"A restored 1900s firehouse where chef Anthony Scuderi's all-day American cooking and serious cocktails reward anyone wanting Midtown warmth without formality."
About Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co.
Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co. occupies a former early-1900s firehouse at 17th and S Streets, opened in 2012 by Kimio Bazett and Jon Modrow — the team behind the neighbouring Golden Bear. The name salutes Sacramento's first volunteer fire corps, and the brick-walled room has become one of Midtown Sacramento's most dependable all-day addresses.
It is a kitchen that works from morning coffee through late cocktails, drawing on regional farms, ranches and distilleries. For a more formal Midtown evening, diners often pair it with Localis or the Cal-French Waterboy a few blocks away.
The Kitchen
Chef Anthony Scuderi runs a seasonal, locally sourced menu that reads as approachable American with a Mediterranean lean. Small plates such as crispy pork belly bites and Spanish octopus open the meal; wood-fired pizzas, a pork cassoulet and the celebrated half-pound H&L burger anchor it.
The bar matches the kitchen for ambition, with a serious craft-cocktail list that helped build the room's reputation. Sunday brunch is one of the city's reliably busy communal sittings.
The Room
The dining room keeps the firehouse bones — exposed brick, high ceilings, big windows onto S Street — warmed with leather and low light. There is a long bar, a main room and a patio, so the space flexes from solo lunch to a loud group dinner.
Best for a first date
The brick-and-candlelight room and a bar built for lingering make Hook & Ladder an easy first date that favours warmth over ceremony. By day it doubles as a dependable business lunch near the Capitol.
Not for
Not for anyone after white-tablecloth fine dining or a quiet tasting-menu evening — this is a convivial, busy all-day room built for casual gatherings, not hushed special occasions.
Frequently Asked
Who is the chef at Hook & Ladder in Sacramento?
Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co. is run by chef Anthony Scuderi, with a seasonal, locally sourced American menu. The restaurant opened in 2012 from Kimio Bazett and Jon Modrow, who also operate the nearby Golden Bear.
What is Hook & Ladder known for?
Its half-pound H&L burger, crispy pork belly bites, Spanish octopus and wood-fired pizzas, paired with one of Midtown Sacramento's most serious craft-cocktail lists. Sunday brunch is especially popular.
Where is Hook & Ladder located?
At 1630 S Street in Midtown Sacramento, on the R Street corridor, inside a restored early-1900s firehouse at 17th and S Streets.
Do you need a reservation at Hook & Ladder?
Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended for weekend dinner and Sunday brunch, when the dining room, bar and patio fill quickly.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co.
Booking via OpenTable; walk-ins welcome at the bar.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address1630 S Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
NeighbourhoodMidtown / R Street corridor
CuisineContemporary American
PriceSmall plates $9–18; mains $18–32
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingDining room, bar & patio
ReservationRecommended on weekends
