Tom's B-Street Threatre Restaurant Guide
Ever tried to find a place to eat in midtown
Sacramento before visiting the 6:30pm show at the
B-Street Theatre? Well, here's our list gathered
over the years. We look for affordable places with "comfort
food", near B-Street, but not a "destination".
Eateries are in most recent order visited (with potential
new places at the top). Use the menu to jump to a specific one.
Enjoy.
Our 1-5 star rating scale is as follows:
Terrible, will never return.
Below par, do not recommend.
Just average. Not bad... but you know... average.
Above average, definitely recommend going again.
Heaven. Tom Milner
tomkmilner@gmail.com
Below par, do not recommend.
Just average. Not bad... but you know... average.
Above average, definitely recommend going again.
Heaven. Tom Milner
tomkmilner@gmail.com
The Sofia, Home of B Street 
2700 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95816
916-443-5300
Rating:
Dates:
Feb 27, 2019
March 8, 2017
June 1, 2016
Mar 5, 2014
Dec 26, 2012
Apr 6, 2011
Apr 7, 2010
Dates:
Feb 27, 2019
March 8, 2017
June 1, 2016
Mar 5, 2014
Dec 26, 2012
Apr 6, 2011
Apr 7, 2010
Comments:
It's just too good... we always want to go there. Great bar (love the Cadillac Margaritas), quick service, and Mexican food at a notch above. Last time I had the Sopa Seca de Fideo con Camerones. Another favorite is Enchiladas de Pollo. Got our favorite waiter, Patrick. He makes a big difference. At the early hour you can usually find parking on the street in front of the restaurant, or next to the park across the street.
It's just too good... we always want to go there. Great bar (love the Cadillac Margaritas), quick service, and Mexican food at a notch above. Last time I had the Sopa Seca de Fideo con Camerones. Another favorite is Enchiladas de Pollo. Got our favorite waiter, Patrick. He makes a big difference. At the early hour you can usually find parking on the street in front of the restaurant, or next to the park across the street.
Rating:
Dates:
Aug 8, 2018
Nov 7, 2018
Dates:
Aug 8, 2018
Nov 7, 2018
Comments:
Like Paragary's, this is walking distance to the new theater. From now on we've decided to eat walking distance from the theater to save driving around between dinner and showtime.
Like Paragary's, this is walking distance to the new theater. From now on we've decided to eat walking distance from the theater to save driving around between dinner and showtime.
Rating:
Dates:
June 20, 2018
Dates:
June 20, 2018
Comments:
Have not been in a long time. What a great place for summer, sitting in the large, back patio. Good food, good drinks, good service... What's not to like.
Individual European-style pizzas are a specialty (thin crust, oven
fired, relatively few toppings so you don't get stuffed). I had
the Fennel Sausage Pizza and a
Fresno Margarita, both great!
The Wood Oven Roasted Mussels were
also good, but essentially just steamed Mussels in a nice broth
(Oven Roasted?).
The place may become a regular, because its just a block down and
block over from the Sofia. Park near Sofia for later and walk to
Paragary's.
Have not been in a long time. What a great place for summer, sitting in the large, back patio. Good food, good drinks, good service... What's not to like.
Rating:
Dates:
Jan 31, 2018
Dates:
Jan 31, 2018
Comments:
A long time favorite, and now its closer to the new Sofia theater. Parking is a little tight, but at our early hour not much of a problem. Excellent Baja Fish Tacos as well as Crab Cake Sliders. Even the Fried Green Tomatoes were a hit. And they have a full bar, if you'd like something to drink.
A long time favorite, and now its closer to the new Sofia theater. Parking is a little tight, but at our early hour not much of a problem. Excellent Baja Fish Tacos as well as Crab Cake Sliders. Even the Fried Green Tomatoes were a hit. And they have a full bar, if you'd like something to drink.
