Tower Cafe in Sacramento

Food & Film!
 
Back in the day, a movie theatre dining adventure, would mean a popcorn dinner! That actually sounds good to me. But these days, you can get a real meal at many theatres.

But at the old Tower Theatre in Sacramento, you can have a popcorn feast with your movie, then walk a few steps next door to Tower Cafe (beneath the Records sign) for some great food and atmosphere!

Tower District

We have loved driving by this wonderful corner, since our son and daughter in law moved to Sacramento 7 years ago.

We finally got visit this little movie and cafe oasis 1.5 years ago.

The theatre and cafe are hidden from traffic behind tall palms and lush garden growth. A lover of old movies, I was drawn to that art deco theatre!

While waiting for a table at the cafe, we took a peek at the posters and wandered inside the lobby.

Eventually, I got to take in a movie  on another visit. My daughter-in-law Chali took me to the movies! Our Popcorn Dinner was the best!

Brunch in June!

Back in 2023, we had a real meal at the cafe end of the Tower Complex.

A beautiful Sunday in June! There was a long wait for our group of 7.

History

There was time to learn some history from displays in the theatre. The theatre was built in 1939. Long before the tall palms.

To the left of the tower, was Zamm's Candy Store, which provided the candy for movie patrons. To the right was Tower Drugs, which is where the Cafe is today. In the back of the drug store, Tower Records was founded, by Russ Solomon in 1949.

Enjoying the Fountain

On that lovely Sunday morning, there was lots garden space to enjoy while we waited for our table.

We spent a lot of time hanging around that fountain.

And running around the fountain and greeting the lions. At least 2-year-old Charlie did.

I usually hate long waits for tables. But I have fond memories of that waiting time. Our 2 kids and spouses and granddaughter all together! Perfect!

Time to catch up and chat, without distraction.
​
Heading In

Eventually we were called to be seated. We headed to the door, below the wonderful old neon sign. 

Past the posing lion, next to the door.

Inside

The group was guided towards a patio table, but I peeked inside.

What a festive place!

Even the bathroom was photo worthy!

It was clear the restaurant was not going along with a Movie Theme or a Records Theme. 

Tower International Cafe

Once we were given menus, it was clear that the cafe (which opened 1990 on Earth Day) was embracing Sacramento, as a "Global Village".

"...created to express the unique history and character of a city corner...  evolve from local memories to global pursuits...where hearts, minds and appetites  convene with family and friends...join 'the pattern which connects' our many differences to... our Good Earth"

Family

And here we were on a beautiful Sunday, gathering with family around a large table!

Enjoying fresh air and converstaion and Bloody Mary's...

And huge plates filled with pancakes... and foods I can't actually recall!

Cha and Scott are the 2 who lured us to Sacramento back then. They live not too far from Tower Cafe/Theatre.

And now it's October 2024. We don't have our whole group in town for this visit. But we're back and this time Don and I are staying at an Airbnb, just a 1 minute walk from Tower Theatre!

Yesterday morning I went for an early run and stopped to check out the movie options. Yes! I returned for a Hitchcock movie at 4:00!

This Morning!

This morning, Cha and Scott had to work, so Don and I walked over to the Cafe for breakfast! 

Weather was chilly, so we headed inside to dine. No wait and a witch was there to greet!

​We were seated beside a Buddha, with fall veggies displayed at his feet.

Don's shirt matched his cup and plate beautifully!

His Bourbon Glazed Ham (with eggs & taters) was huge and delicious!

My moist Cornbread Pancakes melted in my mouth!

The Halloween surprises were extra fun, added to all the international decor.

I could have enjoyed a tiny orange pumpkin hunt! 

I failed to get a photo of our wonderful server, Susan. We chatted a long time about everything from Portland to pancakes. She was wonderful and we hope to see her next time.

Sweets

I also didn't get a photo of the amazing cookies we bought to take with us!

But I did get a photo of the luscious cakes and pies! 

I just finished our breakfast 5 hours ago, but I'm ready to go back again. How I wish I had a house in this little neighborhood and could be a regular!
​