Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Eating
Skip the overpriced fare in Old Sacramento or by the capitol and head Midtown or to the
Tower District. A cruise up J St or Broadway passes a number of hip, affordable restaur-
ants where tables spill onto the sidewalks in the summer. Many source farm-fresh ingredi-
ents, even when they don't advertise.
Shoki II Ramen House
JAPANESE
916-441-0011; 1201 R St; meals $8-16;
11am-10pm Mon-Fri, from noon
Sat, 11am-8pm Sun)
In their tiny original location on 24th St, diners cram in cheek-to-jowl, but this newer
Midtown location offers elbow room and the same amazing housemade noodles. The fresh
spinach and shiitake adorning your bowl are, of course, organic and local.
Gunther's
ICE CREAM
10am-10pm)
A popular vintage soda fountain that makes its own ice cream.
Plum Cafe
VEGAN
8am-8pm Mon-Thu, to
9pm Fri & Sat, 10am-8pm Sun; )
This brunch hotspot and bakery serves vegan and gluten-free fare in a restored Victorian
with a tented back garden. Savory options are straightforward. The surprising desserts,
such as the Entertainer (styled after a Hostess CupCake) will satisfy sugar fiends.
La Bonne Soupe Cafe
DELI
916-492-9506; 920 8th St; items $5-8;
11am-3pm Mon-Wed, to 8pm
Thu & Fri)
Divine soup and sandwiches assembled with such care that the line of downtown lunchers
snakes out the door. If you're in a hurry, skip it. This humble lunch counter is focused on
quality that predates drive-through haste.
