew on tap – 28 to be exact.
5. Esquire Grill
If you want to be on a patio, but are laying low, Esquire Grill is your place. It’s toward the east end of The Kay, and the sun hits just right at about 5:30 p.m., perfect for an evening meal or drinks with friends. The scene is more upscale and you’ll probably see groups headed to Music Circus (or Broadway Sacramento in Fall).
6. Chops
At the intersection of 11th and L, flanked by Sacramento’s most iconic buildings with the Capitol to your south and the Cathedral to the north, Chops is the perfect spot for tourists and lobbyists alike. And the late night happy hour is an added bonus. 8 p.m., what?!
7. Downtown & Vine
Local brew, local wine, great tapas, what more could you ask for? Downtown & Vine‘s patio is a bit separated from the other businesses on that property, but it’s still part of the commotion on The Kay and you won’t miss a beat. I recommend Kate’s goat cheese stuffed piquillo peppers, the olive mix, and the pesto chicken flatbread. If you need a little help deciding what wine to order, the team over at D&V will guide you right through it.
8. Cafeteria15L
One of the largest and most luxurious patios in Sacramento, Cafeteria15L offers shaded cabanas and outdoor booths paired with craft cocktails and a full food menu from Café Bernardo.
9. Rio City Cafe
Are you looking for a close view of the Tower Bridge, but don’t really want the singing and dancing at another Old Sac restaurant? Visit Rio City Cafe. If you want to catch an epic sunset, plan to get there at 8 p.m. and watch the sky come alive.
10. Coin-Op
The newly opened bar-cade Coin-Op is killin’ it. With all the classic arcade games you can imagine, this bar is the perfect escape after a long day at work. Their patio is perfectly lit with market lighting. While enjoying a cold brew challenge your friends to a game of giant jenga or giant connect four. Seriously – this is one place you’ve gotta check out.
11. RailBridge Cellars
Positioned on a quieter block at 11th and J streets, RailBridge Cellars occupies the bottom corner of the Elks Tower and the patio is scattered with high-tops and decorative wine barrels. Stop by to relax and enjoy a glass (or two) of wine.
Sarah Maren Photographers
12. de Vere’s Irish Pub
Are you into people watching? de Vere’s is your place. Being next door to two popular establishments, you’re going to catch something happening on L Street. If it’s not for the Jameson and ginger special or the amazing brunch, it’s definitely for the characters of all ages that you’ll see on L Street.
13. The Firehouse
This patio is so lovely, people get married on it. No, really. Known for the most extensive wine collection in the Central Valley, The Firehouse specializes in delicious cuisine, premium wines, and offers a setting that features storied architecture and design.
14. M!X Downtown
Did somebody say rooftop? M!X Downtown is a popular nightclub in Sacramento, but its daytime hours are equally impressive with a wonderful menu of small plates and cocktails, perfect for mixing and mingling with friends. There are happy hour specials every day (Saturdays included) and you can check them out here.
15. Morton’s
Let’s not forget about Capitol Mall and Morton’s. There, you’ll enjoy a modern, loungy outdoor area with greenery (well, some of it is “golden” because of the drought). You’ll catch a mix of young and older here. Think it’s out of your (wallet’s) reach? The happy hour menu will not disappoint.