Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse — Restaurant in Sacramento

Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse is like that friend who always talks a big game but delivers just enough to keep you interested. It’s not a bad place to hang out, but don’t come expecting your socks to be blown off—unless you count the beer, which is a solid contender for MVP.

Food: The brisket and burnt ends were… fine. You know that feeling when you’re expecting fireworks but get a sparkler instead? That’s the brisket. It’s tender, sure, but it’s also a little shy in the flavor department. Luckily, the house BBQ sauce is there like the hero we didn’t know we needed, swooping in to save the day.

The greens? Oh, those greens are living their best life. Whoever’s in charge of them deserves a raise because they’ve somehow managed to make a side dish the star of the plate.

And the cornbread—let’s talk about the glow-up. Last time, it could’ve moonlighted as a paperweight. Now? It’s moist, fluffy, and actually something I’d consider eating on purpose. Bravo, cornbread.

Beer: If the food is the backup band, the beer is the headliner. The craft beer selection is diverse, and whether you’re into hoppy, malty, or something in between, they’ve got you covered. Honestly, I could’ve skipped the food and just had a beer flight and a side of greens and been perfectly happy.

Ambience: The industrial-chic decor and laid-back vibe make it a nice spot to kick back with friends. It can get a bit loud inside, though, so prepare to shout about how average your brisket is. The outdoor patio is a solid choice if you prefer your BBQ with a side of fresh air.

Service: The service was fine—not overly attentive, but not neglectful either. Think of it as the Goldilocks of service: not too much, not too little, just… there.

Overall Experience: Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse is a decent spot for good beer, killer greens, and BBQ that’s almost memorable if you pour on enough sauce. It’s a place where you can eat, drink, and debate whether the cornbread has truly achieved redemption.

Rating: 3/5—come for the beer, stay for the greens, and hope the brisket levels...

Invite to the Urban jungle ... This place is crazy busy throughout far better weather, Friday nights, as well as weekend breaks. You would certainly think the crowds equal wonderful food. Not a lot. The crowds should be digging the beer ... I'm just not seeing it with the costly food. The food selection transformed from my last visit, as did the quality of the food. Being active shouldn't imply that the top quality must be reduced. The burger was suitable, but overdone as well as did not have that extra something that would certainly make it excellent. The mac n cheese was great. Got ta provide credit score where it's due. It was spiral noodles with just the correct amount of luscious cheese goodness. The smoked brisket sandwich. Where to begin ... the roll while it showed up toasted, was cool, tough, and unappetizing. The horseradish needs to have run over the bread, since I barely saw it. The arugula is a nice touch, as well as made up for the lack of general taste. The onions ... just no. The brisket was cool, extremely exaggerated, and also drier than dust that hasn't seen rainfall in 6 months. I tried to like it. I attempted to eat it, however could not. I also attempted the range of barbeque sauces from their sauce bar, as well as it resembled consuming saucy dead meat. Just. No. I tried to eat what aesthetically appeared like a tiny order of french fries. They had that extra finish that makes it worth surrendering a diet for. Guess what ?! Yep, cold and also tasteless. I believed maybe it was me, yet the neighboring table was making the remarks that I had been assuming. Simply. No. My experience was a lot better the last time, it's what brought me back. The food is much too expensive for the top quality etc to be this poor. If you check out my previous pictures, you can see a huge difference. Possibly this is a location one needs to obtain drunk to...

I am looking forward to seeing Urban Roots grow into itself. The several beers I tried all ranged from okay to pretty good but the staff, while all very polite, are in need of some training, both in 'brewery lingo' and service. Once I reached the counter I asked if they did flights and the server told me "No. And there is a limit of two tastes per person." I thought this was a bit odd but they're new and don't want the line to back up I'm sure. I replied, "Okay, can I get a taste of the beer A and the beer B?" She then proceeded to pour the largest tastes I've ever seen (around 4oz) and when she handed them to me she asked if I wanted to open a tab. I stared at her, probably looking like a fish out of water, completely confused and asked, "Wait... You guys charge for tastes??" She readily affirmed this. As I passed over my credit card I scanned all over the back wall (where the beers on tap are listed) looking for a notice that there was a limit of two tastes and that there would be a charge. Not finding this information readily available I told her that while it was fine she should make sure to tell customers of this in advance next time as no brewery I have ever been to (which is quite a lot all across the U.S. and several different countries) has ever charged for tastes." She ran my card and I went on my way. This long story culminates in me reading over my receipt and realizing that when she told me there was a limit of two tastes per person and I asked for two tastes, she in fact gave me two "half pours" which were $4 and $4.50 each for the ~4oz. I'm chalking this up to them being new, so we'll see how they proceed. After a while I will definitely check them out again. And ask for a "free of charge small sample taste" when I want to taste a beer.

The space is nice, and I hope they're investing in some shade cover for the patio given the...