Holy Spirits

For those in California constantly on the lookout for unique dining and drinking experiences, Sacramento's Holy Spirits is a destination that truly stands out. More than just a Japanese restaurant, this "cozy Japanese-ish cocktail bar" has carved out a niche for itself by expertly blending handcrafted cocktails with high-quality hand rolls and an array of enticing seafood-inspired nibbles. It’s a place that offers a sophisticated yet laid-back vibe, perfect for unwinding after a long day or kicking off a lively night out in Midtown Sacramento.

What immediately grabs the attention of patrons at Holy Spirits is the innovative and meticulously crafted menu. While it embraces Japanese influences, it extends beyond traditional boundaries, offering a creative twist on classic concepts. The hand rolls are a particular highlight, praised for being "well crafted so the fish and seafood shine through while complimented by the other components of the roll." This attention to detail ensures that each bite is a balanced symphony of flavors and textures, making every hand roll a true delight. From specialty creations to regular favorites, the consistent quality of ingredients is palpable, leaving customers eager to return.

Beyond the impressive food, Holy Spirits shines as a cocktail destination. Their handcrafted cocktails are nothing short of extraordinary, designed to complement the food offerings while standing strong on their own. Drinks like the "Holy Dead Man," lauded for its "slightly smoky, bright, and fruity" profile, demonstrate the bar's commitment to pushing creative boundaries in mixology. The knowledgeable and "very friendly" staff are adept at answering questions and offering recommendations, guiding guests through both the culinary and liquid menus. This combination of culinary excellence and expert bartending creates an elevated yet approachable experience for all.

The atmosphere at Holy Spirits is another key component of its appeal. Nestled in the heart of what's affectionately known as the "gayborhood," the bar exudes a "chill" and inviting "vibe," making it a popular spot for a diverse clientele. While some customers have noted that the seating might not be the most comfortable for extended stays, the overall experience – from the consistently delicious food and fantastic drinks to the nice servers – makes it a highly recommended gem in Sacramento's vibrant scene. It’s the kind of place that once discovered, quickly becomes a favorite, promising an experience that's "Hella solid" and worthy of many return visits.

Holy Spirits is centrally located at 1050 20th St #100, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA. This address places it firmly in the heart of Midtown Sacramento, a bustling and highly sought-after district known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural venues. 20th Street is a prominent thoroughfare in the area, ensuring the restaurant is easily identifiable and accessible.

Given its urban setting, accessibility for diners is generally good. For those arriving by car, street parking is typically available in the surrounding Midtown grid, though it can be metered and may require some searching during peak hours. Being located within a building that also houses other businesses (like LowBrau), there might be shared parking considerations or nearby public parking structures within walking distance, common for the area. Its proximity to other popular venues, such as Faces, makes it an ideal spot for a "prewash and snack before dancing" for those looking to enjoy Sacramento's nightlife.

The location also boasts excellent walkability and is well-served by public transportation routes, making it convenient for residents of Midtown and other parts of Sacramento to visit without needing a car. Whether you're coming for a casual happy hour, a unique dinner, or a night out, Holy Spirits' central position in a lively part of California's capital ensures ease of access for a wide range of patrons.

• Dine-In Service: Holy Spirits provides a cozy and intimate bar setting perfect for enjoying handcrafted cocktails and Japanese-inspired small plates.
• Hand Rolls: Specializes in well-crafted hand rolls, with options like Salmon, Spicy Marinated Tuna, Negi Hama, Crab, Unagi, Scallop, Shrimp Tempura, and the highly recommended "Holy Shiitake" (vegetarian).
• Cocktail Bar: Offers a diverse and creative menu of handcrafted cocktails, including unique concoctions like the "Holy Dead Man" and various classic and contemporary options.
• Specialty Spirits: Focuses on providing a selection of spirits for both knowledgeable drinkers and novices, often including Japanese whiskies and other unique offerings.
• Seafood-Inspired Nibbles: Beyond hand rolls, the menu includes various small plates and appetizers with a seafood focus, such as Seafood Nachos (Spicy Tuna, Salmon, Smashed Avocado), Albacore Carpaccio, and Tuna Tataki.
• Vegetarian Options: Caters to vegetarians with specific dishes like the "Holy Shiitake" hand roll (crispy fried shiitake mushrooms), Salted Edamame, English Cucumber with Carrot Ginger Dressing, Agedashi Tofu, and Foil Steamed Mushrooms.
• Chef Lou Valente's Creations: Features specialty hand rolls crafted by local legend Chef Lou Valente from Wednesday to Saturday.
• Reservations: Available for booking through platforms like Resy, especially recommended to ensure seating, given its popularity.
• Takeout: While primarily a dine-in experience, takeout options for some menu items may be available; it's advisable to check directly with the restaurant.
• Private Event Booking: Offers options for private event bookings, catering to special occasions (contact via email).

• Exceptional Hand Roll Craftsmanship: A top highlight is their "great hand rolls," which are "all well crafted so the fish and seafood shine through while complimented by the other components." Customers praise the "high quality every ingredient."
• Innovative and Delicious Cocktails: The handcrafted cocktails are a major draw, described as "always fantastic," with standout drinks like the "Holy Dead Man" receiving high praise for its complex flavors.
• "All Day Happy Hour" on Wednesdays: This is a significant and highly recommended feature, providing excellent value on select food and drink items throughout Wednesday.
• Unique "Japanese-ish" Fusion: The menu offers a creative blend of Japanese influences with other flavors, particularly in its cocktails and "seafood-inspired nibbles," creating a distinctive culinary experience.
• Vegetarian-Friendly Options: The "Holy Shiitake hand roll" is specifically recommended by vegetarians as "nothing short of magical," demonstrating thoughtful inclusion for diverse diets.
• Cozy and Chill Vibe: The ambiance is consistently described as "cozy" and having a "very chill vibe," creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for guests.
• Attentive and Friendly Service: Servers are noted for being "nice" and knowledgeable, readily answering questions and providing recommendations, enhancing the overall customer experience.
• Prime Midtown Location: Situated in a lively part of Sacramento, it's convenient for pre-event snacks or a night out in the "gayborhood."
• Consistent Food Quality: Customers confirm that "the food is consistently delicious," indicating a reliable and high standard across their menu.
• Chef-Driven Creations: The involvement of "famed sushi Chef Lou Valente" crafting specialty hand rolls adds an extra layer of culinary expertise and appeal.

The most prominent and highly celebrated promotion at Holy Spirits is its "ALL DAY Happy Hour" on Wednesdays. This offer is a significant draw for locals in California, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy their handcrafted cocktails and Japanese-inspired nibbles at a discounted rate throughout the entire day. While specific happy hour menu details can vary, reviews indicate that it offers substantial value, making Wednesdays an ideal time to visit.

Based on their menu, the Happy Hour offerings previously included items such as:

• $5 Hand Rolls
• $5 Chika Sake
• $3 Sapporo
• $3 off House Cocktails

These specific prices and discounts are a strong incentive, offering a taste of their premium offerings at a more accessible price point. The consistency of this "incredible" happy hour is a recurring theme in customer reviews, solidifying its place as a key benefit for patrons.

Beyond the Wednesday Happy Hour, Holy Spirits may occasionally feature "pop ups with rotating local chefs," as mentioned by one source. These events could offer limited-time menu items or special culinary collaborations, providing unique dining experiences. For the most current information on any specific Happy Hour items, pop-up events, or other seasonal promotions, it is always recommended for prospective diners to directly contact Holy Spirits via phone or check their official website or social media channels. This ensures you have the most up-to-date details to plan your visit and take advantage of any available offers.

To plan your visit or for any inquiries regarding Holy Spirits, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 1050 20th St #100, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
• Phone: (916) 706-2636

For private event booking, inquiries can be sent via email to contact@holyspirits916.com. For current operating hours or to make reservations, especially for Wednesday Happy Hour, calling ahead or checking their online booking platform (like Resy) is highly recommended.

For the vibrant and diverse community of Sacramento, Holy Spirits is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination. It transcends the typical Japanese restaurant model, offering a unique blend of high-quality cuisine and craft cocktails in a distinctly local and inviting atmosphere that resonates strongly with California residents.

Firstly, its dual focus on meticulously crafted hand rolls and innovative cocktails directly appeals to a sophisticated local palate that appreciates quality and creativity. The emphasis on "fresh" ingredients where "fish and seafood shine through" meets the high standards of Californian diners who seek out authentic flavors and premium components. The ability to enjoy "top-tier" hand rolls alongside expertly mixed drinks provides a complete and elevated experience not commonly found elsewhere.

Secondly, the atmosphere and service at Holy Spirits contribute significantly to its local charm. Described as "cozy" with a "very chill vibe," it offers a welcoming space that's perfect for both a relaxed evening or a lively gathering before a night out. The "nice servers" who are knowledgeable and friendly further enhance this experience, making patrons feel genuinely "taken care of and welcome." This combination of a comfortable setting and attentive service fosters a strong sense of community and encourages repeat visits.

Finally, the value and unique offerings, particularly the "ALL DAY Happy Hour" on Wednesdays, make Holy Spirits incredibly appealing to locals. This thoughtful promotion provides an accessible entry point to their premium food and drink selections, solidifying its reputation as a fantastic local find. Its location in Midtown's bustling "gayborhood" also makes it a convenient and culturally integrated spot. While the seating may be cozy, the overall experience of delicious food, fantastic drinks, and a great vibe firmly establishes Holy Spirits as a beloved and perfectly suitable choice for locals in California's capital city, truly a "hidden spot" that's well worth discovering.

Holy Spirits

1050 20th St #100, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA