(Updated 11/29/2023) Description and review of dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory with members of the Sacramento Women’s Action Network (SWAN). NEW: See Update below.
Members of SWAN recently met at the Old Spaghetti Factory on J Street in Midtown Sacramento to scout it out as a possible regular monthly meeting location. A private room had been reserved for 6:00 p.m.
See related blog post: Sacramento Women’s Action Network – SWAN
Parking
The Old Spaghetti Factory has its own parking lot, but parking is somewhat limited. When I arrived the lot was full, so I made my way across J Street to park in the overflow lot that is (partially) reserved for Old Spaghetti Factory customers. Others in our group managed to secure parking in the Old Spaghetti Factory parking lot or nearby on the street.
SacramentoRevealed.com – All Things Sacramento (from a personal perspective)
About the Old Spaghetti Factory
The Old Spaghetti Factory is a family-friendly chain restaurant with reasonable prices. The Midtown Sacramento Old Spaghetti Factory is located in what had previously been a Western Pacific train station.
The restaurant sits next to the train tracks – which are still in use by the Union Pacific Railroad. The one-story Mission Revival building is very attractive, and the restaurant has a lot of character. Unique features include a train car located in the main dining room in which patrons can dine. Children, in particular, love to have their meal sitting inside the train car.
Dinner
At 6:00 p.m. we were shown to our table. The table setting included several pitchers of ice water.
Our waiter was attentive and most pleasant and helpful, as were those assisting him. After we had received our drinks and our orders had been taken, several small loaves of hot bread were delivered to our table.
Menu/Service Review
Old Spaghetti Factory is well-known for its three course meals – soup or green salad, main course, and vanilla or Spumoni ice cream for dessert. Our group of eleven SWAN members ordered a wide variety of pasta dishes, and everyone appeared to enjoy their meal.
I ordered the green salad and was torn as to whether to order the balsamic vinaigrette or creamy pesto dressing – but opted for the balsamic vinaigrette. Several in our group had the minestrone soup – which was said to be delicious.
For my main course I ordered the Mizithra Cheese and Browned Butter pasta ($13.99). The portion was generous, and I happily took leftovers home for lunch the next day.
During the course of our meal the pitchers of water were replenished, and additional loaves of hot bread were provided. Excellent service overall.
To Sum Up
To sum up, despite being in a separate room with the door closed it was very loud. The group all had considerable difficulty hearing the presentations made by two SWAN members. We made the best of it, but it was obvious that the Old Spaghetti Factory is not going to work out as a meeting location. We continue our quest.
See related blog post: Annual Sacramento Restaurant Review Recap (2018)
Update
(11/29/2023) A few additional interesting facts about the Old Spaghetti Factory building:
- The passenger depot was designed by architect Willis Polk.
- Completed in October, 1909, the building opened for freight service in December, 1909, and passenger service in August, 1910.
- Western Pacific utilized the depot until the end of passenger service circa 1970.
Comments?
Do you have a favorite dish at Old Spaghetti Factory? What other comments would you add?
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