Food & Drink

Best desserts

1. Rick’s Dessert Diner
2322 K Street, (916) 444-0969, www.ricksdessertdiner.com

2. Freeport Bakery
2966 Freeport Boulevard, (916) 442-4256, www.freeportbakery.com

3. Tower Cafe
1518 Broadway, (916) 441-0222, www.towercafe.com

Best yogurt

1. Big Spoon Yogurt
various locations, www.bigspoonyogurt.com

2. Yogurtagogo
1801 L Street, Suite 90; (916) 346-4649; www.yogurtagogo.com

3. Mochii
1530 16th Street, (916) 441-2601, www.mochii.com

Best grocer

1. Taylor’s Market
2900 Freeport Boulevard, (916) 443-6881, www.taylorsmarket.com

2. Bel Air
various locations, www.raleys.com

3. Corti Brothers
5810 Folsom Boulevard, (916) 736-3800, www.cortibros.biz

Best chef

1. Billy Ngo, Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine
2516 J Street, (916) 551-1559, www.krurestaurant.com

2. Patrick Mulvaney, Mulvaney’s Building and Loan
1215 19th Street, (916) 441-6022, www.culinaryspecialists.com

3. Rick Mahan, The Waterboy
2000 Capitol Avenue, (916) 498-9891, www.waterboyrestaurant.com

Best food find

1. Lazlo’s Gourmet Smoked Fish
1100 Front Street, Suite 140, Old Sacramento; (916) 492-9809; http://laszlossmokedfish.com

Best wine shop

1. 58 Degrees and Holding Company
1217 18th Street, (916) 442-5858, www.58degrees.com

2.Corti Brothers
5810 Folsom Boulevard, (916) 736-3800, www.cortibros.biz

Best wine bar

1. 58 Degrees and Holding Company
1217 18th Street, (916) 442-5858, www.58degrees.com

2. L Street Wine Bar and Lounge
1801 L Street, (916) 443-6970, www.lwinelounge.com

3. Enotria Restaurant and Wine Bar
1431 Del Paso Boulevard, (916) 922-6792, www.enotria.com

Best upscale ambience

1. Ella Dining Room and Bar
1131 K Street, (916) 443-3772, www.elladiningroomandbar.com

2. The Park Ultra Lounge
1116 15th Street, (916) 442-7222, www.theparkdowntown.com

3. Mason’s Restaurant
1116 15th Street, (916) 492-1960, www.theparkdowntown.com

Best catering

1. Hannibal’s Catering
3636 American River Drive, (916) 638-4363, www.hannibalscatering.com

2. Refer a Chef Catering
4235 Arden Way, (916) 837-2077, www.referachef.com

3. Dad’s Sandwich Shop
1310 S Street, (916) 448-3237

Best takeout

1. New Lai Wah
5912 Freeport Boulevard, (916) 428-6183

2. Plum Blossom
1830 J Street, (916) 443-8882

3. Dad’s Sandwich Shop
1310 S Street, (916) 448-3237

3. Opa! Opa!
5654 J Street, (916) 451-4000, www.eatatopa.com

Best restaurant

1. The Waterboy
2000 Capitol Avenue, (916) 498-9891, www.waterboyrestaurant.com

2. Mulvaney’s Building and Loan
1215 19th Street, (916) 441-6022, www.culinaryspecialists.com

Best dish

1. Pad-ped-makluah (No. 12) at Thai Basil
various locations, www.thaibasilrestaurant.com

2. Chicken paprikash at Cafe Marika
2001 J Street, Suite A; (916) 442-0405

2. Mole poblano at Tres Hermanas
2416 K Street, (916) 443-6919

BREAKIN’ THE LAW

City code section 9.04.040: No spittle, mucus, loogies or drool
Just as you’d expect, it’s illegal to expectorate in public. That means no spitting, hawking or high-velocity drooling. And for you third graders out there, no snaking. True, it’s not hard to catch people violating City Code 9.04.040 on Sacramento streets and sidewalks. Perhaps we should follow the examples of the Chinese government in the months leading up to the Olympics: Release the loogie police! There, public servants patrolled the streets in orange vests with the character for “mucus” on their backs, and liberally issued spit bags, hankies and steep fines to crack down on public spittle.
C.G.