Rating:
Dates:
Nov 29, 2017
Dates:
Nov 29, 2017
Comments:
I think this is the best Thai restaurant in midtown! Seriously. With all the road closures it took work to meander there, and when we arrived it was empty, even though its right on J street. But the waiter was very friendly, the food was terrific, and the portions large. I recommend the Crab Meat Pad Thai which comes in a large bowl with lots of minced crab meat on top. We also enjoyed the Seafood Meadly and the Spicy Basil Lamb. Some of the reviews warn that the meals were very spicy. We did not find this to be the case, (although we did ask the waiter for milder dishes).
I think this is the best Thai restaurant in midtown! Seriously. With all the road closures it took work to meander there, and when we arrived it was empty, even though its right on J street. But the waiter was very friendly, the food was terrific, and the portions large. I recommend the Crab Meat Pad Thai which comes in a large bowl with lots of minced crab meat on top. We also enjoyed the Seafood Meadly and the Spicy Basil Lamb. Some of the reviews warn that the meals were very spicy. We did not find this to be the case, (although we did ask the waiter for milder dishes).
Rating:
Dates:
Sep 20, 2017
Dates:
Sep 20, 2017
Comments:
2nd to last B-Street at the old location... We tried this place for a bit of variety. Food was good, but generally nothing spectacular. You order at the counter and they bring your order out to you. I had the Burrito del Mar with Shrimp which was ok, but since everything was grilled you really couldn't taste the shrimp. The Cheese Enchiladas with green sauce were good, but that's a safe bet.
2nd to last B-Street at the old location... We tried this place for a bit of variety. Food was good, but generally nothing spectacular. You order at the counter and they bring your order out to you. I had the Burrito del Mar with Shrimp which was ok, but since everything was grilled you really couldn't taste the shrimp. The Cheese Enchiladas with green sauce were good, but that's a safe bet.
Rating:
Dates:
Aug 2, 2017
Sep 26, 2013
Nov 7, 2012
Feb 16, 2011
Sep 9, 2009
Dates:
Aug 2, 2017
Sep 26, 2013
Nov 7, 2012
Feb 16, 2011
Sep 9, 2009
Comments:
Wow, coming out the line had already formed. This place is getting really popular. Always good, traditional Mexican cuisine... notice we keep coming back! The food is simple but reliably good. Try the Carnitas. And the combo platers warm your insides.
Wow, coming out the line had already formed. This place is getting really popular. Always good, traditional Mexican cuisine... notice we keep coming back! The food is simple but reliably good. Try the Carnitas. And the combo platers warm your insides.
Rating:
Dates:
June 14, 2017
Dates:
June 14, 2017
Comments:
Whoa, we were here before! But unlike before, the waiter this time was quite cordial (thanks VeeGee). The prices are reasonable, but the meals are meant to be shared. Which means the plates come out with just an individual entre (not a whole meal), so that they can be passed around. So we got a little of everything. Gambas Parrilla (grilled shrimp), Hueso De Chuleton al Mole Narajado (short ribs), Mejillones "Aioli" (mussles in cream sauce), Pollo Andaluz (chicken), and a side of Gratinado De Patatas (au gratin potatos), which were also very good. Did I mention it helps if you speak Spanish? Although this place is meant to sit, share, and talk all night, the waiter was very nice about hurring things along when we mentioned we had an appointment at the B-Street. If you don't come right at their opening, be sure to have a reservation.
Whoa, we were here before! But unlike before, the waiter this time was quite cordial (thanks VeeGee). The prices are reasonable, but the meals are meant to be shared. Which means the plates come out with just an individual entre (not a whole meal), so that they can be passed around. So we got a little of everything. Gambas Parrilla (grilled shrimp), Hueso De Chuleton al Mole Narajado (short ribs), Mejillones "Aioli" (mussles in cream sauce), Pollo Andaluz (chicken), and a side of Gratinado De Patatas (au gratin potatos), which were also very good. Did I mention it helps if you speak Spanish? Although this place is meant to sit, share, and talk all night, the waiter was very nice about hurring things along when we mentioned we had an appointment at the B-Street. If you don't come right at their opening, be sure to have a reservation.
