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Empress Tavern
Elevated American fare and craft cocktails in a historic Sacramento setting.
4
Restaurant
$$$
Elevated American fare and craft cocktails in a historic Sacramento setting.
Empress Tavern offers a unique dining experience in downtown Sacramento, blending historic charm with modern American cuisine. Located near the Crest Theatre, this establishment specializes in high-quality bar food, appetizers, and expertly crafted cocktails. The intimate yet spacious brick interior provides a cool atmosphere perfect for pre-show bites, happy hour specials, or casual gatherings. While the menu focuses on appetizers and lighter fare, highlights include Japanese Wagyu steak, Beef Stroganoff, and artichoke dip, all served in a vibrant setting that caters to both small and large groups.
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Enjoy elevated dishes like Wagyu steak and Beef Stroganoff in a historic setting.
Savor expertly mixed drinks at the bar, perfect for happy hour or pre-theater visits.
Share artichoke dip, fried chicken, and other light bites ideal for groups.
Take advantage of discounted drinks and appetizers during select hours.
Host gatherings in our intimate yet spacious venue, great for pre-show meals.
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Overall rating
Kathy Klima Smith
We stopped in here before a show at the Crest Theatre. Since our last visit, the restaurant has changed its menu — it’s now much more limited, focusing mainly on appetizers. If you’re looking for a full dinner, this probably isn’t the right spot. That said, the atmosphere is very nice and makes for a pleasant place to grab a drink or a light bite before an event.
Chris Maschal
Enjoyed our visit tonight. When we arrived early, as they were opening, we were greeted with enthusiasm. As the evening got busy, it became harder and harder to get a round of drinks. Orders for food and drinks are placed at the bar. Im not a fan. If this doesn't bother you, it's a pretty cool place. The quality of the food is good as far as bar food goes. The drinks are great! I will return. I do prefer full table service, but I understand the need to adapt to survive in the restaurant business.
Jason Shultz
It’s not the same since the covid and they sold the name to the theater upstairs. The menu is really limited and the cocktail menu isn’t the same. The atmosphere is really cool still except the tv plays basic cable for some reason??? We went there once and don’t see a reason to go back. If you’re looking for a cool bar/tavern with an elevated cocktail menu go elsewhere.
Elizabeth Brun
I gave this restaurant 3 stars because i liked the beautiful brickwork. The inside is worth seeing. The food was okay for the price. The beef cheek stroganoff was okay the biggest twist being the dill. I was happy that the meat was tender, Not chewy and did not have gristle. My husband loved the scallops and said they were the best he's had in a long time. Our dinner friends had the fried chicken which they said was breaded well and very tender. All of us agreed that our favorite part was the artichoke dip appetizer which came with crunchy potato chips. Even my husband liked it, (he usually does not because restaurants often leave the chewy harder leaves in with the dip which he doesn't care for), but here it was diced tender leafy creamy perfection. I thought the price was way too steep for the food, and it was very very loud. The waiter left much to be desired. But.... we all really did enjoy going and loved seeing this building as well. I also appreciated that the bathrooms were very clean and had lots of room. We loved that this place was so close to the theater. (We were attending a show later so it made it easy)
Crystal Eidanizadeh
Just had the best Japanese Wagyu steak appetizer I’ve ever had! Empress grilled it perfectly! Each bite was melt in your mouth. Also had their delicious Beef Stroganoff and fresh house made Parker rolls hot out of the oven. Great place to get your steak fix! Always top quality!! Love the intimate feel yet still great for larger groups. And awesome Happy Hour specials!