Best salads

1. Jack’s Urban Eats
various locations, www.jacksurbaneats.com

2. Dad’s Kitchen
2968 Freeport Boulevard, (916) 443-3237

3. Pluto’s
various locations, www.plutosfreshfood.com

Best steakhouse

1. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
various locations, www.ruthschris.com

2. Morton’s The Steakhouse
various locations, www.mortons.com

3. Chops Steak Seafood and Bar
1117 11th Street, (916) 447-8900, www.chopssacramento.com

Best soup

1. La Bonne Soupe Cafe
920 Eighth Street, (916) 492-9506

2. La Bou
various locations, www.labou.com

3. The Bread Store
1716 J Street, (916) 557-1600

Best small plates

1. Tapa the World
2115 J Street, (916) 442-4353, www.tapatheworld.com

2. Tulí Bistro
2031 S Street, (916) 451-8854, www.tulibistro.com

3. Aioli Bodega Española
1800 L Street, (916) 447-9440; 808 Second Street, Davis; (530) 757-2766

Best vegan dish

1. Andy Nguyen’s
2007 Broadway, (916) 736-1157

2. Queen Sheba
1704 Broadway, (916) 446-1223, www.queenshebas.com

Best seafood

1. Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar
various locations, www.scottsseafood.net

2. Fins Market and Grill
various locations, www.finsmarket.com

3. McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant
various locations, www.mccormickandschmicks.com

Best vegetarian food

1. Andy Nguyen’s
2007 Broadway, (916) 736-1157

2. Sunflower Natural Food Restaurant
10344 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fair Oaks; (916) 967-4331

3. Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op
1900 Alhambra Boulevard, (916) 455-2667, www.sacfoodcoop.com

Best sandwiches

1. Dad’s Kitchen
2968 Freeport Boulevard, (916) 443-3237

2. The Bread Store
1716 J Street, (916) 557-1600

3. Mr. Pickles
various locations, www.mrpicklesinc.com

Best restaurant worth the wait

1. Ella Dining Room and Bar
1131 K Street, (916) 443-3772, www.elladiningroomandbar.com

2. The Kitchen
2225 Hurley Way, Suite 101; (916) 568-7171; www.thekitchenrestaurant.com

2. Dad’s Kitchen
2968 Freeport Boulevard, (916) 443-3237

Best buffet

1. China Buffet
1402 Broadway, (916) 930-0888, www.chinabuffetrestaurant.com

2. Kaveri Madras Cuisine
1148 Fulton Avenue, Suite A; (916) 481-9970

2. John’s Incredible Pizza
384 N Sunrise Avenue, Roseville; (916) 772-1111; www.johnspizza.com

2. Sher-e-Punjab Indian Restaurant
6400 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Carmichael; (916) 971-0115; www.sherepunjabrestaurant.com

Best server

1. Russel Thomas, Dad’s Kitchen

2. Becca Hanson, Zebra Club

Best overall service

1. Temple Fine Coffee and Tea
1014 10th Street, (916) 443-4960, www.templecoffee.com

2. Biba Restaurant
2801 Capitol Avenue, (916) 455-2422, http://biba-restaurant.com

Best outdoor dining

1. Tower Cafe
1518 Broadway, (916) 441-0222, www.towercafe.com

2. Dad’s Kitchen
2968 Freeport Boulevard, (916) 443-3237

3. Paragary’s Bar and Oven
1401 28th Street, (916) 457-5737, www.paragarys.com

Best new restaurant

1. Dad’s Kitchen
2968 Freeport Boulevard, (916) 443-3237

2. Tulí Bistro
2031 S Street, (916) 451-8854, www.tulibistro.com

3. Ella Dining Room and Bar
1131 K Street, (916) 443-3772, www.elladiningroomandbar.com

Best lunch

1. Dad’s Kitchen
2968 Freeport Boulevard, (916) 443-3237

2. Jack’s Urban Eats
various locations, www.jacksurbaneats.com

3. La Bonne Soupe Cafe
920 Eighth Street, (916) 492-9506

3. Roxy Restaurant and Bar
2381 Fair Oaks Boulevard, (916) 489-2000, www.roxyrestaurantandbar.com

Best late-night eats

1. Ink Eats & Drinks
2730 N Street, (916) 456-2800, www.inkeats.com

2. Willie’s Burgers of Sacramento
2415 16th Street, (916) 444-2006; 5050 Arden Way, (916) 488-5050; www.williesburgers.com

3. Elixir Bar and Grill
1815 10th Street, (916) 442-0693, www.myspace.com/elixirbar

Best healthy meal

1. Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op
1900 Alhambra Boulevard, (916) 455-2667, www.sacfoodcoop.com

