After dining here with my girlfriend for a purposely planned, late Valentine's Day dinner. And having never heard of this place before making reservations, I am officially a fan of Woodlake Tavern!To avoid the large number of people celebrating Valentine's Day on the 14th or the weekend after, my girlfriend I decided to move our celebration to two Saturday's after. And capped our day off by trying out a restaurant that we had not yet been to, but looked like it would be amazing....hence our trip to Woodlake Tavern.I made reservations for 7, and once we arrived we were promptly seated at a table for two near the front door. It was pretty cold that day, and with patrons coming and going, I knew it would be better to be seated way from the entrance. That wasn't a problem here, and we quickly seated to another table by the bar, for a more quiet and enjoyable night. Our waiter arrived shortly after we seated, to which we gave him our drink orders after some suggestions. And we took a little more time to look for the menu for what we wanted to eat. My girlfriend decided to get the Milagro Margarita which has grapefruit-brulee shrub, orange liqueur, and cranberry. While I chose thePurity Vodka Seasonal Mule which had fresh pomegranate seeds, pink peppercorn, cappelletti, and lime. Both versions of these classic drinks were new to us, but they both were really good.We also decided to share an the chicken wings for an appetizer, and these wings were so delicious. They were covered in coffee bourbon bbq sauce and crispy garlic sauce, and we both were pleasantly surprised. And for our main course my girlfriend got the Shrimp & Grits, while I ordered the Steak Frites....both were AMAZING!!!The Shrimp & Grits was served with jumbo Gulf Prawns, mixed in creamy grits, with sofrito and house cured bacon. And was adorned with arugula to top it off. I tried a couple of bites and the seemed as if the bacon just melted in your mouth. And my Steak Frites was just out of this world. Imagine a medium rare/medium well chargrilled flatiron steak, with a demi-glace and brie butter, and served beef tallow fries. Before this night I didn't even know what beef tallow fries were, and so they cook the fries in a beef fat for a richer flavor. Those fries were hands down probably the best fries I've ever tasted. The salt just enhanced the unique flavor of the fries, that I don't know how they could have been any better. Besides the other amazing dishes, my girlfriend and I joked that we'd come back just for the fries alone!During our evening of wonderful food, I was talking to my girlfriend about a drink that I hadn't had in years that was created locally in Davis, CA. I asked our waiter if he'd ever heard of it, to which he said he hadn't but he asked the bartender. He had and we conversed a bit and he made the drink for us, and because we'd had a good lighthearted conversation, when my girlfriend wanted to order another drink. The bartender was nice of enough to offer making her an apricot margarita that would be new to the menu for March's dinning selection. That drink too was really good. We finished the night off with the Bourbon Chocolate Parfait for dessert, which is a devils food cake, served with bourbon creme anglaise. It's very rich, so if you love chocolate then you'll love this dessert. It's might be a lot for one to have on their own because of how chocolaty it is, but sharing it was just perfect for us.OVERALL: Love this place, it has amazing food and drinks, great atmosphere, deceptively large are I thought it was a really small place. But there's indoor and outdoor seating. So full in both you're looking at 100+ diners. Just a great experience and I look forward to going back!
YC Chen
The food here is TOP NOTCH, as always, and their meats are in a league of their own. Many articles have been written about the chef and his amazing techniques, and you MUST taste to appreciate! This is a time to support independent restaurants by ordering take out. Recommend. must try
Firoozeh E.
Food is very good atmosphere was beautiful and friendly. Variety of food pleasant. Would go back once COVED19 is over.
Doug Snell
We really enjoyed our dinner. There was live music and awesome dessert!!
Jessica Powell
Great selection of drinks. Food was delicious.
Cyndi W.
I ordered one of the family meals to take out and enjoy with a friend and it surpassed all expectations. In the beginning there was a little mix up and I had to go back to get the proper entree but that way over compensated for their mistake you're very polite very nice and the food was out of this world I definitely recommend the woodlake tavern for a family meal at home as well as something you would eat in
Slackerov S.
We got a $10 gift card from Allora and decided to try this place. We ordered a club pizza, cheese pizza, and bread pudding. Everything was delicious. Their crust had a nice saltiness that works well with a nice olive oil. The people were super friendly. My wife ordered for curbside pickup. They brought it out quickly. I thought she left a tip over the phone. But found out she didn't upon my return. I guess we'll just have to go back next week and leave a double tip.
Edward D.
