(Last UPDATED 8/17/2021) The Esquire Grill closed on June 1, 2019, after 20 years in business. The Sacramento Bee reported that the closure was due, in part, to the major renovation of the Sacramento Convention Center and the Sacramento Community Theatre as part of the C3 Project.
Factors that influenced the decision by the owners to close the popular restaurant were: the long-term disruption of the construction; the city’s traffic plan; and, a lease about to expire. The closure is truly unfortunate, but I can certainly understand the decision under the circumstances.
Original Post
Description and review of the Esquire Grill, located on K Street across from the Sacramento Convention Center and the nearby Community Center Theater.
I recently met a friend at the Esquire Grill prior to a theatrical performance at the Community Center Theater. I have patronized the establishment numerous times over the years, enjoying lunch, dinner and Happy Hour. No single instance comes to mind where I was disappointed in either the service or the food.
The Esquire Grill, which opened in 1999, is an attractive upscale restaurant/bar featuring dark wood and large windows looking out onto K Street. The large outdoor patio is a great place to people watch while enjoying lunch or dinner on a nice summer day or evening.
The Esquire Grill is part of the Paragary Restaurant Group which includes: Paragary’s, Centro Cocina Mexicana, R 15, and Café Bernardo (Pavilions Shopping Center, R Street Corridor and Midtown Sacramento).
Prior to retirement my office was located in the Esquire Building, making the Esquire Grill a convenient place to meet friends for a drink at the end of the day.
The plan that evening was to meet and catch a bite at the bar prior to the show. I have always found the staff at the Esquire Grill to be excellent, including the bartenders. Danny in particular is a favorite.
I arrived late so the on-street metered parking spaces were free and I secured a nearby parking space on I Street. While walking towards the restaurant I also noticed available parking spaces on J Street, but I had opted not to drive around checking out availability prior to parking.
SacramentoRevealed.com – All Things Sacramento (from a personal perspective)
By the time I arrived my friend had already enjoyed a drink and an order of the Happy Hour brussels sprouts. Unfortunately, as I was running late, I had missed Happy Hour.
I ordered a glass of Chalk Hill Chardonnay ($10), and the Mac & Cheese ($11) as I was in the mood for something rich and cheesy. The Esquire Grill Mac & Cheese never disappoints!
It was not long before I was served, and we had ample time prior to making our way across the street. Dining at the bar is always a great option if you are running short on time and/or have not made a reservation in advance.
See related blog post: Walk Down Memory Lane
Updates
(8/17/2021) Randy Paragary, a Sacramento icon, has died at 74. The Sacramento Bee has done a very nice article about the man and his impact on the Sacramento restaurant scene.
(6/5/19) Esquire Grill Snapshot and website link deleted.
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