Top 14 Restaurants in Old Sacramento You Need to Try at Least Once

Old Sacramento offers a light and whimsical peek into the past. It’s a spot that you should try to visit at least once in your life. Many people fall in love with the town’s Old West storefronts and saloons. It also boasts an impressive list of sites and memorabilia, like the Delta King riverboat and the Old Sacramento School House. 

Once you hit all of the big sites, you’ll want to sit down for a meal. Old Sacramento offers plenty of great restaurants and bars to visit while you’re there. Need help finding the best ones? We’ve curated a list of the top 9 restaurants in Old Sacramento to try during your visit. Check them out now! 

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1. The Firehouse Restaurant

Elegant, high-end restaurant that offers an intimate dining experience

1112 2nd St | Downtown Old Sacramento | firehouseoldsac.com

Planning a special night out on the town? Schedule a reservation at The Firehouse Restaurant. This upscale restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere that is perfect for celebrating any special occasion. If you’re celebrating with a large group of people, you can also reserve one of their event spaces for a private party. 

All of the dishes are made from locally-sourced ingredients and are carefully plated for a stunning presentation. You can order off the regular dinner menu or treat yourself to the special Chef’s Tasting Menu along with an exclusive wine pairing. Numerous dinner and buffet packages are available for private events. The restaurant also features the country’s most extensive wine collection. Enjoy!

“Did my 25th anniversary in style and felt well served by the staff. I didn't even have to ask for anything. They made themselves available mysteriously when needed. The food was amazing and the ambiance was on point.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Firehouse Restaurant.

2. Rio City Cafe

Rustic cafe offering an outdoor patio that overlooks some of the city’s most famous landmarks

1110 Front St | Downtown Old Sacramento | riocitycafe.com

For the best views of Old Sacramento, you’ll want to head to Rio City Cafe. This charming restaurant offers unforgettable views of popular landmarks like the Tower Bridge and the Ziggurat. You’ll also get a great view of the Sacramento River, which runs right by the restaurant’s outdoor patio.

Rio City Cafe is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Whenever you go, you can expect to be treated to some of the best food in Old Sacramento. Some of our favorite dishes include the Spinach & Cheese Ravioli and Rio Prime Sandwich. Hungry for dessert? Share a bowl of the Banana Fosters Bread Pudding with a friend! 

“This is the perfect spot to enjoy a fantastic Clam Chowder and beer in Sacramento! Their outdoor seating offers the best view of the tower bridge, which makes a great photo op. The staff is quick and friendly and made our time there enjoyable.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Rio City Cafe.

3. La Terraza Mexican Restaurant

Enjoy delicious Mexican food made from fresh, local ingredients

1027 2nd St | Downtown Old Sacramento | laterrazaoldsac.com

La Terraza Mexican Restaurant immerses you in Latin American culture the second you step inside through its appetizing dishes and exciting live performances. Authentic Mexican food and strong margaritas are plentiful here! Live mariachi music is featured weekly and ballet folklorico dances performances are also held on special occasions.  

Both indoor and outdoor seating are available. Want to stay in for the night? Just call in for takeout! No matter what dining style you choose, you can expect to enjoy some of the best Mexican food in Old Sacramento. Take a look at the menu now!

“Excellent service and food! I am a bit of a food snob when it comes to Mexican food and tend to compare it to my mom's cooking at home (which is a pretty high bar). However hard it may be for me to find good Mexican places to eat, this place hit perfectly with my incredibly high standards.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for La Terraza Mexican Restaurant.

4. The Pilothouse

Grand dining room located at the historic Delta King riverboat

1000 Front St | Downtown Old Sacramento | deltaking.com

The Delta King is an authentic paddlewheel riverboat that was originally built in 1927. Since its days as a riverboat, it has been restored and converted into a boutique hotel. Inside this unique hotel, you’ll find The Pilothouse, the original dining room of the Delta King. This lavish dining room offers gorgeous views of the Sacramento River. Indoor seating is limited, so you’ll want to make a reservation ahead of time. But we promise the extra work will be worth it. 

On the menu, you’ll find classic American dishes like the Chicken Club Sandwich and Grilled New York Steak. A nice selection of seafood dishes are also served. Accompanying the lunch and dinner menus is a full wine list. Your dinner here will definitely be one for the books! 

“We always have a great dining experience every time we come here. The service is very attentive and the food and decorum is satisfying. This is our go to place for special occasions and whenever we have out of state guests.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Pilothouse.

