Sauced BBQ & Spirits — Restaurant in Sacramento

Considering my love for BBQ food (having gone to many states in the South over the past couple years), the bar is set real high. And since California (and Sacramento for that matter) isn't really known for their barbecue, I was hoping for something good but not great. Since I was in the area for the day, I decided to give "Sauced BBQ & Spirits" a try. Located directly on the corner of 7th & K St's in the heart of DOCO (Downtown Commons) in downtown Sacramento, this place has been serving patrons ever since late-2016.

One thing I didn't know about Sauced and they are exclusively a California-born company having started in Livermore in 2012. They expanded to several other locations in the Golden State including San Jose, Walnut Creek, and one location in Orange County. As far as the Sacramento location, its very tough to find parking out here, especially during concerts, events, and Sacramento Kings basketball games; my recommendation is to utilize the underground parking garage, get your ticket voucher validated (which is good from 2-3 hours), and proceed to the restaurant.

Those of you that may remember back in the day but this is the location where "Hard Rock Cafe" once stood for many years. So to have it converted into a large spacious restaurant was a warm welcome. Once entering, the interior is spacious, lively, and as barbecue-inspired as you would expect. Lots of TV's for your viewing pleasure, a full open bar, lots of tables with high chairs, booths, and even an enclosed area where they offer axe throwing (to let out some of that aggression). When we got seated, we were given iced waters and actual menus (which I actuallyprefer more than scanning it and looking at it on your phone).

Now onto the food itself, my +1 and I ended up splitting an order of their "Smoked Chicken" which has a light brushing of apricot glaze. We chose the "Sweet Honey Cornbread" and "Mac 'N Cheese" as our two sides. As far as their drinks, they offer what is called "Sauced-Tails Hillbilly Swill" daily specials where there are offerings including a beer & shot, high cotton shot, and whiskey of the day. Since I am big whiskey/bourbon drinker, I loved their selection. Since we came during the afternoon of Sunday 2/6/2021, I tried their "Dickel Hawgin" special which was a shot of George Dickel Tennessee whiskey complete with a 16 oz. of Hawg Lag(er).

Service was good as our waitress was quick, attentive, and friendly as my shot of whiskey & beer combo arrived in less than 5 minutes. The whiskey had a nice sweet taste while the beer was iced cold. Our food & sides arrived just a few minutes later. Overall, the chicken was good but a lot of the exterior was burnt (as you can see from the photo I captured). Many parts of the chicken were tasty but certain areas were cooked a little on the dry side. As far as the sides, the Mac 'N Cheese was just average at best as it was a little too sweet and salty for my taste while the macaroni didn't taste fully cooked. However, the cornbread was delicious as this was arguably the best part of this meal.

Like I said, I am really picky about BBQ food and if I could give you my two cents of the best of the best in Sacramento, I would recommend "Tank House" as my top pick. But the vibe, atmosphere, service, and prices at "Sauced BBQ" are very decent as I enjoyed my visit here. But with the chicken not being up to standards as well as subpar Mac 'N Cheese, I would have to give this just an average three...

SAUCED in Sacramento CA A colleague recommended this BBQ joint located near the Kings arena in Downtown Sacramento, California. “SAUCED” an “Authentic, slow smoked southern BBQ with an extensive craft beer, craft cocktail and spirits list featuring dozens of large screen tv's in a family friendly environment.” I looked over the menu prior to venturing out. I really wanted to try the Sticky Pork Belly Tacos, so I headed out. Remember, I live in Kansas City where BBQ rules.. but I don’t really eat a lot of BBQ at home, but I still have somewhat high expectation when exploring new BBQ in different cities.

Let it be known that parking might be challenging. I parked in the public tower parking. It was ten bucks. There was little street parking available, and I can imagine it being extremely difficult when the King’s play! The restaurant is situated directly in front of the area open air space. It reminds me of a “LIVE” district with a stage and lots going on all around. To my surprise, the restaurant was empty. Well, it was a Wednesday at 5:30 pm.

Huge craft beer menu – I simply asked the server to pick a Hazy IPA for me. It was delish, but I have no clue who brewed it.. The food menu was also huge. Like a cheesecake factory menu for BBQ. Typical BBQ fare, with gimmicky loaded waffle fries and traditional sides like baked beans, slaw, and Mac n cheese.

They were OUT of the Pork Belly Tacos. Again, 5:30pm on a Wednesday. I refrained from being a douche about it.. but I was a tad agitated considering I don’t feel like calling the restaurant prior to check to see if the full menu is available. I ordered the Pick 2 for $33. A half-smoked chicken and burnt ends w/ Mac and Cheesy grits. We also got the smoked brisket eggs rolls which were stellar.