This rave review update is overdue, and I want to praise their streamlined take out system during this COVID 19 time. I had a wonderful dinner tonight of Chicken Caesar salad. I highly recommend ordering it, just $12 and it's enough for two. Generous amount of gourmet chicken, and their take out menu is quite reasonable. The food here is TOP NOTCH, as always, and their meats are in a league of their own. Many articles have been written about the chef and his amazing techniques, and you MUST taste to appreciate! This is a time to support independent restaurants by ordering take out. They'll meet you at the door with your order ready, no need to go inside, so very safe.
Flor M.
We have spent alot of time at this wonderful restaurant. The decor is lovely, there's an amazing outdoor covered patio and the servers are attentive and friendly. During this social distancing, we've ordered meals with curb side pickup. The price of $35 is a great price for their large delicious meals.
May A.
The new Atrium is great! Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 and before residents were ordered to stay at home and practice shelter-in-place... it was happy hour with friends! Two-and-a-half weeks ago I met with some friends here for happy hour. It was the first time for all of us. I was the first one to arrive and I was given a choice if I wanted to sit inside or in their enclosed courtyard. I chose the latter while I waited for the rest of my group to arrive. It was a roomy area with a lounge section and firepit and a wall fountain and a rather large space that could well accommodate a large party for an event... like a wedding reception or something. The roof can also be retracted to enjoy Sacramento's beautiful spring and fall weather (when once again we can enjoy socializing). I ordered the Korean Sticky Ribs, the sauce took the flavor profile to the next level. They were sweet and salty at its finest! Others in our table took advantage of the $1 ribs Thursday Special, Beef Tallow Fries, Classic Pepperoni Pizza, Smoked Onion Rings, and the Smoked Beet Salad. The Housemade Churros was good too and came with two dipping sauces - dulce de leche and chocolate. Sorry, this was not shared to my group. LoL Parking can be challenging as it is only street parking (parallel park), no private lot. Our server(s) were attentive to our table and were accommodating to our request of separate checks after he had already combined all our orders into one tab. Edward separated the check into four transactions and not one mistake or mixup. As usual, two hours wasn't enough with friends so until we are able to enjoy each other's company again... be safe and stay healthy! Nice first time experience at Woodlake Tavern. [That evening NBA games were cancelled and eventually the entire season was cancelled] Review #1739
I have loved this great place since it opened and I love it even more now. I ordered a takeout dinner tonight and the transaction was very smooth. I chose vegetarian rigatoni. It was delicious, with spinach, peppers and a wonderful slightly spicy sauce. The portions are very generous; enough for two or to insure leftovers. It was brought out to my car, right on time. Highly recommend this restaurant.
Misty T.
A few friends and I met at Woodlake Tavern on a Thursday evening. When I walked in, I thought the restaurant was going to be small but boy was I wrong. They have a beautiful extension to the restaurant that had a really cool vibe to it. We made it in time for their happy hour menu so of course we took advance of it! They had a great variety of items on their happy hour menu. Honestly, it was hard to decide what I wanted. Did I want something off the happy hour menu or ribs? Thursday night is $1/rib night. Which is an amazing deal. After a few minutes of debating in my head between a few items, I ended up getting their pepperoni pizza and their beef tallow fries. And, holyyy mollyyyy, both were so goooood. Their pizza is probably the best pizza I've had in awhile. I had no regrets about my choices. However, I did grab an opportunity to try a piece of their Korean Sticky ribs that my friend ordered and my oh my, was it full of flavor! I wish I had a black hole for a stomach so I could eat my pizza, the fries, and tons of ribs. Overall, food was delicious; loved every bite. Service was great! They were attentive, friendly, and helpful. If you're visiting Woodlake Tavern, get some pizza, you won't regret it. Love the vibe of this place. Love the food. I'll be back again to try more things on the menu! Maybe even for rib night again! FYI, there's no designated parking lot so you'll have to park on the street, which can be a bit tricky, but it's free.
Ashley H.
Officially never coming here again and telling everyone I know not to come either. They should really change where it says Tuesday $10 "Burgers" when the only burger that it works for is the build your own burger now. Before your were allowed to order the Tavern Burger. They should really mention it on there, the waiter knew we were going for the Tuesday deal and they end up scamming you in the end when you pay telling you it's only for the build your own burger. We end up mentioning to the waiter that we were doing the Tuesday deal and that it says "BURGERS" not burger. Just for him to laugh at us and tell us "oh did I not mention that the Taven burger wasn't included? Maybe next time you can tell the table next to you so I don't have to". Like what? I felt so disrespected because the fact is, it's not right. There is no fine print that says it's only the build your own burger. And it clearly says "Burgers" not Burger. Definitely should have gotten a refund for the price of the Tuesday deal since it is their fault. Instead I just got laughed at. Also, They are never open because of their events. I get it makes them more money but You never know when their open unless you go. They tell you to check their Facebook for when they're open but end up posting an hour after they are supposed to open telling you they're closed. If you call, you have to call a good 3 times for them to answer.
