One Speed is the Place to go for Pizza in Sacramento

One Speed is tucked away in beautiful East Sacramento. It's cozy location is the perfect place to showcase their delicious pizzas and other menu items. If you're looking for the top quality pizza, One Speed is the place to go. With great service and an inviting dining room, you'll enjoy your time dining at this superb restaurant.

Food -
One Speed is known for their pizzas, but they also have pasta, burgers, salads, and a number of appetizers to select from. The menu is pretty extensive, so even if you're not into pizza, there should be something that catches your eye.

I've been to One Speed a number of times and never have they disappointed in their food. And even their non-pizza items are quite a surprise as they turn out to be tasty decisions when ordered.

But in terms of pizza, One Speed has got it down. Their pizzas come in just one size - it's about the size of a medium I'd say - and can feed 1-2 well. You might be able to share between 3 if it's just a snack or if those eating are light eaters.

I would rank these pizza pies as premium quality pizzas of the highest order. You can tell that the ingredients a more than a step above the usual pizza toppings. The ingredients burst with flavor and all add unique notes to the experience. The meat pizzas are deliciously savory and flavorful. The veggie pizza are fresh and pop with a nice zing. The folks here at One Speed are definitely experts when it comes to crafting an amazing pizza.

If you're wondering what kind of pizza One Speed has, well, it has a thin and cheesy front end with a thicker crust that finishes off the slice satisfyingly. It's almost a combination of a thin crust pizza and one with a more robust crust. Quite unique and quite perfect.

One Speed has some of the best pizza in town, no doubt!

Service/Atmosphere - 
The atmosphere at One Speed is rustic and cozy. The interior of the restaurant has wooden hues that invite you in. Because the food is so renown in the area, you'll typically find One Speed abuzz with people. There's good energy here at this lively restaurant.

Service has always been top notch here. The wait staff is extremely friendly and accommodating. There are two instances I would like to mention in particular. The first was a few months ago for my birthday. My wife had organized a surprise party for me at One Speed. When I came in, the servers really played as if there was no party going on. I'm usually pretty good at figuring out the surprise, but the people at One Speed made me think that I was in for just a small family dinner. They totally were in on the surprise and made my night very memorable.

The second thing was at my last visit to the restaurant. We were seated at a nice table, but our kid was very cranky. Though the restaurant was pretty busy, the server relocated us (on our request) to a booth that was away from the busier parts of the restaurant. That was amazingly nice of them, and it's service like that that I don't forget!

Price -
One Speed isn't cheap, but I don't think it breaks the bank. The pizzas are around $17-18 each, and they can be shared. The other meals are in the teens when it comes to the price. I'd put One Speed in the upper-end of the mid tier when it comes to pricing.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
I want to mention the other food items here at One Speed. The burger here is divine. My wife commented that it may be the juiciest burger she's ever had. You've really got to try the hamburger here. It is jam packed with flavor and the fries are awesomely salty and crispy. It is heaven.

And on a whim, I had my mom try the pasta. Wow, oh, wow was that good pasta. The sauce was all sorts of complex. And while you're at it, get the corn soup if it's available. Flavor in a bowl is what that is.

I guess my recommendation is to give everything a try here!

Bottom Line - 
One Speed is such a great place to eat in Sacramento. It's one place that I'd recommend to anybody as it is just that good. Great service and great food make for a great experience.

Letter Grade

A+

Relaxing with my iced tea.

The burgers. Amazing.

The pasta. Amazing.

The soup. Amazing.

We're always happy to come here for dinner!

Davis' Beloved Pizza Place - Woodstock's!

Woodstock's Pizza in Davis has been providing students and residents hot and fresh pizzas for years! Locals love to come here for a quality pizza pie as well as for evening entertainment. It's one of my personal favorite pizza places, and I'm always in the mood for Woodstock's. Go for a slice or get an entire pie, both are available!

Food -
Woodstock's Pizza is of course a pizza joint. They specialize in pizza that is of a very high quality. The ingredients used and the combinations they come up with are very flavorful and make you want to keep going for slice after slice. Woodstock's is certainly a level higher than the cheap pizza chains that are all around.

