Eat in Elk Grove like a local: Where to get coffee, paninis and tacos and tequila

While Benjy Egel is currently on a two-week vacation in Europe, I will be taking over his newsletter until he returns. I’m Irene Adeline Milanez, I am a summer video producer intern at the Bee and most importantly, I love food.

During my time here, I’ve created videos showcasing iconic Sacramento staples such as The Coconut on T, Whitey’s Jolly Kone and food available at the California State Fair.

I am finishing up my last semesters at San Jose State University where I served as the executive editor of The Spear, the university’s sports publication. However, I have lived in Elk Grove for my entire life and I am excited to highlight Tule Coffeehouse.

Tule Coffeehouse is a breath of fresh air amid Elk Grove’s bustling suburban sprawl and strip malls. As the new kid on the block in the heart of Old Town Elk Grove, Tule’s bright blue exterior isn’t just catching the eye of drivers rolling down Main Street but also drawing in pedestrians.

Originally from the Sacramento area since age 15, owner Leah Van Osten partnered with restaurateur Ravi Ram, who opened House of Mules Cocktails & Kitchen in Folsom last May.

Since its opening in April, Tule has swiftly ingrained itself into the fabric of Elk Grove, becoming a beloved gathering spot.

“We didn’t know if we would even get customers,” Van Osten said. Though skeptical, Van Osten and Ram’s uncertainties about Old Town Elk Grove’s sleepy location were sharply contrasted by Tule’s buzzing lines of patrons spilling out the peach-pink front door last Saturday.

Stepping through that door, customers are greeted by hanging pothos planters, aquamarine tile, wooden tables and a plush leather couch. Two outdoor seating areas provide additional table space.

Margie and Michael Junker, accompanied by their dog Bosco, discovered Tule a couple of weeks earlier and found exactly what they were looking for — a new social space in Elk Grove.

“We walked here. We want more walkable things in Elk Grove like in midtown,” Margie Junker said. They ordered a matcha latte, a cold brew and a breakfast veggie sandwich.

Tule sources its coffee from Station Coffee Roasters offering $3.50 espressos, $6 lattes and $6 mochas made with house Dutch chocolate syrup. Their drink menu also features matcha and chai lattes, teas and hot chocolate with a rotating selection of syrups like pistachio, lavender and caramel.

Food offerings include breakfast sandwiches like the bacon breakfast sandwich ($12) with house garlic aioli that pairs well with the crispy bacon and fresh arugula, enveloped by a buttery brioche bun.

Tule also serves paninis with focaccia from Truckee Sourdough. The veggie panini ($12) offers grilled zucchini, provolone cheese, sun-dried tomato, grilled onion, roasted red bell pepper and house garlic aioli.

Recently introducing alcohol options with vanilla cream ale and coffee-themed espresso and latte stouts, Tule plans to extend hours until 7 p.m. within the next month and add wine to the menu.

“I never in my life expected to have such a great community outcome,” Van Osten said. “All the locals, we see their faces, the same faces every day, a couple times a day.”

Tule Coffeehouse is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week at 9098 Elk Grove Blvd. in Elk Grove.

What I’m Eating

Pig Latin practically jumps out at you with its striking pink and green striped exterior. Situated in a strip mall along East Stockton Boulevard, it’s a lively neighbor to Hidden Dumpling’s Elk Grove location and 18 Grams Coffee Roasters.

Co-owners Has Mahmood and David Scanlon opened this eclectic spot in May, offering a twist on Latin flavors and a vacation from the day-to-day. Scanlon describes the venture as a “fun, funky place that transports you out of Elk Grove.”

Tropical plants and a massive bar, accessible from both inside and outside on the patio, further elevate that getaway feeling. A disco ball hangs in the center surrounded by agave leaves made of glass and LEDs, a nod to its over 180 mezcals and tequilas.

The pork belly tacos ($12 for two) feature crispy pork belly on corn blend tortillas. It comes with a savory and sweet habanero salsa, that Pig Latin should sell by the jar. Served with a comforting side of rice and black beans, it’s a satisfying treat.

Though Pig Latin prides itself on its tequila and tacos, don’t overlook the elote ribs ($10). The fresh ribs of corn are a delightfully bright contrast against the warm brown sugar and tajin dusting, all strung together by cotija cheese.

For lighter options during this summer heat, the passion fruit ceviche ($17) offers seasonal white fish tossed in a tangy, sweet passion fruit juice served with wafer-thin tostadas. The verde aguachile ($20) is equally refreshing. The crunchy tajin-dusted chips are a perfect vehicle for the sour marinated shrimp with cucumbers, onions and avocados.

Non-drinkers can skip the margaritas and shakers for the roses lime mocktail ($7), which delivers a refreshingly sour lime flavor with a mild rose flavor without tasting like hand soap.

Pig Latin

Address: 9631 E Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday

Phone: (916) 829-5135

Website: www.piglatineg.com

Drinks: Tequila, cocktails, margaritas, beer, wine and more

Vegetarian options: Champiñones tacos with grilled portabella mushrooms and smoked guacamole

Noise level: Loud

Outdoor seating: Large patio with access to the bar

Openings & Closings

▪ Tokyo Table at 5701 Broadway Suite A, in Sacramento, announced on social media it opened last Monday. It offers fresh sashimi, sushi rolls, ramen and other Japanese favorites.

▪ Tasty Pot announced on social media it is opening a new location at 707 2nd St, in Davis this coming August. The growing chain serves up Tawainese hot pot with meat, cabbage and other toppings.

▪ Brickyard Kitchen & Bar closed its 1475 Eureka Rd STE 120, Roseville location on Sunday as announced on social media. The gastropub kitchen and bar served burgers, sandwiches and cocktails.