Robert
Prime rib Saturday night was great. The$5 red house was very good. The prime rib was cooked just like we wanted. A very nice cut. It is served alacart, was we did split a veggie side. Service was excellent, food arrive on a hot plate with Au jus and creamed horseradish. My only concern was sitting in the bar area was very noisy with all the kids and their parents. Best to sit at a table in the bar area, smaller with a lower ceiling. Will be going back.
Lillian W.
Woodlake Tavern! It is in the Del Paso Heights/ Woodlake neighborhood. It is located on corner of Arden Way and Del Paso Blvd. The building has a beautiful revival Art Deco look, the interior dining room has gorgeous tile floors. Upscale look and culinary taste without the higher pricing. Great service. I dined here for the first time on Thursday. I was with some friends, it was the first time for them as well. We got there 30 minutes before Happy Hour ended which is at 6pm. Onto the food...they have daily dinner special and HH menu. Pepperoni pizza. Yes please. It's fabulous! Winner! Quite memorable. What the heck did they put in the crust and sauce!? The crust was crisp with a cornmeal like texture but didn't taste like cornmeal. HH price $10. Pretty big size, equivalent to a medium size. The pizza is Uptown Pizza's recipe. Uptown use to be next door but unfortunately closed. The pizza lives on! Basket of tallow fries. HH $6. Come on... fries fried in rendered beef fat, how can that not taste good! It was! Thursday dinner special: $1 a pork rib. Unlimited. No lie. Awesome deal! Bbq smoked goodness! It had a crisp crust with a peppery taste. These aren't riblets, they are meaty pork ribs. Good size. Winner! Smoked beet salad $10. Arugula with roasted grapes, fromage blanc, toasted hazelnuts, and two kinds of beets that were smoked and tossed in a vinaigrette. Fresh! Good flavor combo! Thank you Edward (our server) for the salad suggestion. Thank you to all the staff for the service to our table. Everyone was fun with Great upbeat attitudes. Parking is tricky, they have no lot. It is all street parallel parking. Well lite street. The good thing about that is that it is free, no meters. Also as in any urban area, be alert of your surroundings. #woodlaketavernhappyhour #woodlaketavernpepperonipizza #thursdaydollarrib
After dining here with my girlfriend for a purposely planned, late Valentine's Day dinner. And having never heard of this place before making reservations, I am officially a fan of Woodlake Tavern!To avoid the large number of people celebrating Valentine's Day on the 14th or the weekend after, my girlfriend I decided to move our celebration to two Saturday's after. And capped our day off by trying out a restaurant that we had not yet been to, but looked like it would be amazing....hence our trip to Woodlake Tavern.I made reservations for 7, and once we arrived we were promptly seated at a table for two near the front door. It was pretty cold that day, and with patrons coming and going, I knew it would be better to be seated way from the entrance. That wasn't a problem here, and we quickly seated to another table by the bar, for a more quiet and enjoyable night. Our waiter arrived shortly after we seated, to which we gave him our drink orders after some suggestions. And we took a little more time to look for the menu for what we wanted to eat. My girlfriend decided to get the Milagro Margarita which has grapefruit-brulee shrub, orange liqueur, and cranberry. While I chose thePurity Vodka Seasonal Mule which had fresh pomegranate seeds, pink peppercorn, cappelletti, and lime. Both versions of these classic drinks were new to us, but they both were really good.We also decided to share an the chicken wings for an appetizer, and these wings were so delicious. They were covered in coffee bourbon bbq sauce and crispy garlic sauce, and we both were pleasantly surprised. And for our main course my girlfriend got the Shrimp & Grits, while I ordered the Steak Frites....both were AMAZING!!!The Shrimp & Grits was served with jumbo Gulf Prawns, mixed in creamy grits, with sofrito and house cured bacon. And was adorned with arugula to top it off. I tried a couple of bites and the seemed as if the bacon just melted in your mouth. And my Steak Frites was just out of this world. Imagine a medium rare/medium well chargrilled flatiron steak, with a demi-glace and brie butter, and served beef tallow fries. Before this night I didn't even know what beef tallow fries were, and so they cook the fries in a beef fat for a richer flavor. Those fries were hands down probably the best fries I've ever tasted. The salt just enhanced the unique flavor of the fries, that I don't know how they could have been any better. Besides the other amazing dishes, my girlfriend and I joked that we'd come back just for the fries alone!During our evening of wonderful food, I was talking to my girlfriend about a drink that I hadn't had in years that was created locally in Davis, CA. I asked our waiter if he'd ever heard of it, to which he said he hadn't but he asked the bartender. He had and we conversed a bit and he made the drink for us, and because we'd had a good lighthearted conversation, when my girlfriend wanted to order another drink. The bartender was nice of enough to offer making her an apricot margarita that would be new to the menu for March's dinning selection. That drink too was really good. We finished the night off with the Bourbon Chocolate Parfait for dessert, which is a devils food cake, served with bourbon creme anglaise. It's very rich, so if you love chocolate then you'll love this dessert. It's might be a lot for one to have on their own because of how chocolaty it is, but sharing it was just perfect for us.OVERALL: Love this place, it has amazing food and drinks, great atmosphere, deceptively large are I thought it was a really small place. But there's indoor and outdoor seating. So full in both you're looking at 100+ diners. Just a great experience and I look forward to going back!
