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Dawson's Steakhouse

4.8
4.8
1515 Reviews
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Established in 1988 and located in the heart of downtown Sacramento, Dawson’s Steakhouse has been a local favorite for over a quarter of a century and considered one of the best restaurants in Sacramento. Dawson’s serves farm-to-fork cuisine sourced locally and seasonally to reflect the richness of the Valley. From fresh seafood to California grass-fed beef, Dawson’s Steakhouse offers a contemporary twist of steakhouse classics and some bold originals. Enjoy fresh, local food, craft cocktails and exceptional service for an unforgettable dining experience at our landmark, AAA Four Diamond Sacramento restaurant. Treat Yourself!

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 13 times today
Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Steakhouse, Wine Bar, Farm-to-table

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (916) 443-1234 ext. 0

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Executive chef

    Alexis Gutierrez

  • Private party facilities

    Our private/semi-private upper area of Dawson's restaurant can be curtained off and accommodates up to 14 guests comfortably. In our Vines restaurant located next to Dawson's we do offer private dining for up to 40 guests. Please call the restaurant for more information.

  • Private party contact

    Jay Yoon: (916) 321-3600

  • Neighborhood

    Sacramento

  • Cross street

    12th and L Street

  • Parking details

    Complimentary 3 hour self parking with ticket validation and $5 valet parking with validation.

  • Public transit

    Half block away from the K and 12th Lightrail station

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,515 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Sacramento / Sacramento Valley

    Best Overall

  • Sacramento / Sacramento Valley

    Best Food

  • Sacramento / Sacramento Valley

    Best Service

  • Sacramento / Sacramento Valley

    Best Ambiance

  • Sacramento / Sacramento Valley

    Great for fine wines

  • Sacramento / Sacramento Valley

    Steakhouse

  • Sacramento

    Best Overall

  • Sacramento

    Best Food

  • Sacramento

    Best Service

  • Sacramento

    Best Ambiance

  • Sacramento

    Great for fine wines

Sort by

  1. PatM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    First time at Dawson’s and my birthday dinner with family. We were seated right away. Our server was great, catered and anticipated to our needs checking with us regularly. We ordered steaks and they were perfect. The halibut was delicious and cooked perfectly. Cioppino was also wonderful and crab cakes. Definitely would recommend them. Only reason I didn’t give a 5 star was the valet service at the end of our night. We waited too long outside for anyone to show up. When they did they asked if we checked with the cashier which we knew nothing about. We then had to go to that desk, pay despite the restaurant validation and then have our cars brought to us. I think they could do better here.
  2. mattc

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place will start to finish with awesome the service the appetizers I've never had like that before the main course the steak was awesome the best steak I've ever had and the pricing for what you're getting is the best I highly recommend it
  3. AnthonyD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great dining experience, meal was amazing. We could actually have a conversation because the noise level was not overwhelming. Service was extremely attentive.
  4. susanb

    Sacramento

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall4food2service3ambience3
    server stated that the pasta dish would not be too heavy wrong disappointing
  5. DestinyD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really enjoyed this place! The food was very fresh and the wait staff very professional & friendly!
  6. GinoG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Dawsons is amazing! We will be back. Ardy is the best server I have ever seen, it wouldn't have been the same without him!
  7. Kluv

