Moxie One simply does not discuss romantic dining without Moxie making its way into the conversation. The narrow, old-fashioned dining room on H Street is still as invisible from the street as it was when it opened nearly two decades ago. The menu is still a mere suggestion, with the rotating specials list being the star of the show. The mere presentation of the laundry list of specials is always a rabbit-from-thehat trick by the owner. The dim lights and closer-thanfamily service are unmatched for creating a romantic dining experience. There is literally nowhere you can eat in Sacramento and feel as special and adored as you do at Moxie. Moxie is at 2028 H St.; 443-7585; moxierestaurant.com.
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LUNCH, DINNER AND HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS 1131 K STREET DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO 916.443.3772 WWW.ELLA DINING ROOM AND BAR.COM
Greg Sabin can be reached at gregsabin@hotmail.com. n
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Aioli Bodega Espanola The large-windowed space on the corner of L and 18th streets makes Aioli’s medium-size dining room seem huge. During the spring and summer, the small, charming patio is a treasure. But in the winter, the warmth of the dining room, with its windows on the world, beckons. The menu, filled with expertly made Spanish tapas, allows a couple a
chance to share and chat and stretch out the night with a plate of this and a bowl of that. The service is cheeky and charismatic and definitely helps make the evening special. Aioli Bodega Espanola is at 1800 L St.; 447-9440; aiolibodega.com.
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Taylor’s Kitchen It’s easy to overlook this little neighborhood dining room attached to Taylor’s Market, but the low lights, rich menu and bustling open kitchen make it a romantic getaway any night of the week. It’s a small, intimate room, and the limited but attentive staff makes every diner feel like friends of the house. It’s impossible not to bond with nearby tables of fellow diners and shout out “bravos” to the kitchen staff. Depending on the night, the room can be wryly rowdy or soothingly relaxed. Either way, it’s imbued with a convivial romanticism that no diner can escape. Taylor’s Kitchen is at 2924 Freeport Blvd.; 443-5154; taylorskitchen.com.
A salad from Taylor's Kitchen.
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