Named in honor of Sacramento’s first firefighting company, Hook & Ladder—a popular midtown destination for craft cocktails and New American fare—has locals fired up. The reason? Innovations like hand-hewn ice slabs that chill select drinks from beverage director Chris Tucker, and dishes like the roasted porchetta sandwich with celery root and apple slaw from executive chef Anthony Scuderi. The décor has the same stylish handmade vibe: Look for touches like light fixtures made from vintage fire engine parts or the faux-historic U.S. flag at the entry, sewn by Tucker’s wife Clara and “aged” by dipping it in tea.