Sacramento Convention Center – Dining

The Sacramento Convention Center is located in the perfect place for attendees in search of a quality meal. Sacramento refers to itself as the “farm-to-fork capital” of the United States. This is due in part to its proximity to rural farms and a year-round growing season. The numerous family-owned farms that surround the Sacramento area are supported in part by restaurants’ commitment to fresh food.

These growers thrive when restaurants source sustainably, the restaurants are able to serve quality meals, and citizens throughout the area enjoy fresh and healthy meals.

Sacramento eateries offer dining options for everyone, from those looking for a refined experience to someone wanting a casual atmosphere to relax outside with a beer. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.

The Sacramento Convention Center not only features on-site dining, but has so many delicious restaurants just steps away. Below are options recommended by tourists and locals alike, all five minutes or less from the Sacramento Convention Center.

On-Site Dining

The Sacramento Convention Center conveniently features a Starbucks and pizza spot right inside.

The Starbucks is the perfect destination for any convention-goer who needs a caffeine jolt or a quick snack. Patrons can easily access the coffee stop on the 13th Street side of the convention center, right near the Visitor’s Center.

In addition to Starbucks, the Sacramento Convention Center contains A Pizza, a casual eatery that serves pizza by the slice. Have a break between conferences? Enjoy a quick lunch as you sit on their outdoor patio.

Mayahuel

Just a five-minute walk from the Sacramento Convention Center is Mayahuel, a restaurant celebrating every aspect of Mexican culture, including food, art, spirits, and music. Mayahuel describes itself as “a feast for the senses,” because all five are in for an experience.

Bright murals, paintings, and sculptures fill the restaurant. Local musicians regularly play lively music in celebration of Mexican culture. The sizzling smell of fresh, quality cuisine flows through the dining room, and tequila-based cocktails pour freely into glasses.

Mayahuel’s authentic dishes represent various regions and ethnic groups of Mexico. One of their signature dishes is the crema de chile poblano Soup, made with perfectly roasted poblano peppers.

The menu also includes salmón en huitlacoche, inspired by the Imperial Aztec kitchen. Chefs grill, then bake the salmon before placing on a bed of huitlacoche sauce, corn, and white rice. You can’t go wrong with mole poblano, a signature dish from east-central Mexico. It consists of the traditional Mexican mole sauce over braised chicken. Another recommendation is enjococadas Michoacanas, a culinary experience from the state of Michoacán in western Mexico. Dive into a delicacy of blue corn tortillas filled with cheese, lettuce, epazote herb, and green tomatillo and cream sauce.

In addition to their mouth watering Mexican dishes, Mayahuel is very proud of their handmade, artisan tequila. There’s a reason they refer to themselves as a “tequila museum.”

While many restaurants have a frequent dining card, Mayahuel has a Tequila Club. Members have access to tequila events, tastings, and receive discounted tequila flights. Mayahuel even has its own app, with which members can rack up points for free tequila.

Capitol Garage

Four minutes from the Sacramento Convention Center is Capitol Garage, a hip bar and restaurant that’s been a Sacramento staple since 1992. Capitol Garage was originally a music venue located in a garage across the street from the Capitol Building, hence the name.

As the business grew from a music venue into a restaurant, they relocated in 2004 and created a menu of delicious American food and drinks. Capitol Garage’s new location is decorated with an automotive theme in honor of their roots.

This upbeat restaurant’s menu features plenty of vegan options and classic dishes. The sweet and spicy fries stand out among the rest, consisting of seasoned sweet potato fries topped with jalapeño and chimichurri, served with maple mustard.

When Capitol Garage says they have options for everyone, they truly mean it: this animal-friendly restaurant even has a dog menu. Treat your canine companion to peanut butter pumpkin biscuits, burger bites, or a roasted turkey dinner.

Capitol Garage can get quite busy due to its popularity, so be sure to plan ahead when you’re going to experience this Sacramento favorite.

Ma Jong’s Asian Diner

The well-known and reliable Ma Jong’s Asian Diner is just five minutes from the Sacramento Convention Center. The atmosphere is welcoming with warmly lit lanterns, and the restaurant features an outdoor patio and a 300-year-old Buddha statue.

Ma Jong’s specialty dishes infuse flavors from Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. The chefs and owners were inspired by the recipes made by their grandmothers, and so bring an intimate experience to their customers.

Their General Jong’s meal includes broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and General’s spicy sauce. Their Mongolian meal features scallions, red bell peppers, and Ma’s special sauce. Lastly, their garlic tofu bowl includes scallions, onions, bamboo shoots, and roasted garlic sauce. You can even enjoy these satisfying on a late night, since on Fridays and Saturdays Ma Jong’s is open until 2:30 a.m.

This fast, casual restaurant is easy to find and consistently enjoyable. Customers order at the counter then sit down with their meal, making it convenient for those grabbing a quick bite before heading over to the Sacramento Convention Center.

Cafeteria 15L

A mere four-minute walk from the Sacramento Convention Center brings you to Cafeteria 15L, an eclectic, comforting restaurant that adds flair to its classic American dishes. Regulars love its chic, yet down-to-earth dining room. The interior was created by the same designers of W Hotels, a luxury chain by Marriot. The designers used their expertise to create a welcoming yet upscale dining experience, stripped of any sense of pretentiousness.

Cafeteria 15L’s large menu includes options like Shrimp Haystacks: deliciously seasoned shrimp with potatoes and egg yolk. Outstanding dishes also include a Thai steak salad and grilled cider-brined pork chop.

In addition to the main dining area, Cafeteria 15L features two comfortable, outdoor patios, a lounge space, and areas for parties of all sizes to enjoy private dining. They host a popular weekend brunch, as well as a happy hour that features mocktails along with the typical libations.

Ella Dining Room & Bar

Ella Dining Room & Bar is an upscale, family-owned restaurant just five minutes from the Sacramento Convention Center. Their menu features sophisticated, contemporary French and American cuisine like steak specials, oysters, salmon, trout, and caviar.

Ella Dining Room & Bar creates a farm-to-fork dining experience by supporting local farmers, prioritizing sustainable practices, and buying produce seasonally. This commitment to sourcing quality ingredients has allowed the chefs to craft dishes of the highest quality.

The highly acclaimed Ella Dining Room & Bar is the perfect dinner to enjoy before a show at the Sacramento Convention Center. The restaurant features valet parking, which is free for shows and events occurring that day.

Be sure to experience Ella Dining Room & Bar, a must-see institution in downtown Sacramento.

Firestone Public House

Firestone Public House, just a four-minute walk from the Sacramento Convention Center, is an ale house, restaurant, and sports bar all in one. This family-friendly establishment is a great choice whether you’re having a family breakfast or watching the game with a lively bunch of friends. If you’re interested in grabbing a beer before or after an event at the Sacramento Convention Center, Firestone Public House has 60 on tap to choose from.

No matter what brings you to Firestone Public House, their menu will satisfy your hunger. Start with the chicken and jalapeño dip, then share a delicious pizza with the whole table. There are plenty of unique pizza flavors to choose from, such as lobster, pesto, or prosciutto. Other outstanding Firestone Public House dishes are the sriracha candied bacon grilled cheese, and bahn mi sliders with grilled pork, cilantro, pickled vegetables, and jalapeño.

Firestone Public House gets its name from the former occupants of the building, Firestone Tire Company. The tire company was located there from 1920 to 2004. The restaurant has repurposed and renovated the space into the lively location it is today, and the name reminds customers of its unique roots.