Our readers have spoken. They’ve told us their favorite places to linger over an elegant dinner and where to drop in for a quick, casual bite. They’ve let us know were they find the most delectable ethnic cuisines and which restaurants are tops in different parts of our region. Here are this year’s dining award winners as voted by Sacramento magazine subscribers and sacmag.com viewers—along with some wonderfully satisfying and even whimsical dishes from area restaurants as selected by our editors.
best of the best (money no object) 1. Biba 2. The Firehouse 3. The Kitchen Runners-up: Chops, Morton’s, Ruth’s Chris
best of the best (moderate prices) 1. Paesano’s 2. The Waterboy 3. Ella and Paul Martin’s, American Bistro (tie) Runners-up: Cafe Vinoteca, Cattlemens, Crush 29
best of the best (inexpensive) 1. Jack’s Urban Eats 2. Old Spaghetti Factory 3. Cafe Bernardo Runners-up: Dos Coyotes, Paesano’s
EDITORS' PICK
best meal on a paper plate barbecued ribs, old soul at the weatherstone
On Friday nights (weather permitting), chef Jason Azevedo fires up the smoker on Weatherstone’s patio to make these Memphis-style pork ribs. Before cooking, he rubs the meat (sourced from local farmer John Bledsoe) with a secret spice mixture that includes smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and freshly grated nutmeg, then mops them at the end with tamarind-espresso sauce. (Old Soul is a coffee company, after all.) 812 21st St., Sacramento; (916) 443-6340; oldsoulco.com
appetizers 1. Tapa the World 2. T.G.I. Friday’s 3. Fats Asia Bistro and P.F. Chang’s (tie) Runners-up: BJ’s, Elephant Bar
best stogie mushroom cigars, taste Sometimes, a cigar is not a cigar. Take chef Mark Berkner’s crispy phyllo tubes, filled with sautéed porcini, crimini and shiitake mushrooms. Served with porcini cream sauce and a drizzle of white truffle oil, they’re smokin’. 9402 Main St., Plymouth; (209) 245-3463; restauranttaste.com
caesar salad 1. Jack’s Urban Eats 2. The Firehouse 3. La Bou Runners-up: California Cafe, Chops, Paragary’s Bar and Oven, Red Lobster
caterer 1. Classique Catering 2. Back Forty Texas BBQ 3. Selland’s Market-Cafe Runners-up: Chops, David Berkley, Ettore’s
chain restaurant 1. P.F. Chang’s 2. Chili’s 3. Romano’s Macaroni Grill Runners-up: Applebee’s, BJ’s, Cattlemans, The Cheesecake Factory
chef 1. Biba Caggiano (Biba) and Kurt Spataro (Spataro) (tie) 2. Rick Mahan (The Waterboy) 3. Deneb Williams (The Firehouse) Runner-up: Randall Selland (Ella/The Kitchen)
chips and salsa 1. Chevys 2. Ernesto’s 3. Caballo Blanco Runners-up: Centro Cocina Mexicana, Garcia’s, Zócalo
coffeehouse, locally owned 1. Bella Bru 2. The Naked Lounge 3. Chicory Coffee & Tea Runners-up: It’s a Grind, Java City, La Bou
cooking school 1. American River College (Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management) 2. Institute of Technology (Culinary Arts) 3. Whole Foods Market Runner-up: Kitchen Academy
EDITORS' PICK
best double-fisted burger bacon jalapeño cheeseburger, burgers & brew It takes two hands to handle this whopper. It’s a full half-pound of Niman Ranch ground beef, topped with spicy pepper Jack cheese and jalapeño mayonnaise and served on a freshly baked roll from Davis’ own Village Bakery. 403 Third St., Davis; (530) 750-3600
deli 1. David Berkley 2. Corti Brothers 3. Dominick’s Italian Market & Deli Runners-up: The Beach Hut Deli, Raley’s/Bel Air
desserts 1. Rick’s Dessert Diner 2. Ettore’s 3. The Firehouse Runners-up: The Cheesecake Factory, Freeport Bakery, Tower Cafe
dining and dancing spot 1. The Park Ultra Lounge at Mason’s 2. Harlow’s
EDITORS' PICK
best magic trick panzanella, tulí bistro Chef Adam Pechal turns day-old sourdough into a phenomenal Tuscan bread salad. He combines hand-torn chunks of bread with chopped heirloom tomatoes so the bread soaks up the tomato juices, then adds roasted corn, red peppers and a sprightly sherry vinaigrette. It’s summer in a salad. 2031 S St., Sacramento; (916) 451-8854; tulibistro.com
