Polanco Cantina

4.5

181 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Top Tags:

Polanco Cantina is a festive, contemporary Mexican restaurant and bar. Serving Mexican-inspired familiar favorites and celebrating the bounty of central California, Polanco is located in Downtown Commons, overlooking the Golden One Center.

Polanco Cantina, turns into a Late Night Lounge on Friday and Saturday nights from 11:00pm-1:45am, Cover Charge Applies

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(916) 536-7250

Other options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Mexican, Cocktail Bar, Contemporary Latin
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–5:00 pm
Phone number
(916) 536-7250
Website
http://www.polancocantina.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
John Morales

Location
414 K St Ste 240, Sacramento, CA 95814
Neighborhood
Sacramento
Cross street
5th Street
Parking details
Free Parking - We validate at Central DOCO Parking lot for up to 90 minutes. Located underneath the Century Theater, east of 5th street.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Popular dishes

Chips & House Salsa$5.00
Nachos el Supremo$16.00
Tortilla chips with mexican cheeses, salsa verde, black beans, crema, radishes, pickled jalapeños and onions
Guacamole$11.00
Cotija cheese | served with tortilla chips and salsa
Queso Fundido$13.00
Mexican cheeses, chorizo and pico | served with flour chips

Starters To Share

Mexican Cornbread$9.00
Made with fresh corn, pepperjack and cheddar cheeses, corn meal, roasted poblano peppers, and topped with poblano crema
Sinaloa Wings$15.00
Mary's chicken wings tossed in a chipotle piloncillo pineapple glaze, topped with sesame seeds (contains nuts) and jalapeño ranch dressing | served with tajin dusted cucumbers
Flautas Nortena$15.00
Crispy Flour tortillas, stuffed with chorizo, potatoes and Nortena dipping sauce
Pollo Pibil Croquettes$12.00
Croquettes filled with adobo braised chicken, Cotija cheese over black bean puree and topped with pickled red onions
Shishitos$10.00
Tempura-battered California Shishito peppers and lemon crema dipping sauce
Crispy Brussel Sprouts$12.00
Fried brussel sprouts, salsa verde, crema and Cotija cheese
Ceviche de Pescado*$18.00
Lime cured fresh local Rock Cod, cucumbers, fresh tomatoes, cilantro, carrots, red onion, avocado and a habanero tomatillo salsa | served with tortilla chips
Tostadas$12.00
Fried corn tortillas topped with black bean puree, cabbage, pickled red onions, avocado, queso fresco, radish and crema

Especiales

Birria Relleno$22.00
Beer-battered roasted poblano pepper stuffed with Mexican cheese and birria, resting on top of casero sauce | Served with black beans and Polanco rice
Ranchero Steak$44.00
Our salute to Tex-Mex: Grilled ribeye, ranchero sauce, flour tortillas, queso fresco, guacamole, grilled spring onions | Served with charro beans and Polanco rice
Mole de Pollo$27.00
Mary's chicken breast, roasted and smothered in mole with sesame seeds (contains nuts), crispy brussels sprouts and cotija cheese | Served with black beans, Polanco rice and corn tortillas
Costillas
St. Louis Cut pork spareribs, coated in our pork belly rub tossed in serrano agave glaze | Served with charro beans and mexican cornbread
- Half$25.00
- Full$37.00
Birria Ramen$20.00
Chili braised shredded beef and broth, egg noodles, boiled egg, cilantro, pickled red onions, and shredded cabbage
Carnitas$28.00
Our famous Michoacan style pork, braised in a traditional copper pot, salsa verde, guacamole, fresh cilantro, diced onions, cabbage, pickled jalapeño and refried beans | Served with corn tortillas

Classicos

Carnitas Quesadilla$20.00
Michoacan style braised pork, flour tortilla, mexican cheeses, guacamole, chipotle crema and pico | Served with refried beans and Polanco rice
Enchilada de Pollo Verde$22.00
Oven roasted & shredded chicken, smothered in salsa verde, topped with mexican cheeses, avocado, pickled red onions and crema | Served with black beans & Polanco rice
Enchiladas Machaca$22.00
Corn Tortillas stuffed with beef, onion, garlic, cilantro, mexican cheeses and topped with red sauce | Served with black beans and Polanco rice
Rajas Quesadilla$18.00
Roasted poblanos, onions, flour tortilla, mexican cheeses, guacamole roasted corn, poblano crema and pico | Served with black beans and Polanco rice
Enchilada de Mole$21.00
Cheese stuffed tortillas, covered with our slow cooked mole and topped with sesame seeds (contains nuts) | Served with black beans and Polanco rice
Machaca Quesadilla$21.00
Braised beef, flour tortillas, mexican cheeses, guacamole, pico and crema Served with black beans & Polanco rice

