A bevy of new kids on the R Street block help revitalize the historic Sacramento district
The Warehouse Artist Lofts (WAL), which had its grand opening in April, helped facilitate the redevelopment of the historic R Street corridor. Now a slew of new restaurants and bars will soon join the block party. Here's the lowdown on four of the most anticipated projects coming to the district this year, plus details on a kickoff celebration in June.
Amaro Italian Bistro & Bar
This casual Italian bistro and bar takes its name from the bittersweet Italian digestif, but its roots are homegrown. Run by the team at Shady Lady Saloon and Deftones drummer Abe Cunningham, Amaro stands on the other side of WAL in the historic Rochdale building. The eatery, which is set to open in mid-August, will feature a mix of traditional and modern Italian fare with menu items ranging from $11 to $20 and including potential plates, such as shrimp and crab agnolotti with a tomato fennel cream sauce; “The R St. Pizza” topped with prosciutto, mizuna greens and caramelized onions; and a lasagna dish with house-made pasta layered with fillings like tomato Bolognese, béchamel and fontina. According to co-owner Garrett Van Vleck, the 4,000-square-foot restaurant will incorporate rustic elements with touches of modern design. And although this project will be more restaurant-oriented than previous Shady Lady ventures, a unique cocktail program (with traditional amaro-based cocktails) will accompany the robust food menu. 1100 R St. 555-1234
Bottle & Barlow
The eccentric barbershop and bar is nearing completion, with an opening scheduled for the last week of June. The 3,400-square-foot, ground-floor space—which stands next door to WAL’s public market—will have two businesses operating under the same roof. The bar will take up slightly over half the space with ample seating that includes private areas for those seeking to escape the bar’s bustle. “We want to encourage people to enjoy the bar as they are, [whether they want] a super party atmosphere or elegant service,” says co-owner Jayson Wilde. A diverse cocktail program will join the six wines, 10 beers on draft and 10-12 bottled beers on the drinks menu. About five barbershop chairs will make up the other side of the space, with classic services like a hot towel razor shave for men. Wilde says Bottle & Barlow’s vibe will be a blend between industrial style and Gatsby-esque art deco, with odes to punk rock. 1120 R St. bottleandbarlow.com
Iron Horse Tavern
The Wong family, which owns downtown’s Cafeteria 15L and Firestone Public House, will unveil its latest venture on June 18. The casual urban tavern will serve 25 domestic and craft beers on tap and a variety of specialty cocktails such as the “Twilight Express,” which blends spirits like pear vodka and lavender bitters, and “Iron Lady,” which packs a kick with floral gin, sweet vermouth and pomegranate liqueur. Chef Christian Palmos of Cafeteria 15L will present what he calls a “creative American” menu, featuring items like monkey bread (a dessert made with pieces of soft bread covered in cinnamon sugar), “The Big Leg” (confit turkey leg with creamy mashed potatoes and brown gravy) and, for brunch, brioche French toast topped with maple butter syrup, fresh berries and caramel sauce. Iron Horse will also offer happy hour featuring half-off appetizers and specials on well drinks and beer. 1800 15th St. 448-4488. ironhorsetavern.net
Pullman
Another new kid on the R Street block is Pullman, a casual eatery from roaster Old Soul Co., which is also opening a wine bar called Cooper on Third in Oak Park at the end of this year. At the former Capital Wholesale Electric Building at 12th and R streets, Pullman will have a full-service kitchen and share space with a new Old Soul coffeehouse and cafe. Pullman is expected to open by the end of the year. oldsoulco.com
New R Street Grand Opening Party
Iron Horse Tavern, as well as its other new neighbors Dos Coyotes, Roxie Deli & Barbecue and European Wax Center, will celebrate their openings with a block party on June 14 at the corner of 15th and R streets. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with live music by local cover band Hit Parade at 7 p.m. Artists from the R Street Artist Collective will showcase their works along the sidewalk and inside the venues, while each restaurant will offer complimentary small bites items. Cocktails and beer will also be available for purchase. June 14. 6-9 p.m. $25 (proceeds benefit the Children's Receiving Home of Sacramento). eventbrite.com
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