Service was quick and attentive. Professional and polite. Service, BBQ egg rolls and the Beers were probably the highlight of the meal. The overall BBQ quality was mediocre at best. I will say that the portion of the pick 2 was huge. Enough for 2 adults for sure. My buddy ordered the BBQ BRISKET MELT - chopped brisket tossed in house bbq sauce, sharp cheddar, sautéed onion and applewood bacon on Texas toast. It was also a huge calorie packed sandwich that looked amazing! He couldn’t finish it.

Most BBQ restaurants reheat all the smoked meats in a microwave or rational combi oven because the smoking process is typically done offsite in advance. I don’t know if that is the case here, I did not ask. The burnt ends were tough and dry. Over nuked, no fat. Leathery, and lean. It was not what I was expecting. Thankfully there was KC BBQ sauce on the table for smothering. The Smoked chicken was not what I would consider “smoked” . The flavor was so light, it was lost. I regret ordering the half chicken. The sides, however, were great. Southern mac n cheese and cheesy corn grits were wonderful! and the portion size was appropriate.

I’d return for beers and happy hour bites if I were ever back in the area. Our meal was over $120 for 2. I noticed a Morton’s steak house on our way back to the car and wished we had eaten there instead. It would have been about the same price without the “family friendly” atmosphere. I’m not knocking this restaurant as it’s built for speed, turn, and burn tables with classic sweet heat bbq flavors for those just looking to get full before a night out. Or for the picky beer junky that likes to check out the local...

OMGoodness... The smell of pit BBQ that actually transfers from your nose to your belly 🥰 The ribs, chicken and pulled pork 🤤🤤🤤

Giving honest reviews only ... The customer service was awesome... I even lost my money in my purse and the waitress didn't freak out. Due to the location I was surprised... I was going to have to go to the car... But I found it🤣😂🤣 It was our first time there and it was a special occasion for my daughter and I. It was a very cool first time experience.

Now as far as my rating of the food itself.

All meats were cooked to perfection and the flavors were the best I have had in Sacramento, in years even in other areas. It wasn't like you smell it then your mouth waters for you get and taste nothing like what you smelt that made you get it. 🤤🤤🤤 The smell transfers to your mouth literally... REAL BBQ. 🔥🔥🔥

The cornbread was very heavy and condensed. Slightly sweet with pieces of chard corn inside. I didn't care for it too much but my daughter thought it was good. I am more a a fluffy sweeter cornbread kind of lady😉

The coleslaw was different... However, it was eatable. Not bad but not something I personally would say.... Ohhhh I need some of that...

Baked beans are not just baked beans... They are BBQ baked beans. Which makes sense since the name is Sauced. But somehow they were still a lil dry.

The Mac and cheese was a bit on the dry side. It tastes as if it was made with a rue... Which gives it more of like a cheesey gravy kind of feel the pasta was a lil mushy.... But with some of there BBQ sauce it's 🔥

I knew what I wanted when we arrived. I was sad to learn that what I wanted was only for take out... So we ordered that to go... Which was a super deal for BBQ and quiet a bit of food🥰

Because we were already seated and didn't want to relocate to order our food to go, we ordered this appetiser that visually didn't do much...Called Bumpkins 🤣😂🤣It was 6 pieces (3 egg rolls cut in half which the menu was up front about) I thought they were expensive and we came in during happy hour but just missed it by the time we ordered. Anyway.... The point is... They were so freakin delicious 🔥🔥🔥🔥 I would definitely do happy hour for the deal.

JUANITA WAS AWESOME... THERE WAS ANOTHER AWESOME INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS A NAME THAT MANY OTHERS THERE HAVE THAT I CAN'T RECALL... BUT SHE WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND AS WELL ... I REQUESTED SAMPLES OF THE BBQ SAUCE AS IT WAS OUR FIRST TIME... SHE WENT AND GOT THE SAUCES AND A FEW CROSSCUT POTATOES SO WE COULD TASTE THE DIFFERENT SAUCES 🥰🥰🥰 SHE NEVER ONCE POINTED OUT THAT THE SAUCES WE ALL ON THE TABLE🫣. NOT SURE HOW I MISSED THAT🤣😂🤣 SHE WAS AMAZING AS WE WEREN'T EVEN HER CUSTOMERS TO SERVE...

QUICK RECAP... AWESOME FIRST TIME EXPERIENCE. ALL MEATS WE HAD (RIBS,CHICKEN,PULLED PORK)🔥🔥🔥 SIDES WE HAD EATIBLE 😏 APPETIZER WE HAD 🔥🔥🔥 CUSTOMER SERVICE 🔥🔥🔥 BBQ SAUCE / Different but 🔥🔥🔥 When combined super good... The two most popular sauces mixed was WOWing.

Thanks for making our special...