Restaurant
Unclaimed profileUniversity of Beer - East Sacramento
Sacramento, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
University of Beer pours 35+ craft taps, from Pliny the Elder to Great Notion's RIPE, with flights and pitchers. The cocktail list runs from Smoked Old Fashioneds to Spicy Habanero Margaritas, all $10 during happy hour. A deep spirits shelf includes rare bourbons like Stagg Jr. And Blanton's. Wine and mocktails fill gaps, but beer is the main event.
- What should I order?
- Start with the First Timer Flight to sample six beers. For a full pint, Pliny the Elder or RIPE are strong choices. A Smoked Old Fashioned or Spicy Habanero Margarita shows cocktail range. Buffalo Trace Bourbon at $5 with a beer is a deal.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Craft beer enthusiasts will appreciate the rotating taps and flight options. Cocktail fans can explore creative house drinks. Bourbon collectors will find rare pours. Happy hour seekers get value on drinks and wine.
- When should I go?
- It's a good time to sample without full price. The monthly Chefs' Pairing is an occasion worth planning around.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $12 to $14, with happy hour at $10. Beer pints run $8.5 to $10, flights $20, and pitchers around $28. Wine glasses are $8.5 to $10, with happy hour at $7.5. Shooters are 2 for $16 or $17.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The 35+ tap list includes celebrated beers like Pliny the Elder and RIPE, named #1 IPA by Paste Magazine. The cocktail menu is organized by strength, and VIP pricing is available. Monthly Chefs' Pairings combine drinks with food.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative house cocktails categorized by strength, from Smoked Old Fashioned to Spicy Habanero Margarita. Happy hour pricing is attractive, and shooters offer 2-for deals. Monthly Chefs' Pairing adds a food component.
Menu strengths
- — Menu includes a variety of creative cocktails with clear flavor descriptions.
- — Happy hour offers $10 house cocktails, a solid value.
Standout selections
- — Smoked Old Fashioned – rye, rum-barrel maple syrup, orange & Angostura bitters.
- — Spicy Habanero Margarita – habanero-infused tequila, mezcal, witbier reduction.
- — Espresso Martini – Borghetti, French vanilla vodka, cocoa powder.
Pricing: House cocktails $10 during happy hour; regular $12-$14.
Wine
Limited but serviceable wine list with a few by-the-glass and bottle options. Happy hour pricing on select wines is a draw. No extensive wine list, but enough for basic pairing.
Menu strengths
- — Wine available by glass and bottle.; Happy hour wine specials at $7.5.
Standout selections
- — Maggio Cabernet – bottle or glass.
- — Old Soul Chardonnay – $7.5 during happy hour.
Pricing: Wine glasses $8.5-$10; bottles $24-$28; happy hour glasses $7.5.
Beer
Outstanding beer program with 35+ taps featuring a wide range of styles. Includes celebrated beers like Pliny the Elder and RIPE. Flights and pitchers offer flexibility. Happy hour reduces prices on select beers.
Menu strengths
- — Large rotating craft beer selection with 35+ taps.
- — Beer flights and pitchers available.; Happy hour beer specials.
Standout selections
- — Pliny the Elder – West Coast Double IPA, 8% ABV.
- — RIPE – Hazy IPA, 7% ABV, named #1 IPA by Paste Magazine.
- — Old Rasputin – Russian Imperial Stout, 9% ABV.
- — First Timer Flight – six small pours for $20.
Pricing: Pints $8.5-$10; tasters $4.5; First Timer Flight $20; pitchers $28.
Nonalcoholic
Thoughtful non-alcoholic program with mocktails like Dragonfruit Agave Spritz and Virgin Margarita, plus a range of NA craft beers from Best Day Brewing Co. Pricing is reasonable.
Menu strengths
- — NA beer includes multiple styles from Best Day Brewing Co.
Standout selections
- — Virgin Margarita – fresh lime, orange witbier reduction, orange bitters.
- — Dragonfruit Agave Spritz – dragonfruit puree, lime, agave, seltzer.
- — Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer – West Coast IPA, Hazy IPA, Kolsch, and more.
Pricing: Mocktails $5-$8.5; NA beer $9.
Spirits
Extensive spirits selection includes rare bourbons like Blanton's, Eagle Rare, and Stagg Jr. Buffalo Trace is a steal at $5 with a beer. Pricing for premium spirits is competitive.
Menu strengths
- — Special pricing on Buffalo Trace with beer purchase.
Standout selections
- — Buffalo Trace Bourbon – $5 with beer purchase.
- — Blanton's Single Barrel – $22 single.
- — Stagg Jr. – barrel proof, $25 single.
Pricing: Buffalo Trace $5 with beer; premium pours $16-$25.
How it sits with the food
The Grey Goose Moscow Mule pairs with Pad Cha MaMa & Short Ribs in the Chefs' Pairing. A Spicy Habanero Margarita could complement spicy Thai dishes. The witbier reduction in the Virgin Margarita suggests a food-friendly approach.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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