Tacos

Add an Extra Taco $5

Baja Fish$22.00
Beer battered fresh local Rock Cod, chipotle crema, finely shredded cabbage, avocado and pico on flour tortillas | Served with black beans
Quesabirria$21.00
Braised beef, mexican cheeses, onions and cilantro on crispy corn tortillas | Served with a side of birria consumé for dipping
Rib Eye$24.00
Grilled ribeye with ranchero salsa, pico, radishes, queso fresco, grilled onions and guacamole on flour tortillas | Served with a side of charro beans
Crispy Avocado$19.00
Beer battered fried avocado, chipotle crema, shredded cabbage, pineapple pico, on corn tortillas | Served with black beans
Pollo Pibil$21.00
Adobo braised and shredded chicken, crema, pickled onions, avocado, cotija and salsa verde on corn tortillas | Served with two pollo pibil croquettes

Soups & Salads

Chicken Tortilla Soup$10.00
Roasted Mary's chicken, onion, carrots, celery, tomato, in a masa based chicken broth and topped with tortilla strips, avocado, pico and queso fresco
House Salad$12.00
Romaine, mexican cheese, and cucumber and dressed with lemon vinaigrette
Polanco Caesar$14.00
Local romaine lettuce, tortilla strips, radish, cotija cheese and caesar dressing
Del Mercado$16.00
Mixed greens, seasonal fruit, grilled corn, cucumber, pickled red onions, tortilla strips, queso fresco and dressed with pomegranate vinaigrette

Sides

Polanco Rice$4.00
Traditional mild Mexican green rice with corn
Charro Beans$5.00
Stewed pintos with chorizo, bacon, serrano chile
Vegetarian Black Beans$4.00
Traditional Refried Beans$4.00
Pickled Jalapeños$4.00

What 181 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Sacramento / Sacramento Valley
Good for business meals
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley
Good for groups
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley
Healthy
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley
Great for scenic views
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley
Lively
Sacramento
Good for business meals
Sacramento
Good for groups
Sacramento
Healthy
Sacramento
Great for scenic views
Sacramento
Lively

