Hanging Out In Oak Park
Sacramento Home Magazine
THIS CITY NEIGHBORHOOD is quickly becoming the place to be for Sacramento design obsessives. A slew of new boutiques, design businesses and places to eat and drink have recently opened in the vicinity of Broadway Triangle, architect Ron Vrilakas’ stylish mixed-used development. Here’s a look at some of our favorite places, both old and new.
Damas
This womenswear store carries sleek, monochromatic clothes by female designers. “The goal is to support woman-run businesses,” says co-owner Maritza Davis. In addition to clothing, there are handbags, chic fanny packs and holistically trendy jewelry hand-stamped with words like “Self-love” and “Namaste.” 3417 Broadway
Katie Denham Interiors
After she moved her interior design business to Oak Park last summer, Katie Denham started selling one-of-a-kind throw pillows covered in pieces of African mud cloth that she’d collected over the years. “I love the graphic quality and texture of the fabric,” she says. Denham plans to expand her retail offerings to include home accessories, artwork and Jamie Young lamps. 3400 2nd Ave.;katiedenham.com
Vibe Juice Bar
This cafe serves everything a healthy hipster could ever want, including acai and pitaya bowls, superfood smoothies, cold-pressed juices and healthful wraps. On tap, there’s Zeal kombucha and Brass Clover nitro coffee (both locally made). If you need an extra boost, order the Cognitive Coffee: It’s Chocolate Fish coffee blended with grass-fed butter and MCT oil. “That butter kicks your body into fat-burning mode,” says owner Brandon Brodzky. 3515 Broadway; vibehealthbar.com
La Venadita
Big, industrial windows, exposed beams and a wall painted bright pink are the design hallmarks of this stylish, casual taqueria. Order a “coctel” at the bar and seat yourself at a wood table for a Vampiro taco, filled with al pastor pork, fried cheese and ranchera salsa. 3501 3rd Ave.;lavenaditasac.com
Evergreen Salon & Spa
Even if you don’t need a haircut or a facial, stop in to check out the retail selection, which includes natural body products from Davines, cruelty-free, botanically based cosmetics from Cosmedix and hemp-derived body butter and icy-hot pain cream from Carter’s Aromatherapy Designs. 2847 35th St.; evergreensalonandspa.com
The Plant Foundry
Located in what was once a tire store, this urban nursery carries a wide variety of heirloom plants, organic local veggies and herbs, and hard-to-find perennials from Annie’s Annuals. The garden shop stocks certified organic seeds, ergonomic garden tools, hanging terrariums and garden decor.3500 Broadway; plantfoundry.com
Rire
Josie Lee was a college student when she opened her first women’s boutique in 2013. This is her third Rire location, offering fun, flirty fashions at affordable prices. (Nothing costs more than $60.) Products range from T-shirts to faux fur-lined anoraks, along with journals, tote bags, handmade cards and jewelry. 3330 Broadway; rireboutique.com
DISPLAY: California
This shop sells artisan goods made in California, with a heavy emphasis on Sacramento makers such as Jake Castro (leather goods), Ana Apple (children’s apparel) and Cabine (jewelry). The store also hosts a Tastemaker Series, with informal talks by designers such as Matthew Lechowick, and its Trade School offers adult classes in dancing, screen printing, how to buy a house and more.3433 Broadway; displaycalifornia.com
Underground Books
This friendly African-American bookstore, owned by former mayor Kevin Johnson’s mother, serves as Oak Park’s literary hub. There’s local art on the walls and a comfy leather couch for sprawling. The store hosts book signings, children’s story time, a book club, panel discussions and art talks.2814 35th St.; underground-books.com
Nectar
Owner Janel Lacayo makes original, one-of-a-kind earrings, necklaces and bracelets at a tiny workbench behind the cash register. She’s big on upcycling, incorporating vintage jewelry parts into her hammered-wire designs, with prices ranging from $6 to $200. She also sells vintage apparel, T-shirts and aprons decorated with bits of old embroidery. 3328 Broadway; collectingnectar.com
Miel
Ruebi Jimenez sells pottery, textiles and beauty products—much of it locally made—from this little storefront. Her bohemian wares include silk pillows, Mexican-style serape fabric, ’70s velveteen wall hangings and collectible California ceramics, including vintage Fiestaware. 3324 Broadway
Old Soul @ 40 Acres
While you’re running around Oak Park, pop into this cozy coffee shop for a quick pick-me-up cup of locally roasted java. Sit and relax at one of the big windows and watch the world go by. 3434 Broadway; oldsoulco.com