Food & Drink

6 of the top outdoor dining spots in Sacramento, according to readers

For the last two weeks, Bee readers have led the the conversation on the best place to dine outdoors in the Sacramento area.

And after the second week-long round of voting — the results are in.

During this process one thing was made clear: Sacramentans are passionate about their favorite spots, and there are always too many good ones to list.

Taking reader-submissions, we gave you 20 choices.

With close to 1,000 votes, more than 300 up from the first round— here are the top picks:

SHANGRI-LA FAIR OAKS

Shangri-la Fair Oaks is a contemporary neighborhood restaurant and bar in Fair Oaks offering upscale seasonal cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails. The outdoor patio includes trees, grass areas, umbrellas and more.

It gained 213 votes, or 22%.

Address: 7960 Winding Way, Fair Oaks

Contact: 916-241-9473

Can I make a reservation? Yes

TOWER CAFE

Brett Leach, 38, left, takes a bite of his food as he wife, Meghan Leach, 34, cuts into her meal at Tower Cafe on Sunday, July 18, 2021. After being closed for over a year, this weekend marks the restaurant’s first weekend back serving brunch after coronavirus related closures.
Brett Leach, 38, left, takes a bite of his food as he wife, Meghan Leach, 34, cuts into her meal at Tower Cafe on Sunday, July 18, 2021. After being closed for over a year, this weekend marks the restaurant’s first weekend back serving brunch after coronavirus related closures. Daniel Kim dkim@sacbee.com


Eat a variety of Asian and Spanish-inspired foods surrounded by trees, flowers and flowing water fountains on Tower Cafe’s outdoor patio.

It gained 162 votes, or 17%.

Address: 1518 Broadway, Sacramento

Contact: 916-441-0222

Can I make a reservation? No

PARAGARY’S

Paragary’s is a midtown Sacramento neighborhood bistro known for seasonal cuisine. Dine out on a garden-like patio with waterfalls, plants and decade-old olive trees.

It gained 72 votes, or 8%

Address: 1401 28th St., Sacramento

Contact: 916-457-5737

Can I make a reservation: Yes

THE FIREHOUSE RESTAURANT

Enjoy an intimate and romantic courtyard dining experience with an extensive wine collection and a locally-sourced menu at the Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento.

Firehouse had 58 votes, 6% of the overall.

Address: 1112 2nd St., Sacramento

Contact: 916-442-4772

Can I make a reservation? Yes

FABIAN’S ITALIAN BISTRO BAR

Kody Channell, left, and his wife, Janae Channell celebrate their second anniversary at Fabian’s Italian Bistro & Bar, seated in their most recent addition for outside diners, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, in Fair Oaks. Owner Christian Forte said they started building the extended area even before they learned coronavirus restrictions would affect them, and it’s helped sustain their business.
Kody Channell, left, and his wife, Janae Channell celebrate their second anniversary at Fabian’s Italian Bistro & Bar, seated in their most recent addition for outside diners, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, in Fair Oaks. Owner Christian Forte said they started building the extended area even before they learned coronavirus restrictions would affect them, and it’s helped sustain their business. Xavier Mascareñas xmascarenas@sacbee.com


Relax and enjoy heated patio seating and fine dining at Fabian’s Italian Bistro with several meat, seafood and pasta-dish options.

Fabian’s clocked in at an even 50 votes.

Address: 11755 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fair Oaks

Contact: 916-536-9891

Can I make a reservation? You must make a reservation

URBAN ROOTS

Beer taps line the wall at Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse in Sacramento.
Beer taps line the wall at Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse in Sacramento. Paul Kitagaki Jr. pkitagaki@sacbee.com


Indulge in smokehouse plates and beer at Urban Roots on their outdoor beer garden. The brewery offers small plates, smoked meats, burger and sandwiches and salads.

Urban Roots hit 47 votes.

Address: 1322 V St., Sacramento

Contact: 916-706-3741

Can I make a reservation? No

OTHER FAVORITES

VOTE YOUR FAVORITE BRUNCH SPOT

Did you miss the outdoor dining poll? Don’t sweat it.

Vote for your favorite Sacramento brunch spot instead. The poll closes Thursday.

Choose between Bacon & Butter, Cafe Bernardo, Midtown Spirits and more---> Let’s vote again: What’s your favorite brunch spot in Sacramento?

What poll would you like to participate in next? Email utilityteam@sacbee.com.

This story was originally published February 2, 2022 at 1:08 PM.

BT
Brianna Taylor
The Sacramento Bee
Brianna Taylor was a reporter for The Sacramento Bee.
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