It’s always nice visiting your hometown…well, at least for a few minutes until you realize the weather sucks and you run into people you can't stand from high school and Chili’s is the finest dining in town; then you remember why you moved away in the first place.
Sacramento was my home for the first eighteen years of my life. It’s interesting how much the town changes every time I stop in. Luckily, all the dirty bars I fantasized about visiting as a child are still around and thriving. I remember as a youth, sitting in the passenger’s seat of my mom’s Lincoln Continental, driving past such mesmerizing locales as Pied Piper, Glass Turtle, Ernie's Interlude, and a plethora of appropriately-named establishments on Auburn Blvd, and kicking my toddler feet in joy. There's something majestic about a half-burnt-out neon sign from the 70s, inviting me to come in and drink my sorrows away.
Sacramento was my home for the first eighteen years of my life. It’s interesting how much the town changes every time I stop in. Luckily, all the dirty bars I fantasized about visiting as a child are still around and thriving. I remember as a youth, sitting in the passenger’s seat of my mom’s Lincoln Continental, driving past such mesmerizing locales as Pied Piper, Glass Turtle, Ernie's Interlude, and a plethora of appropriately-named establishments on Auburn Blvd, and kicking my toddler feet in joy. There's something majestic about a half-burnt-out neon sign from the 70s, inviting me to come in and drink my sorrows away.
This visit, I unfortunately didn't see any of these fine establishments (sad face). When Chad is away, it's quite difficult to find someone willing to check out Sacramento's underbelly with me. I did, however, convince my mom to stop by Shady Lady, named one of Esquire's top bars in America for 2014.
The Shady Lady - A saloon-style bar that perfectly merges old-timey and modern aesthetic. A rich ruby red and onyx color scheme complements the brick and wood base, and an assortment of theme-appropriate photographs adorn the walls of this Downtown Sacramento gem. I love a good themed bar (um, have you seen my list of tiki bars?!), so I enjoyed my experience here.
The Shady Lady - A saloon-style bar that perfectly merges old-timey and modern aesthetic. A rich ruby red and onyx color scheme complements the brick and wood base, and an assortment of theme-appropriate photographs adorn the walls of this Downtown Sacramento gem. I love a good themed bar (um, have you seen my list of tiki bars?!), so I enjoyed my experience here.
Because the Shady Lady has an extensive cocktail list, complete with seasonal options, I felt it was necessary to stray outside my standby screwdriver. I ordered the Spring Fling (lavender-infused vodka grapefruit) and my mom ordered the Blood and Sand (a bitter whiskey option, if I remember correctly). Definitely slow-sipping, hand-crafted cocktails, but they were fun for the occasion.
We didn't order food, but I took a peek at the menu. The brunch looks amazing and I kind of have a boner for the whiskey-cured lox situation.
Next stop on my visit, Tower Cafe. It's not a bar, and it's certainly not dirty, but it's super-whimsical, they serve a killer Monte Cristo and best of all, they have a lovely list of cocktails. I went here with my folks before heading to the airport for my flight back to LA. I ordered the pomegranate-blood orange margarita.
We didn't order food, but I took a peek at the menu. The brunch looks amazing and I kind of have a boner for the whiskey-cured lox situation.
Next stop on my visit, Tower Cafe. It's not a bar, and it's certainly not dirty, but it's super-whimsical, they serve a killer Monte Cristo and best of all, they have a lovely list of cocktails. I went here with my folks before heading to the airport for my flight back to LA. I ordered the pomegranate-blood orange margarita.
MMMMMMMM!!!
Probably the best flavored margarita I've ever had. Not too sweet, a little tart, and just right.
Back in town, Chad picks me up from LAX and we head over to a little hole-in-the-wall we spotted before my departure flight. It’s called Lei Aloha and looks pretty nondescript from the outside. Situated next door to a loud, hoppin’ sports bar, we have to dodge a mass of overly-cologned douchebags before we are able to make our way inside.
Probably the best flavored margarita I've ever had. Not too sweet, a little tart, and just right.
Back in town, Chad picks me up from LAX and we head over to a little hole-in-the-wall we spotted before my departure flight. It’s called Lei Aloha and looks pretty nondescript from the outside. Situated next door to a loud, hoppin’ sports bar, we have to dodge a mass of overly-cologned douchebags before we are able to make our way inside.
Ahh, shelter. The first thing I notice upon entering is the familiar sound of The Spinners humming through the speakers. This prompts me to put a dollar into the juke box and select an Ambrosia song. And then a Gino Vanelli song. It just felt appropriate. No frills at Lei Aloha; it's a basic dive with a friendly bartender and regulars. A great place to grab a drink if you're killing time before a flight.
Not relevant, but we stopped by Target after Lei Aloha...
Not relevant, but we stopped by Target after Lei Aloha...
Michelangelo \m/
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