2. Jack’s Urban Eats
various locations, www.jacksurbaneats.com

3. Andy Nguyen’s
2007 Broadway, (916) 736-1157

3. Opa! Opa!
5644 J Street, Suite 102; (916) 451-4000; www.eatatopa.com

Best French restaurant

1. The Waterboy
2000 Capitol Avenue, (916) 498-9891, www.waterboyrestaurant.com

2. Cafe Rolle
5357 H Street, (916) 455-9140, http://caferolle.com

3. La Bonne Soupe Cafe
920 Eighth Street, (916) 492-9506

Best Italian restaurant

1. Biba Restaurant
2801 Capitol Avenue, (916) 455-2422, http://biba-restaurant.com

2. Español
5723 Folsom Boulevard, (916) 457-1936

3. Paesano’s
1806 Capitol Avenue, (916) 447-8646; 8519 Bond Road, Elk Grove; (916) 690-8646; www.paesanos.biz

Best Greek restaurant

1. Opa! Opa!
5644 J Street, Suite 102; (916) 451-4000; www.eatatopa.com

2. Greek Village Inn
65 University Avenue, (916) 922-6334

3. Daphne’s Greek Cafe
1831 S Street, Suite 100; (916) 444-3439; 4740 Natomas Boulevard, (916) 285-9130; www.daphnesgreekcafe.com

Best Japanese restaurant

1. Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
various locations, www.mikunisushi.com

1. Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine
2516 J Street, (916) 551-1559, www.krurestaurant.com

2. Nishiki Sushi Bar
1501 16th Street, (916), 446-3629, www.nishikisushi.com

Best Thai restaurant

1. Thai Basil
various locations, www.thaibasilrestaurant.com

2. Thai Palace
3262 J Street, (916) 447-5353

3. Taste of Thai
various locations, www.tasteofthaisac.net

Best Chinese restaurant

1. The Mandarin Restaurant
4321 Arden Way, (916) 488-4794, www.themandarinrestaurant.com

2. Shanghai Garden
800 Alhambra Boulevard, (916) 446-6358, http://shanghaigardenca.com

3. Mayflower Chinese Cuisine
3022 L Street, (916) 737-2222

3. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
1530 J Street, (916) 288-0970; 1180 Galleria Boulevard, Roseville; (916) 788-2800; www.pfchangs.com

Best Indian restaurant

1. Gaylord India Restaurant
1501 14th Street, (916) 441-6700, www.gaylords.com

2. Kathmandu Kitchen
various locations, www.kathmandukitchen.com

3. Kaveri Madras Cuisine
1148 Fulton Avenue, Suite A; (916) 481-9970

Best Middle Eastern restaurant

1. Maalouf’s Taste of Lebanon
1433 Fulton Avenue, Suite G; (916) 972-8768

2. Café Morocco
1221 Alhambra Boulevard, Suite 107; (916) 731-4637; http://cafemoroccosac.com

3. Casablanca Moroccan Restaurant
3516 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Suite B; (916) 979-1160

3. Kasbah Lounge

2115 J Street, (916) 442-4388, www.kasbahlounge.com

Best Mexican restaurant

1. Tres Hermanas
2416 K Street, (916) 443-6919

2. Ernesto’s Mexican Food
1901 16th Street, (916) 441-5850, www.ernestosmexicanfood.com

3. Vallejo’s Restaurant
various locations, www.vallejosrestaurant.com

Best Natomas restaurant

1. Tuk Tuk
4630 Natomas Boulevard, Suite 150; (916) 575-7957, www.tuktuksac.com

2. Center Court
3600 North Freeway Boulevard, (916) 419-4667, www.centercourtwithcwebb.com

2. Malabar American Cooking
2960 Del Paso Road, (916) 574-9074, www.malabaramericancooking.com

Best Roseville restaurant

1. Crush 29
1480 Eureka Road, Roseville; (916) 773-2929; www.crush29.com

2. Blue Nami Restaurant
1465 Eureka Road, Suite 120, Roseville; (916) 787-1177; www.bluenamisushi.com

3. Fat’s Asia Bistro & Dim Sum Bar
1500 Eureka Road, Roseville; (916) 787-3287; www.fatsrestaurants.com

Best Elk Grove restaurant

1. Elk Grove Brewery & Restaurant
9805 Elk Grove Boulevard, Elk Grove; (916) 685-2537; www.elkgrovebrewery.com

2. Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
8525 Bond Road, Elk Grove; (916) 714-2112; www.mikunisushi.com

