Central Valley Coffee

Elite '08

111

66

Amber S.

Sacramento, CA

Don't expect to find a display case of colorful, delicate cupcake gems here. We found only one: a chocolate, chocolate chip with chocolate frosting. Did I say it was CHOCOLATE? And the size of a grapefruit? This giant cupcake was frosted rustically with the kind of chocolate frosting you grew up with--cocoa powder-y, smooth, melt-in-your-mouth delicious. On top are many chocolate chips--it's not pretty, but it looks like a grade school project where the kids just couldn't help themselves from adding more chocolate. Fun!

The cake itself was moist and sensational. You might not think so from its appearance, but it really was one of the best cupcakes on the Great '08 Cupcake Escape (http://www.yelp.com/li...). And the best value--for only $2.25, you get a cupcake that will feed about four people. Talk about bang for your buck!

The cafe itself reminds me of a BBQ in Grandma's backyard. The tables were covered in plastic, washable tablecloths of various patterns. We happened to stop in during a Friday night BBQ, where covered platters were awaiting customers to help themselves--sort of like a church pancake breakfast. What an interesting little find!

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Elite '08

130

48

Erin S.

Sacramento, CA

This is one of my favorite weekend breakfast spots. Not only is the staff friendly, the atmosphere relaxed and the food tasty, but it seems to be a hidden gem. I've never experienced that 45-minute-wait crap that you're likely to encounter at other brunch places. There's ample outdoor seating, which is lovely in the spring and summer. It has a very homey feel, with flowers on the tables and magazines for your perusal. Dogs are welcome. Heck, they even sell dog biscuits.

My friend tried the Santa Fe Breakfast Burrito, which was a little pricey at $9.49, but my God, the thing was huge! Could easily have fed two people. I had the Breakfast Panini, a sandwich with eggs, cheese and syrup-infused bacon (yum!) on sourdough. I also couldn't resist the urge to buy one of the mini cupcakes they sell. Coconut is my favorite, but the chocolate ain't half bad.

I highly recommend this place!

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16

32

skyepink y.

Sacramento, CA

Oh my goodness - the cupcakes are incredible!!!  The coconut cupcake is my favorite.  It is supposed to be the Barefoot Contessa's recipe.  It's moist and the frosting melts in your mouth.  They also offer gluten and wheat free cupcakes (chocolate frosting with yellow cake, and coconut).  It is denser than their regular cupcakes, but it's still pretty darn good.  They also have a red velvet cupcake that is also very very good.  They offer mini-size cupcakes, so if you're on a diet, just want a little bit, or want to try several different kinds without overindulging (can there be such a thing?), then these are perfect.  

They also have sandwiches and salads.  But, I can't comment on them because I have yet to try them.  

The cupcakes, nevertheless, are just rich enough and melt in your mouth.....!!

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Elite '08

42

84

Anthony W.

Sacramento, CA

This is my neighborhood coffee shop, and I'm grateful. Sure I drink that Buckstar stuff occasionally but it's nice to see a square mile in town devoid of that corporate kudzoo.

The best thing about Central Valley is the warm and friendly service. When I arrive I'm greeted by a smile and sometimes the lady in charge (not sure if she's the owner) will bring a toy for my kids to play with.

The food is good, but a bit on the pricey side. The sandwiches all range from $8-10 for lunch. There are some creative creations including a sandwich with bacon and pear slices. The breakfast is good with tasty home fries and eggs cooked to your liking.  I know you have to pay up for quality, but I admit it, I'm a cheapskate. Coffee is good, and at competitive prices. Don't tell anyone, but I really dig the peppermint mocha around the holidays (puts hair on your chest!).

Bonuses include the free wi-fi and outdoor seating. When I'm outside enjoying my mocha, I liked to imagine when I retire in 20 years I'll be sitting in the same spot on a Saturday morning in April, enjoying my cup of mocha and relaxing in the sunshine with not a care in the world.

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3

48

ThatoneGirl W.

Sacramento, CA

If you like bacon you should absolutely try the bacon at Central Valley coffee. I believe they cook it in brown sugar or something, but it sweet, its thick, and its really tasty. It accompanied my breakfast very well. I kinda like bacon a lot. heh.

The coffees are good, the service is great and friendly. Often times they shop will hold and arts and crafts kind of thing, where you can buy stuff off of local artists.  I think they stay open late for Second Saturdays, but you may want to call ahead first. Many Land Park regulars. Good spot to take a break from your bike ride through the neighborhood.

Also Free wifi for customers!

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Elite '08

171

96

Gretchen S.

Sacramento, CA

Bring your laptop, your dog, and your kids - they're all welcome here. Free wi-fi in the Land Park neighborhood, across from Vic's Ice Cream.

Kiddo-friendly: In the morning, this joint is hopping with babies and mommies with strollers. Two single room bathrooms, both with changing tables. Two home-style high chairs available. Kid-friendly items on menu for breakfast and lunch.

Fido-friendly: your canine companion can join in on the fun outside on the patio and receive a gratis dog bone as well as sup from the communal water bowl.

Wi-fi: works both indoors and out in the patio; one electrical outlet on the patio and two outlets inside.

Coffee: they serve Surf City Coffee (fair trade organic). I had a mocha which was decent; not too sweet.

Food: I tried the homemade cupcakes; pretty good and they come in two sizes. Some of their baked goods are made on the premises, some imported from a bakery in SF. The sandwiches were also good but the bread was a little dry, which was sort of strange for a panini. They were more than willing to make changes to the sandwiches to accomodate my son's and grandma's preferences. The chicken and vegetable soup was outstanding. I came for lunch but eyed the breakfast menu, which looked quite palatable.

Ambiance: bright and cheery; clean; artists' paintings, jewelry, ceramics for sale. Table games available.

Service: pleasant and accomodating. They will happily modify their menu item to your liking.

Overall: the food gets three stars and all of the amenities get five, rounding out to four. If you want to hang out at a cafe with your dog and get free wi-fi, this is an excellent choice.

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3

15

Rebecca C.

Sacramento, CA

This is my favorite former coffee hangout.  I used to live half a block from it and loved to walk to it, enjoying the friendly Land Park atmosphere on the way.  The new owners are extremely friendly and eager to please.  My first order was a drink new to me [and them!] and it took a few modifications to get right, but thereafter they made it perfectly to my specifications; and without asking.  Free Wi-fi... that needs no explanation. Now that I've moved to *gasp* Carmichael, I have to make a longer trip to CVC, but it's worth it.

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