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W
Winesmurf
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, fast and friendly service, lovely feel. These folks do it right!
LS
LauraS
Las Vegas
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall3food3service1ambience5
Terrible service and bland food
c
carmel
Sacramento
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Good food great location
GD
GlendieD
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great spot before Golden 1 event!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
Food was excellent. Servers were friendly. A couple of items were missing from order and we had to remind server to bring the missing items. One item came when we were ready to leave. Overall, enjoyed experience and will definitely dine there again.
GB
GamerBabe35
Sacramento
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
We had dinner here before a Kings game, since Golden 1 Center is right across from it. We had reservations and were seated immediately. Our server was nice and attentive. I had the carnitas quesadilla and my husband had the Baja Fish tacos. The food portions are quite large. The quesadilla had wonderful flavor with tender carnitas. It came with rice and beans, however, the rice was not hot or even warm. The rice tasted good but I did not like that it has corn in it. My husband's fish tacos were huge and he said they were great. We enjoyed dining here, and I'm sure we will return. Make reservations because it gets very busy. They validate 90 minutes for parking at the DOCO central garage.
JM
JenM
Sacramento
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was fantastic. All of our food (fish tacos, beans, rice, chile quesadilla, Mercado salad) was delicious. The traditional palomas and picante margaritas were terrific. Fun, upbeat, casual vibe and perfect spot to pre-game before the Kings game.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Great food! We’ll be back for more enchiladas.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excelente customer service! Alexis V, our server was excellent! She answered all our questions and gave suggestions. The food was delicious and ambiance was great. Definitely recommend!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tahoe
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 21, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience5
The drinks are good. The food sucks and expensive.
JG
JosephG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was outstanding, the waitress was great. Will come back again
KU
KimberlyU
Sacramento
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 8, 2022
overall3food4service3ambience4
Made a reservation was seated promptly. Service was good. Food was a little overpriced for what you get. Overall it was a little hectic. Took a while to get our drinks. But would definitely recommend. just make sure you have enough time if your going to an event.
M
Megs
Sacramento
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I don’t give 5 stars lightly but everything we ate was amazing I had the Baja fish tacos! My husband had the Poblano Birria and it was all amazing! I recommend getting the guacamole for the chips it’s amazing. And the Polanco margarita is A+! Our server was kind and attentive. We will 100% be back here.
LG
LoupGarou
Sacramento
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
For my third business lunch here, the food as above average. It was fresh and tasty, and we got what we expected. It wasn't very busy even though it was Friday at Noon. Other than being pricey, which is to be expected being in the Downtown Commons (DOCO - I hate that label), my biggest disappointment we in their offer to validate my parking. It may seem like a small thing, but when any business says they're going to do something and they don't, it grates on me. In this case, we had two vehicles. So we needed two parking validations. After realizing the waitress (who had done a good job up to that pint) had disappeared, on my way back from the restroom I asked one of the managers to validate my parking. He said the validation was in a QR code on the final receipt, which we only had one to use. He said he would bring me another receipt. After asking a him second time and third time as he raced around past us, he gave me something that did not work and I ended up paying $8. Thank goodness I had a credit card with me. It was only $8, and a fraction of the meal, but it was embarrassing to have cars piling up behind me trying to exit while I was trying to get the QR code to scan, then trying to find my credit card. And for $8. I'll probably never go back.
m
maximus
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Tasty food and cocktail. I did find it pricey for lunch.
DL
DL65
San Francisco
13 reviews
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience4
Food was boring certainly not authentic
N
None
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server - I think his name was Marcos - was absolutely incredible! He was such an energetic and personable waitperson. He had exceptional customer service skills and made our trip more enjoyable as a result. Thank you for making our dual birthday celebration memorable!!
n
nyabtsab
Las Vegas
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 14, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
Everything was great overall. Only issue was the validation of parking. The original QR code did not work and when we went back to the restaurant to advise them of this, we overheard other workers indicating that it was a known issue.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Western Samoa
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Tequila flight is yum and the nachos were delicious!!
CB
CarolB
Sacramento
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great lunch on the patio . Not crowded during the workweek. We met one friend coming In from the Bay Area on Amtrak. We drove in using the validated garage next up Macy’s. Everyone liked their food. Pork quesadilla was a hit with teen. A good value. Chicken enchiladas good but would have been better with a bit of heat. Steak was delicious, cooked perfectly. Good service. Enjoyed eating on their covered patio.
Polanco CantinaResponded on June 21, 2022Hi Carol, thank you for the five stars. We are so glad you enjoyed your visit and appreciate the kind words. We hope to see you again soon.
CB
CatherineB
San Francisco
17 reviews
vip
2.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall2food1service3ambience4
Good was awful, worst Ceviche ever. Cesar salad was had no flavor. The chips were even bland. Ambiance is great. They need to get a different chef!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience5
Mother’s Day
R
Roberta
Seattle
16 reviews
vip
3.0
16 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience5
The food didn’t have much flavor. The Brussel sprouts were blah and the fish tacos weren’t seasoned at all. The waiter dropped a drink on me.
RG
RamG
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall2food1service2ambience3
Awfully bland food, some of the worst Baja fish tacos I’ve had, and the appetizer as well as my dates food weren’t good either.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food, great service, and great atmosphere. I love this place.
RP
RubyP
San Francisco
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2022
overall4food5service2ambience4
The food and drinks were so good. It’s not too pricy but the service didn’t make it worth it. We waited too long to get our order in. So many’s revers walked by before anyone asked if we wanted to order anything to drink.
G
ginaG
Sacramento
18 reviews
3.0
18 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
Pretty restaurant, the taste of the items were good, although the enchiladas had been left in the broiler a little long. Service was a little spotty but that was because our server had half of the restaurant by herself. Would return but wouldn't order the queso fundito again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have walked by this place a number of times, but I never visited. Well, I finally decided to go there on a date and let me tell you, this place did not disappoint. The birria tacos were amazing, although they were small. I would say these might be the top 3 birria tacos I’ve had in Sacramento. The waitstaff was amazing and attentive, the security guard was hilarious, the table next to us was having a birthday celebration so they were loud, but it was a great time. I highly recommend visiting this place, and trying their birria tacos. I might make this restaurant a place I visit at least once or twice a month. -EJ
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time and Polanco did not disappoint! Our server Ricardo was awesome! Super friendly and gave us the best recommendations. Definitely added to our great experience! 😊 Here’s what we ordered! Drinks: Prickly Pear margarita- if you like fresh, tart & slightly sweet. Yummy & pretty magenta color Piña Humante - if you like mezcal, this is the drink for you! Smooth & just enough pineapple flavor Appetizers: Brussel sprouts - just enough crunch with great seasoning Sinaloa wings - great sweet flavor with a little kick! Entree: Birria Ramen- tons of flavor and a big bowl! but consume broth may get a little overwhelming Carnitas Quesadilla- meat was tender and flavorful. Great proportion it was super filling! Dessert: Flan - a twist to your original flan flavor. They’ve infused it with a tangy lime flavor and added a blueberry compote. Delicious! Overall, 10/10 experience. Came on a Friday night around 5. It wasn’t crowded. We’re excited to come back!
TK
TatianaK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
So good will be back again customer service was A1
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
How they advertised their churro French toast was incorrect and then had them remake it and it still wasn’t correct.
KM
KristenM
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Delicious food. Amazing drinks. Love the outdoor fireplace! Our server was fantastic, and will be back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great time, great food and the cucumber margaritas are so good!
TH
TanyaH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The outdoor area is surprisingly warm. Maybe even a little hot. But it was nice to enjoy a good meal outdoors without freezing. And the brussel sprouts are supremely delicious.
Polanco CantinaResponded on February 10, 2022Hi Tanya, thank you for the kind review and support. We are so glad you enjoyed your visit and look forward to seeing you again soon.
L
Luis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and good times, need I say more? 4 characters to go
Polanco CantinaResponded on February 10, 2022Hi Luis, thank you for the kind words. We are glad you enjoyed your visit and look forward to seeing you again soon.
l
lovetodine
Sacramento
55 reviews
vip
3.0
55 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2022
overall3food2service2ambience3
The waitress was unhappy and not friendly. The food had no flavor. Guacamole didn't even have salt and pepper in it. The ambience is good.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 28, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
The evening was great! The customer service provided by Polanco is always above and beyond. I am never disappointed by their delicious food, and welcoming staff. Our server, Chelsey, did a wonderful job caring for my friends and I! She was very attentive and engaging with us. Will definitely be back for another great meal at this restaurant.
LA
LindaA
Tahoe
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
Had a great time dining on the patio even with the rain. Our server was attentive and the food was delicious.
M
Meeks81
Austin
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Polanco is a beautiful restaurant with phenomenal service. The food is amazing and ambiance vibrant and welcoming.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2021
overall5food4service5ambience5
It was good definitely returning
Polanco CantinaResponded on December 21, 2021Thank you for the five stars.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Polanco Cantina using the Order Online button. Polanco Cantina also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (916) 536-7250.

