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Dawson's Steakhouse, Sacramento, CA
Dawson's Steakhouse, Sacramento, CA
Dawson's Steakhouse, Sacramento, CA
Dawson's Steakhouse, Sacramento, CA
Dawson's Steakhouse, Sacramento, CA

Dawson's Steakhouse

4.8
4.8
1624 Reviews
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Top Tags:
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 23 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
  • Website
    http://www.dawsonssteakhouse.com/
  • 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
  • Location
    1209 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
  • 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

Experiences

  • New Year's Eve Dinner

    $150.00 per person

    Dec 31, 2023 only
    Celebrate New Year's Eve with Dawson’s Steakhouse! Sip and savor outstanding wines selected by our sommelier, paired with a five-course dinner on Sunday, December 31st. Seating is limited. $150 per person (does not include tax or gratuity). Unfortunately, there will not be any substitutions on menu items. This evening will only feature the prix fixe menu, and the regular menu will not be available. Reservations by Open Table. Please book now. The New Year's Eve menu is available for viewing on our website.
    New Year's Eve Dinner Photo

What 1,624 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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Sacramento / Sacramento Valley

    Great for fine wines

  • Sacramento / Sacramento Valley

    Steakhouse

  • Sacramento

    Best Overall

  • Sacramento

    Best Ambiance

  • Sacramento

    Great for fine wines

1,624 Reviews

  1. Wayne

    Tahoe

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have enjoyed this restaurant many times, and is our go to restaurant for celebrations, or simply one for a great meal. A very traditional steak house.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Boise

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our first time here and had a very pleasant thanksgiving family dinner. I had the pre-fixed turkey dinner, 2 had the pre-fixed prime rib dinner, 1 had rib-eye, 1 had Cioppino. Delicious meals. Our server was very attentive and the floor manager even came by to check how our evening was going. This made for a wonderful evening.

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  3. NYES

    San Francisco

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We were a party of four celebrating my wife's birthday, and each of us had an excellent meal. I had not had elk before, which was prepared perfectly. Desserts were imaginative and presented beautifully. We have been to Dawson's many times before, and this was our best experience yet.

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  4. KimberlyC

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were warmly greeted by the hostess and seated in a beautiful booth where we could see the kitchen. The ambiance was elegant and comfortable. Our server wished us a happy Anniversary and promptly took our drink orders to get us settled. The Wine Mgr. introduced himself to us and offered his assistance. The food was delicious, steaks were prepared perfectly, and I recommend the tater tot side dish. The wine list included several high end wine producers with second labels which was a great value. The chef sent us desserts to celebrate our anniversary. We had a wonderful experience and we will be back.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best cioppino I have ever had. It's the only place I eat it.

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  6. Latty

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Main entrees were really good but the side dishes were a major disappointment. I’ve had much better creamed spinach before and the glazed carrots were panned by all five of our group. We enjoyed our crab cakes though, I liked them so much that in stead of a main dish, I had more crab cakes.

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  7. BFoley

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    My steak was not well trimmed and required a lot of tabletop surgery.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dawson’s is absolutely the BEST!! We just love to dine there. If you want a steak, go to a steak house. And Dawson’s never disappoints. The service is always outstanding. We have our favorite waiter, Artie and is a 10+++!! The manager, Jay is top notch! The bus people, so polite and the host, whose name I did not get, was so accommodating. If you want to celebrate a special occasion, or just want a good meal, go to Dawson’s.

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  9. JonathanN

    San Francisco

    21 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    The cocktails, the salad, and the sides were delicious. Our steak was NOT tender.

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  10. ClaudiaG

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely ambience, great service.. food was delicious..

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  11. Babs

    New Orleans

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The menu had interesting choices besides steak. Was expensive but felt the food was distinctive & well prepared. Good cocktail & wine choices. Attentive service; very professional & friendly.

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  12. Roseguy

    Orange County

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect spot with parking if you have plans downtown. Classic steakhouse vibe. There are some very nice booths. Starting with the large lettuce wedge to share, with hot lardon (bacon) squares, and house ranch dressing. The baked potato is large and could be divided. The filets arrived hot and medium rare as requested. The quality of the steak was exceptional. Two recent visits and twice the steak’s were perfect. The wine list is large and presented on an iPad. You might consider reviewing the list prior to arriving at home. A 2017 Syrah from Truchard vineyard in Carneros is a favorite and did not disappoint. French press coffee and chocolate gelato completed dinner. My wife and I enjoyed the dinner and I think you will I recommend Dawson’s.

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  13. Lynn

    Sacramento

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    My husband and I had dinner with some friends from the Bay area who were attending a conference at The Hyatt. The service was excellent, and the food was very tasty. I especially enjoyed the Caesar salad, which is one of my favorite salads to order out; it doesn't always live up to my expectations in nice restaurants. This one was perfect.

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  14. AmbienceSeeker

    Sacramento

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ardy is an amazing waiter. The best in Sacramento! The food and ambiance are wonderful. It is pricey but worth going to for a special evening.

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  15. Justin1

    Sacramento

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    It was ok. Pricey but I guess par for the course for downtown Sac. The hostess was a bit rude. My pork tomahawk was over cooked. The rest was ok. Not the best and not the worst.

