Family-owned Sacramento restaurant reopens as midtown spot for casual eats, late-night drinks

A new family-run bar and restaurant has opened in Sacramento’s midtown, offering American-style comfort food and a casual hangout in the heart of the city’s grid.

The Shop Midtown, opened its doors in recent weeks at 1720 J St., taking over a space once home to Red Beret, a Vietnamese restaurant owned by the aunt of Tony Ngo, the new co-owner and general manager. Ngo said the family decided to take over the location after his aunt retired with the goal of creating a new gathering spot in the heart of the city.

“We took over the restaurant, kind of making it our own,” Ngo said. “Changing the name, the menu and catering it more towards how we can make this place more fun, more exciting.”

The name, The Shop, pays homage to the family’s love for cars and motorcycles, Ngo said. Inside, vintage touches include a motorcycle on display and plans for additional décor such as classic car photos and motorcycle helmets.

Ngo described the space as a versatile destination for lunch, dinner or drinks, with a “dark, moody vibe” that works for date nights or casual get-togethers.

“If you want to get all dressed up, you can do that too,” Ngo said. “We’re the kind of spot that people can just have fun and take a date to. Or just have fun, come and grab a beer, or have some wine or some soju.”

The family shifted the menu away from traditional Vietnamese dishes, opting instead for American classics with their own twist. “Not that the first restaurant wasn’t great — people loved our food,” Ngo said. “We just kind of wanted to do something different.”

Ngo said the team aimed to appeal to downtown lunch and late-evening crowd with a streamlined menu focused on flavor. Signature items include the Hot Rod Smash Burger, topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, jalapeños, onion rings and drizzled with hot honey. Other offerings include Spam fries with teriyaki drizzle and a steak chimichurri sandwich.

“We really focused on the quality of our food,” Ngo said. “We wanted to make our menu not too big, but a good amount of items where people don’t get overwhelmed.”

The Shop Midtown is open daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Ngo said the kitchen stays open until closing time.

This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 8:30 AM.