Afshin A.
Yelp
Over the weekend, while visiting a family member in Sacramento, we decided to try a new spot for lunch and chose Alaro Craft Brewery, Restaurant & Cocktail Bar.
Alaro Craft Brewery, Restaurant & Cocktail Bar opened in June 2018 in Midtown Sacramento, on the historic site of the former Rubicon Brewing Company. Founders Ray and Annette Ballestero, experienced in the local brewing scene, aimed to honor this legacy while introducing a fresh experience.
When we arrived in the late afternoon, there was a slight breeze outside, so even though they have a nice street-side seating area and an even prettier backyard, we opted to sit inside. The place was not too crowded, but many tables inside had "Reserved" signs. We had to wait a few minutes for them to assign us a table that wasn't reserved. The seating area inside is very well laid out, and there's a beautiful long bar on the right as you enter.
Alaro features Spanish-inspired tapas and classic pub dishes, complemented by a selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. Head Brewer Chris Keeton maintains a focus on classic styles, contributing to Alaro's success, including the Castillo IPA, which won a gold medal at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival.
We started with a couple of their signature Margaritas, and I chose their special of the day, an award-winning Maria Robust Porter, along with a shot of mezcal. We were all pleased with our choices.
For food, we ordered Patatas Bravas and fried Asparagus, along with their soup of the day special. Everything was well-prepared and delicious, with the soup being particularly noteworthy. We aren't big eaters, so despite hoping to try one or two main course dishes, we ran out of room and decided to come back again soon.
The servers were very professional and attentive, and we were quite satisfied with the service.
Alaro sources ingredients locally, which definitely makes a significant difference. I later learned that the name "Alaro" reflects Ray Ballestero's family heritage, reinforcing the founders' dedication to community and tradition. Try them if you are in the neighborhood. You will not be disappointed.