Burnside Coffee Bar — Restaurant in Sacramento

I accidentally stumbled across Burnside's chalkboard sign on my way into work and followed the directions to his coffee bar later that day. I have become absolutely hooked. Every item on his menu has been exceedingly good, but my particular favorite is the Galactic Sauce.

I do want to call special attention to the fact that every single drink on his menu is completely handcrafted. There are no automatic coffee machines to be found here, only manually operated equipment. I love watching the drinks being made, particularly when he uses the old fashioned siphon that looks straight out of a laboratory. This means that every item does take longer than usual to create compared to other coffee shops, but the results are immaculate. I have never had coffee that is so smooth and full of flavor while simultaneously lacking any bitterness or acidity.

Lastly, I'd like to highlight Bob's guru level of knowledge of coffee and his conversational ability to educate his customers on every aspect of his products, from bean origins down to finished flavor notes. He is extraordinarily pleasant to speak with and I am sincerely hoping that he succeeds in establishing a more permanent operation at this location. Our particularly agency is moving locations soon, but I know a number of us are already making plans to use Bob's coffee as a reason to go for a long walk during our shifts. I wish I had more photos to add but I'm usually finished drinking my coffee before I ever make it back to the office....

Burnside Coffee Bar is a unique entry into the 916's crowded coffehouse scene.

Picture a craft cocktail bar, but make it beans. This place stirs science, flavor, and precision into every cup like it’s a chemistry final you actually want to pass.

Pick your beans and watch the magic unfold. Or you can sip a flight like you're wine tasting. And you probably want to! The flavors are wild, from Melon Creamsicle to Bubble Yum.

BUT. If you roll up with a Dutch Bros sugar bomb or a drive-thru frappe mood, keep driving. Burnside’s drinks are slow-crafted with surgical precision — which means yes, there might be a wait, and no, there’s no unicorn caramel whipped rainbow nonsense here.

The menu? Not exactly beginner-friendly, but the staff’s chill and ready to guide you through your bean awakening.

The vibe is a little cyberpunk dorm room with a side of goth. Not the coziest or most aesthetic, but you’re not here for the furniture — you’re here for the flavor alchemy.

And flavor? Burnside delivers. If you’re a true coffee snob (or aspire to be), this is your new pilgrimage site.

How I break down my ⭐️ reviews: 1 - No. Not if it was the last thing on DoorDash. 🗑️ 2 - Meh. Maybe if I’m desperate, close, and high. 😬 3 - Mid. Not texting the group chat about it. 🤷‍♀️ 4 - Hella solid. Planning my next visit. 😋 5 - Shut up and take my money....

I recently visited Burnside Coffee Bar, and wow, what a gem! This new spot has quickly become my go-to for top-tier coffee. What sets it apart is their incredible attention to detail throughout the entire espresso process. You start by choosing your own bean — a personalized touch that I really appreciated. Each bean is vacuum-packed to the exact dosage needed for your drink, ensuring freshness and precision with every shot.

The baristas were outstanding, taking the time to walk me through their extensive bean selection and offering fantastic recommendations. Their passion and knowledge were evident, making the experience even more enjoyable.

What impressed me most was the level of craftsmanship in their espresso preparation. The puck prep was flawless, and the shot was pulled to perfection. It’s clear they take their espresso seriously, and it shows in the taste — smooth, balanced, and full of flavor.

On top of that, the ambience was spot on. The space has a laid-back, welcoming vibe, and the music selection was prime — just the right blend to enhance the experience without overpowering conversation.

If you’re a coffee connoisseur or just someone who appreciates a well-made espresso, you definitely need to check this place out....