Private dining, private events, special events, regular community programming, and more: grand opening in July 2025! In addition to hosting private dining and special events, Alchemist CDC is committed to scheduling regular programming and welcoming the community back into Empress Tavern. We will have a calendar of events of all kinds including cooking classes, "Dinner and a Movie" nights, game nights, live music and art - truly something for everyone. Our culinary program for these events will be built around featuring businesses and entrepreneurs in our Alchemist Kitchen programs, farmers and vendors from our farmers' markets, and collaborations with other chefs and restaurants. Empress Tavern, located beneath the historic Crest Theatre on K Street in Sacramento, opened in 2015 as a bold reimagining of a former underground movie auditorium. With its dramatic vaulted brick ceilings, open kitchen, and a focus on hearty, meat-centric fare, the tavern quickly earned a reputation as a destination for both locals and visitors. The restaurant’s name honors the original Empress Theatre, the early 20th-century predecessor to the Crest. After a brief pandemic-related closure, Empress returned in 2023 with a renewed energy and commitment to providing a vibrant, welcoming space in the heart of downtown Sacramento. With its distinctive blend of atmosphere and culinary craft, the tavern continued to evolve while remaining rooted in the character and history of its unique location. In 2025, Empress Tavern will enter a new chapter through a partnership with Alchemist CDC, a local nonprofit dedicated to connecting communities to local food and economic opportunity. This collaboration will bring a fresh culinary concept to life, blending the creativity and quality Empress is known for with Alchemist’s mission-driven approach. Together, they aim to create a space that not only celebrates Sacramento’s diverse food culture, but also supports local farmers, food entrepreneurs, and equitable access to good food for all. The space itself, situated in the basement of the historic Crest Theatre, is eclectic, unique, and beautiful with an open kitchen, 170 dining seats, large booths and a chef’s table for private dining.
