Kintoki-Con 2011 Pre-Coverage: Places to Eat

I've been doing food guides for Sacramento conventions for awhile now, I'm very excited for this convention as this will be first time that an anime convention will be held in the downtown area. I've been to cons over at the Scottish Rite Center, the Radisson Hotel and the Red Lion Inn in the Arden area, but never in the downtown area. Kintoki-Con 2011 will be held at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, a crosswalk away from the State Capitol.

This opens up some opportunities to find great places to eat, no matter what your budget is.

I actually went out twice and photographed every single place that I can find in the area highlighted in the map. These locations are at various distances, from right next to the hotel all the way to about 3/4 mile away over at Downtown Plaza.

• Upper Crust Pizza is right next door to the Hyatt, and is my recommendation for Kintoki-Con. While the pizza might not be as good as Pizza Hut or Round Table Pizza, it's a throwback to the old school pizzerias and they offer an Express Food Bar from 11am to 9pm Friday and Saturday for $7.13 plus tax - perfect for those visiting on Day Zero or Day One and are looking for a hearty meal.
• Also in this area is the Esquire Grill, Tequila Museo Mayahuel, and Magnolia Grill.
• On the east side of the Hyatt near the Sacramento Convention Center contains a Starbucks and a Wolfgang Puck Express. I'm not sure if those two are open during Kintoki-Con, but it doesn't hurt to look. Also located in this area is the Cafeteria 15L, the Park Ultra Lounge (plus it's To Go stand), Ma Jong's Asian Diner, and Spataro.
• On L Street west of the Hyatt is Cafe Connection, Cafe Roma, Chicory Coffee and Tea, Deli Tootsie, La Bou, and Chops Steaks Seafood & Bar.
• There are many eateries lining the K Street Mall between Downtown Plaza and the Sacramento Convention Center. In this area is Ambrosia Cafe, Pyramid Alehouse Brewery, Midtown Market, Blimpie, Asuka Japanese Restaurant, Crest Cafe, Pizza Rock, Dive Bar, Hana's Corner, K Mini-Mart, Golden Rice Bowl, Burger Inn, the first of four Subways, K Nine Mini Mart, and Vive!
• There is also a Rite Aid on the K Street Mall, the only pharmacy/convenience store in the downtown area within walking distance of the convention.
• If you do decide to make the walk to Downtown Plaza, there is a number of places to eat including Jamba Juice, Pretzel Choice, Yummy Yogurt Cafe, Johnny Rockets, Starbucks, River City Brewing Company, and Spinners.
• The Food Court offers Hot Rod's BBQ (there is also a stand next to River City Brewing Company), Hot Dog on a Stick, Panda Express, Sbarro, Pan Pacific, and Gyro Supreme.
•  If you walk up to J Street, between 3rd Street and 14th Street is Pennisi's Deli, not two but three Subways, Muntean's Sandwiches and Soups, Tony's Delicatessen & Catering, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Wayside Noodles, Shenanigans, and Denny's conveniently right as you exit J Street coming off Interstate 5.

I failed to mention a couple of Starbucks locations, another La Bou, and a Quiznos. While most of these are open Friday, they are not open Saturday and/or Sunday, or have limited hours compared to their weekday hours. Again, check each photo for a phone number for confirmation (and make sure to dial 916 first if you're from out of the area!).

I hope this guide helps you in figuring out what to eat during Kintoki-Con.

See you all next week!