One thing that especially stands out at Woodstock's is their crust. It's a bready crust that has a nice chew to it. Hidden inside is some extra sauce that really adds to the taste. It's a little surprise that makes these pizza's next level. As stated, the crust is more of a soft bready crust, but it isn't too filling. It's easy to eat and will satisfy you more than a thin crust pizza would.

If you're looking for something other than pizza, Woodstock's also carries a lineup of sandwiches and salads. Breadsticks and wings are available as traditional pizza place apps.

The breadsticks (called Wildebread) stands out to me as they are seasoned with a nice blend of garlic and herbs. They aren't like breadsticks you'd get anywhere else, and I totally recommend the kind that comes with cheese. So good!

Apparently, you can get a loaded portion of tater tots now as well. I haven't given these bad boys a try, but they sound absolutely flavorsome. It'll have to be on order for next time!

Service/Atmosphere - 
Woodstock's is basically two sections. There's the pizza place part and the bar part. They are separated by an entry way. Every time I go to Woodstock's the place is alive and full of energy. At lunch hour there's a nice crowd and the buzz of good conversations. Often I'll see kids there in the summer enjoying their pizza.

In the evenings, different activities happen. Sometimes there's live music for people to listen to. Many people love to just hang out at Woodstock's after work. It can get pretty crowded pretty quick!

The servers and workers at Woodstock's have always been kind and courteous. In my years of coming to the restaurant I've never had bad service. That's saying a lot as I've been in Davis for over 20 years. Good job Woodstock's!

Price -
A large specialty pizza runs nearly thirty dollars without a coupon. I suggest looking for coupons as Woodstock's routinely has them in local advertisements. The pizza's are large enough to share easily, so if you are going to split the cost, that is a good idea - particularly for you poor college folk.

Woodstock's isn't cheap by any means, but the quality is here and I'd say the prices fit with the food they serve.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
My favorite thing to do at Woodstock's is to get a slice or two of pizza for a meal. Slices are only available at certain parts of the day (Before 3pm and after 9pm). If you're by yourself and are looking for a quick and delicious meal, slices are the way to go. There are usually a few different types of pizza to select from.

Bottom Line - 
Woodstock's serves up really good pizza. It's one of the best spots you can go to for a delicious pizza pie. I highly recommend Woodstock's Pizza if you want pizza that isn't your run of the mill take-out place. I think it's worth every penny!

Letter Grade

A

Lunch deals and slices are available during certain times of day.

Multiple pizzas can be selected from if you're going for a slice.

A double stack of deliciousness.

Get a box if you need to go!

House of Shah Brings a Unique Flavor to Woodland

Woodland's food experience is expanding exponentially it seems. Coming to the scene are unique restaurants that offer fantastic flavors from a myriad of cultures. House of Shah, located on Main Street, gives Woodlanders a taste of Afghan cuisine. The recipes are home favorites that have been lovingly refined and perfected for all who walk in the door.

Food -
House of Shah gives you the Afghan flavor, but combines it with food that you may already be familiar with, hence, Afghan Urban. It's a great concept as it can be difficult to jump straight into a culture's food that you aren't familiar with.

House of Shah makes it easy to experience the best of Afghan food with items such as the Shah burger and Shah fries. Everyone knows burgers and fries, but the burger and fries here have been infused with Afghan spices and flavor combinations. The burger patty is seasoned jalepeno, cilantro, and chili powder among other ingredients. It's a tasty combination that you won't find anywhere else. And the fries are topped with jalapenos, cilantro, garlic yogurt, and green chutney for a decidedly mild taste with pops of surprising heat and flavor.

If you're into kabobs, House of Shah has you covered. There are various types of beef and chicken kabobs that you can select from. They will come with your choice of white or seasoned rice as well as a small salad and naan.

There are many food items on the menu that are really interesting! Thankfully, the menu does a really great job of describing exactly what is in the dish so that you have an idea of what it is all about.

