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Sacramento, the worst "major" city in America

Sunday October 29, 2006 | 01:31:46 339 words, 3291 views
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I had occasion to make a few quick stay overs in Sacramento during the last several months. (It’s a great portal to Lake Tahoe and some other Northwest golf spots).

Of course, anyone who’s ever spent even one night in Sacramento knows there is no such thing as a quick stay here.

Not in the dozing armpit of the West Coast. One night here can seem endless.

The “hopping” downtown consists of a few blocks around the state capitol with a smattering of ordinary restaurants, a few small movie theaters and a heavily-hyped outdoor shopping center that the people of Akron, Ohio would laugh at.

This is supposed to be one of the seats of power in the country - it’s where The Terminator himself governs with witty phrases. And yet, it’s impossible to find a bite to eat after 11 p.m.

Impossible. I’m not talking a good bite either. Any bite. McDonald’s, a little taco stand, you name it … it’s not happening.

One night I drove around a little after midnight, vainly circling downtown for 20 minutes, searching for even a gas station or convenience store open for a snack. A Sacramento cop finally pulled me over (I was the only car on the road at this ghastly Sacramento Midnight hour, so automatically I must have been suspicious) and informed me that I’d have to get back on the interstate to find anything.

Even a bag of chips.

Former Sacramento King himself Chris Webber tried to convince me that there is some great golf in Turnip Town. (For more on Webber, stay tuned to BadGolfer.com for the second in the series on where celebrities party in a golf town).

I don’t doubt CWebb on this. It’s just nobody would want to endure Sacramento itself to experience this golf. If they weren’t already forced to live there. Or are not an athlete with a private jet to escape on once dusk hits.

There’s really no doubt. Sacramento is the worst “major” city in America. And it’s not even that close.

Comments:

Comment from: Brandon Tucker [Member] Email · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/brandon.tucker
Did you ask C-Webb if he's as bad in the clutch in golf as he is on the court?

Or did you ask the cheater who ruined a decade of basketball at UM a bunch of softies?

Time out!!!




Permalink 2006-10-29 @ 12:09
Comment from: PJ [Visitor] Email
You're an idiot and out of touch. Good thing nobody here takes you seriously.
Permalink 2006-10-29 @ 15:35
Comment from: Rob [Visitor]
I sure can't figure out where in the hell you were looking because donwtown/midtown Sacramento actually has an impressive list of choices for after-hours dining. Let's see. Both Ink and Bistro 33 are are open until 2am every night and 4am weekends. R15 and Cafe Bernardo is open until 2am 7 days a week. Kasbah is open 'til 3am 7 days a week. Plum Blossom is open until midnight during the week and 2 or 3am every weekend. And these are all--ALL--within 15 blocks of the Capitol, and every last one has great food and a stylish atmosphere. And that's WITHOUT mentioning all the great places open until midnight or later on weekends! Like Mikuni and Zocalo and Tapa the World and Tower Cafe and Willie's! Again, all within 15 blocks. Really, man. I suspect there was another reason that cop pulled you over.
Permalink 2006-10-30 @ 02:17
Comment from: Chris Baldwin [Member] Email
Bistro 33’s own website says its only open till midnight except on weekends. And you try and show up at 11 p.m. on a Tuesday and get served a meal. There’s a big difference between “open” - I.E. you can drink - and getting food.

By all means, defend your town. But don’t throw out erroneous hours on your very first example. I grew up in the Detroit area and even the D makes downtown Sacramento look like a ghost town by comparison.

Permalink 2006-10-30 @ 03:47
Comment from: Rob [Visitor] Email
Chris, Chris. Call them right now and ask them. They take DINNER ORDERS until midnight. Sun-Wed. And they take DINNER ORDERS until 3am Thurs-Sat. 916-233-3633. Did you fact-check my other suggestions, too? Let me know how that works out.
Permalink 2006-10-30 @ 20:41
Comment from: Booger [Visitor] Email
Baldwin obviously hasn't been to Camden, NJ.
Permalink 2006-10-30 @ 23:14
Comment from: Chris Baldwin [Member] Email
Actually, I have experienced the wonders of Camden. Difference is nobody there tries to pretend it’s a major city. Even the mayor knows better.
Permalink 2006-10-31 @ 00:31
Comment from: Brandon Tucker [Member] Email · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/brandon.tucker
Just because a single restaurant takes dinner orders until 12 and not 11 doesn't mean the city is lively, Rob.

And no young professionals my age ever talk about wanting to go to Sacramento. Mid-major towns that have buzz in my generation are Austin, Jacksonville, Boise (yes, Boise), Denver maybe and of course San Diego.

I've not met anyone whose told me, "Dude, you gotta check out Sacramento, I ordered dinner at 11:30!!! ON A TUESDAY!!
Permalink 2006-10-31 @ 12:24
Comment from: Tim McDonald [Member] Email
Jacksonville!

Jacksonville?

Brandon, you've been in the Czech Republic too long. I was born and raised in Jacksonville and got out as soon as I could. Sure, I was well into my 30s, but I've always moved slow, and even I was too fast for Jacksonville.

Jacksonville has all the inconveniences of a big city and none of the attractions.

Jacksonville is a bunch of drunk insurance agents trying to scam acne-scarred secretaries at forlorn happy-hour dives.

I can't think of a duller city offhand, oe even on-hand.

Permalink 2006-11-02 @ 14:09
Comment from: Vera [Visitor]
See, this is why I love living in midtown sacramento. Lots of culture and the yuppys hate it. What could be better? Enjoy it while you can Rob, before Fargo destroys it.
Permalink 2006-11-17 @ 13:51
Comment from: San Franciscan Sac-town lover [Visitor]
You gotta be kidding me. Who does this guy think he is? I am not surprised he works for a golfing magazine. I live in San Francisco and I always look forward to going to Sacramento and always have a great time there. I love the people (humble, yet engaged and modern), the food, the atmosphere (slow and very informal), and the music (great music scene).
Permalink 2006-11-22 @ 13:17

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