(Last Updated 12/28/2021) Description and review of DOCO Al Fresco, an outdoor dining experience at DOCO Plaza featuring six restaurants from which you order remotely. NEW: See reservation policy change below.
It was Derby Day (May 1), and a friend and I had made reservations for a late lunch at DOCO Al Fresco. The venue is the Downtown Commons plaza in front of the Golden 1 Center (aka the Sacramento Kings Arena). Note: While walk-ins are welcome reservations (via resy.com) are recommended.
See related blog post: Golden 1 Center Open House
It was a beautiful sunny day with a light breeze. As we stood at the entrance of the venue, we agreed that it would be more comfortable sitting in the shade.
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We were soon approached by a cheerful staff person who seated us in the shade of the Golden 1 Center. The table was numbered and the side facing inward displayed a QR Code.
The tables on the plaza are socially distanced, so once seated we felt very comfortable removing our masks.
Scanning the QR Code with our phones allowed us to view all the menu items offered by the six vendors.
DOCO Al Fresco Vendors
- Echo & Rig
- Local Eats at Golden 1 Center
- Polanco Cantina
- Sauced BBQ & Spirts
- Tahoe Blue Ridge Bar
- Yard House
DOCO Al Fresco Review
To start, we decided to celebrate “dining out” by ordering a cocktail from the Tahoe Blue Ridge Bar. The bar is an outdoor bar set up on the perimeter of the venue. My friend ordered the Wild Horse Julep ($10), which was the Derby Day special. I opted for a Tahoe Blue Lemonade ($12).
For lunch we both ordered appetizers from Sauced BBQ & Spirts, with the intent to share. I ordered the 3 Pulled Pork Sliders ($16.49), and my friend ordered the Swamp Fries ($19.49).
See related blog post: Sauced BBQ & Spirits
The process of ordering and paying was easy. While I used a credit card, one can also pay via Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Our drinks arrived in short order, and it was not long before two “to go” bags containing our orders were delivered to the table. Included in the bags were packets containing plastic utensils and a napkin.
During our meal we were entertained by a live musical performance. Unfortunately, I did not catch the name of the band. They were good, although a bit loud thus making conversation difficult.
We enjoyed our cocktails, both of which were tasty if a bit on the small side. The pork sliders were delicious, the meat tender and flavorful. The Swamp Fries were messy and difficult to eat. Next time I dine at DOCO Al Fresco, I will definitely avoid menu items that are likely to fall into the “messy” category.
Later that afternoon a number of people arrived who were obviously there for Derby Day. On one side of the venue a large screen had been set up for patrons to watch the 2021 Kentucky Derby. The horses were being led out to the track just as we left.
I imagine that when Sacramento Kings games are being screened that the DOCO plaza venue is fully booked – and crowded.
My only big disappointment that day was that the DOCO Al Fresco parking validation did not work – so I had to pay for parking. I may well have done something wrong.
To Sum Up
All in all, dining at DOCO Al Fresco was a novel experience. The venue is currently open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting). Check the link above for days and times of operation.
Also see related posts: Annual Sacramento Restaurant Review Recap Sacramento Century DOCO & XD Theatre and Polanco Cantina and Punch Bowl Social Sacramento
Updates
(5/31/2021) New DOCO Al Fresco Reservation Policy:
- 1-5 persons – Walk-ins only
- 6-12 persons – Advance reservations available
- 13+ persons – Request reservation and include your name, and the requested date and time as well as the number of guests.
Comments?
Have you patronized DOCO Al Fresco? What was your experience?
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