Service/Atmosphere - 
I have found the service to be top notch at House of Shah. It's a small restaurant, so everyone there appreciates that you have stopped in for a meal. To add to this, the atmosphere is very modern and inviting. The tones in the restaurant are trendy and make you feel like you're eating in a place that is new and fun. I was definitely impressed with the interior and decor all around House of Shah.

Price -
Prices at House of Shah are moderate. Expect to pay between ten and twelve dollars for a meal here. The portions are balanced, not overflowing. You'll leave feeling like you've had a good meal without going overboard. The fries here are great for sharing as are the other appetizers on the menu. Ordering these just for one could be a bit pricy, but it works well in a group setting.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
My personal favorite item at House of Shah is the Afghan Macaroni. The soft macaroni shells are topped with slow cooked ground beef and tomatoes then drizzled with garlic yogurt, dry mint, and ground red pepper. I love that dish and keep coming back to it time after time. I can't think of many places that have macaroni on the menu besides mac n' cheese. This dish is such a great dish if you want something a bit creamy but with a good amount of meat and a little bit of heat!

Bottom Line - 
I suggest visiting House of Shah to get a unique taste from a culture's food you may not have experience before. The staff is very friendly and the restaurant is very well designed. There's a lot to like at House of Shah, so go and give it a try!

Letter Grade

A

You can select to eat inside or out.

Take a peek into the kitchen from where the register is at.

The staff is warm and friendly.

Flavor combinations will dazzle your tongue.

The Shah fries are definitely unique from most other places.

This Afghan macaroni dish is my go-to.

The kid loves the food here.

Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe Brings the FRESHNESS

Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe is a restaurant in Sacramento that really does offer something different than other businesses popping up all over town. While they serve tea, it's not of the milk or boba variety. And though they have fresh bowls of delicious food, it isn't poke. Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe is definitely set apart from many of the current new restaurant openings in town, and it's a refreshing addition to the Sacramento food community.

Food -
Let's start with the teas. Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe has an enormous tea menu to select from. The menu is similar to that of an Asian boba cafe, but the drinks are quite different. Here, there are many varieties of tea in various forms. On my visit, I went with a sparkling tea. The drink was extremely refreshing and had actual fruit in it. I thought that it made for a wonderful soda alternative.

Interestingly, they have teas on tap as well. I've seen iced tea come out of the soda fountain before, but these on tap teas were dispensed like beer would be at a bar. I wasn't able to give this a try, but I'm very curious to see how these teas taste on a future visit. You can also get iced teas, and various chilled and frozen variations.

The teas a predominantly fruit flavored with great combinations of fruit. My drink was on the sweet side, but not overly sweet. It's not like a southern sweet tea, but the bitterness of tea was certainly subdued.

On the food side of things, the main items for hungry folks coming in are the bowls or wraps. They are pretty similar in nature, just their form is different when you receive it. You get your choice of protein and then select the kind of grain you want. I was able to try both the chicken and the pork. I have to say that the pork was quite a bit better tasting than the chicken. I'd go with pork all day long.

Unfortunately, as good as some of the meat is, there isn't a whole lot of it in the entree. It will still fill you up, but mostly with rice or another grain that you select. This is the one aspect of Tea Bar and Fusion Cafe that left me wanting.

Smaller bites are also available such as avocado toast and edamame. For kids, you can get smaller portions at a lesser price so that they can enjoy their experience as well.

Service/Atmosphere - 
Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe really shines in both the service and atmosphere areas. When we first came into the restaurant we were confronted with the large menu. Thankfully, the cashier up front gave us some great recommendations. She was extremely friendly and even gave us some samples to try to help us make our decision. Also, while we were eating, the servers walking by were making sure everything was good. The entire staff was warm and inviting.

The restaurant is a joy to enjoy food at. The main indoor dining area has a modern look that blends nice wood and green colors. It's like a Jamba Juice, but more refined in look. You can also sit outside if you like. There is plenty of seating and the restaurant is very clean. There's not much more you can ask for!

