Aftershock head-banging make you hungry? Where to go to eat and drink after hours
Where to eat/drink around town
Rock & Brews (1600 Exposition Dr., Sacramento; 916-277-8869): Founded by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS, which headline Aftershock on Friday, this restaurant features dozens of beers, a family friendly menu and a whole lotta music memorabilia on the walls. Face paint and stage blood not included. Bonus: Rock & Brews is located right near the park and ride shuttles from Cal Expo to the Aftershock festival grounds.
Solomon’s (730 K St., Sacramento; 916-857-8200): Named after Tower Records founder Russ Solomon and located in a former Tower Records location, Sunday brunch is dubbed “Church.” Get your Aftershock pre-game to a groovy start with soul, funk and cumbia beats spun by DJ Larry aka Flower Vato.
Bawk! By Urban Roots (1409 R St. #102, Sacramento; 916-376-7531): Fill up on some of the best fried chicken in town and beers by Sacramento’s acclaimed Urban Roots. Pro tip: Those in the know are familiar with their speakeasy on site with even more cocktails, by reservation only.
Lalo’s Restaurant (5063 24th St., Sacramento; 916-736-2389): Looking for arguably the best Mexican food in town? Head to this mom and pop restaurant on the south side of Sacramento. Dig into plates of slow cooked barbacoa, a molcajete filled with meats, salsa and cheese, torta sandwiches and so much more.
Bottle & Barlow (1120 R St., Sacramento; 916-379-7719): In honor of Rob Zombie, the ghoulish rocker who co-headlines Thursday, hoist one of this craft bar’s Halloween themed cocktails. Also the restroom is one of the coolest in town with its flyers of local metal and punk shows from days of yore.
Bacon & Butter (5913 Broadway, Sacramento; 916-346-4445): The wait can be long, but scarf into those scratch-made biscuits and you’ll know why. Locals consider Bacon & Butter as one of Sacramento’s ultimate breakfast spots, with a variety of gut busting morning and brunch foods with a fresh, seasonal touch..
Honey and the Trap Cat (1023 Front St. Suite A, Sacramento; 916-661-5852): Even after the final encores, you’ll have plenty of time to grab a bite or a nightcap at this Old Sacramento spot that’s open until 2 a.m. daily. The menu includes plenty of burgers and sandwiches, and bartenders who are willing to create a custom cocktail for you.
New Lai Wah (5912 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento; 916-428-6183): Just about 10 miles south of downtown, this Chinese restaurant has been satisfying late-night cravings of chow mein and honey walnut prawns for decades. It’s open until 1 a.m. Monday-Thursday, until 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday and midnight Sundays.
El Bramido (2394 Northgate Blvd., Sacramento; 916-565-1552): Fans say this longtime Mexican restaurant on Northgate Boulevard has some of the best buche and cabeza tacos in town and features a deep selection of premium tequilas.
Crawdads on the River (1375 Garden Highway, Sacramento; 916-929-2268): The restaurant and bar along the Sacramento River has been a go-to spot since the MTV-era 1980s with its blend of Cajun-inspired dishes, cocktails and its namesake crawdads.
The Virgin Sturgeon (1577 Garden Highway, Sacramento; 916-921-2694); This floating seafood restaurant is another favorite Sacramento River destination. Virgin’s offerings include ceviche, steamed clams and, of course, its signature smoked sturgeon, along with craft beers, cocktails and live music in tune with its laid-back, on-the-water vibe.
This story was originally published October 5, 2022 at 5:00 AM.