Amid some of the current struggles the craft beer industry faces, many of the breweries that stand out are those that offer an entire experience. They have excellent beer, as well as a top-notch atmosphere and often some other major points of interest like great food. Essentially, they have to more than justify spending an afternoon or evening enjoying their spaces and offerings. If you’re looking to try some of the country’s best breweries, we’ve got a must-visit destination for you: Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse, which is currently listed among the best-reviewed breweries in the Sacramento area on Yelp.
Urban Roots is one of California’s most outstanding breweries, which is no small feat considering the Golden State has more breweries per capita than any other state in the U.S. The brand was opened in 2018 by Rob Archie and Peter Hoey, friends and veterans of the craft beer and restaurant industries. The name “Urban Roots” is a nod to the complex, traditional yet updated farmhouse ales created in their city brewery, so this taproom is a must for fans of saisons.
There are dozens of delicious beers on tap at any given time, including a wide variety of IPAs and lagers as well as stouts and fruited beers, plus cider, hard seltzer, and non-alcoholic options. For the food, the founders wanted locals to feel like they were being invited to something more neighborly, which meant Texas-style barbecue. Think smoked brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and sausages; accompanied by tacos, fried fish, nachos, burgers, salads, and classic barbecue sides.
Read more: 12 Facts About Arby’s Classic Roast Beef Sandwich You Should Know
What people say about Urban Roots
Hands toasting with glasses of beer over table of food – Urban Roots Beer/Instagram
Hoey and Archie’s mission to invite locals and visitors alike into their taproom for a communal feast and beautifully crafted beers is working. Both the beer and the food have received awards in regional, national, and international competitions. In 2025, Urban Roots came in at number five on USA Today’s list of the 10 best brewpubs in the United States. It’s no wonder that it has been highlighted by Yelp reviewers.
“They are my go-to for good beer and good meats,” says one Yelp user. Another agrees: “When in [Sacramento] and feeling like some good brew and a comforting meal, this is the spot!” Nearly every dish on the menu gets name-checked in these rave reviews, and Yelp-ers also compliment the brewery’s service, atmosphere, and (importantly) the beer. They also appreciate that the barbecue is relatively affordable. Smoked meats, for example, range from about $7 to $20 for half or whole portions, and there’s a family- or friend group-friendly shareable option called “All the Smoke” for $100.
Perhaps the only downside to Urban Roots’ popularity? All that good food and beer draws a crowd. But the good news is that beer will keep you refreshed while you wait for your barbecue. “Fantastic locale, exceptional smoked meat, friendly staff and special beer,” says one TripAdvisor reviewer. “Do not be afraid of the amount of customers, the satisfaction of the food deserves the possibility of waiting.”
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Read the original article on Tasting Table.