5. Fanny Ann’s Saloon

Old West saloon known for its burgers and beers

1023 2nd St | Downtown Old Sacramento | fannyannsaloon.com

Want to take a trip back to the Old West? Head to Fanny Ann’s Saloon! Since 1973, both locals and visitors have flocked to Fanny Ann’s for its fresh burgers and cold beer. Whether you just want to hit the bar or have a nice sit-down meal with the family, you’re in for a great time!

Fanny Ann’s world-famous burgers come in many different types from the Bravo Avocado to the Sourdough Burger. All burgers come with a side of fries or a salad. In addition to its popular burger selection, Fanny Ann’s also offers sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, and fried appetizers. Don’t forget to pair your meal with an ice cold beer. Yum!

“This whole restaurant-bar is freaking amazing! They had pin ball machines and so many other wonderful arcade games to play while you’re waiting for your food. And then the food came and oh my god all three of our meals were freaking delicious - from the singing the blues burger to the atomic chicken to the turkey bacon wrap.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Fanny Ann’s Saloon.

6. Railroad Fish & Chips

Family-owned seafood restaurant that offers a spacious patio

1100 Front St | Downtown Old Sacramento | railroadfish.com

Want a quick bite? Railroad Fish & Chips serves fresh and savory seafood to hungry guests counter-style. Guests can sit inside its cozy dining room or enjoy some fresh air on the outdoor patio. If you’re in a rush, you can just order to-go. 

On the menu, you’ll find classic seafood dishes like fish and chips and shrimp. Their most popular dish is probably the clam chowder in a bread bowl. If you’re not a huge seafood fan, don’t worry. Railroad also serves savory hamburgers, hot dogs, and fried chicken. 

“As an individual who lived in SF trying chowder anywhere that offered, amazing chowders up the coast of Northern CA, the best ones in Boston, NY, Hamptons, CT. This is without a doubt the best in Sacramento and can hold its own with the best of them. Strongly recommend the chowder!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Railroad Fish & Chips.

7. Joe’s Crab Shack

Crab buckets, shrimp, and other popular comfort dishes served in laidback dining space

1210 Front St | Downtown Old Sacramento | joescrabshack.com

Joe’s Crab Shack is a popular chain restaurant that has locations all around the country, including Downtown Old Sacramento. If you’re a huge fan of Joe’s Crab Shack or you just want to try it out, we recommend hitting up the Sacramento location!

Seafood platters, burgers, sandwiches, specialty drinks, and $0.99 kids meals are all up for grabs at this fun chain restaurant. Organizing a laid back kickback with friends? Order Joe’s catering to-go! Within minutes, you can place an online catering order. 

“The food was great. Their seafood was perfect. I had some bacon and jalapeño wrapped shrimp... just wow. My wife had some sort of fruity pirate drink, she got to keep the cup. We obviously stole the crab pick with 'stolen from Joe's crabshack' written on the side. I travel with a service dog and had no problems with entry or seating.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Joe’s Crab Shack.

8. Slice of Old Sacramento

Sit back and relax at this popular pizzeria

1019 2nd St | Downtown Old Sacramento | sliceofoldsac.square.site

Need something quick and savory? Stop by Slice of Old Sacramento for a hot, cheesy slice of pizza! 

Made from house-made dough and pizza sauce, Slice of Old Sacramento’s pies offers a burst of flavor that will delight your taste buds. From the Garlic Chicken Pizza to the BBQ Chicken Pizza, all of the pies will keep you filled and satisfied. Guests can order pizza by the pie or the slice. 

In addition to their famous pizza selection, Slice of Old Sacramento also serves up savory salads, macaroni bites, popcorn chicken, and other fun appetizers. 

“I LOVE Slice of Old Sacramento Pizza! Their cheese pies are delicious. Also, they have a specialty pie every weekday: the garlic chicken and sweet & spicy chicken pieces rock! I declare this to be the best pizza in Sacramento. If anyone has a challenger to try, I will. But Slice has set the bar very very high.” - Yelp Review

9. Fox & Goose Public House

Top-rated brunch spot located near Old Sacramento

1001 R St | Downtown Sacramento | foxandgoose.com

Fox & Goose Public House offers a charming and rustic atmosphere for visitors. From morning to night, Fox & Goose is filled with hungry guests ready to enjoy their famous dishes. British specialties, sandwiches, salads, and desserts are all available on the restaurant’s extensive menu. 

