Land Park/Curtis Park

Broadway and 13th Street is an unpretentious corner of the city where a simple sign beckons diners to a steakhouse mecca. The sign says “Iron.” Behind the doors is a restaurant devoted to hearty eating, with emphasis on red meat traditions such as a 16-ounce New York steak or eight-ounce filet mignon.

Willie’s is a quirky burger joint specializing in timeless classics that made drive-ins and diners famous. The menu is full of traditional favorites such as onion rings, chili cheese fries, milkshakes and big, juicy hamburgers. Owner Bill Taylor, a Land Park native and the “Willie” for whom the Sacramento restaurant is named, made it his mission to offer locals a serious burger joint.

Family owned since 1947, this Land Park Sacramento restaurant has been the site of postgame celebrations, report card rewards and summertime gab sessions for more than 70 years. Along with the traditional ice cream parlor favorites such as sundaes, shakes, cups and cones in 29 familiar flavors, Vic’s offers an array of American diner classics, including corned beef, tuna and egg salad sandwiches, the Krautdog and Cheezedog, and daily soup specials.