    Sacramento

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    The main reason I chose Dawson's was because my husband wanted steak tartare and I found online that it was offered there. I obviously must have looked at an old post because it wasn't available so that was disappointing. The water that was served had a funny aftertaste, so we ordered some bottled Pelligrino water. I didn't enjoy either type of bread that was offered so definitely didn't fill up on that which isn't a bad thing really. The food that we ordered was very good, but the portions were small for the price. For example, the Lobster Mac & Cheese was $31 but a very small portion. The prime rib pot pie was $23 and also not very large portion, but it was delicious. The Dawson's House Salad was wonderful, and the small salad option was perfect. I would only order the large if sharing. The Rack of Lamb was very good but $65?? Definitely overpriced. The thing that irked me the most was that the wine by the glass had two different prices and when I researched further, the basic price was only for a 5 oz. glass of wine. Really??? You had to pay quite a bit more for a normal 8 oz. glass. For example, Stags' Leap Chardonnay was $15 for the 5 oz., and you had to pay $24 for what I consider a normal 8 oz. glass of wine. I don't mind paying higher prices for food and drink if I feel like I am getting a good value, but I did not. Also, if I am paying a premium, I expect the service to be premium as well, but unfortunately our server who was very nice, did not however match the level of service/expertise I would expect at a 4-star restaurant which was also very disappointing. I did enjoy the ambience of the restaurant and the noise level was very conducive to having a nice conversation and romantic evening. Overall, the restaurant was ok, the food delicious, but not a repeat destination for us.
  8. TeriR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the prime rib dinner and it was excellent! The wine was a little pricey, but with a nice dinner it made it a special night!
  9. GlennH

    Orange County

    73 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    73 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent as always! Great food and service delivered by the extraordinary Artie! Artie is a pro and I/we always look forward to our visit to Dawson's.
  10. JacobB

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Filet was outstanding and cooked to perfection. Sea Bass was on point. Cesar salad had a fantastic dressing. Crab cakes were tasty, but $35 for them is pricey in my opinion. Dinner for two with drinks $300. I must be getting old, but had a great experience
  11. Thag

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Our server did a great job, was friendly and courteous.
  12. CathleenC

    Sacramento

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Arty, our waiter, is just the best! From our start in valet, every aspect of our evenings at Dawson’s is always the best! The martini’s are terrific, the food delicious and service excellent! Thank you!
  13. ValerieK

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and wonderful service!!We will be back!
  14. CarolK

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was expensive, but worth it. The food was excellent, and the service was superior. We went to celebrate my husband's birthday, and it was a wonderful evening.
  15. Karen

    Sacramento

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Great ambiance. Delicious cocktails at the beautiful bar. Dinner was delicious. Steak perfectly cooked, iceberg salad cold and delicious. Onion soup yummy. Only loser was the creamed spinach! Some frozen spinach in a gelatinous gray tasteless sauce! Thanks, Dawson’s, for a lovely dining experience with great service while staying at the Hyatt Regency.
  16. Zseeee

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food, service, and ambiance. A great restaurant. FULLY stocked bar with items I usually have a hard time finding. Six people for dinner and all loved it. Desserts worth the health risk.
  17. Alice

    San Francisco

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nothing but excellence at this establishment. Ardy is a Star!!
  18. LisaD

    Sacramento

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful place! Food was excellent! My nephew and niece split the short ribs and there was plenty left over..I had the scallops appetizer and they were cooked to perfection..
  19. LarryP

    Sacramento

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The place to go for special occasions as well as just great food and service.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service was outstanding! Wonderful dining experience. Steak was cooked perfectly
  21. DavidK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant is beautiful inside, with dark wood finishes, and etched glass dividers. There is nice spacing between the tables for a sociable but nice feel for a quiet and private conversation. The wait staff was impeccable and gave excellent recommendations when requested. The scallops with Jerusalem Artichoke puree served as my entree and were cooked and seasoned perfectly. My husband had an excellent fillet mignon with a red wine reduction,also cooked and seasoned perfectly. Although they recommend wine pairings, we went rogue and both had the Malbec. Overall a perfect evening!
  22. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    AMAZING!!! We had an impromptu date night because we were dropping our daughter off for Volleyball. We had an excellent time. Our waiter and his team were very attentive. She had the fish special and I had the Prime Rib Eye with fries. The bread appetizers were warm. And my Cadillac Margaritas were amazing. Great Restaurant, wonderful staff, and the food was amazing Thank you!!!
  23. ScottH

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was excellent. This was my second visit in the past 12 months and was fortunate to have the same, outstanding waiter, Artie. Nothing but good things to say about Dawson's.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Top notch always
  25. Siempreotravez

