Sheepherder Bar and Grille
11275 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova
(916) 638-4584
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 4-9 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday
Happy hour: 3-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 4-9 p.m. Saturday
The real steal: At the cozy Sheepherder Bar and Grille, there is a wealth of happy-hour foods and drinks on special. Freshly prepared bites like the chicken quesadilla ($4) and Thai chicken lettuce wraps ($5) are served in hefty portions perfect for sharing several family-style among a few friends. If you're headed out alone, one or two of these carefully crafted dishes should suffice, and if you're unconcerned about a balanced meal, go for the Sheepherder Sampler, packed with fried goodies like beer- battered zucchini sticks, onion rings and pork potstickers ($6). Other available eats include a cheeseburger with fries ($5) and a cheese and fruit platter ($6).
The vibe: This is a happy spot for happy hour. Customers and staff alike seem genuinely glad to be right where they are. The quaint, bungalow-style building was home a century ago to the Citrus Inn and has a long, storied history in the community. At one point, this used to be a place sheepherders found themselves stopping when they were in need of some good food, strong drink and restful hospitality, plus a bed for the night along their journey, lending today's business its name. Though things have changed along this stretch of road and cars far outnumber sheep, the Sheepherder Bar and Grille is still a port in a storm for its customers. Patrons flock from all over for that good food, strong drink and old-fashioned hospitality, though nowadays it's greatly appreciated that you don't stay the night.
Signature drink: Draft beer for $3 – especially Blue Moon and Coors Light – and house wines ($4) dominate here, but if you're feeling adventurous, grab one of the four featured summer cocktails for $5. The Absolut Ginger Smash from this list didn't disappoint. Absolut Oriental Apple vodka is paired with fresh mint, lemon juice, soda water and just enough simple syrup to bring out the vodka's flavor without actually sweetening the drink. Served on the rocks in a pint glass, the mint leaves swirl around with every swizzle of the straw, consistently giving a freshness to the drink without overpowering it, as they're lightly torn rather than macerated.
Bathroom break: It's on the opposite side of the hostess desk from the bar. This makes it easy to find, but during dinner hours, there can be some awkward, "Excuse me, pardon me" trying to get past the patrons lining up to be seated for an evening meal.
Take a seat: The bar and lounge area is divided into two distinct rooms. A seat at the angular, three-sided bar allows for easy group conversation and encourages getting to know those around you. Though the ceilings are high, the noise level isn't oppressive, even with the stereo's audible '80s and '90s rock. If you're looking for a more intimate experience, sink into one of the lounge's comfortable leather couches. The lounge sections are set up to accom- modate groups of about six each.
Something extra: The standout factor at the Sheepherder is the prompt and friendly service. The staff goes out of its way to ensure that customers are enjoying their time and, above all, feeling welcome. It's relaxing, refreshing and just plain nice.
THIS WEEK'S FEATURED BARGAIN
Paesano's
1806 Capitol Ave., Sacramento
(916) 447-8646
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday, noon-10:30 p.m. Saturday, noon-9:30 p.m. Sunday
Happy hour: 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday
8519 Bond Road, Elk Grove
(916) 690-8646
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
Happy hour: 3-7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; all day Wednesday
The deals: At both Paesano's locations, customers will find themselves treated to $3 drinks of all kinds – well liquor; summery sangria; crisp, cold beer; select innovative specialty cocktails and house wines. Several of the restaurants' appetizers are also on special, for $4 per plate. Some of the options are crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside fried spinach ravioli; fresh and fragrant bruschetta and the must-try polenta fries, crisped to perfection and lightly salted on the outside and piping hot and just a little bit chewy on the inside.
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