Nestled in the heart of Downtown Sacramento, the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center is surrounded by a diverse range of eateries that are easily accessible by foot for both participants and visitors of conventions and tradeshows. This vibrant area brims with choices that cater to different dining preferences, be it a leisurely meal in an upscale restaurant or a quick bite in a bustling fast-casual joint.
Closest Casual Eats Near the Convention Center
Eateries for Quick Bites:
- Cafeteria 15L: This spot is a mere 0.2 miles around the corner. Dining here is like traveling back in time to those comforting, home-cooked meals, albeit with a gourmet twist. Cafeteria 15L serves food all day, including late-night meals and weekend brunches. If you’re considering group dining, the restaurant offers roomy patios and lounges, along with private dining areas;
- Capitol Garage: Located right across from the convention center, this place is a testament to Sacramento’s farm-to-fork culture. They offer a plethora of vegan options and an array of craft brews and cocktails for your dining pleasure;
- Chando’s Cantina: For a taste of Tijuana-style Mexican street food, this cantina is worth a visit. It is situated just 0.2 miles from the convention center, delivering an authentic cultural experience right in Sacramento.
Venturing into Exotic Tastes:
- Mikuni: If you’re in the mood for Japanese cuisine, then Mikuni, located 0.2 miles away, is your destination. They offer a unique blend of traditional and modern Japanese dishes with over 300 original sushi creations;
- Mojo’s Local Tap & Kitchen: This establishment offers a rotating assortment of up to 40 local wines and beers. Mojo’s local culinary offerings complement the beverage selection, with their menu featuring a number of American-style dishes.
For the Comfort Food Lover:
- Nash and Proper: If you’re a fan of Nashville-style fried chicken, head over to Nash & Proper, located on K Street. They’re known to serve some of the best fried chicken in Sacramento;
- Public House Downtown: A modern take on the traditional sports bar, the Public House Downtown provides a variety of American-style dishes. Stay for breakfast, lunch, dinner or late-night eats, and enjoy their selection of over 60 beers on tap.
Experience Authentic Mexican Cuisine:
- Tequila Museo Mayahuel: This eatery, located only five minutes from the Convention Center, features an extensive tequila menu along with authentic Mexican cuisine. It has a spacious dining room, the Coa Room, where group functions can take place.
Business Dinners Near the Convention Center
Brasserie du Monde (0.2 miles): This establishment presents patrons with an outstanding French food experience, amid an array of craft beverages and wines. The ambiance carries a touch of sophistication, while remaining wholly welcoming.
Dawson’s Steakhouse (0.1 miles): This AAA Four Diamond recipient nestles within the Hyatt Regency Sacramento Hotel, serving up top-tier cuisine with a strong emphasis on local sourcing. In addition to the main dining area’s cozy atmosphere, Dawson’s Steakhouse delights with a private dining area for your special occasions.
Ella Dining Room and Bar (0.3 miles): A New American culinary haunt with a farm-to-fork philosophy, Ella Dining Room and Bar offers an array of dishes within a modern, stylish space complete with an outdoor seating area. The venue also has multiple adaptable spaces, making it perfect for hosting private events, irrespective of their size.
Frank Fat’s (0.6 miles): A James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award holder, Frank Fat’s entices with a chic mix of modern Chinese and other Asian cuisine. Along with a private dining room accommodating up to 40 guests, the restaurant’s charming setting blends both modern and traditional elements.
Frog & Slim (0.3 miles): This nearby eatery mingles French gastronomy with American culinary standards, offering a menu laden with locally sourced ingredients, prime meat cuts, and diverse fish and vegetarian dishes.
Prelude Kitchen & Bar (0.2 miles): Offering a unique take on American food, Prelude Kitchen & Bar serves local farm-to-fork fare alongside a selection of crafted cocktails, beers, and wines. Apart from indoor and patio dining, the restaurant provides private dining in a cozy space with a full bar, accommodating up to 80 patrons.
Grange Restaurant and Bar (0.3 miles): Listed in the 2021 and 2022 Michelin Guides for Sacramento, Grange Restaurant and Bar enthralls with its seasonal menus that celebrate the freshest local ingredients. Whether you’re dining privately or in a group of up to 150, the venue’s sophisticated urban ambiance is sure to lend a special touch to the occasion.
The Melting Pot (0.2 miles): As a unique dining activity, The Melting Pot provides a four-course experience that includes cheese fondue, salad, entrée, and dessert. Intimate semi-private tables and private party rooms accommodating up to 44 guests make it an ideal choice for celebratory meals.
Happy Hour Near the Convention Center
The Cellar (0.5 miles)
Positioned in the bustling heart of Midtown Sacramento, The Cellar delivers a full-bodied dining experience with its internationally influenced and season-oriented menu. The paired wine and beer offerings emanate such quality that they’re nearly the talk of the town.
Brewer’s Haven (0.7 miles)
Brewer’s Haven is an elevated gastropub, flaunting award-winning craft beers, inventive cocktails, and a discerningly handpicked wine listing. The pub’s ambience, accentuated by an urban front patio and a picturesque backyard garden patio, sets the tone for casual relaxation.
Savor & Sip (0.2 miles)
A short walk from the Convention Center, Savor & Sip impresses with its broad selection of locally sourced, gluten-free and vegetarian small plates. Paired with this, the place offers an array of craft cocktails, local beers, and wines. Its elegant and refined setting serves as a perfect location for private gatherings, catering to groups of 20 to 50.
Bistro 400 (0.4 miles)
Bistro 400 stands as a top-notch hangout spot in Downtown Sacramento. The eatery prides itself in its farm-to-fork dishes, beverages inspired by classic mixology, local wines, and craft beers. The setting at Bistro 400 is flexible, adjusting seamlessly to meet the needs of different events with options for private dining in the dining room, patio, or even booking the whole restaurant.
Coffee Near the Convention Center
Bella Brew (0.3 miles)
Experience the warmth of Bella Brew, a quaint coffee oasis nestled in a charming 1861 Victorian house. Opened by passionate coffee lovers, Bella Brew serves its own range of coffee and tea, brewed to perfection. This cozy hangout also features local delicacies including cakes, pastries, and kombucha.
SoulJar Cafe (0.4 miles)
In the heart of Midtown, SoulJar Cafe is an outdoor café that has garnered awards for its coffee. Think of any comfort food, be it freshly baked pastries, hand-stretched pizza, wholesome soups, or hearty sandwiches – SoulJar has it all. They also have a range of local beers and wines if you’re looking for something stronger.
Convention Center Starbucks
For coffee aficionados who want something familiar and prompt, the Convention Center has its own Starbucks on the first floor. Perfect to grab a quick coffee between sessions or meetings.
Sanctuary Coffee (0.7 miles)
Innovatively presenting the farm-to-cup concept, Sanctuary Coffee is a Sacramento-based chain welcoming visitors with a selection of specialty coffees that change with the seasons. They also offer a range of teas and pastries sourced from local bakeries.
Top Thanksgiving Dinner Destinations in Sacramento
As the holiday season approaches, Sacramento offers an array of esteemed dining establishments where you can savor a memorable Thanksgiving feast. These venues combine culinary excellence with warm hospitality to create an unforgettable holiday experience.
Conclusion
Whether you’re attending a convention, a trade show, or simply exploring downtown Sacramento, the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center surrounds you with a wide selection of eateries catering to all preferences and occasions. From grabbing a quick coffee to indulging in a fine dining experience, the food scene around the Center is as diverse and vibrant as the events hosted within its walls. Next time you’re there, take a culinary detour and savor the delightful dining experiences on offer.