dining entertainment 1. Garbeau’s 2. The Kitchen 3. Delta King Runners-up: Joe’s Crab Shack, Marrakech
dive 1. Squeeze Inn 2. Jamie’s 3. The Limelight Runners-up: Cornerstone, Pine Cove Tavern, Zebra Club, Zelda’s
chinese 1. Frank Fat’s 2. P.F. Chang’s 3. The Mandarin Runners-up: Fat’s Asia Bistro, Fortune House
chinese, hole in the wall 1. Wonderful 2. Far East Cafe 3. Happy Garden Runners-up: Chang Brothers, Mayflower
french 1. La Bohème and La Provence (tie) 2. Cafe Rolle 3. Ella Runners-up: Bidwell Street Bistro, Danielle’s Creperie & Gallery, Le Bilig
german 1. St. Pauli Inn 2. Plaza Hof Brau 3. Heart of Europe
EDITORS' PICK
best use of a martini glass ceviche, azul mexican food & tequila bar You’ll be shaken if not stirred by this seafood cocktail. Chunks of red snapper and shrimp are “cooked” overnight in lime juice, then tossed with chopped tomato, red onion, jalapeño and cilantro. It’s served straight up in a martini glass with sliced avocado and housemade tostadas. MARRS Building, 1050 20th St., Suite 140, Sacramento; (916) 447-4040
greek 1. Opa! Opa! 2. Greek Village Inn 3. Daphne’s Greek Cafe Runners-up: Kabob House, Symposium
indian 1. Gaylord India Cuisine 2. Bombay Bistro 3. Kathmandu Kitchen Runners-up: Kaveri Madras Cuisine, Mehran, Sher-E-Punjab
italian 1. Biba 2. Il Fornaio 3. Cafe Vinoteca Runners-up: Michaelangelo’s, Olive Garden, Romano’s Macaroni Grill
italian, family-style 1. Buca di Beppo 2. Español 3. Old Spaghetti Factory Runners-up: Olive Garden, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Visconti’s
japanese 1. Mikuni 2. Kru 3. Hana Tsubaki Runners-up: Benihana, Kamon, Taiko Sushi
EDITORS' PICK
best chocolate delivery system european sipping chocolate, ginger elizabeth chocolates Hard-core chocoholics can get their fix from this hot drink, made with whole milk and bittersweet chocolate (72 percent cacao!) and topped with housemade vanilla marshmallows. The chocolate is so intense, it’s practically like mainlining it. 1801 L St., Suite 60, Sacramento; (916) 706-1738; gingerelizabeth.com
mexican 1. Ernesto’s 2. Chevys 3. Zócalo Runners-up: Carmelita’s, El Novillero, Tres Hermanas, Vallejo’s
mexican, hole in the wall 1. Tres Hermanas 2. Vallejo’s 3. Jimboy’s Tacos Runners-up: Adalberto’s, 524, La Fiesta Tacqueria, La Rosa Blanca, Sol Azteca
sushi 1. Mikuni 2. Kru and Sushi Cafe (tie) 3. Taro’s by Mikuni Runners-up: Nishiki Sushi, Taiko Sushi
vietnamese 1. Lemon Grass 2. Bobo Cafe 3. Andy Nguyen Runner-up: Hoa Viet
EDITORS' PICK
best reason to feel virtuous meek’s california fruit salad, putah creek cafe It doesn’t get more healthful than this: a plate of fresh, seasonal fruit topped with toasted walnuts and raisins, drizzled with raspberry yogurt dressing and served with whole-grain raisin toast. 1 Main St., Winters; (530) 795-2682; buckhornsteakhouse.com
family restaurant 1. Old Spaghetti Factory 2. Brookfields 3. Buca di Beppo Runners-up: Cattlemens, Mimi’s Cafe, Red Robin
fish market 1. Fins 2. Taylor’s Market 3. Scott’s Seafood Runners-up: Corti Brothers, Nugget Markets, Raley’s/Bel Air, Whole Foods Market
french toast 1. Tower Cafe 2. IHOP 3. Mimi’s Cafe Runners-up: Brookfields, Cafe Bernardo, Crepeville
fried chicken 1. KFC 2. Popeyes 3. Sandra Dee’s
EDITORS' PICK
best caesar with a twist amelia’s salad with anchovy crouton, poached egg, l wine lounge & urban kitchen Chef Ame Harrington gives her Caesar salad a south-of-the-border kick, tossing baby red romaine with chopped avocado, shallots, cilantro and a limey dressing. She adds two crostini rubbed with anchovy-garlic butter andtops it all off with a perfectly poached egg.1801 L St., Suite 50, Sacramento; (916) 443-6970; lwinelounge.com
garlic fix 1. Granito’s 2. Jack’s Urban Eats 3. Raley Field Runners-up: Elk Grove Brewery, Olive Garden
gourmet cookies 1. Cookie Connection 2. Mrs. Fields 3. Ettore’s Runners-up: Freeport Bakery, Kelli’s Gourmet Cookies, Raley’s/Bel Air
