Coco's: Sacramento, California's Best Comfort Food!

One rainy night in January, after a very long day, we pulled into the parking lot across from Arden Fair Mall, heading for Olive Garden. Not being familiar with Sacramento, we figured we'd find a decent meal there. But, after hearing we'd have a 45 minute wait, a patron suggested we give Coco's a try. I'm so glad we did! From the moment we came in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The decor is vintage American diner, with warm maple furniture, earthy colours, and a splendid bakery case filled with the most luscious looking pies.

As we looked over the menus we were pleased to discover that all our old favourites were there to choose from. Though the children's menu was fairly generic, we were pleased to find out that unlike many restaurants, Coco's offers very generous portions for slightly older children, and even customized their spaghetti for each child's taste.

We were hard pressed to choose between chicken fried steak with Texas gravy and mashed potatoes or the truly luscious looking prime rib. Dave chose the chicken fried steak and I selected the prime rib. when our waitress brought out our plates, I was surprised to see such attractive and generous portions. Dave's chicken fried steak was huge! Our boys spaghetti was heavily sauced the way they like it, with garlic bread and salad. My prime rib was cooked to perfection, with a light marbling of fat and well seasoned tender meat. It came with seasonal vegetables, and a salad. For dessert, all it took was one taste of their superb pies to guarantee we would return again soon.

Coco's offers breakfasts for just about every taste. From healthy oatmeal to a 3 egg, three meat extravaganza, accompanied by French toast or pancakes and country fried potatoes. we've sampled just about everything on their breakfast menu, and enjoyed them all. Coco's Fit N Lively breakfasts are a great way to eat healthy and sacrifice nothing in taste. One of my favourites is their California omelet, filled with fresh Monterey Jack cheese, smoked applewood bacon and avocado. served with country fried potatoes and your choice of muffin, biscuit or toast, it is tasty and very filling.

The service can be a bit slow, but we never minded, because it gave us time to unwind a bit, savour our drinks and just enjoy the utterly relaxing ambiance which makes dining here such a pleasure. Their bottomless soft drinks and coffees are just that. They refill your cups often and with such pleasure, it just makes you smile. They also offer old fashioned milk shakes and a nice selection of California varietal wines.

But the real star at Coco's is their pies. From their light and airy coconut cream, to their earthy and mouth filling apple pies, all are expertly made and simply delicious. One of my personal favourites is their French lemon pie, with its thin layer of cream cheese based filling, topped off by an exquisitely sweet/tart lemony custard, and crowned with a hefty layer of fresh whipped cream-yumm! Their pumpkin pies are so popular, they are currently taking pre-orders for Thanksgiving.!

If you are looking for simple, well prepared classic American comfort foods, give Coco's a try. With its family friendly ambiance, good service and great pies, it will soon become your own family's great good place to dine.