It’s late. You’ve just left the bars downtown and you are hungry for something other than Taco Bell or Jack cuisine. Why not try Icon located at 1413 R St at the corner of R and 15th.

Icon not only features a tantalizing lunch and dinner menu, but also a special section from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday for the late night eater in all of us.

The late night menu includes stomach-settlers like the recommended chicken flautas, grilled chicken sandwich with bacon and French bread pizza.

In addition to the late night grub, Icon boasts a DJ spinning until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday ?” much later than other bars or clubs.

Wednesday nights are reserved for both seasoned and amateur wine lovers alike. Every Wednesday night, not only can you enjoy a great menu including our server, Sara Slavin’s favorite Mongo chicken with sweet and spicy rice for $9, any bottle of wine is half price.

That’s right any bottle of wine ?” from the BV Chardonnay for $23 to the Saintsbury Pinot Noir for $52 ?” all half-price.

Guys ?” this is the perfect opportunity to impress your date. Take her to Icon on a Wednesday; start with Panko crusted fried calamari or roasted corn and blue crab cakes with roasted bell pepper sauce along with a bottle of Groth Sauvignon Blanc. Then for dinner try one of Icon’s signature sandwiches such as the seared salmon with basil oil or the Asian chicken wrap.

This is a sure-fire way to guarantee a second date.

If wine is not your gig or you’d rather hang out with just the guys or girls, why not try Icon on Monday – Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for happy hour. During happy hour all beers are only $2.50, well drinks are $2, flavored Kamikaze martinis are $3 and a glass of house wine is $4. Hungry? All pizzas are half-off.

Not only are the drinks reasonably priced the atmosphere is uptown chic, but still warm and inviting. The seating includes traditional bar stools and cushiony booths, but also wrap around couch like seating for larger parties.

“You can go to a dive bar for cheap drinks, but you can come here for the atmosphere,” Slavin said.

However, if you plan to go to Icon for one of their signature pizzas don’t show up at 4 p.m. and expect to eat. The pizza ovens are not usually turned on until 5 p.m. and are not ready to heat up your pie until about 5:30 p.m. ?” despite advertisements that promise pizza at 4 p.m.

Fortunately, our server/bartender was able to offer us a few appetizers and salads even though the kitchen was not officially open until 5 p.m.

After one round of beers, three rounds of Kamikazes shots in three different flavors including apple, orange and raspberry along with a medium roasted chicken salad, our bill including tip was less than $40.

The kamikazes were both fruity and strong. The balsamic citrus dressing and deep fried cornbread croutons are like nothing I’ve tasted before ?” everything was delicious.

From the awesome menu, wine Wednesdays, happy hour, friendly staff, accommodating hours and chic atmosphere Icon is definitely more than a restaurant ?” it’s a destination.

In addition, every second Saturday Icon hosts a cooking demo for only $20 per person. Bar seating is set along the open kitchen to watch the chefs prepare a three course meal paired with wine. To further capture the essence of cuisine, recipes are included for you to take home.

Overall Icon receives four and a half out of five stars ?” losing one half of a star for not heating up their pizza oven early enough for happy hour.

All of Liz’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.

Icon will be entered into the best late night dining category in The State Hornet’s Best In Sacramento contest. To nominate a category, establishment or event, e-mail Liz at [email protected]