Rating:
Dates:
May 3, 2017
Dates:
May 3, 2017
Comments:
Finally got to try it out, and its quite nice, but a tad expensive for a "before B-Street venue", if you add in wine and desert (very good fyi). I had the Short Ribs, which came with palenta. It was tender, but a bit fatty. The Roasted Chicken Risotto was also good (and came with yellow cauliflower). Its a popular but small location, so reservations are definitely recommended. Half of the seating is outside in the garden, which was very nice if the weather cooperates. But if it doesn't, I recommend you specify inside seating on your reservation. Valet parking is $5. We mentioned B-Street and they left the car right out front so we wouldn't be late.
Finally got to try it out, and its quite nice, but a tad expensive for a "before B-Street venue", if you add in wine and desert (very good fyi). I had the Short Ribs, which came with palenta. It was tender, but a bit fatty. The Roasted Chicken Risotto was also good (and came with yellow cauliflower). Its a popular but small location, so reservations are definitely recommended. Half of the seating is outside in the garden, which was very nice if the weather cooperates. But if it doesn't, I recommend you specify inside seating on your reservation. Valet parking is $5. We mentioned B-Street and they left the car right out front so we wouldn't be late.
Rating:
Dates:
December 21, 2016
Dates:
December 21, 2016
Comments:
"Over the top Burgers!" is right! Good food, good service, but really LOUD! It's just across the street from CrepeVille. A couple of us had the Johnny Cash Burger "as is". The BBQ sauce was really good (with just a modest kick to it). The Gorgonzola Mushroom Burger was also a hit, as was the Bacon Mac & Cheese, which comes out fried on both sides... ? A good place for comfort food, but forget about conversation, because its LOUD here.
"Over the top Burgers!" is right! Good food, good service, but really LOUD! It's just across the street from CrepeVille. A couple of us had the Johnny Cash Burger "as is". The BBQ sauce was really good (with just a modest kick to it). The Gorgonzola Mushroom Burger was also a hit, as was the Bacon Mac & Cheese, which comes out fried on both sides... ? A good place for comfort food, but forget about conversation, because its LOUD here.
Rating:
Dates:
June 28, 2016
Dates:
June 28, 2016
Comments:
Since this was a Paragary Restaurant, I had expected something a little more upscale (like a waiter...), but here you order at the cash register and they bring the dinner to your table. I guess our order taker was new, because it seemed confusing for her also. All that being said, the Niman Ranch Angus Burger was good.
Since this was a Paragary Restaurant, I had expected something a little more upscale (like a waiter...), but here you order at the cash register and they bring the dinner to your table. I guess our order taker was new, because it seemed confusing for her also. All that being said, the Niman Ranch Angus Burger was good.
Rating:
Dates:
April 6, 2016
Nov 19, 2014
Sept 19, 2012
May 25, 2011
Dates:
April 6, 2016
Nov 19, 2014
Sept 19, 2012
May 25, 2011
Comments:
Reliably good, at 20th and Capital. Try their Classic Tri-tip Sandwich, with honey-mustard and a Blue Moon.
Reliably good, at 20th and Capital. Try their Classic Tri-tip Sandwich, with honey-mustard and a Blue Moon.
Rating:
Dates:
February 24, 2016
Dates:
February 24, 2016
Comments:
Yet-another-counter-order restaurant. You order at the cash register and they bring out your order. The Pesto Ravioli was good. But in general, ordering at the counter and not having a waiter is not what we're looking for.
Yet-another-counter-order restaurant. You order at the cash register and they bring out your order. The Pesto Ravioli was good. But in general, ordering at the counter and not having a waiter is not what we're looking for.
Rating:
Dates:
December 30, 2015
December 29, 2013
August 7, 2013
Dates:
December 30, 2015
December 29, 2013
August 7, 2013
Comments:
Still good. Had the Crispy Shrimp Tacos. Really good and not filling.
Still good. Had the Crispy Shrimp Tacos. Really good and not filling.
It's a new place next to the Centro Cocina. Food was good, as was the service.
December: We ate off the happy hour menu and had the tacos again because we were running late and the waiter made sure we got out in time.
