Bistro 33, Sacramento

Last night my husband and I found ourselves at 16th & J in Midtown during rush hour with parking spots secured. I had been wanting to try Bistro 33, so we made it just in time for their nightly “Appy Hour.” For a reasonable sum, we feasted on crab & artichoke dip with crunchy toasted baguette, fried bay shrimp served in a cone with a sherry dipping sauce (has a kick!), the “Bistro Gardens” salad, and my favorite – mini Kobe burgers with gouda goat cheese (a.k.a. complete indulgence in moderation). 

Although we stuck with $3 wine and beer selections from the “Appy Hour” menu, we couldn’t help but be intrigued by the server’s description of their “Rotating Midtown Classic” – a Grey Goose vodka martini with a Sapphire gin wash – which is priced as “Time of Day is the Price you Pay!” Very clever and tempting for martini purists like my husband.

We rounded out our meal with the “Bag ‘o Doughnuts” dessert - beignet-esque balls shaken at the table in a paper bag with cinnamon, sugar, and brown sugar, then served with a trio of chocolate sauce, strawberry compote, and honey butter. Yum! I always appreciate a little pomp and circumstance with my dessert.

Considering our spontaneous Midtown dining experience didn’t break the bank, and we amused ourselves sampling trendy menu items on their breezy patio, I definitely recommend hitting up Bistro 33′s “Appy Hour,” Monday – Friday, 4-7 p.m. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, Bistro 33 serves food until midnight, Sunday – Wednesday, and until 3 a.m., Thursday – Saturday.