New season, new ballpark … and new eats.
The Athletics’ move to Sutter Health Park provides a good reason for fans to explore the food and libations scene in West Sacramento, Old Sacramento and beyond. Here’s a guide to get you started:
In West Sacramento and on the waterfront
This may gladden your hearts, East Bay fans. The very cool outdoor brewpub near the ballpark, The Barn, is operated by Drake’s Brewing of San Leandro. This massive curvilinear building helped activate the Bridge District when it opened in 2018. Kick back in the beer garden or grab a lawn chair and order some food and a Drake’s Denogginizer Double IPA, their Flywheel Pilsner or a Bear Republic Racer 5.
Another West Sac option is the Kick’n Mule Bar and Kitchen, which has a massive menu of Moscow Mules — 20 versions. Over on Jefferson Boulevard, a popular stand called Whitey’s Jolly Kone has been selling soft-serve cones, shakes, burgers and hot dogs since 1936.
Or for something completely different, head to Franquette, a Parisian-style bistro. This cafe serves early breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner — from croissants and quiche to oysters and rillettes. Naturally, the beverage of choice here is wine from a French vintner.
Details: Drake’s: The Barn, 985 Riverfront St.; Kick’n Mule, 2901 W. Capitol Ave.; Whitey’s Jolly Kone, 1300 Jefferson Blvd., Franquette, 965 Bridge St., West Sacramento.
Across the bridge in Old Sacramento
“Old Sac” is located just across the Sacramento River from West Sac and the Sutter Health ballpark. Fans who have attended River Cats games over the years know that this historic district, with buildings dating back to the Gold Rush, is a great, walkable destination for pregame and postgame food and drink. And you can’t help but soak up some California history.
The fine-dining gem is The Firehouse, open since 1960 in a transformed building that historians say was the state’s first fully staffed firehouse. It’s not normally baseball fare — think Stuffed Quail, Corvina Sea Bass, Rack of Lamb — but it could be, if there’s a victory over the Yankees to celebrate. If not, the creative Bar Bites menu is appealing.
Fanny Ann’s Saloon is a classic of a different stripe. Full of personality, this place is known for its wall-to-wall kitschy vintage collection (a buggy from the horse-and-buggy days hangs from the ceiling) and a Jiffy Burger that’s slathered with peanut butter.
Other restaurants include Joe’s Crab Shack, a mainstay for boiled, broiled or fried fish and seafood; the Bear & Crown, where you can fill up on British bangers and mash before enjoying the great American pastime; Brannan Manor for steaks, sandwiches and salads. And pizza. These historic buildings house lots of pizza joints.
Need something sweet for the game or the drive home? Old Sac boasts no fewer than a dozen candy, ice cream and dessert shops. Check out the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Mad Hatter Doughnuts, Munchies Salt Water Taffy and Cerealism, a cereal-themed dessert bar.
Cult-favorite tacos near the ballpark
You never forget the craveable fast-food flavors from your youth. For Sacramento area residents, that would be Jimboy’s Tacos, created back in the day by a man named Jim Knudson. Corn tortillas are filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese and lettuce and famously dusted with … parmesan cheese! “Dusted & Delicious since 1954,” the company boasts. You’ll find two Jimboy’s locations nearby: One in the Downtown Commons or DOCO area and one three miles west of the ballpark, making for an easy stop before the first pitch.
Details: Open at 405 K St. from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and for longer hours at 750 Harbor Blvd., West Sacramento, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekends; https://jimboystacos.com.
Over near the Golden 1 Center
You’ll find some of the city’s newer dining options in the DOCO district (that’s urban-speak for Downtown Commons), which is home to the Sacramento Kings’ arena, the Golden 1 Center.
On the streets near the arena there’s a wide array of offerings: A Bay Area favorite, Sauced BBQ & Spirits, offers specialties from the pit such as the Dinosaur Beef Rib, Burnt Brisket Ends and Burnt Pork Belly, and also makes a mean bowl of Brisket Chili. The Cabana Club bills itself as a Palm Springs-inspired lounge with cocktails for those hot-but-not-nearly-as-hot-as-Palm-Springs days in the capital city.
At Cakes by Jeff the Chef, you can buy cheesecakes in 4-inch and 8-inch sizes from this award-winning baker. He offers several flavors at a time from his rotating menu of 30. Among the many bestsellers are the Banana Pudding, Peach Cobbler, Oreo Crunch and Lemon Drop versions.
Details: Most DOCO establishments are open daily, and some maintain very early or very late hours or both. Check www.docosacramento.com for specifics.
Baseball peanuts, make way for almonds
Like baseball fans all over America, you can sit in the stands mindlessly shelling and tossing back peanuts. But this is Sacramento, almond country, home of Blue Diamond, a cooperative of nearly 3,000 growers. Get into town early and drive to the Blue Diamond Nut & Gift Shop, where you’ll find California-grown almonds in every flavor and form. Munch on samples and pick up some pouches for the game. You can’t go wrong with the classic Smokehouse seasoning or the trendy Sweet Thai Chili flavor.
Details: Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and until 4 p.m. on Saturday at 1701 C St., Sacramento; https://bluediamondstore.com.