gourmet takeout 1. Selland’s Market-Cafe 2. David Berkley 3. Taylor’s Market Runners-up: Nugget Markets, P.F. Chang’s
best garnish roadhouse onions, buckhorn grill At Buckhorn, beef is the star, but these thin, crispy, caramelized frizzles of onion adorning the tri-tip sandwich steal the show. 1801 L St., Suite 10, Sacramento; (916) 446-3757; buckhornsteakhouse.com
best golden oldie soft serve dipped cone, suzie burger This sweet treat—soft-serve vanilla ice cream dipped in melted chocolate and served on a cone—is sure to bring back childhood memories. Just don’t eat it too fast: You might get brain freeze. 2820 P St., Sacramento; (916) 455-3500; suzieburger.com
late-night dining 1. Ink 2. Tapa the World 3. Bistro 33 Midtown Runners-up: Denny’s, Taco Bell
lunch, budget 1. Jack’s Urban Eats and La Bou (tie) 2. Paesano’s 3. Taco Bell
lunch, business 1. The Firehouse 2. Esquire Grill 3. Chops Runner-up: Lucca
EDITORS' PICK
best grown-up take on a childhood classic lobster corn dogs, g.v. hurley’s Chef David Hill puts a sophisticated spin on the classic corn dog, dipping chunks of luscious Maine lobster tail in cornmeal batter, deep-frying them and serving them with kicky chipotle ketchup. 2718 J St., Sacramento; (916) 706-2410; gvhurleys.com
lunch, ladies’ 1. The Firehouse 2. Danielle’s Creperie & Gallery 3. Chops Runners-up: Crush 29, La Provence
neighborhood restaurant 1. Riverside Clubhouse 2. Applebee’s and Cafe Vinoteca (tie) 3. 33rd Street Bistro Runner-up: Tower Cafe
new restaurant 1. Paul Martin’s American Bistro 2. Ella 3. Tulí Bistro Runners-up: Crush 29, Roxy, Scott’s Seafood (on the river)
new downtown/midtown restaurant 1. Ella 2. Tulí Bistro 3. G.V. Hurley’s Runners-up: Buckhorn Grill, Chicago Fire, McCormick & Schmick’s
EDITORS' PICK
best reason to get out of bed before noon olallieberry french toast, south pine cafe Goldilocks would love this breakfast dish of French toast topped with olallieberries sautéed in honey: Not too sweet and not too tart, it’s just right. 660 Auburn Folsom Road, Auburn; (530) 745-0262; southpinecafe.com
old favorite 1. The Firehouse 2. Slocum House 3. 4th Street Grille Runners-up: Biba, Old Spaghetti Factory, Paragary’s Bar and Oven
onion rings 1. Red Robin 2. Outback 3. Willie’s Runners-up: Cattlemens, Chili’s
outdoor dining 1. The Firehouse 2. Slocum House 3. Rio City Cafe Runners-up: Chevys, Paragary’s Bar and Oven
pasta selection 1. Romano’s Macaroni Grill 2. Old Spaghetti Factory 3. Il Fornaio Runners-up: Biba, Buca di Beppo, Olive Garden
pizza 1. Round Table 2. Chicago Fire 3. Steve’s Runners-up: California Pizza Kitchen, Giovanni’s, Mountain Mike’s, Roma’s, Zelda’s
pizza, non-pizzeria 1. BJ’s 2. Paragary’s Bar and Oven 3. Chicago Fire Runners-up: Paesano’s, Papa Murphy’s, Zinfandel Grille
restaurant in a mall 1. California Cafe 2. California Pizza Kitchen 3. Il Fornaio Runners-up: Pluto’s, River City Brewing Company
EDITORS' PICK
best food on the fly chicken salad rolls, lemon grass asian grill noodle bar at the airport Next time you’re jetting out of town, stop off at Mai Pham’s newest outpost and pick up these nifty Vietnamese salad rolls. Grilled chicken, bean sprouts, lettuce, mint, shredded carrots and cucumber are neatly rolled up in a rice-paper wrapper and served in a bento box with hoisin peanut dipping sauce and a side order of Asian noodle salad—perfect for eating on the plane. Beats a bag of peanuts, doesn’t it? Terminal A, Sacramento International Airport
restaurant to take mom 1. The Firehouse 2. Slocum House 3. Mimi’s Cafe Runners-up: Biba, Ella, Scott’s Seafood
restaurant to take out-of-towners 1. The Firehouse 2. Rio City Cafe 3. Biba Runners-up: Ella, Slocum House
river dining 1. Rio City Cafe 2. Scott’s Seafood 3. Chevys Runners-up: Delta King (Pilothouse), Joe’s Crab Shack, The Virgin Sturgeon
romantic 1. Slocum House 2. The Firehouse 3. Chops Runners-up: Ella, The Melting Pot, Ruth’s Chris