Rating:
Dates:
Oct 28, 2015
Dates:
Oct 28, 2015
Comments:
Thai restaurant. Only fair. A bit small and nothing spectacular about the menu. Good prices on beer during Happy Hour. I've learned it has since closed and re-opened with the same owner as the Drunken Noodle.
Thai restaurant. Only fair. A bit small and nothing spectacular about the menu. Good prices on beer during Happy Hour. I've learned it has since closed and re-opened with the same owner as the Drunken Noodle.
Rating:
Dates:
July 22, 2015
Dates:
July 22, 2015
Comments:
Good seafood, right on the river. And remember, its a "shack". However, if you really want a selection of seafood, this is the place to go. Its mostly deep fried, but its good. Another place to try for seafood is Station 16. I have not tried it yet...
Good seafood, right on the river. And remember, its a "shack". However, if you really want a selection of seafood, this is the place to go. Its mostly deep fried, but its good. Another place to try for seafood is Station 16. I have not tried it yet...
Rating:
Dates:
May 28, 2015
Dates:
May 28, 2015
Comments:
Expensive but worth it. The owner made the rounds at each table. The Lasagne was a big hit.
Expensive but worth it. The owner made the rounds at each table. The Lasagne was a big hit.
Rating:
Dates:
April 15, 2015
June 11, 2014
Dates:
April 15, 2015
June 11, 2014
Comments:
A really fun place, good food, and an impressive menu to choose from. Unless you go "B-Street early" like us, you need to make a reservation. Its that popular. Recommend the Cowboy Shrimp or the Carnitas.
A really fun place, good food, and an impressive menu to choose from. Unless you go "B-Street early" like us, you need to make a reservation. Its that popular. Recommend the Cowboy Shrimp or the Carnitas.
Rating:
Dates:
2015
Dates:
2015
Comments:
Rick's moved from their old location to a new spacious place. It's a bit nosier and lacks the cramped, line-out-the-door-and-up-the-sidewalk ambiance, but the mile-high desserts are still fantastic (and the line fits inside the building now). This is really not a place for a "before B-Street" dinner. But, if you've skipped dinner, or are looking for an after B-Street sugar high, this is the place!
Rick's moved from their old location to a new spacious place. It's a bit nosier and lacks the cramped, line-out-the-door-and-up-the-sidewalk ambiance, but the mile-high desserts are still fantastic (and the line fits inside the building now). This is really not a place for a "before B-Street" dinner. But, if you've skipped dinner, or are looking for an after B-Street sugar high, this is the place!
Rating:
Dates:
Dec 30, 2014
Feb 20, 2013
Dates:
Dec 30, 2014
Feb 20, 2013
Comments:
Excellent. Very classy, and filling portions. Most of us ordered off the Happy Hour menu. Chile Relleno was more like Carnitas wrapped with Chile, but still very good.
Excellent. Very classy, and filling portions. Most of us ordered off the Happy Hour menu. Chile Relleno was more like Carnitas wrapped with Chile, but still very good.
Rating:
Dates:
February 19, 2014
Dates:
February 19, 2014
Comments:
Fabulous Irish stew, with quality meat and a slice of Irish brown bread. The Reuben sandwich was good also.
Fabulous Irish stew, with quality meat and a slice of Irish brown bread. The Reuben sandwich was good also.
If you come later its a bit noisey (as a pub should be), but
early for B-Street its quiet. Parking (like all of downtown) is
a bit of a hassle, but we lucked out with curb space right in front.
Rating:
Dates:
Nov 13, 2013
Oct 27, 2010
Dates:
Nov 13, 2013
Oct 27, 2010
Comments:
Excellent Short Ribs. Somewhat upscale but not stuffy or too expensive.
Excellent Short Ribs. Somewhat upscale but not stuffy or too expensive.
Rating:
Dates:
Sep 26, 2013
Feb 22, 2012
Dates:
Sep 26, 2013
Feb 22, 2012
Comments:
OMG! What happened to this place! We had a late show (8:00pm) so we started here... along with all the smokers in Sacramento! We will never go here again! Walked out and went to Tres Hermanas, just a short walk away. Here's how it used to be a year before:
"Its right next to Rick's.
