The Broiler restaurant is a part of Sacramento—it opened in 1950—and holds an endearing past that includes movers and shakers from the Capitol who have enjoyed the eats, drinks and jazzy atmosphere. Although it moved into a new swanky building in 1999 (with electric doors and validated parking) it still has its glowing neon pink to help retain its kitschy and upscale atmosphere. The menu is expansive and traditional with house specialties such as the bacon-wrapped duck breast, chicken Patricia (breast of chicken sautéed with garlic, basil and served with mashed potatoes) and a whiskey salmon filet. Its expertise is in the red meat department with a petite filet marinated in thyme and juniper berries, a full-flavor T-Bone, lamb chops marinated in olive oil or the enormous 30-ounce Porterhouse. Cindy Arora

Insider tip: Park in the city parking lot across the street from The Broiler if you want to get validated

Reservations: Recommended

Recommended dishes: Bubbly Burger $100 (two Broiler Burgers with the works and a bottle of champagne)

Payment methods: Amex, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Full bar

Corkage fee: $15

Hours: Monday–Friday: 11 a.m.– 2:30 p.m.
Monday–Saturday: 5 p.m.–10 p.m.