Where can you go to get the best views of the city?
There’s no better place in the city than at Revival at The Sawyer (500 J Street, Tel: 916-545-7111. www.revivalsacramento.com), especially during sunset. With views overlooking DOCO and the Tower Bridge, it’s truly spectacular. Every Wednesday from 5-9 P.M., Revival offers Pink Drink and Rosé specials with a portion of proceeds donated to the Sacramento LGBT Community Center. Also, on Friday nights and “Sunday Sunset” evenings from 5-8 P.M., they feature live entertainment from a great line-up of local artists.
Where are the best places to workout?
I love Sacramento Pipeworks (116 N 16th Street, Tel: 916-341-0100. www.touchstoneclimbing.com). I easily get bored or feel like I’m in a rut with my typical workouts, and Pipeworks does an incredible job offering all different kinds of classes, and even has climbing walls, to help with variety to spice up your workouts.
Another favorite of mine is Pure Barre (1710 R Street Suite 120, Tel: 916-838- 8448. www.purebarre.com), which offers a total body workout focused on low-impact/ high-intensity movements. The Sawyer partners with the studio on a regular basis and we offer complimentary classes on our outdoor pool deck throughout the year, which is a popular offering for both guests and the local community.
If someone is looking for a full-service spa, where do you send them?
Asha Urban Baths (2417 27th Street, Tel: 916-837-3290. www.ashaurbanbaths.com) is a popular spot we send guests. The spa offers extensive services (massages, facials, and steams) in a quiet setting. They also provide a great selection of both male- and female-focused services. Another great option is Byuti Salon + Spa (1414 H Street, Tel: 916- 441-2000. www.byutisalon.net), located in Downtown Sacramento. It’s a pretty hip place. They offer an array of facials, peels, micro dermabrasions, and other skin treatments so I guarantee you will leave the spa feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Sawyer Pool
Designer labels for less—do you have any suggestions for the smart shopper?
Freestyle Clothing Exchange (1906 L Street, Tel: 916-441-3733. www.freestyleclothing.com) They are more particular about what they bring in, so you can find some really cool, lightly used items for a bargain. Right in the middle of Midtown, it’s easy to drop in while window-shopping, or in between some glasses of wine. Also, Article Consignment Boutique (706 56th St., Tel: 916-316-5772. www.shoparticleconsignment.com) offers a wonderful array of designer and high-end labels such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Chanel. The boutique’s selection is curated, and it’s definitely a local favorite.
What are the best gay/lesbian bars in the city?
The Depot (2001 K Street, Tel: 916-441-6823. www.thedepot.net) is my personal favorite. No frills, just beers and cocktails. They have different spaces to fit any mood: a main bar to be in the middle of the action, a game room with a pool table and arcade games, and a quiet back patio for that chill, after work drink. A lot of out of towners come here. It’s one of the best gay spots in town. I also enjoy the Mercantile Saloon (1928 L Street, Tel: 916- 447-0792. No website). It reminds me of some of the dive bars I loved back East, and it’s the perfect spot for a beer and shot. The bartenders always recognize you, and there is always someone to chat with.
What are the most popular gay dance clubs in the city?
Faces Nightclub (2000 K Street, Tel: 916- 448-7798. www.faces.net) is one of the biggest clubs in town. It has a nice size dance floor, and DJs play a great mix of current and classics. They also have a large outdoor area for when you need to cool off after hitting the dance floor. Right across the street is Badlands (2003 K Street, Tel: 916-448-8790. No website). Sometimes you never know what you are going to get there! Rotating entertainment includes dancers, drag shows and DJs; there is always something to do. They also have a little hidden back patio with fire pits when you just need a break from the crowd. Just beware, a line can form pretty quickly here, so best to arrive a little “fashionably early.”
Where can someone go at 3 A.M. for a good meal?
The Original Mel’s in East Sacramento (3000 J Street, Tel: 916-444-6357. www.originalmels.com) is exactly what you need after a night out: greasy spoon classics like Chicken Fried Steak, Chili Fries, and an array of burgers. It’s definitely an institution and crowd pleaser, and our guests come back raving about it. It also helps that it is not far from my house! Another great option is Honey and the Trap Cat (1023A Front Street, Tel: 916- 661-5852. www.honeyandthetrapcat.com). Whenever I get off work late, that is where I head for a late-night snack. They have tacos, Macaroni & Cheese, and a JIF Burger (yes, peanut butter, bacon and berry jalapeno jam ON A BURGER) that I am addicted to, I have tried recreating this at home, but no luck! They also pour great cocktails, so that always helps as well. I love the vibe and food here, and I always tell my guests about it.
What is the iconic tourist souvenir, and where will we find it?
I would say you can’t go wrong with purchasing local art. There are so many outdoor markets with local artists featuring paintings, metal works, and wood working. The Crocker Art Museum features a whole selection of art and souvenirs inspired by Sacramento, as well as artworks from local artisans. I would definitely recommend visiting to pick up a gift for your friend or loved one to commemorate your time in the city. I’m a big fan of supporting local artists!
Please finish this sentence: Don’t leave the city without…
Visiting Old Sac. It’s a fun area with bars, restaurants, shops and bakeries. Catching a game or show at the Golden 1 Center. Whether that’s watching our Sacramento Kings, or your favorite artist, it’s a great time. They also use a lot of local vendors for their food and drink offerings, and being in the center of DOCO has great energy in and out of the arena, especially during game and event day.
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