Featured on the
Food Network.
The grilled cheese was wonderfully far different than it sounds.
And the Banh Mi is terrific (ask Jim).
Quick service, and Derek monitored the clock for us when we told him
we had a B-Street deadline."
Ah, how things change...
OMG! What happened to this place! We had a late show (8:00pm) so we started here... along with all the smokers in Sacramento! We will never go here again! Walked out and went to Tres Hermanas, just a short walk away. Here's how it used to be a year before:
Rating:
Closed
Dates:
June 19, 2013
Dates:
June 19, 2013
Comments:
CLOSED Quite a large restaurant, with just as large of a menu. Fun for a group. Typical Sushi/Sushi Roll/Sashimi dishes with a large variety of warm entrees and salads. Plus New York Steak(?). Parking is tight, plan on valet parking.
CLOSED Quite a large restaurant, with just as large of a menu. Fun for a group. Typical Sushi/Sushi Roll/Sashimi dishes with a large variety of warm entrees and salads. Plus New York Steak(?). Parking is tight, plan on valet parking.
Rating:
Closed
Dates:
August 1, 2012
Dates:
August 1, 2012
Trio
826 J Street
Sacramento, CA
916-444-7454
826 J Street
Sacramento, CA
916-444-7454
Comments:
CLOSED The Portobello Ravioli was good, but most had the Lamb Shank which was a bit dry and tough. The restaurant had just opened a month earlier and the waiter was still trying to figure out the wine list.
CLOSED The Portobello Ravioli was good, but most had the Lamb Shank which was a bit dry and tough. The restaurant had just opened a month earlier and the waiter was still trying to figure out the wine list.
Rating:
Dates:
July 21, 2012
Dates:
July 21, 2012
Comments:
Don't let the plain red door fool you. It's a fun place. We took an alternate Saturday show and had an early Saturday dinner at Moxie's. Because the Saturday crowd hadn't showed yet the owner spent a lot of time for conversation and fun with us. Since its a bit pricey, and the food is truly great, its better as a destination and experience then it is as a quick stop before going onto B-Street. That being said, my mouth and stomach were thanking me immensely for coming here as we left.
Don't let the plain red door fool you. It's a fun place. We took an alternate Saturday show and had an early Saturday dinner at Moxie's. Because the Saturday crowd hadn't showed yet the owner spent a lot of time for conversation and fun with us. Since its a bit pricey, and the food is truly great, its better as a destination and experience then it is as a quick stop before going onto B-Street. That being said, my mouth and stomach were thanking me immensely for coming here as we left.
Rating:
Dates:
April 21, 2012
Dates:
April 21, 2012
Comments:
Since we had a schedule conflict for Wednesday, we re-scheduled for a Saturday afternoon matinee and went out for lunch. We first tried the The Fox and Goose, which had good reviews but was packed. So we went to CrepeVille instead and were quite pleased. Great breakfast place. Huge menu with everything under the sun.
Since we had a schedule conflict for Wednesday, we re-scheduled for a Saturday afternoon matinee and went out for lunch. We first tried the The Fox and Goose, which had good reviews but was packed. So we went to CrepeVille instead and were quite pleased. Great breakfast place. Huge menu with everything under the sun.
Rating:
Closed
Dates:
Dec 22, 2011
Dates:
Dec 22, 2011
Kupros Bistro
1217 21st Street
Sacramento, CA
916-440-0401
1217 21st Street
Sacramento, CA
916-440-0401
Rating:
Dates:
Feb 17, 2010
Dates:
Feb 17, 2010
Comments:
Czech and Italian Cuisine.
Czech and Italian Cuisine.
Rating:
Dates:
2010
Dates:
2010
Comments:
This is a good place for European style pizzas, brought to your table.
This is a good place for European style pizzas, brought to your table.
Rating:
Dates:
Nov 4, 2009
Dates:
Nov 4, 2009
Comments:
Good Thai food, but nothing special about the menu.
Good Thai food, but nothing special about the menu.