Price -
Prices at Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe are moderate. The bowls will run you about ten dollars and they are pretty filling - but like I said, there could be more protein placed in it. Teas are around four to five dollars each, but the glasses the teas come in are a good size. This is not a restaurant that will break the bank. I'd say prices here are fair, and this is a place you can come to regularly.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
I noticed that the line got a little long at times. Since Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe is a pretty popular place, you may want to order online before coming to the restaurant. You can skip the line at the register if you do this. Also, by doing this you can take your time with the menu since there is no pressure of having other guests behind you waiting.

Bottom Line - 
If you are looking for fresh tasting food that really isn't offered anywhere else, Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe will be right up your alley. The prices are moderate and there food is great tasting. I'd be happy to come here often and enjoy the huge variety of teas that they offer. Many are perfect for hot summer Sacramento days!

Letter Grade

A

The restaurant is inviting and has a clean, modern style.

Here's my sparkling tea with a slice of orange in it.

Teas are actually on tap here.

The line to the register can get a little long during dinner hour.

Get a bowl if you're feeling hungry.

Kids can get special plates at a nice price.

The pork was my favorite protein at Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe.

The Hotdogger at the Davis Farmer's Market

Hamburger places seem to be all over the place... but what about the other classic American 'sandwich'? Well, if you're in Davis, Ca you can go to the Hotdogger. This little restaurant specializes in hot dogs. You can visit its main location in downtown Davis or catch them at their tent during the Davis Farmer's Market. 

Food -
It's pretty simple at the Hotdogger... just get a hot dog! Select from the original hot dog, or get a Polish, chicken, hot link, or corn dog. Once you receive your dog, feel free to pile on the condiments at their station to the side.

Purchasing a hot dog to eat isn't that common. I mean, I rarely go out to a restaurant and order a hot dog. It's a food item that I think of when I host a BBQ or go to a sporting event. The Hotdogger's hot dogs are excellent though. They are certainly not the cheap ones you find at the grocery store for $.99. The wieners in these things are lengthy with plenty of girth. It's a premium dog!

The bun is great too. If you're going to serve a hot dog as your main menu item, the bun is going to be pretty important. These buns are soft, but with the slightest bit of chew to them. They aren't something you could find at your typical grocery place. The bun does its job well without getting in the way of the meat's taste. And that's important.

For me, one hot dog will get my half full, but two would be too much. I'd say these dogs are great for a walk-around snack at the Farmer's Market, but if you're looking for a full on lunch, you may need to go for more food.

Service/Atmosphere - 
The main Hotdogger location is tiny! You definitely couldn't fit many people in there, but it's perfect for dolling out hot dogs to people hanging out in Davis. The Farmer's Market has a totally different vibe. The atmosphere is much more frenetic and there is usually at least a small line for the dogs. After ordering your hot dog you typically have to wait a few minutes for it to be prepped before you it is handed to you. When it does get to you, it's nice and hot!

Price -
For a premium dog, you're going to be paying a price that's higher than you might expect. Their original hot dog is six dollars and the price goes up from there. The hot dogs have a sporting event sort of price to them, so it's not cheap. If you're looking for some inexpensive eats that will fill you up, this is not it. What it is, however, is a treat to enjoy while strolling around on a relaxing Saturday.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
You can top your hot dog with whatever you like, but I would try the different mustards that are available. Most are common, but the Russian mustard is both sweet and spicy. It has a unique flavor that you should see if you like. The Dusseldorf mustard is horse radish based and has a little more kick than your standard mustard. The Dusseldorf is the one I like to go with!

Bottom Line - 
Not all hot dogs are the same. Yes, you can go to Costco and get one of their dogs for a buck fiddy and a drink, but the dogs at the Hotdogger bring a bit more to the table. Perhaps for a college student on a tight budget the Hotdogger may be a stretch, but I do think the Hotdogger is worth purchasing for an extra special hot dog experience!

Letter Grade

A-

Oh Polish dog, I love you!

The Hotdogger sets up shop here at the Davis Farmer's Market.

So many mustard choices to choose from!