2. Table 260
2745 Elk Grove Boulevard, Elk Grove; (916) 683-3260; www.table260.com

Best El Dorado Hills restaurant

1. Masque Ristorante
3909 Park Drive, El Dorado Hills; (916) 933-8555; www.masqueristorante.com

2. Bistro 33
4364 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 124; El Dorado Hills; (916) 358-3733; www.bistro33.com

Best Folsom restaurant

1. Chicago Fire
614 Sutter Street, Folsom; (916) 353-1040; http://chicagofirerestaurant.com

2. Bidwell Street Bistro
1004 E. Bidwell Street, Folsom; (916) 984-7500, www.bidwellstreet.com

3. Fat’s Asia Bistro & Dim Sum Bar
2585 Iron Point Road, Folsom; (916) 983-1133, www.fatsbistro.com

3. Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar
9611 Greenback Lane, Folsom; (916) 989-671; www.scottsseafood.net

Best kid-friendly restaurant

1. The Old Spaghetti Factory
various locations, www.osf.com

2. John’s Incredible Pizza
384 N. Sunrise Avenue, Roseville; (916) 772-1111; www.johnspizza.com

Best fine dining

1. Ella Dining Room and Bar
1131 K Street, (916) 443-3772, www.elladiningroomandbar.com

2. The Waterboy
2000 Capitol Avenue, (916) 498-9891, www.waterboyrestaurant.com

3. Biba Restaurant
2801 Capitol Avenue, (916) 455-2422, http://biba-restaurant.com

Best burger joint

1. The Squeeze Inn
7916 Fruitridge Avenue, (916) 386-8599, http://thesqueezeinn.com

2. Willie’s Burgers of Sacramento
2415 16th Street, (916) 444-2006; 5050 Arden Way, (916) 488-5050; www.williesburgers.com

3. In-N-Out Burger
various locations, (800) 786-1000, www.in-n-out.com

Best casual ambience

1. Dad’s Kitchen
2968 Freeport Boulevard, (916) 443-3237

2. Tower Cafe
1518 Broadway, (916) 441-0222, www.towercafe.com

3. Temple Fine Coffee and Tea
1014 10th Street, (916) 443-4960, www.templecoffee.com

Best business lunch

1. Il Fornaio
400 Capitol Mall, (916) 446-4100, www.ilfornaio.com

2. Mason’s Restaurant
1116 15th Street, (916) 492-1960, www.theparkdowntown.com

3. Cheffery’s American Bistro
4235 Arden Way, (916) 488-2433, www.chefferysbistro.com

Best barbecue

1. Sandra Dee’s Barbecue and Seafood Restaurant
601 15th Street, (916) 448-6375, www.sandradeesbbq.com

2. Texas West Barbecue
various locations, www.texaswestbbq.com

3. J.R.'s Texas Barbecue
180 Otto Circle, (916) 424-3520, www.jrtexasbbq.com

Best breakfast pastries

1. Old Soul Co.
1617 L Street, rear alley; (916) 443-7685; Weatherstone, 812 21st Street; (916) 443-6340; www.oldsoulco.com

2. Freeport Bakery
2966 Freeport Boulevard, (916) 442-4256, www.freeportbakery.com

3. Ettore’s European Bakery & Restaurant
2376 Fair Oaks Boulevard, (916) 482-0708, www.ettores.com

Best pizza

1. Zelda’s Original Gourmet Pizza
1415 21st Street, (916) 447-1400, www.zeldasgourmetpizza.com

2. Chicago Fire
2416 J Street, (916) 443-0440; 614 Sutter Street, Folsom; (916) 353-1040; http://chicagofirerestaurant.com

Best bread

1. The Bread Store
1716 J Street, (916) 557-1600

2. Old Soul Co.
1617 L Street, rear alley; (916) 443-7685; Weatherstone, 812 21st Street; (916) 443-6340; www.oldsoulco.com

3. Il Fornaio
400 Capitol Mall, (916) 446-4100, www.ilfornaio.com

Best french fries

1. Jack’s Urban Eats
various locations, www.jacksurbaneats.com

2. In-N-Out Burger
various locations, (800) 786-1000, www.in-n-out.com

Best breakfast

1. Tower Cafe
1518 Broadway, (916) 441-0222, www.towercafe.com

2. Fox & Goose
1001 R Street, (916) 443-8825, www.foxandgoose.com

Best sushi roll

1. Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
various locations, www.mikunisushi.com

2. Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine
2516 J Street, (916) 551-1559, www.krurestaurant.com