    San Francisco

    34 reviews

    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Overall we really enjoyed our experience. We started with signature cocktails. This was followed by very good steak dinners. This is a very good but very expensive restaurant. When I made the reservation I explained this was a special occasion. It was my wife’s birthday. Unfortunately Dawson’s did not acknowledge our special occasion.
  26. OpenTable Diner

    Salt Lake City

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great food. Server was professional but too busy to give us the attention that a meal of this price warranted.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and exceptional food! Going back tonight.
  28. DavidN

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Rib Eye Steak was delicious. Perfectly cooked and the choice of sauces was a wonderful addition. Tater Tarts were good and garlicky but Baked Potato was even better with big chunks of bacon. Deviled Eggs were eggcelent. Merangue Cheesecake was yummy and super filling.
  29. Cardo

    Central Coast

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a lovely evening and meal. John our waiter was very informative.
  30. CA95112

    Las Vegas

    29 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on April 5, 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience1
    Nice spot. My steak was great. Service was very good, but there was just one server for all of the tables. You want a great steak they have it. Atmosphere a little dated. I’d go back for sure, but I can’t say I wouldn’t look around for other places to impress me more.
  31. JacquiY

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 5, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Great steak perfectly cooked .. great martinis at the bar .. hostess not very friendly .. bartender and waiter were great
  32. GordonD

    Sacramento

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Much more expensive than many other similar restaurants. In comparison not much better value for the money.
  33. JamesW

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Visiting Sacramento, found Dawson Steakhouse on the Hyatt website made reservations and we are happy we did. For the four of us we completely were impressed with every aspect of are dining experience. Thank you all!
  34. JodiG

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely one of the best dining experiences ever!! Our waiter John was a most gracious host. And the food was to die for!
  35. Cool

    San Francisco

    54 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Always wonderful old world atmosphere. Arrived to a quiet restaurant that quickly filled up. Drink order taken quickly. Ordered a medium well steak. I would have called it medium, so if you like your steak with a little pink, make sure to order medium well. Like the other times we have dined here, when the restaurant is quiet, service is superb. Once busy, attention to diners is limited. It has happened too many times to be the exception. It would be great to get the same service whether the restaurant is quiet or busy. For the prices service should be more on the exceptional side. My steak was very flavorful and the side of asparagus was also excellent. Love the bread with salted butter. The food is excellent, the service more spotty for the price point. Love the atmosphere so it truly is a mixed bag. Go early and enjoy the quiet.
  36. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was wonderful, and the service was excellent!
  37. SusanM

    Sacramento

    79 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    79 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ardy is a ten star waiter! Simply the best! The food is always consistent and outstanding!
  38. ROSAP

    Sacramento

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The service at Dawson’s is exceptional when attended by Ardie. He is the best server. Kbkws how to ha die large groups efficiently. The food is always delicious. Thank you, Ardiw for your excellent service and making everyone in my group feel special.
  39. Rosa

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service , bar was great and friendly, drinks delicious . Food was fantastic and our service was outstanding.
  40. LeisaB

    Tahoe

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, attentive service great wine list!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Dawson's Steakhouse offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (916) 443-1234 ext. 0.

Dawson's Steakhouse is rated 4.8 stars by 1515 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 13 times today
Google Map for Dawson's Steakhouse

1209 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Additional information

  • Cross street

    12th and L Street

  • Neighborhood

    Sacramento

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Steakhouse, Wine Bar, Farm-to-table

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Complimentary 3 hour self parking with ticket validation and $5 valet parking with validation.

  • Public transit

    Half block away from the K and 12th Lightrail station

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Alexis Gutierrez

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (916) 443-1234 ext. 0

  • Private party facilities

    Our private/semi-private upper area of Dawson's restaurant can be curtained off and accommodates up to 14 guests comfortably. In our Vines restaurant located next to Dawson's we do offer private dining for up to 40 guests. Please call the restaurant for more information.

  • Private party contact

    Jay Yoon: (916) 321-3600

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