When Jerry Mitchell, owner of the beloved downtown hangout Capitol Garage, was forced to close the doors of his 15th and L streets location, he was faced with a dilemma. Where should the beloved coffee shop relocate? He found his answer across the street.

Capitol Garage provided a unique atmosphere to Sacramento’s nightlife. Located near the state capitol, the Garage was the coffee shop for hundreds of state workers in the early morning and host to local bands and loud music at night.

Mitchell, who also owns Fuel Coffee Bar inside the downtown Sheraton hotel, moved the Garage one block away to 15th and K streets where business could not be better.

The new Garage features liquor and coffee bars, fresh pastries, as well as a full menu during the day and a packed schedule of entertainment in the evening.The bands are still loud, however, some students feel like the Garage has lost some of its charm.

“The old Garage had a grungy edge to it,” said Ken Marcus, a junior at Sacramento State. “The new place just feels like a Starbucks.”

A graffiti style “Garage” sign hangs behind the stage and artwork decorates the walls, but the new building and lack of concrete floors definitely has a cleaned up feeling.

The paint may be new, but the entertainment is all original.

“I came to support my friend’s band,” Sac State senior Xavier Green said. “Capitol Garage is one of the only places to hear good live music without all the (stuff) like dress codes and high cover charges.”

Supervisor Steve Chance said local and touring bands still rock the Garage on Friday and Saturday nights. As for the mid week, Chance said the Garage offers an open mic night Tuesdays, amateur night hosted by a local DJ Thursdays and karaoke hosted by Chance on Sundays.

Because its drip bar stays open late hours, some nights it may be the only place in town to get a truly fresh cup of coffee.

If you are looking for something stronger than coffee, the Garage offers a full bar until 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday including top shelf liquors not commonly found in downtown watering holes. The Garage offers happy hour from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. with dollar discounts on beer and appetizers.

The Capitol Garage opens at 6 a.m. Monday through Friday and closes at midnight Monday through Wednesday. The nightly cover charge varies from $3 to $10 depending on who is performing. All shows are 21 and over, but all ages are welcome during the day and early evening.

Chance welcomes bands of all genres to play at the Capitol Garage. If you think you’ve got what it takes to rock the Garage, visit www.aebooking.com for audition information.