3. Nishiki Sushi Bar
1501 16th Street, (916) 446-3629, www.nishikisushi.com

Best salsa

1. Ernesto’s Mexican Food
1901 16th Street, (916) 441-5850, www.ernestosmexicanfood.com

2. Tres Hermanas
2416 K Street, (916) 443-6919

Best burrito

1. La Fiesta Taqueria
various locations

2. Adalberto’s
various locations

3. Gordito Burrito
various locations

Best drunk eats

1. Ink Eats & Drinks
2730 N Street, (916) 456-2800, www.inkeats.com

2. Willie’s Burgers of Sacramento
2415 16th Street, (916) 444-2006; 5050 Arden Way, (916) 488-5050; www.williesburgers.com

3. Plum Blossom
1830 J Street, (916) 443-8882

Best place to get drunk

1. Capitol Garage
1500 K Street, (916) 444-3633, www.capitolgarage.com

2. Elixir Bar and Grill
1815 10th Street, (916) 442-0693, www.myspace.com/elixirbar

Best place for sober sipping

1. Temple Fine Coffee and Tea
1014 10th Street, (916) 443-4960, www.templecoffee.com

2. Naked Lounge
1500 Q Street, (916) 442-0174, www.thenakedlounge.com

Best coffeehouse

1. Temple Fine Coffee and Tea
1014 10th Street, (916) 443-4960, www.templecoffee.com

2. Old Soul Co.
1617 L Street, rear alley; (916) 443-7685; Weatherstone, 812 21st Street; (916) 443-6340; www.oldsoulco.com

3. Naked Lounge
1500 Q Street, (916) 442-0174, www.thenakedlounge.com

Best place for deep conversation

1. L Street Wine Bar and Lounge
1801 L Street, (916) 443-6970, www.lwinelounge.com

1. Naked Lounge
1500 Q Street, (916) 442-0174, www.thenakedlounge.com

Best place for shots

1. Elixir Bar and Grill
1815 10th Street, (916) 442-0693, www.myspace.com/elixirbar

2. Capitol Garage
1500 K Street, (916) 444-3633, www.capitolgarage.com

3. Shaker’s Pub
5940 Sperry Drive, Citrus Heights; (916) 863-7465; www.shakerspub.com

Best place for a beer

1. Streets of London Pub
various locations, www.streetsoflondon.net

2. Rubicon Brewing Company
2004 Capitol Avenue, (916) 448-7032, www.rubiconbrewing.com

Best brewpub

1. Rubicon Brewing Company
2004 Capitol Avenue, (916) 448-7032, www.rubiconbrewing.com

2. Brew It Up! Personal Brewery & Grill
801 14th Street, (916) 441-3000, www.brewitup.com

3. Sacramento Brewing Company
2713 El Paseo Lane, (916) 485-4677; 7811 Madison Avenue, Citrus Heights; (916) 966-6274; www.sacbrew.com

Best drink specials

1. Monkey Bar
2730 Capitol Avenue, (916) 442-8490, www.paragarys.com

2. The Depot Video Bar
2001 K Street, (916) 441-6823, www.thedepot.net

2. Mercantile Saloon
1928 L Street, (916) 447-0792

Best cocktail

1. Pineapple mojito at Hangar 17
1630 S Street, (916) 447-1717, www.hangar17bar.biz

2. Gin and tonic at Ella Dining Room and Bar
1131 K Street, (916) 443-3772, www.elladiningroomandbar.com

3. Lime gimlet at Ink Eats & Drinks
2730 N Street, (916) 456-2800, www.inkeats.com

Best margarita

1. Ernesto’s Mexican Food
1901 16th Street, (916) 441-5850, www.ernestosmexicanfood.com

2. Zócalo
1801 Capitol Avenue, (916) 441-0303, www.zocalosacramento.com

3. Centro Cocina Mexicana
2730 J Street, (916) 442-2552, www.paragarys.com

Best after-work bar

1. Capitol Garage
1500 K Street, (916) 444-3633, www.capitolgarage.com

2. Bonn Lair
3651 J Street, (916) 455-7155, www.geocities.com/bonnlair

2. R15
1431 R Street, (916) 930-9191

2. Spataro Restaurant and Bar
1415 L Street, (916) 440-8888, www.paragarys.com

Best bartender

1. Curt Pow, Elixir Bar and Grill
1815 10th Street, (916) 442-0693, www.myspace.com/elixirbar

2. K.C. Kimber, Badlands
2003 K Street, (916) 448-8790, www.sacbadlands.com

3. Art Rodriguez, Old Ironsides
1901 10th Street, (916) 443-9751, www.theoldironsides.com