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  16. JustinS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The experience was wonderful and would highly recommend people to enjoy having a meal there.

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  17. CKP70

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the warm welcome of hostess Emery to the great ambience of the restaurant and last but not least our fabulous server John, my wife and I enjoyed our delicious 3 course dinner celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary! She said, "This is our place babe!"

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  18. Sacfoodie

    Sacramento

    84 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    84 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The crostini appetizer with prime rib was outstanding. Plenty of goat cheese spread on the crisp crostini with plenty of toppings. Definitely shareable, but I made it my entree with a salad and dessert (and wine, of course). Arte is an excellent server, friendly, attentive, and informative. The pumpkin and pecan pie was fabulous. The pumpkin pie was in the shape of a pumpkin, topping the pecan pie. I don’t take photos of my food, but this dessert was a photo must. So creative. Wish there is a place for photos.

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  19. Sheep

    Sacramento

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Waiter was efficient, friendly - and we made it to the show with time to spare! Food was delicious as always.

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  20. VicB

    Sacramento

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Prime Rib had a lot of fat and no taste. Caesar Salad had to much dressing. We have dined here many times and this is the first time I was disappointed.

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  21. KimB

    Sacramento

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ate at Dawson's two days after eating a very disappointing meal at one of our former favorite restaurants. Dawson's meal did not disappoint. The food was amazing. I had the rib eye and it was juicy and cooked to perfection. They had us out in time to make it to our play. I will definitely be returning.

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  22. BobE

    Tahoe

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful restaurant and wonderful staff, especially our server, Artie.

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  23. Rosebud

    Sacramento

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    There were a group of 10 of us. We all had a wonderful dining experience. The food was awesome from the hamburgers to the fillets. The fish special melted in your mouth. John was our server, and he did an excellent job, taking care of us and making sure we got out in time for our play Highly recommend Dawsons. 

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  24. Randy

    Sacramento

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Dawson's as its name implies, is a steak house-centered restaurant. However, my wife had an excellent pan-seared halibut. They offer a three-course pre-fix for a reasonable price. I had a caesar salad, a 10-oz prime rib, and a gelato desert for $51.00. The ambiance is old world dark wood, and the atmosphere is subdued, business-like, and comfortable.

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  25. SueN

    Sacramento

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a treat to eat at Dawson's. The food is wonderful and the staff is great.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Ardy was very nice and the food was great. The only reason I didn’t give a 5 star review was because the staff gave use expired parking validation stickers 😡 Three couples had the same issue. The tags didn’t work and had an error that the sticker had already been used. You should check the stickers your staff is handing out for parking validation. I didn’t walk back and complain about the $22 I had to pay for parking because the food was so good and the staff treated us well.

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  27. ScottF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First class experience all around. Incredible meal, wine, and service — we look forward to our next evening at Dawson’s.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience5
    The food was fabulous and the special theater menu was a great value. Unfortunately our server gave us expired vouchers for the parking garage that made the overall experience a huge disappointment. We had no recourse because the restaurant was closed after our show ended.

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  29. KarenR

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love Dawsons Steakhouse. The location is perfect for pre-show dinner- anything that is playing at Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center & they even have a show menu on show night. Service, quality of food & atmosphere is always top notch.

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  30. EVNJr

    New Orleans

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always in the past, Ardy delivered an outstanding dining experience. When making our reservations we make sure to request to be seated in Ardy’s section. We will stay at the Hyatt in February and are looking forward to dine at Dawson’s once more.

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  31. BradS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Steaks were excellent, drinks tasty, service excellent. A bit pricey but I’d still go back because it was a great experience.

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  32. ELoya

    Sacramento

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had another fabulous night for dinner. We happened to be celebrating my twin sons and their grandmother’s birthdays. Our wonderful waiter and the staff were very attentive. It made the evening that much more enjoyable.

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  33. RobertM

    Tahoe

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    They just changed their menu and removed some dishes that had been standard fare for years.

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  34. SteveH

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall2food2service5ambience5
    My daughter and I had dinner on Tuesday 10-24. Caesar salad was so so. Prime rib was tasteless Puréed potatoes were bland Martini was excellent Moscow mule was excellent The service was excellent

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  35. CharS

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The experience was incredible. The food and service were outstanding. We arrived early, allowing us to have a corner table to celebrate our anniversary. It was also advantageous because the restaurant became more crowded after 5:30 and slightly louder, which was to be expected. Highly recommended.

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  36. SueN

    Sacramento

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful dining experience. My favorite restaurant!

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  37. Wayne

    Tahoe

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A classic steakhouse in a great hotel with quiet ambience, great preparations, and a C dining pleasure.

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  38. WhiskeyBarberShopGuy

    San Francisco

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic meal from beginning to end! Exquisitely prepared steaks and sides, and the dreamsicle dessert is magical! Recommended for a group so you can share as many great dishes as possible.

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  39. AllenM

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Steak was great and French Onion soup. Waiter was not super attentive or friendly for a 5 star restaurant but otherwise good experience.

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  40. bernadettek

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Always enjoy dining at Dawson's. Perfect spot before a show. Valet gentleman was great

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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 1624 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 23 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

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
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
  • Website
    http://www.dawsonssteakhouse.com/
  • 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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