
(Last UPDATED 7/9/2020) Description and review of Tank House, a casual BBQ restaurant located on J Street in Midtown Sacramento.
A friend and I recently met at the Tank House on a weekday for lunch. Tank House first opened in 2013 – but this was the first time either of us had visited the restaurant.
We met at Tank House shortly before noon – the first patrons to arrive. Shortly after our arrival the place started filling up.
Tank House is located in a building that appears to have been a small house situated alongside the railroad tracks that was then converted to a restaurant and bar. When I walked in I could not help but notice the old-fashioned floral wallpaper – a very interesting decorating choice – but somehow it works.
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The bar is on the right, and that is where you place your order. The bartender takes your order, payment, gives you the drinks you ordered and a number to place on your table. Your meal is delivered to you by a server. On the left side of the bar there are glasses and water – help yourself. The napkins, silverware and two BBQ sauces are on the table.
The setup made me wonder how many bartenders Tank House has behind the small bar on busy weekend evenings. I imagine it can get pretty hectic.

I was a bit surprised at the limited indoor seating. When we left after finishing our lunch all the inside tables were full. Tank House also has an outdoor seating area in the vicinity of the BBQ/Smoker, but no one was making use of the outdoor seating at that point in time.
I ordered the Chopped Brisket Sandwich (served on a Hoagie Roll with Cheese and Sweet BBQ sauce with a side of potato tots or coleslaw) ($13) and my friend ordered the Pulled Pork Sandwich (served on a Hoagie Roll with Cheese and Tangy BBQ sauce with a side of potato tots or coleslaw ($13). Both of us decided to order the coleslaw. We also decided to cut our sandwiches in half – and share – so we could sample both.
The sandwiches were good – but not the best BBQ either of us have ever had. Both of us preferred the Pulled Pork Sandwich over the Chopped Brisket Sandwich. It was more flavorful.

I like Carolina-style coleslaw – but the Tank House coleslaw was a disappointment. The cabbage was fresh but that is what the coleslaw tasted like – cabbage. There was just a tiny hint of dressing. I would not order the coleslaw again, but then someone else might find it to their liking
I plan to go back to Tank House to sample some of the other dishes and sides. Some of the dishes we saw delivered to other diners looked very good.
See related blog post: Annual Sacramento Restaurant Reviews Recap (2017)
Updates
(7/9/2020) Broken link repaired.
(10/20/17) Tank House was voted number #1 for BBQ in the 2017 Sacramento Magazine Best of Sacramento survey.
Comments on Tank House?
Any comments to add on Tank House? What is your favorite BBQ dish? Do you have a favorite side that you recommend?
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I have visited Tank on a number of occasions and have always enjoyed it. But as my better half says it’s a guy thing
Thanks!