Issue date: 10/22/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: Susie Dickens Yet another one of downtown Sacramento's trendy restaurants, 'Aura' serves Italian food and displays local art in a gallery upstairs, adding a touch of modern spice. [Click to enlarge]

Bringing two of Sacramento's favorite things together, Aura Restaurant and Bar combines artwork and American cuisine in one trendy locale.

With a restaurant and bar downstairs and a lounge and art gallery upstairs, the concept is definitely unique and worthy of checking out. The idea of being able to check out art while clutching a cocktail is definitely a good one.

After opening this summer, the spot is still filled to the max every month at downtown's 2nd Saturday, but is generally slow on weeknights (with the exception of Wednesdays). In the building formerly occupied by Gianni's Trattoria, the open space looks more like an unfinished art studio than a happening midtown hot spot at first glance. However, when the place fills up and music starts playing, the vibe is completely transformed.

Tables in the bar are accented with glowing red lights, and the white booths on the wood floors give Aura a modern and semi-funky attitude. An enormous artsy chandelier hanging from the ceiling accents the one-room simplistic yet modern style. A brick wall with a flat screen serves as a backdrop to the bar and is covered in pretty much every spirit you could desire. The bartenders and waiters are quick at getting what you need; always a pleasant surprise at any recently-opened restaurant or bar.

Wednesday nights are definitely worth checking out with $2 Bud Lights from 4 to 7 p.m. Also, there are three TVs to watch so you won't miss the sport of the season while hanging out.

When night falls and the evening just starts to get going, Aura is transformed into a mini-club with DJ Slice spinning funky beats.

With the recent trend in high-priced downtown eateries, the inexpensive prices on the menu are refreshing to most people's empty pocketbooks. Appetizers cap out at around $10 and on average, entrees are $15, give or take a couple bucks. The prices on the menu are definitely an understatement of the high-class atmosphere.

If you're craving Italian comfort food, the lasagna is a must-have. With a side of zucchini and a perfectly-flavored tomato sauce, Aura gets it right. The fun atmosphere and classy crowd is what it's all about at Aura.

Casey Kirk can be reached at ckirk@statehornet.com

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