Fox & Goose is also known for hosting local bands and up-and-coming talent in its intimate space. Feel free to grab a drink at the bar or enjoy an appetizer while you listen to these amazing acts.

“Fox & Goose remains one of my all-time favorite breakfast spots in Sacramento. It's truly got something for everyone! Whether you're looking for a full traditional English breakfast, pancakes, or a filling omelette, everyone will find something pleasing to order. My favorite breakfast item to order is the Greek omelette.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Fox & Goose Public House.

Old Sacramento offers an abundance of restaurants and bars to stop by on your next night out. Whether you just want to grab drinks or you want to treat yourself to a nice meal, you’ll be able to find a diverse array of spots to do so in this charming old town. Which ones do you want to visit next? Let us know!

10. Willie’s Burgers

Down to earth burger joint 

110 K St | Downtown | williesburgers.com

This burger joint is a longtime favorite among locals. Long story short, they have great burgers. Just look at how mouthwatering they are from the picture alone! Menu favorites include their regular burgers, their Chili Burger, and the onion rings. Surprisingly, their veggie burgers and beignets are some of the most beloved items on their menu!

“Was in old town Sacramento waiting for a comedy show and looking for somewhere to quickly grab a bite. A lot of the local restaurants had forty minutes wait, finally came across Willie's Burgers. Would definitely come back here.” - Yelp Review 

11. Honey and the Trapcat

Innovative cocktails and kitchen

1023 Front St | Downtown | honeyandthetrapcat.com 

Tired of ordering vodka sodas at the bar? Come to Honey and the Trap Cat. Their Rumpkin Sour, made with aged rum, pisco, and pumpkin was a hit in the fall, and we can’t wait to see what they’re pouring next! Popular food items include the Potato Tacos and the Baked Mac.

“This place was made especially for me. Full bar, late night good food, in and outdoor seating and good selection of music. Asparagus fries, chix tenders, burger,.... The list goes on and on! I don't want to leave!!!” - Yelp Review

12. I Shanghai Delight

Downtown dim sum spot

1115 Front St | Downtown | yelp.com

Here at I Shanghai Delight, they specialize in classic Shanghai style Chinese food. Their goal: bring Soup Dumpling (Xiao Long Bao) from its origin to Sacramento and make the people of Sacramento fall in love with their food and their culture! 

The restaurant's décor is retro in style, giving a feel of The 1940's Oriental Paris. Other menu items include Crystal Shrimp, Smoked Fish Slices, Niangao, street noodles, and Drunken Chicken.

“The Pan Fried Pork Bun was different than any dim sum item I'd ever had before. The outside texture was crispy, yet somehow still chewy. So good! This item and the Pork Dumplings would be what I'd order again.” - Yelp Review 

13. Yard House

The world's largest selection of draft beer with 130 taps

​​405 K St | Downtown | yardhouse.com

This restaurant offers the world's largest selection of draft beer with 130 taps. In addition, they offer over 100 American-style dishes made from scratch daily like the Nashville Hot Chicken, Fried Calamari, and Fried Chicken Tenders. Their Lobster Garlic Noodles are another popular item on their menu. Come here for the selection of beer, stay for the yummy food! 

“Portions are large and reasonably priced. The beers on tap are fresh and very much worth the yard or half-yard size, if you can handle it. Overall, this is a great place to bring your family, friends, and dates!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Yard House.

14. Bali Kitchen

Traditional Asian and Indonesian cuisine

1100 Front St | Downtown | yelp.com 

When ​​the original owner found out that there were no other Indonesian restaurants in the Sacramento Valley, and no social gathering places for Indonesian and Indo Dutch people in the Sacramento Area, he decided to open Bali Kitchen. Today, the people of Old Sacramento enjoy authentic Indonesian and Asian dishes like Nasi Goreng, Chicken Satay, and Seafood Curry Soup.

“Honestly I wasn't expecting much when I received the food, but I was pleasantly surprised.  Bali had some of my favorite food and this place captured it nicely. Good stuff!” - Yelp Review

Old Sacramento offers an abundance of restaurants and bars to stop by on your next night out. Whether you just want to grab drinks or you want to treat yourself to a nice meal, you’ll be able to find a diverse array of spots to do so in this charming old town. Which ones do you want to visit next? Let us know!

As a refresher, here’s what to do in Old Sacramento:

• Walk along the street past the Old West storefronts and saloons
• Board the Delta King riverboat 
• Visit the Old Sacramento School House
• Dine at one of the restaurants in Old Town Sacramento

Enjoy!