There’s nothing like Sundays when you can set aside your worries and gather with friends before the workweek begins...
 
So, slip into your brunch coat (seen worn in old “B” movies) or better yet your pajamas, relax and read on…The very portmanteau word, “brunch” originated as a slang expression. The first known recording in print (and was acceptable) appeared in Punch in 1896! You and I have updated it one additional step to mean a social event where we see our friends in the light of day usually after 11 a.m. when we can make ourselves presentable to the world.
 
The typical brunch menu will most always include Eggs Benedict, a Country Breakfast with ham, bacon, sausage and eggs your style, quiche and omelets. The traditional beverages are Bloody Marys (first invented at the Racket Club in Palm Springs) screwdrivers, mimosas and the Ramos Fizz.
 
Capitol Garage opened its doors in 1992 to fill a much-needed coffee house niche in the downtown Sacramento area. Operating out of a converted automotive repair facility Capitol Garage Coffee Company, as it was then known, sat at the corner of 15th and L Streets—the perfect location to attract an eclectic mix of patrons ranging from local neighborhood urbanites and state workers to young hipsters and State Legislators.
 
While known as a great place to grab a quick morning coffee on the way to work or somewhere to enjoy casual conversation with a good friend Capital Garage also became a hot spot known for being on the cutting edge in the live music scene hosting acts from all over the world. The café also garnered national notoriety when Hollywood captured the café’s unique atmosphere on film in the major motion picture Trekkies 2. As the café continued to achieve success it began to capture more and more local recognition. One such person saw the even greater potential for this local hot spot and in 1995 Jerry Mitchell purchased Capitol Garage. Jerry was later joined by partner John Lopez in 1996 and together the two began to grow and diversify the business.
 
Opportunity reared its head abruptly in early 2003 when Jerry and John learned that their lease would not be renewed. While the reality of losing their lease in at such a prime location was definitely unsettling, the opportunity for change it presented was exciting. After 18 months of designing, planning and building at a new location their dream became a reality. The new Capitol Garage opened late October 2004 at 1500 K Street, just a block from its original location, in the bottom corner of new modern parking garage—a fitting location to keep with their roots
 
The mix of a full bar and espresso drinks with a variety of food options seems to satisfy everyone’s thirst and appetite. As well as the new atmosphere lends itself to a social setting where friends can hang out and have fun. In spring and summer months with the full garage doors open the Garage transcends itself to an open air café along with its two outdoor patios. The atmosphere was key and modeled after Café’s in Italy that Jerry and John were inspired to create with the new location.
 
Food: The addition of a full kitchen has led to the creation of a new menu. The Garage now serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and a Sunday Brunch where you are encouraged to wear your PJ’s and get awesome Bloody Marys for only $2. By the way, the Bloody Marys are excellent and all call liquor is the standard here…The new menu was all made possible by the expertise of Executive Chefs Gary Kneeland and Geoff Potts.
 
Libations: Their focus has always been great coffee so for the new location they added a drip bar and organic coffees roasted exclusively for them. The new bar that commands your attention when you first walk through the doors serves up an array of concoctions carefully mixed by the skilled bartenders. Beers on tap and local wines are offered but ask to see their list of tantalizing specialty drinks from the full bar. . 
 
Music is still key to the Café. On most evenings you can find some type of entertainment to keep your fingers snapping. From open mic on Tuesdays, Jazz on Thursdays, live music on Fridays and Saturdays and Karaoke on Sundays. Oh and yes they are devoted Kings Fans so the game is always on at least one of the 3 TV screens
 
The Garage has grown up, but has kept what was crucial to Jerry and John’s vision. To offer great food, great drinks and create a place for fun, laughs and music while keeping the customer in mind with great service.
 
Let’s meet with Jerry & John on Sundays in our Pajamas and toast each other with $2 Bloody Marys! Catering is also available. Parking: Plentiful on street and the parking garage is free (unless there is a special event) on Sundays.
 
Capitol Garage
1500 K Street (15th & K)
916.444.3633
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Everyday 6:30 am-1:30 am
Sunday Champagne Brunch $12.95 8 am-3 pm