Want to get cozy? Check out these five local establishments.
Pilothouse Restaurant (at the Delta King Hotel)
Offering stunning river views and an old-world, elegant ambiance, the Pilothouse is a great choice for a romantic meal. With its handsome wood-paneled walls, low ceiling, and flower-festooned, linen-draped tables, this gracious and intimate restaurant is one of Old Sacramento’s dining gems.
1000 Front Street, (Old) Sacramento, (916) 441-4440; http://www.deltaking.com/pilothouse.html
Lake Forest Café, Folsom
Located in a historic little slate-blue house (a former gold-panners’ bunkhouse), Lake Forest has been serving up rib-sticking comfort food (and good cheer) for over 25 years. On busy mornings, the café is crammed to the rafters with hungry folks devouring the kitchen’s popular blintzes, omelets and potato latkes.
13409 Folsom Boulevard, Folsom; (916) 985-6780; http://lakeforestcafe.com
La Bonne Soupe Café
Snug and unassuming, this teeny French café plates up some of the most exciting and honest food in town. Tucked into a modest storefront on a gritty section of 8th Street, La Bonne Soupe offers terrific house made soups (don’t miss the cream of broccoli) and very intriguing sandwiches – try the smoked trout and crème fraiche sandwich, or the indulgent, creamy-crisp warm brie and apple sandwich. Come very early – or expect a long line.
920 8th Street, Sacramento, (916) 492-9506
Fair Oaks Coffee House & Deli
A well-loved neighborhood gathering spot, Fair Oaks Coffee House & Deli offers up straightforward, nurturing food that will appeal to the whole family. Facing Old Town Fair Oaks’ pretty central square, the small establishment has worn concrete floors, a funky array of tables and a “borrow, share, and enjoy” collection of books. Try the kitchen’s yummy “Big Turkey” panini sandwich.
10223 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fair Oaks, (916) 966-2130; http://www.focoffee.com
Bonn Lair
An East Sac institution, Bonn Lair is a shabby and very welcoming British-style pub. Long and narrow, the clutter-filled, dimly-lit interior looks as if it has been around for a century or more. The space is filled with wooden booths, threadbare couches and chairs, and the little bar area only seats four or five patrons. Try the homey shepherd’s pie – a perfect partner for the pub’s draught beers.
3651 J Street, Sacramento, (916) 455-7155
