Esquire Grille

Esquire Grille was a distinguished restaurant in Sacramento, California, renowned for its elegant ambiance and diverse American cuisine. Situated at 1213 K Street, it was a cornerstone of downtown dining for two decades, from its opening in 1999 until closure in 2019.

The restaurant's menu featured a variety of dishes, including seafood, steak, and chicken, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Its sophisticated décor and well-trained staff contributed to a memorable dining experience.

Esquire Grille was also a favored spot for celebrities and VIPs, including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had his inaugural dinner there.

In 2019, the restaurant closed its doors due to the end of its lease and anticipated disruptions from nearby construction projects. These included extensive work on the Sacramento Convention Center and Community Center Theater.

Following the closure, the space at 1213 K Street was taken over by the group behind the acclaimed Italian restaurant Allora. They planned to open a new restaurant called Aiona in October 2025.

Locations

• Downtown Sacramento: 1213 K Street, former location until 2019 closure.
• Sacramento International Airport: Operated a location inside Terminal B that remained unaffected by the downtown closure.
• Sacramento, CA, USA - Additional confirmed location.
• Sacramento, CA, US - Additional confirmed location.

In summary, Esquire Grille was a prominent dining destination in Sacramento, celebrated for its refined atmosphere, diverse menu, and status as a gathering place for notable figures.