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As the ‘Best of Folsom’ awards now enter its fifth year, it’s a time of change. Old favorites closed their doors (Gold Miner Cafe, Ettore’s), while new businesses storm the city with excitement (Jack’s Urban Eats)… many new winners this year just prove that this city has an abundance of great choices in food!
Best Breakfast: Sutter Street Grill 811 Sutter St |
Best Coffee Bar: Bella Bru Our only 5-time champion in the ‘Best of Folsom’… it must stand for something! It’s not uncommon to see one of Folsom’s finest stop by for a quick bite or cup of Joe here – they’ll testify that there’s a reason this place keeps winning! Great food, great coffee, great ambiance. 1115 E. Bidwell St / (916) 983-4003 |
Best Cultural Cuisine: Bidwell Street Bistro We removed the “Best European Food” category, and boy did we hear about it. Though “cultural cuisine” may not be the best category, Bidwell Street Bistro obviously has its fans. If you want a great place to take a date in Folsom, this is a good choice. 1004 E Bidwell St / (916) 984-7500 |
Best Pizza: Roma’s Pizzeria III A long-standing runner-up in the Best of Folsom, Roma’s wrestles the top spot away from Chicago Fire, who has dominated since they opened up. The location may be hard to find, but Empire Ranch residents know the pizza is awesome. Even the closing of a major tenant in the strip center does not hurt business here. 25004 Blue Ravine Rd., #121 / (916) 985-7828 |
Best Desserts: Ettore’s Sadly, this award must be presented posthumously, to a bakery that was very popular (perhaps not popular enough). Ettore’s closed its doors about a week before this article went out. If you are hankering for a good dessert, may we suggest right across the street at Tahoe Joe’s. 510 Natoma Station Drive / (916) 985-3920 |
Best Sandwiches: Beach Hut Deli If you have never visited the Beach Hut, you’ll soon see why this place always wins. The sandwiches are piled HIGH, and you’ll likely take half of it home to eat later. We suggest the Surfin’ Bird or the Surfin’ Cow. 411 Blue Ravine Rd / (916) 983-0900 |
Best Lunch Spot: Beach Hut Deli Looking for a cool place to eat lunch, yet is still a little laid back? Beach Hut is your spot. Pick a surfboard booth and order up a big ‘ol sandwich. We promise, you won’t go hungry, and the ambiance is always pretty fun. 411 Blue Ravine Rd / (916) 983-0900 |
Best American Food: Jack’s Urban Eats From the minute Folsomites heard that midtown favorite Jack’s was coming to town, the message boards were buzzing. Jack’s serves up some of the greatest meat, potatoes, and salads in the entire Sacramento area. The lines are sometimes a little long but definitely worth the wait. 2756 E Bidwell St / (916) 984-5553 |
Best Ice Cream: Tasty Time (Prairie City) Though the owners have changed, the yummy ice cream has not. Tasty Time on Prairie City Road is home to the most gourmet ice cream in town. Stop by for a banana split, or even a yogurt. You won’t go away unhappy! 1870 Prairie City Rd, Ste 300 / 916-351-0748 |
Best Mexican Food: La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant It did not take long for Folsom patrons to discover La Fiesta. Is it the mariachi bands, the free chips and salsa, or the good food? We suspect it’s all of the above. You’ll leave full, satisfied, and it won’t break the bank. 1008 E Bidwell St / (916) 984-1370 |
Best New Business: Jack’s Urban Eats Folsomites were anxious to get a cafeteria-style restaurant in town, so many started writing to local favorites Pluto’s and Jack’s, which are both amazingly similar. Pluto’s said Folsom wasn’t a big enough venue for them (true story). We guess the joke’s on them – Jack’s has been packed since the day they moved in. 2756 E Bidwell St / (916) 984-5553 |
Best Chinese Food: Chang’s Mongolian Grill Chang’s Mongolian Grill has been a Folsom favorite for years. Who better to know how you like your food than you! Serve up yourself some noodles, meat, veggies piled high and perhaps some pineapple. Let the chefs take care of the rest, and don’t forget the ice cream… included, of course. Honorable Mention: Jennie’s Palace, Fats Dim Sum & Asian Bistro 631 E Bidwell St / (916) 983-6888 |
Best Italian: Visconti’s
Old-fashioned Italian food is the best way to describe this place… anyone who has a hint of Italian in their blood would feel right at home here – they are small, the food is very fresh, and the owner will even come by and see how your dish is. You just don’t see that anymore. 322 E Bidwell St / (916) 983-5181 |
Best Fresh Mex: Chipotle OK, so we goofed last year – we actually dropped the Chipotle award off at Dos Coyotes (a former ‘Best of Folsom’ winner)… An inquisitive manager smiled and thanked us, only to call us later they are not Chipotle! Well, we’re happy to give Chipotle their much deserved award for ’07 and ’06 this year… sorry about that! Honorable Mention: Dos Coyotes, Baja Fresh 1001 E Bidwell St # 106 / (916) 983-9374 |
Best Sushi: Taiko Sushi Not long after they opened up, Taiko is attracting a following. They were already a big hit in their original location in Sacramento, and obviously are now quite popular in Folsom. The Zenbu roll is their specialty, come by and check it out! 2700 E Bidwell St / (916) 817-8525 |
Best Steak / Seafood: Scott’s Seafood Though the view leaves a little to be desired (they sure are taking their time on that construction project, aren’t they?), the food is second to none. Though technically, it’s still California, you’ll want to wear something nice here – the food and ambiance deserve a nice attire. Leave the hat at home! 9611 Greenback Ln / (916) 989-6711 |
Best Family Owned Business: My Grandma’s Kitchen Mandee and crew have been in Folsom for a little over a year now, and have been well known for customer service. Let the kids play in the play area, and get a home-baked cookie for dessert. The little things make this place special, and it makes you feel like you ate at, well… Grandma’s! 25075 Blue Ravine Rd / (916) 985-3734 |
Best Burgers: Red Robin Out of all the great burger places in Folsom, Red Robin was the winner (easily) in this year’s “Best of” campaign. If you are looking for an affordable place to take the family for dinner, look no further. Red Robin knows burgers… that’s what made them famous in the first place! 1011 Riley St / (916) 983-1773 |
Best French Fries: Jack’s Urban Eats Can you say “urban fries”? Whether it’s a heaping plate of garlic fries, traditional fries, or Jack’s original urban fries, you will not go home unhappy, or hungry. The portions are generous… and of course, delicious! When you have a craving for french fries, come here… you won’t be disappointed! 2756 E Bidwell St / (916) 984-5553 |
Best Fast Food: Carl’s Jr. 1016 E Bidwell St / (916) 983-9260 |