As you may or may not know, I live near Sacramento, California. I grew up in a tiny town about 20 miles away before moving into the heart of Midtown Sac at age 21. I loved it there, but when Andrew and I got an apartment together, we chose to live in the suburbs because…I don’t really know. I’ve been out of the city for almost a year, but in May, we are planning on making our epic return. I CAN’T WAIT. I miss the busy feeling of Midtown, the people and the abundance of things to do. It feels like home, and I love it there.
Sacramento gets a bit of a bad rap, simply because it can’t compete with the likes of San Francisco and Los Angeles, the big name cities in our state. Still, I absolutely adore Sacramento. It’s an urban city, but with a small-town feel and it’s exactly my pace. I love the budding art community, the music scene and the food. Sure, it’s not nearly as huge as the big-name California cities, but everything I need, want or long for is within walking distance. It’s close enough to my parents for me to be nearby, but also much, much closer to work, making it the perfect place for me. As a young 20-something, there is plenty to do and see and oh my goodness, I just want to move back tomorrow.
As I countdown to us moving “home” I thought I’d highlight bits and pieces of the city I know and love every Thursday, so maybe YOU can grow to love it to, at least vicariously. So, without further adieu, my first feature: Cornerstone!
The first time I went to Cornerstone, I was like, “The hell? This place looks TERRIBLE.” The decor appears to be straight out of the 70′s and there is NOTHING FANCY about the place. My dining companion assured me that no, it was worth it, despite the “greasy spoon” look and feel.
He wasn’t kidding.
The food is definitely greasy, but perfect for a morning-after breakfast. They have all the breakfast staples: good eggs, omelets, pancakes, french toast, and the best thing is that they will let you make just about any combination, substitutions and all, with no complaints or price increases. One of my close friends is a vegetarian, but LOVES Cornerstone because they have awesome veggie entrees, too — if you can resist their perfectly crispy bacon, something I’m unable to do. The coffee is good, and the staff seems to realize the total importance of keeping cups filled.
I’ve been eating at Cornerstone for several years now, and the staff never seems to change. They are kind without being condescending or annoying and they know their stuff. On occasion, I’ve had to wait awhile before being served, but that’s nothing I mind too much on a lazy morning, especially when I have a full cup of coffee.
I think my favorite thing about Cornerstone is it’s ridiculously cheap prices, especially during the week. If you arrive before 8 AM, you can get just about any combination of three items—MORE than enough—for $4. It’s amazing. During my breaks from teaching, my aforementioned vegetarian friend (also a teacher!) and I love, love, love going during the week for cheap food.
The only thing you should be well aware of is that it’s a cash-only joint, so be prepared.
So, there’s my first glimpse into Sacramento life! More to come!
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You’re moving back to Midtown? Awesome. I live in Midtown… and we probably have bumped into each other at the Cornerstone before!
So okay, I don’t get it. I don’t know why people enjoy living in the city. I grew up in the city, and could not wait to get to the burbs. I watch House Hunters and they always have people who HATE the burbs and cant wait to go back to the city. It confuzzles me. LOL
Not to be offensive, cuz hey… whatever. LOL. Sorry if that comment came off snarky. :0)
NNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Don’t Move Back!!!! I Better Still Seeeeeeee YYYYYYYYYOOOOOOUUUUUUUUU Friend!
Oooh, yes! You cannot BEAT a greasy diner breakfast when you’re hungover – or even just craving stodgy carbs…
Amy–this is my very first time every commenting on a blog. ever. but, i am so excited for you to move back because maybe we can FINALLY have that meet up. I share your love of midtown—take it over SF or LA any day:)
Ooh, that sounds lovely. We have a little place here in Goleta/Santa Barbara that is basically the same — it’s called Domingo’s Cafe, and it looks SUPER shady, but their breakfast is TO DIE FOR. My favorite in the universe.
Looking forward to more glimpses into Sacramento life!
How exciting to be moving back into the city!
I love finding little hole-in-the-walls like that. I’m still searching for a favorite breakfast place in the DC area — I know it’s out there!
so i kinda like a boy who lives in sac, but i have not been there and have heard it’s an “armpit” from one of my friends. who also has not been there but has heard from other people.. so yeah, sacramento.. bad rep. i don’t think it’s fair though to say that until i’ve actually seen it! i’d like to someday. from your description it sounds great!
omg california ANYWHERE would be amazing. Hahaha. I have a favourite place like that, too. Completely greasy spoon, and completely fantastic after a night of anything. They know you’re new there when you ask for a menu, because everyone orders the all day breakfast special for $2.95. You can’t beat that anywhere.
I’ve never been to Sac, kind of weird, I’m a bad Californian!
But it sounds super fun…LA can be sooo draining, and the traffic grrr. I think Cornerstone is enough for me to take a trip up!! Sounds so good…right now…at 1120 at night.
Are you coming down when Lilu is here?!!!!
Cute! I love hearing about other corners of the world. Especially warm corners!
I agree with Kyla. Its always fun reading about where people are from and their favorite haunts. I’ve never been to Cali but I would like to visit someday.
I’ll definitely be tuning in, since I’m from Sacramento and didn’t like it (now live in Boston), so I can’t wait to hear about all of your favorites. Maybe when I go visit my parents I can check out some of these spots! Fun!
I’ve lived all over California and currently in Los Angeles, but I have to say Sacramento was my all time favorite place to live ever! I wish I could move back but I’m afraid I’m stuck in So Cal. It’s just so close to all the good stuff (the Bay Area, Tahoe, etc.). I’ll always be a Nor Cal girl at heart.
oh my gosh! i just came across your blog but thinking about Sacramento restaurants makes me stomach gurgle in hunger for De Vinci raviolis in Stockton. OMG they’re the best food in the world! if you ever have the desire to begin a business shipping them out i’ll be your best customer : )
(ps. if you’ve never had them go, go now. the spinach ones are AWESOME!!)