Read last week’s Dining & Nightlife Guide here.

Sunday night is not your typical night to go out. After a crazy weekend of dancing at The Park and Empire or perhaps a visit to your favorite dive bar, most people want to do nothing more then rest and recuperate for the upcoming week of class, studying, minimum wage jobs and minimal hours of sleep.

However for those who are “soldiers” and want to get in one more night of music, laughs and big crowds of people, there is an excellent spot on the corner of 15th and L, the Capitol Garage Coffee Company.

One may think the name of the establishment is a representation of the best this place has to offer, but the truth is the Capitol Garage is a lot more then just a coffee house.

Open from 6:30 a.m, to 1 a.m, the Capitol Garage serves a plethora of food and drink. In the morning they start by serving buttermilk pancakes and hot lattes to the afternoon where sandwiches, pasta and tropical ice teas cross the counter and make there way to your table.

Just when you think it can’t get any better, when all the other coffee establishments are closing down, this hip, bohemian spot transforms into a nightclub that serves beer, wine and liquor.

In addition the Capitol Garage attracts all the local rock and pop bands to play for your entertainment while you enjoy a drink with friends.

For students, money is almost always an issue and that’s probably the biggest reason for such a young clientele at the Capitol Garage. With a cover charge that never exceeds $3, and an average cost of an entree at $6, you could have a fun filled night and not break the bank trying to do so.

Good food, good drinks, and even better atmosphere, the Capitol Garage stays true to its name with decor to match. Showcasing cemented floors, brick walls and visible duct tape, the ‘Garage’ makes you feel like you are really in a garage.

However this may cause a bit of claustrophobia for some, so there is a patio with more seating and a whole lot of fresh air.

If the prices, good food and atmosphere aren’t reason enough to visit, add to the list friendly and efficient service. Even on a busy night, when the music is loud, and the line for drinks is triple deep, the bartenders are cool and easy going, seemingly anxious to make you a their favorite mix drinks.

With the exception of Monday, there are musical performances nightly throughout the week.

If you’re lucky you’ll find your way to the garage on a Sunday night to witness the latest and greatest artists that karaoke has to offer. Everyone needs a few laughs after a long week and if you’re brave enough, or intoxicated enough, you too might find yourself singing your favorite Diana Ross song “ooohhhhh I will survive, as long as I know how to love…”

Overall, I definitely give this very cool, trendy spot a 4.5 out of 5, I have to take a little away for the lack of seating but besides that, I think I found a new place to start my week off right, with a few laughs, cheap drinks, and good music.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

All of Jessica’s dining and nightlife reviews are held to this rating system:

1 Star: Stay at home.

2 Stars: Not worth the gas money.

3 Stars: If there’s nothing else to do –

4 Stars: Better than most.

5 Stars: Proves that Sacramento is more than just a cowtown.

Jessica Rojo can be reached at [email protected].