Polanco Cantina is rated 4.5 stars by 181 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(916) 536-7250

Other options

Order online

414 K St Ste 240, Sacramento, CA 95814

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
5th Street
Neighborhood
Sacramento
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–5:00 pm
Cuisines
Mexican, Cocktail Bar, Contemporary Latin
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Free Parking - We validate at Central DOCO Parking lot for up to 90 minutes. Located underneath the Century Theater, east of 5th street.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
John Morales
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://www.polancocantina.com/
Phone number
(916) 536-7250

Polanco Cantina

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Baja Fish Tacos

Quesabirria Tacos

Crispy Brussel Sprouts

Totopos

Chips & House Salsa$5.00

Nachos el Supremo$16.00

Guacamole$11.00

Queso Fundido$13.00

Starters To Share

Mexican Cornbread$9.00

Sinaloa Wings$15.00

Flautas Nortena$15.00

Pollo Pibil Croquettes$12.00

Shishitos$10.00

Crispy Brussel Sprouts$12.00

Ceviche de Pescado*$18.00

Tostadas$12.00

Especiales

Birria Relleno$22.00

Ranchero Steak$44.00

Mole de Pollo$27.00

Costillas

Birria Ramen$20.00

Carnitas$28.00

Classicos

Carnitas Quesadilla$20.00

Enchilada de Pollo Verde$22.00

Enchiladas Machaca$22.00

Rajas Quesadilla$18.00

Enchilada de Mole$21.00

Machaca Quesadilla$21.00

Tacos

Baja Fish$22.00

Quesabirria$21.00

Rib Eye$24.00

Crispy Avocado$19.00

Pollo Pibil$21.00

Soups & Salads

Chicken Tortilla Soup$10.00

House Salad$12.00

Polanco Caesar$14.00

Del Mercado$16.00

Sides

Polanco Rice$4.00

Charro Beans$5.00

Vegetarian Black Beans$4.00

Traditional Refried Beans$4.00

Pickled Jalapeños$4.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Polanco Cantina offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Polanco Cantina restaurant rated?

Is Polanco Cantina currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information