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Magpie Café

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An industrial-chic haven for seasonal New American eats, known for creative dishes, craft beer, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Patio

Magpie Café

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An industrial-chic haven for seasonal New American eats, known for creative dishes, craft beer, and a welcoming atmosphere.

"This is one of Sacramento's best, with nothing but delicious food and drinks served alongside amazing service."

TIP

Make Reservations

The restaurant can get busy, so it's wise to book your table in advance.

Explore the Menu

Many delicious options exist; deciding can be tough, so plan to return!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 4:30PM

Cuisine

New American

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(916) 452-7594

Address

1601 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seasonal New American Eats

Seasonal New American Eats

Innovative menus featuring locally sourced ingredients that change with the seasons.

These are midtown Sacramento’s 11 best restaurants, from fish skewers to fine diningOur Guide to 20 Unmissable Spots
Cozy Ambiance & Patio

Cozy Ambiance & Patio

Enjoy a warm, industrial-chic interior or the lovely outdoor seating area.

The Best Brunches In Midtown, SacramentoGoogle Review
Must-Try BLT Sandwich

Must-Try BLT Sandwich

A decadent BLT featuring thick-cut bacon, oven-dried tomatoes, and a unique caper aioli.

Where to get the best takeout from Sacramento CA restaurantsBest BLTs In Sacramento - CBS SacramentoGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Make Reservations

The restaurant can get busy, so it's wise to book your table in advance.

Explore the Menu

Many delicious options exist; deciding can be tough, so plan to return!

Don't Miss the Pork Belly

The crispy pork belly with fruit and a cilantro-coriander sauce is a standout.

Consider Takeout/Delivery

Opt for online ordering or limited in-house delivery if takeout is preferred.

Tips

from all over the internet

Make Reservations

The restaurant can get busy, so it's wise to book your table in advance.

Explore the Menu

Many delicious options exist; deciding can be tough, so plan to return!

Don't Miss the Pork Belly

The crispy pork belly with fruit and a cilantro-coriander sauce is a standout.

Consider Takeout/Delivery

Opt for online ordering or limited in-house delivery if takeout is preferred.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Magpie Cafe is a highly-regarded spot praised for its innovative, seasonal American cuisine and exceptional customer service. Diners rave about the fresh ingredients, creative flavor combinations, and the cozy atmosphere, particularly the charming patio. While generally excellent, some note that certain dishes could benefit from bolder seasoning or slightly more prominent components like pork belly.

"There were so many delicious sounding options on the menu. Everyone in our party of five found it difficult to decide. We will definitely be back."

David Peabody

"I recently had the pleasure of dining at Magpie in downtown Sac, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish!

The highlight of my meal was the perfectly cooked chicken. It was tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection, making every bite a true delight. Accompanied by seasonal vegetables, each ingredient was fresh and vibrant, showcasing the best of what the season has to offer. The combination of flavors was beautifully balanced, creating a dish that was both satisfying and delicious 😋

To complement my meal, I ordered a Lemon Drop beverage, and it did not disappoint! It was incredibly refreshing and added a delightful twist to my dining experience.

Overall, my time at Magpie was remarkable. I left feeling completely satisfied and eager to return. Whether you're looking for a casual dinner or a special night out, this restaurant will not disappoint."

Kat Girl

"Went out for a dinner date without a plan. Showed up 30 mins before closing and asked if they would still serve us. Generously, they said of course. We ordered our food right away to help the kitchen, but the staff didn't rush us at all. A bottle of crémant + 4 small plates was perfect to share. Pork belly with sticky candy sauce and frizee apple salad was the star of the show. First time outside of Asia that I had perfectly-cooked pork belly: the fatty bits were liquid hot and made the meat crisp outside and juicy inside. Veggie tempura was a generous portion of crunchy green onion, chile guero and asparagus. We also had lamb meatballs and one arancine. We moved to the bar and they let us stay pretty late talking over our bottle. Thanks to everyone's gracious attitude it was a lovely evening. Impressed with the service."

Alison M C

What People Like

Fresh, seasonal ingredients
Creative flavor combinations
Exceptional service

What People Dislike

Occasional lack of bold seasoning
Portion of certain components

Frequently Asked Questions

Magpie Cafe serves seasonal New American cuisine, focusing on locally sourced ingredients.

These are midtown Sacramento’s 11 best restaurants, from fish skewers to fine diningOur Guide to 20 Unmissable Spots

Yes, Magpie Cafe features a lovely outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying the ambiance.

The Best Brunches In Midtown, SacramentoGoogle Review

It's recommended to make reservations in advance as the restaurant can get busy, especially during peak times.

Google Review

Yes, Magpie Cafe offers online ordering and limited in-house delivery for takeout.

Where to get the best takeout from Sacramento CA restaurants

Popular dishes include the BLT sandwich, crispy pork belly, and the chicken dishes. The menu changes seasonally.

Where to get the best takeout from Sacramento CA restaurantsGoogle Review+1

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Janel Inouye and Ed Rohr began Magpie as a catering company in 2005, and since then, it has grown into a popular spot for delicious food and cocktails that incorporate seasonal and local ingredients. Patrons love the chicken and waffles with fruit and honey and the biscuits and gravy topped with bacon and eggs for breakfast, as well as the smoked trout omelette and the two egg plate with bacon that includes organic eggs, yummy potatoes, and fresh vegetables. The large interior with contemporary decor and the spacious outdoor patio that opens up directly to the street corner are both perfect for accommodating the the crowds of people who love to dine at the café, and the excellent service makes every experience a great one.