EDITORS' PICK
best way to feel your oats joe bickies nutritious nuggets, luigi’s slice These hearty cookies only taste decadent—they’re actually quite nourishing. Baker Amy Alfaro makes them with healthy amounts of flaxseed, wheat germ and rolled oats—not to mention chocolate chips and Scharffen Berger cocoa powder. MARSS Building, 1050 20th St., Suite 150, Sacramento; (916) 447-1255; joebickies.com
sandwich shop 1. Mr. Pickles 2. Togo’s 3. Subway Runners-up: The Beach Hut Deli, Dad’s, La Bou, Quiznos
seafood 1. Scott’s Seafood 2. McCormick & Schmick’s 3. Fins Runners-up: Chops, The Firehouse, Red Lobster
service 1. The Firehouse 2. Biba 3. Morton’s Runners-up: The Kitchen, The Waterboy
special occasion restaurant 1. The Firehouse 2. Biba 3. Slocum House Runners-up: Chops, Morton’s, Ruth’s Chris
sports bar 1. Mandango’s 2. Hangar 17 3. BJ’s Runners-up: Center Court With C-Webb, Mark & Monica’s, Players
EDITORS' PICK
best thing since sliced bread baguette sandwich, le petit paris No plans to fly to Paris this summer? Pop into this midtown boutique/coffee bar and grab a traditional French sandwich. Owner Tassina Placencia slices a baguette in half, anoints the bread with mustard vinaigrette, layers it with simple, fresh ingredients (tomato, basil and mozzarella or prosciutto and brie) and wraps it up, Parisian-style, in white butcher paper. Très chic. 1221 19th St., Sacramento; (916) 446-3639; lepetitparis.us
wine list 1. The Firehouse 2. Crush 29 3. Enotria Runner-up: Ella
EDITORS' PICK
best upscale comfort food macaroni & cheese with brioche bread crumbs, hawks If you’re used to getting mac ’n’ cheese from a blue-and-yellow box, this dish will come as a revelation. Chef Molly Hawks bakes elbow macaroni in a sauce made with four cheeses (Morbier, Piave Vecchio, fontina and white cheddar), white wine and a hint of truffle oil, then tops it all off with buttery brioche bread crumbs. 5530 Douglas Blvd., Granite Bay; (916) 791-6200; hawksrestaurant.com
elk grove 1. Boulevard Bistro 2. Paesano’s 3. Silva’s Sheldon Inn Runners-up: Elk Grove Brewery, Mikuni, Palermo, Romano’s Macaroni Grill
folsom 1. Bidwell Street Bistro 2. Fat’s Asia Bistro 3. Scott’s Seafood Runners-up: Chicago Fire, Zinfandel Grille
lodi 1. Wine & Roses
natomas 1. BJ’s 2. Bella Bru 3. Center Court With C-Webb Runner-up: Malabar
placerville 1. Sequoia 2. Z Pie 3. Zachary Jacques
roseville/granite bay 1. Crush 29 2. La Provence 3. Hawks Runners-up: Carvers, Cattlemens, Paul Martin’s American Bistro, P.F. Chang’s
west sacramento 1. Club Pheasant 2. Vince’s 3. Emma’s Taco House Runners-up: Ikea, La Bou
woodland 1. Morrison’s Upstairs 2. Ludy’s Main Street BBQ 3. Tazzina Bistro Runner-up: Ruby Tuesday
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Reader Comments:
Jul 27, 2008 03:45 pm
Posted by
Anonymous
I have to admit that I've only eaten at one of the restaurants that made your top BBQ spots, so I can't say how it would match up to everyone that made the list, but the House Of Chicken & Ribs in Antelope should definitely be in the top 3, if not at the top. It's some of the BEST barbeque I've ever had, with friendly, local owners. To any of your readers that take their barbeque seriously: get out to Antelope, and bring your appetite. The House Of Chicken & Ribs is exceptionally good.
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Reader Comments:
I have to admit that I've only eaten at one of the restaurants that made your top BBQ spots, so I can't say how it would match up to everyone that made the list, but the House Of Chicken & Ribs in Antelope should definitely be in the top 3, if not at the top. It's some of the BEST barbeque I've ever had, with friendly, local owners. To any of your readers that take their barbeque seriously: get out to Antelope, and bring your appetite. The House Of Chicken & Ribs is exceptionally good.
-Braden Bill, Sacramento