The food here is TOP NOTCH, as always, and their meats are in a league of their own. Many articles have been written about the chef and his amazing techniques, and you MUST taste to appreciate! This is a time to support independent restaurants by ordering take out. Recommend. must try
Food is very good atmosphere was beautiful and friendly. Variety of food pleasant. Would go back once COVED19 is over.
We really enjoyed our dinner. There was live music and awesome dessert!!
Great selection of drinks. Food was delicious.
I ordered one of the family meals to take out and enjoy with a friend and it surpassed all expectations. In the beginning there was a little mix up and I had to go back to get the proper entree but that way over compensated for their mistake you're very polite very nice and the food was out of this world I definitely recommend the woodlake tavern for a family meal at home as well as something you would eat in
We got a $10 gift card from Allora and decided to try this place. We ordered a club pizza, cheese pizza, and bread pudding. Everything was delicious. Their crust had a nice saltiness that works well with a nice olive oil. The people were super friendly. My wife ordered for curbside pickup. They brought it out quickly. I thought she left a tip over the phone. But found out she didn't upon my return. I guess we'll just have to go back next week and leave a double tip.
This rave review update is overdue, and I want to praise their streamlined take out system during this COVID 19 time. I had a wonderful dinner tonight of Chicken Caesar salad. I highly recommend ordering it, just $12 and it's enough for two. Generous amount of gourmet chicken, and their take out menu is quite reasonable. The food here is TOP NOTCH, as always, and their meats are in a league of their own. Many articles have been written about the chef and his amazing techniques, and you MUST taste to appreciate! This is a time to support independent restaurants by ordering take out. They'll meet you at the door with your order ready, no need to go inside, so very safe.
We have spent alot of time at this wonderful restaurant. The decor is lovely, there's an amazing outdoor covered patio and the servers are attentive and friendly. During this social distancing, we've ordered meals with curb side pickup. The price of $35 is a great price for their large delicious meals.
The new Atrium is great! Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 and before residents were ordered to stay at home and practice shelter-in-place... it was happy hour with friends! Two-and-a-half weeks ago I met with some friends here for happy hour. It was the first time for all of us. I was the first one to arrive and I was given a choice if I wanted to sit inside or in their enclosed courtyard. I chose the latter while I waited for the rest of my group to arrive. It was a roomy area with a lounge section and firepit and a wall fountain and a rather large space that could well accommodate a large party for an event... like a wedding reception or something. The roof can also be retracted to enjoy Sacramento's beautiful spring and fall weather (when once again we can enjoy socializing). I ordered the Korean Sticky Ribs, the sauce took the flavor profile to the next level. They were sweet and salty at its finest! Others in our table took advantage of the $1 ribs Thursday Special, Beef Tallow Fries, Classic Pepperoni Pizza, Smoked Onion Rings, and the Smoked Beet Salad. The Housemade Churros was good too and came with two dipping sauces - dulce de leche and chocolate. Sorry, this was not shared to my group. LoL Parking can be challenging as it is only street parking (parallel park), no private lot. Our server(s) were attentive to our table and were accommodating to our request of separate checks after he had already combined all our orders into one tab. Edward separated the check into four transactions and not one mistake or mixup. As usual, two hours wasn't enough with friends so until we are able to enjoy each other's company again... be safe and stay healthy! Nice first time experience at Woodlake Tavern. [That evening NBA games were cancelled and eventually the entire season was cancelled] Review #1739
Restaurantji Recommends
I have loved this great place since it opened and I love it even more now. I ordered a takeout dinner tonight and the transaction was very smooth. I chose vegetarian rigatoni. It was delicious, with spinach, peppers and a wonderful slightly spicy sauce. The portions are very generous; enough for two or to insure leftovers. It was brought out to my car, right on time. Highly recommend this restaurant.
