Darling Aviary — Restaurant in Sacramento

They tip themselves automatically 20% regardless or party size and service! Always make sure your check is correct! ASK TO SEE YOUR BILL!!!

We had a nice time when we got there, but it did take us about twenty minutes to get a drink at the tables upstairs outside. Our server was pleasant untill..., we ordered some curly fries and then the shrimp. The shrimp was very mediocre. Our issue is the bill. I'm a sixteen year bartender. So when I see a bill that has extra drink charges on it that I know were not ours I ask questions, but she insists that they were, i had two cocktails, both of those cocktails were the same, and included the twenty one seeds, grapefruit tequila I also asked for 2 side shots of that same tequila as well. So in total 2 cocktails and 2 shots. My friend ordered the mule and a side shot of tito's. He then also ordered a second drink of just tito's and soda. Our server then proceeded to bring out a shot of vodka for me, Instead of my twenty one seeds tequila for the second cocktail that i ordered. I told her the order was incorrect and she took it back, but she still charged me for the shot of vodka that I never ordered. I had ordered the side shot of twenty one Seeds tequila to go with my cocktail. So she ended up charging us two shots of well vodka and another shot of well tequila on our tickets. We tried to tell her about the overcharge, but she insisted that we were not correct and that the bartenders gave her what she asked for. I'm a bartender like I said, and I have made mistakes. But she insisted that we got what we asked for. I know exactly what I had and I know exactly what my friend had. On top of it, she went and gave herself a twenty percent tip. I read a review before that. The bartenders or servers were putting twenty percent for themselves before they hit the hundred dollar mark. Our bill came out to 204.00 in Total and that was including her forty dollar tip at 20% that is not okay that we were charged for drinks that we did not have.And that she went ahead and gave herself twenty percent. We didn't want to sit there, and argue over a couple of shots, but I knew that I would come home, and write this review. It is not okay what goes on over there with the check. Everybody needs to absolutely look at their check and make sure that everything is correct. The other review when somebody complained about the check was absolutely correct.That place will do that. I won't be taking my business...

It's a trendy bar/rooftop restaurant with a surprisingly friendly vibe. Do not come if you're hungry, in search of a diverse menu (basically burgers and fries), impatient, cranky old, or broke because you will not be happy with your experience. Otherwise, come, Instagram it, and have a great time!

My friend who loves to check out trending spots in town, has wanted to come here for a while, but I have resisted because of concerns that the place may be too crowded to safely maintain social distancing. They were also not taking reservations and had a vague seating process when I called. I didn't want to take a chance and get annoyed, so I waited to come until I was fully vaccinated.

So, this is the drill: :: Get in line to get in. :: Get in line at the bar to get drinks. :: Sit on one of the downstairs bar tables until the bouncer tells you that your rooftop table is ready. :: Take the elevator up. :: You are escorted to your high table. :: You order and wait again for your drinks and food. The menu is basically burgers and fries. :: Enjoy the views and the vibe.

We came after work at around 6:30 pm on a Friday night, and was surprised that there wasn't a long line. We came right up to the bouncer and there were only two parties ahead of us waiting to order their drinks. There was just one bartender and this took a while. When we sat down, there was a long line that stretched to the street and we were happy to have arrived when we did. The dimly lit downstairs bar gives you a club feel along with the loud music and the same is true upstairs.

Just like a bar, you will see parties who know someone from the establishment and will bypass the queue, so be ready for this.

Just like in bird watching, you patiently wait, and that can't be more true at The Aviary. Prepare to be patient.

People who love trendy places would love this place because they wouldn't mind the wait and mediocre mixed drinks. Those, however, who are impatient, picky about quality, and mindful of the dollar's value, will not be pleased with their visit here. Although I am usually the later when it comes to dining experiences, I didn't mind the non-stellar aspects of this place too much. I think I was so grateful to be fully vaccinated, out again in close proximity to others, and in the midst of a joyful vibe that I didn't mind. The staff that helped us too, were all friendly and polite, and that significantly made...

Sunday, 7/30/2023 - Went to Darling Aviary for dinner with beautiful friends to celebrate one very special friend's birthday. It was all of our 1st time there. Address is 712 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814, Downtown. 1st floor is a bar. It didn't look open. Could have been, but I didn't pay attention. 😆 But they do check lD. The hostess was very nice. Second floor has a bar, music, and lots of tables to eat. If you are facing the bar on the 2nd floor, the bathroom would be to your right. I took the elevator to the 2nd floor.

Upon arrival:

Pros

1. great little restaurant/bar. There is a DJ and great music.
2. good food. Good drinks. Water tasted good. No funky taste. They provided plenty of ice water for us. See food pictures!
3. there's a mist and fans outside. Kept us cool this hot day.
4. we were allow to bring our own cake to celebrate our friend's bday. We didn't have a lighter to light the candles. The nice man in the wheelchair provided us his lighter. So sweet! Our waiter even got us small plates and silverwares so we can cut our cake.
5. we all had a great time eating, dancing, singing, and celebrating here.
6. service was great! No issue.

Cons

1. it can get pretty busy. All the tables were full. It can get a little crowded and tight squeezing thru to walk around.
2. it's a little hard to find parking. So if you go when the club starts, good luck in finding parking. I went at 1 pm-ish and it was already hard. Street parking.

Conclusion We all loved this spot. Great music, great service, clean, nice staffs, fun restaurant. I'd go here again. Love it! We had no issue. We had a great time dancing away and drinking away. Try this place if you...