TBD Fest: Guide to Sacramento
It's Monday, which means one day closer to another one of our favorite fall festivals. TBD Fest will take place this coming weekend, October 3rd-5th in Sacramento. To prepare out-of-town fans and festival goers for their magical weekend experience, we figured we'd provide you with a Guide to Sacramento, featuring some favorite go-to restaurants, bars and sites all suggested by locals. There's even still time to grab your single-day passes or weekend-long tickets to TBD Fest. To purchase tickets to TBD Fest, visit EventBrite HERE and grab them while you can. Use promo code EPICTBD and SAVE on your ticket purchase!
WINING & DINING: Of course we suggest trying out all restaurants featured at TBD Fest's THE PIT cook off competition, but since you'll be trying those foods at the festival, here are some suggestions for more downtown eats.
- Fox & Goose: This local English pub located in Historic Sacramento is a city dining staple. Fox & Goose Pub is filled with authentic British decor, live music and fun games. Whether you're looking to grab lunch, dinner or a beer - this is a chill spot to wind down and relax. LOCATION: 1001 R Street
- 33rd Street Bistro: One of the best spots in town for lunch and dinner, 33rd Street Bistro specializes in regional American cuisine. The casual and colorful dining location is known for their freshly grilled paninis, hardwood-roasted meats and delicious desserts. For lighter fare, look for their signature salads and soups on the menu, all homemade with freshly grown ingredients. LOCATION: 3301 Folsom Boulevard
- The Kitchen Restaurant: The Kitchen Restaurant is known for the best food in the city of Sacramento. The five-course meals whipped up and served by Chef Randall Selland are worth the month long wait on the reservation list. Menu choices include buttered Maine lobster, fresh sushimi or beef with black truffle flan. If looking to sneak your way in this weekend, be sure to call ASAP to make a reservation - The Kitchen Restaurant is a destination to definitely add to your culinary bucket list while on the West Coast. LOCATION: 2225 Hurley Way
- Monkey Bar: A popular stop for the nightlife crowd, Monkey Bar is a small, hip bar with young and fashionable patrons. With live entertainment, the spot is a go-to place for the young after-dinner crowd to congregate and catch up while enjoying craft beers and signature cocktails. LOCATION: 2730 Capitol Avenue
- Capitol Garage: Known for the best brunch in Sacramento, Capitol Garage opens as a cafe, serving organic coffee drinks, breakfast entrees, appetizers, sandwiches and more. Come happy hour, Capitol Garage is the talk of the town. With appetizer and drink specials, there's no other way to go for happy hour deals in the city. LOCATION: 1500 K Street
- Blue Cue: This wining and dining location is an upscale pool hall with billiards, beers and a long list of scotches. For a fun and classy evening, Blue Cue is your go-to spot for enjoying games with friends, people watching and fabulous drinks. LOCATION: 1004 28th Street
LOCAL FAVES: - Gay Bars: For dancing and all night fun, check out Badlands and Faces! LOCATION: 20th and K Streets
- R15: Great for bottomless mimosas and brunch food. R15 is also stacked with TVs for Saturday and Sunday game-days. LOCATION: 1431 R Street
- Burgers and Brew: Awesome tap selection and to-die for burgers, Burgers and Brews is sure to cure your festival hangover. LOCATION: 1409 R Street
- Shady Lady Bar: Signature craft cocktails and small plates, try out Shady Lady Saloon for a classy night out before the festival kicks off. LOCATION: 1409 R Street Suite 101
SITES: - California State Capitol: While in the capitol of Cali, why not make a quick trip to the capitol itself? The California State Capitol Museum is free and includes the historical state capitol building, as well as the surrounding 16 square city blocks known as Capitol Park. Tour the many gardens, memorials and monuments on the 40-acre park's grounds. For a perfect photo-op, head to Tower Bridge in Old Sacramento to view the Capitol building itself. LOCATION: 10th and L Streets
- Folsom Lake: Known as one of California's largest lake, Folsom is a great place for biking, sailing, kayaking, fishing, among many other outdoor activities. Spend the morning relaxing on the lake before hitting the festival grounds. LOCATION: East of downtown, off Highway 50
- California State Railroad Museum & Steam Train Rides: If you're a history buff, you must check out this huge museum filled with railroad history and preserved trains. While there, hope on a steam train for a 40 minute getaway, pulled by a historic steam train along the city. LOCATION: 111 I Street
AUTHOR CREDIT: AMANDA COWAN