A few friends and I met at Woodlake Tavern on a Thursday evening. When I walked in, I thought the restaurant was going to be small but boy was I wrong. They have a beautiful extension to the restaurant that had a really cool vibe to it. We made it in time for their happy hour menu so of course we took advance of it! They had a great variety of items on their happy hour menu. Honestly, it was hard to decide what I wanted. Did I want something off the happy hour menu or ribs? Thursday night is $1/rib night. Which is an amazing deal. After a few minutes of debating in my head between a few items, I ended up getting their pepperoni pizza and their beef tallow fries. And, holyyy mollyyyy, both were so goooood. Their pizza is probably the best pizza I've had in awhile. I had no regrets about my choices. However, I did grab an opportunity to try a piece of their Korean Sticky ribs that my friend ordered and my oh my, was it full of flavor! I wish I had a black hole for a stomach so I could eat my pizza, the fries, and tons of ribs. Overall, food was delicious; loved every bite. Service was great! They were attentive, friendly, and helpful. If you're visiting Woodlake Tavern, get some pizza, you won't regret it. Love the vibe of this place. Love the food. I'll be back again to try more things on the menu! Maybe even for rib night again! FYI, there's no designated parking lot so you'll have to park on the street, which can be a bit tricky, but it's free.
Officially never coming here again and telling everyone I know not to come either. They should really change where it says Tuesday $10 "Burgers" when the only burger that it works for is the build your own burger now. Before your were allowed to order the Tavern Burger. They should really mention it on there, the waiter knew we were going for the Tuesday deal and they end up scamming you in the end when you pay telling you it's only for the build your own burger. We end up mentioning to the waiter that we were doing the Tuesday deal and that it says "BURGERS" not burger. Just for him to laugh at us and tell us "oh did I not mention that the Taven burger wasn't included? Maybe next time you can tell the table next to you so I don't have to". Like what? I felt so disrespected because the fact is, it's not right. There is no fine print that says it's only the build your own burger. And it clearly says "Burgers" not Burger. Definitely should have gotten a refund for the price of the Tuesday deal since it is their fault. Instead I just got laughed at. Also, They are never open because of their events. I get it makes them more money but You never know when their open unless you go. They tell you to check their Facebook for when they're open but end up posting an hour after they are supposed to open telling you they're closed. If you call, you have to call a good 3 times for them to answer.
Prime rib Saturday night was great. The$5 red house was very good. The prime rib was cooked just like we wanted. A very nice cut. It is served alacart, was we did split a veggie side. Service was excellent, food arrive on a hot plate with Au jus and creamed horseradish. My only concern was sitting in the bar area was very noisy with all the kids and their parents. Best to sit at a table in the bar area, smaller with a lower ceiling. Will be going back.
Woodlake Tavern! It is in the Del Paso Heights/ Woodlake neighborhood. It is located on corner of Arden Way and Del Paso Blvd. The building has a beautiful revival Art Deco look, the interior dining room has gorgeous tile floors. Upscale look and culinary taste without the higher pricing. Great service. I dined here for the first time on Thursday. I was with some friends, it was the first time for them as well. We got there 30 minutes before Happy Hour ended which is at 6pm. Onto the food...they have daily dinner special and HH menu. Pepperoni pizza. Yes please. It's fabulous! Winner! Quite memorable. What the heck did they put in the crust and sauce!? The crust was crisp with a cornmeal like texture but didn't taste like cornmeal. HH price $10. Pretty big size, equivalent to a medium size. The pizza is Uptown Pizza's recipe. Uptown use to be next door but unfortunately closed. The pizza lives on! Basket of tallow fries. HH $6. Come on... fries fried in rendered beef fat, how can that not taste good! It was! Thursday dinner special: $1 a pork rib. Unlimited. No lie. Awesome deal! Bbq smoked goodness! It had a crisp crust with a peppery taste. These aren't riblets, they are meaty pork ribs. Good size. Winner! Smoked beet salad $10. Arugula with roasted grapes, fromage blanc, toasted hazelnuts, and two kinds of beets that were smoked and tossed in a vinaigrette. Fresh! Good flavor combo! Thank you Edward (our server) for the salad suggestion. Thank you to all the staff for the service to our table. Everyone was fun with Great upbeat attitudes. Parking is tricky, they have no lot. It is all street parallel parking. Well lite street. The good thing about that is that it is free, no meters. Also as in any urban area, be alert of your surroundings. #woodlaketavernhappyhour #woodlaketavernpepperonipizza #thursdaydollarrib