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There they always were in the bakery case at the original Magpie Cafe: unassuming but tempting, nubbly and orangey golden brown with luscious cream cheese filling peeking out. Now on the menu at Magpie’s midtown location at 16th and P streets, to where owners Ed Roehr and Janel Inouye moved their restaurant in July 2015 (as well as at the couple’s other eatery, Nido, which has taken over Magpie’s former R Street spot), the newly buzzy carrot cake cookies literally turn the traditional carrot cake inside out, with the frosting sandwiched between a pair of buttery carrot-oatmeal crisps. In other words, this handheld dessert is deceptively simple, elevated to delicious perfection by attention to detail—Magpie’s signature style—and impossible to put down.

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Magpie proprietors Ed Roehr and Janel Inouye are offering limited hours and takeout only, though they’re adding some limited in-house delivery, as well as online ordering at their Midtown spot. But you can snag many of their beloved signature dishes — the lemon chicken, the hummus bowl with roasted vegetables and grains, and the killer B.L.T. loaded with a rainbow of juicy heirloom tomatoes are on the menu, as are cocktails. The patio is set up with limited seating for carryout diners, as well.

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Mary’s chicken at Magpie is cooked two ways, pan seared and confit, and Includes a vegetable plate on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Sacramento. Too established to be trendy, too young to be a legacy restaurant, Magpie often flies under midtown Sacramento’s farm-to-fork radar. But Ed Roehr, Janel Inouye and Brian Hawley’s business, founded as a catering company in 2005, makes up for its lack of flair with honest-to-goodness crafting of premium local ingredients.

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I also love Magpie for drinks; it’s one of the leading farm-to-fork places in Sacramento, so their menu is always changing. Another great place for a cocktail is Hook & Ladder and Pre Flite Lounge, which is in an alley and is more about the experience than the drinks. Pre Flite used to be a place people would go before they went to the airport, but now it’s a hidden gem that’s quiet and kind of dive-y but the place you want to chill with a beer.

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Farm-to-fork isn’t a trend at Magpie; it’s the whole reason the place exists. This Midtown spot has been championing local ingredients since before it was cool, and the menu changes frequently to keep up with what’s coming out of the ground. One day you’ll get a vibrant salad stacked with citrus and avocado, the next a sandwich so perfectly balanced it makes you question why you ever tolerated bland deli meats.

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cbsnews.com

Best BLTs In Sacramento - CBS Sacramento

Magpie Cafe is a quaint restaurant offering seasonal and local fare in Sacramento. It's name even relates to Yellow-Billed Magpie, native to Sacramento, and the only bird solely found on the California mainland. Magpie Cafe's commitment to showcasing local ingredients in new ways is definitely evident in the Magpie BLT. The decadent Magpie BLT features thick cut bacon, oven dried tomatoes and caper aioli.

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Sacramento News & Review

SN&R • Local Stories • Feature Story • Best 50 restaurants in Sacramento • Nov 10, 2016

It’s rare that a restaurant’s brunch game is as strong as both its lunch and dinner, but here we are. Dining at Magpie is elegant and delicious while remaining unstuffy and casual, no matter what time of day you visit. With a menu strongly supported by local produce and proteins, dishes are beautifully plated and highlight seasonal ingredients, making it a strong contender for frequent repeat visits.

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Magpie Cafe offers a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that puts guests at ease and ensures they have an enjoyable experience. The staff is dedicated to providing excellent service, maintaining a positive attitude, and making the cafe a wonderful place for visitors. Guests are often pleasantly surprised by the reasonable prices, which add to the overall value of the cafe.

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When Magpie opened in 2009 as a charming little deli serving farm-to-table salads and sandwiches, they were killing it. As Magpie’s reputation grew, the small restaurant, and even smaller kitchen, needed elbow room. So last year, owners Janel Inouye and Ed Roehr moved into brand-new quarters in the 16 Powerhouse complex.

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1601 16th Street, Sacramento, CA Website Opens Monday to Wednesday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Thursday to Friday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Sunday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Port of Rye cocktail at Magpie Cafe. Magpie Cafe turned out to be one of the surprise hits of my trip to Sacramento.

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Address: 1601 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95814Phone:+1 (916) 452-7594Website:magpiecafe.comDetails: $$, New American restaurant. Magpie Cafe in Sacramento is a fabulous and highly recommended restaurant. The staff is friendly and provides great service, enhancing the overall dining experience.

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Magpie Café in Sacramento offers exceptional brunch options with a variety of delicious dishes, including vegan and gluten-free options. The cheese board, beer battered onions, and pork belly are highly recommended. The service is superb, and the owner even surprised our table with dessert.

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Start with artisan romaine with a choice of potato chips and onion dip or bread and hummus, then choose between roasted steelhead or house made pasta with beer batter fried rings or roasted vegetables, and end with chocolate avocado mousse or donut holes with ice cream.

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1601 16th StSacramento, CA 95814(916) 452-7594 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. Resting on 16th Street, this chic-industrial cafe serves excellent craft beer, clever drinks and New American bites.

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1601 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95814Phone: 916-452-7594 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Magpie Cafe (@magpiecafesacramento)

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- Rating: 4.3/5 (716 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 1601 16th St. Sacramento, California - Categories: New American, Bars- Read more on Yelp

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Magpie Cafe 1601 16th Street Sacramento CA 95814 | 916-452-7594 Check out nearby:Sun and Soil Juice | Zuda Yoga | Hot Italian

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Magpie Café (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide