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Best Artichoke Dip In Sacramento

Artichoke dip is one of the most classic, yet sometimes difficult to find appetizers around. When done right, the hunks of artichoke and creamy dip just seem to melt in your mouth. However, when it's not, it literally leaves a bad taste in your mouth.  Fortunately, Sacramento has a few spots that have perfected this beloved starter.  The next time you are on the hunt for artichoke dip, check out one of these spots around town.
Ink Eats & Drinks
Ink Eats
(credit: inkeats.com)

2730 N St.
Sacramento, CA
(916) 456-2800
www.inkeats.com

Hours: Mon to Tue -- 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Wed to Thu -- 11:30 a.m. to 3 a.m., Fri -- 11:30 a.m. to 4 a.m., Sat -- 9 a.m. to 4 a.m., Sun 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Ink Eats & Drinks is a funky, modern spot in Sacramento that, not surprisingly, features a tattoo-laden, somewhat industrial vibe. It's quite reminiscent of a trendy and chic tattoo shop, with its bright wall decor and other interesting interior design elements.

While Ink is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this spot really takes off after nearby bars and clubs close. And one of the menu items available for lunch or at 2 a.m. is the artichoke dip. It's a spinach and artichoke dip ($9) that comes served with thick pita chips, perfect for that late night craving.

Related: Best Late Night Food Spots

Bandera
Spinach Artichoke Dip
(credit: Thinkstock)

2232 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Sacramento, CA
(916) 922-3524
www.hillstone.comHours: Mon to Thu -- 5 p.m to 10 p.m., Fri to Sat -- 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Bandera is an all-around hot spot for Sacramento locals, especially those looking for a more mature, yet casual spot to grab drinks after work. The menu at Bandera may not be as varied as some restaurants, but it never disappoints. Bandera offers a spinach and artichoke dip ($12) that is one of the most talked about in Sacramento, and if that doesn't satiate your artichoke craving, also order the grilled artichoke with remoulade ($12).

While artichokes are not necessarily a sommelier's best friend when it comes to pairing wines, be sure to peruse Bandera's wine list. If you're looking for a spot with a good wine selection of wines by the glass, Bandera has a very California heavy wine list, with many notable producers from the Napa and Sonoma regions included.

Sugar Plum Vegan
Sugar Plum Vegan
(credit: sugarplumvegan.com)

2315 K St.
Sacramento, CA
(916) 706-3302
www.sugarplumvegan.com

Hours: Tue and Sun -- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and

Sugar Plum Vegan is an all-vegan cafe and bakery with the tagline, "If it was made from a plant, eat it, if it was made in a plant, don't." Sugar Plum Vegan is located in Midtown and offers a lunch and dinner menu made with organic ingredients all sourced from local farms. The bakery has a large selection of soy and gluten-free items as well. On Tuesdays, enjoy a light breakfast menu and on Sundays, a nice brunch.

For vegans looking for a good spinach and artichoke dip, Sugar Plum is the spot. The dip ($7) is super creamy with large chunks of artichoke and comes with Crostini on the side.  Another popular item to order with it is the animal libation fries ($7). These are steak fries with 1000 Island, roasted onions and Daiya cheddar.

Related: Best Vegetarian Spots in Sacramento

Paesanos
Paesanos
(credit: paesanos.biz)

1806 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA
(916) 447-8646
www.paesanos.biz

Hours: Mon to Wed -- 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Thu -- 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri -- 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sat -- 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sun -- 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

With locations in Midtown, Elk Grove and Davis, Paesanos is a convenient way to get your artichoke dip fix -- even on the go. The take out menu has many signature dishes, offering the perfect opportunity to grab some artichoke dip on the way home from work.

Paesanos has a wide selection of Italian specialties and appetizers on the menu. Its take on artichoke dip is a crab and artichoke gratin ($9.95), complete with a crusty, golden-brown baked top. Other interesting starters to complement this include polenta fries with balsamic, ketchup and gorgonzola sauce ($6.95) or gnocchi gorgonzola, which are potato dumplings in a gorgonzola cream sauce.  Another popular starter at Paesanos is the fried ravioli ($6.95), which is filled with spinach and cheese and served with a spicy marinara sauce.

Erin De Santiago is a freelance travel and food/wine writer and photographer from Sacramento, California. She is a regional membership coordinator for the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and writes for a number of publications in addition to publishing her own blogs.  She has traveled to over 40 countries on five continents in search of the best food and wine around the globe. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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