Empress Tavern

Empress Tavern, a trendy American dining spot located in Sacramento, CA, offers a unique dining experience in a vibrant and modern atmosphere. With a full bar serving up tasty cocktails and small bites, such as fried chicken and mac and cheese, Empress Tavern has become a favorite among diners looking for a chill evening out.

The restaurant's inviting ambiance, with archways, exposed brick, and nice lighting, creates the perfect setting for a fun night out with friends or family. The menu features innovative dishes, like French dip sandwiches and flavorful appetizers, albeit with some mild flavors according to some patrons.

Empress Tavern's stellar service, friendly and attentive staff, and excellent drinks make it a must-visit in Downtown Sacramento. From martini lovers to whiskey connoisseurs, the array of alcohol choices is sure to please even the most discerning palates. The spot's unique location near the Crest Theater and accessibility via Sacramento Regional Transit make it a convenient and enjoyable dining destination.

Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite at the bar or a full meal in the cozy dining area, Empress Tavern promises an unforgettable dining experience. Don't miss out on their happy hour specials, vegan options, and top-notch service, making it an ideal spot for any occasion. Come and experience the charm and flavors of Empress Tavern for yourself – a true gem in the heart of Sacramento.

Empress Tavern Menu

Location

Address: 1013 K St Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 662-7694

🕓 Work Hours
MON Closed
TUE Closed
WED Closed
THU 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
FRI 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
SAT 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
SUN Closed

Business info

  • Takes Reservations
    Yes
  • Offers Takeout
    Yes
  • Delivery
    No
  • Vegan Options
    Yes
  • Limited Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Android Pay
    No
  • Accepts Apple Pay
    No
  • Accepts Cryptocurrency
    No
  • Trendy
    Yes
  • Very Loud
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    Yes
  • Good for Groups
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • Good for Dinner
    Yes
  • Garage Parking, Street Parking
    Yes
  • Free Wi-Fi
    Yes
  • Happy Hour Specials
    Yes
  • Full Bar
    Yes
  • Waiter Service
    No
  • Dogs Not Allowed
    No
  • TV
    No
  • Bike Parking
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Amanda L.

    24 July 2024

    Stellar service - Bartender Tyler took time to chat about an infusion he was working on. Yummy empanadas and the hummus was amazing! The building is really interesting with archways, exposed brick, and nice lighting. I'll definitely be back

  • Author: KC C.

    06 May 2024

    Empress Tavern has always been one of my favorite spots to dine. This place has a full bar, serves up tasty cocktails and small bites like fried chicken and mac and cheese. It wasn't too busy on our Friday visit at 6 pm, and surprised there was no happy hour menu. Still not a problem, we drank and ate! You order at the bar and the staff are very friendly and attentive. The fried chicken was crispy outside, juicy inside season with honey butter coriander cardamom spice. The mac and cheese was good however I would have preferred it to be a little creamier and favored. I also ordered a glass of Sauvignon blanc and the bartender topped it off to the rim it was spilling- thank you! It's a good spot for a chill evening out.

  • Author: Melissa F.

    10 April 2024

    Found this little gem before we went to Crest Theater for a show. Great drinks and the food was good. Mac and cheese was perfect and the chicken skewers were delicious. Service was excellent as well. Looking forward to going back.

  • Author: Michelangelo S.

    22 January 2024

    Still The Perfect Pre-Gaming Stop Before Movies! SITREP I am still very much in love with the Empress Tavern ("Empress") for it's location, it's vibe and it's perfect set-up for bringing friends and family together for a meal, for a happy hour or for drinks before heading into the Crest Theater above the Empress [or the Esquire IMAX a mere 3 blocks away @ 13th & The Kay (fancier name for what is essentially the "K St. Mall"). THE SETUP The munchies are absolutely fantastic and items I can only catch here. So the small plate and the large menus are both worth checking out. The MAIN draw for me and our friends are my favorites: * The Martinis of every type: vodka vs. gin - dry vs. dirty - lemon drops vs. cosmos; and, * The Whiskey varietals: Bourbons, Scotch, Irish - cold or room-temperature - Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sours, to Jack & Cokes and Woodmere shots, etc. In any event, in addition you won't be disappointed with the array of alcohols available from Tequilas to Wines to Beers (but suffice it to say I don't personally care about anything that isn't a whiskey or a martini - I'll drink those to, but only if someone is paying for it - just give me whiskey and martinis, I like what I like and I love what I love). PARKING & TRANSIT SITCH The Kay runs from 7th St. (where the Starbucks and SAUCED face westward across 7th Street in the quad area of the Golden 1 Arena - home of our Sacramento Kings) and runs down to 13th St. where it dead-ends right into the Sacramento Convention Center where all my favorite ComiCons happen. As such, The Kay has limited traffic and absolutely no parking along it. On the side number street sections (8th through 12th) between J and L streets, there are various parking garages. A block out adjacent on either J or L streets, you will find metered parking at various rates for various times of days - best to use the smartphone app but some street meters do still take quarters. If you are coming from further outside the Downtown grid, you can leave your car at a Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) lot (usually free to $1) and take the lightrail down to the 10th & Kay stop and you're there! THE LOWDOWN Make The Empress one of your stops in Downtown Sacramento!