As Sacramentans become increasingly aware of, and thoughtful about, their food choices, it is no surprise that a restaurant like Paul Martin’s American Bistro would crop up in our region’s landscape. This bustling bistro—whose credo is "Eat organic. Believe in sustainable. Buy local. Love fresh”—opened in October 2007 and has been thronged ever since.

The roomy, comfortable restaurant is dimly lit, creating a cozy, cavelike ambience that encourages lazy relaxation. Wine bottles are displayed in plain, solid wood shelving boxes, and enormous, circular lamps with delicate ruffled exteriors loom gently over diners. Booths are cushy, the concrete floor gleams with polish and an extensive bar stretches across a beautiful brick wall, showcasing a colorful collection of illuminated liquor bottles.

The menu, solid and appealing, offers a toothsome list of small plates ranging from house-smoked baby back ribs and grilled artichokes to buttermilk-battered calamari. Entrées are hearty, and include items like the succulent and intensely beefy braised short ribs, and a terrific pan-fried Petrale sole. Don’t miss the kitchen’s spinach salad, tossed with a warm, vibrant bacon dressing and scattered with toasted pine nuts, or the hefty BLT sandwich, slathered with a kicky black pepper aioli. The kitchen also prepares its own delicious house-infused fruit vodkas—try the spiced huckleberry vodka, whose lilting, purple sweetness is a refreshing end to your meal. - Kira O'Donnell

Insider tip: Kids are welcome at Paul Martin’s. The kitchen serves up some pretty delicious macaroni and cheese and mini-hamburgers for your little ones, and the young staff is very kid-friendly.

Reservations: Recommended

Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Card

Alcohol: Full Bar

Corkage fee: $10

Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m.