Growing up in California I struggled with finding good southern BBQ. My family exposed me to various styles of BBQ on countless trips to Kansas. Going home always left me with a craving for food I would not be able to have. In fact, while in high school, I refused to eat ribs, brisket, or pork unless traveling to see my family. Therefore, I am excited to say I will never have to go on a BBQ strike after finding Sauced BBQ and Spirits.
The atmosphere
We stumbled upon Sauced via Google. To my suprise, Sacramento was home to a few high star BBQ’s. Sauced stood out to me due to their statement on BBQ, which ultimately led to us going there over the others. Sauced strives to bring Southern BBQ to Northern California. Sweet, smokey air greeted us upon our arrival. You could feel the comfort with just one whiff. Chattering tables, friendly staff, and lights invited conversation and comfort, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. A hostess sat our party of four in the heart of the building. But you’re not here to hear about the atmosphere, so let’s get to the “meat” of this review.
![The exterior of Sauced in downtown Sacramento](https://i0.wp.com/umbraexlibris.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_0660.jpg?resize=416%2C640&ssl=1)
Staple Southern BBQ Dishes
Typically when I go to BBQ the first thing I look for is how they cook their meat. This can make or break the meal. The answer is always smoked. A smoked brisket and pulled pork is arguably the staple dish of any BBQ, ribs fall in their own special category. I’ll let you duke it out in the comments if you disagree, but let’s get back to this. A smokey brisket lathered in house BBQ sauce is always going to top grilled or reheated grocery store meat. We must also acknowledge that BBQ extends past meat. A good BBQ also includes sides, specifically mac n’ cheese and some form of potatoes. Others may be inclined to say coleslaw, but I’m here to tell you, we go for carbs at Umbra ex Libris.
Our Food
![Loaded Fried Chicken Fries](https://i0.wp.com/umbraexlibris.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_0711.jpg?resize=468%2C640&ssl=1)
Okay, so what made Sauced so special? Their menu detailed everything they had to offer, a slightly overwhelming sight. But after contemplating the menu for a little, I was able to remember what drew me here in the first place, Southern BBQ. Sauced offered a variety of platters. Jonas and I opted to split a “plate from the pit”. This consisted of briskets and pulled pork with a side of mac n’ cheese and sweet potato casserole. Others in our party tried the Queso Fried Chicken Fries for a more Southern Comfort Food. It is challenging to pinpoint what was the best of our meal as all of it exceeded our expectations.
![Plate from the Pit](https://i0.wp.com/umbraexlibris.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_0709.jpg?resize=560%2C640&ssl=1)
My first bite transported me to sitting round a table in Kansas City, KS, enjoying some of my favorite brisket, it was that good. But our enjoyment didn’t end there. The tastiness of our food extended to our mac n’ cheese and sweet potato casserole. Both were excellent accompaniments to our main dish, a mix of cheeses melted perfectly over pasta covered in fresh bread crumbs and sweet potatoes perfectly mashed and sweetened. All parts of our meal had us drooling and dreading the moment our stomach told us we were full.
The extensiveness of their menu makes it easy to say we will be returning. After confirming their statement of bringing southern BBQ to northern California, there is much more for us to try. Mixed with the atmosphere, there are many things that will bring us back. One of which we’ve left unmentioned, ax throwing. It was unique to see ax-throwing in a food establishment but left many guests excited and lively to participate.
Overall, I would rate this a 9.5/10, all boxes checked.
Awesome. Can’t wait to try with you guys. Love the review.
We’d love to have you try it with us! Definitely worth a visit.