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Rio City Café - Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
Rio City Café - Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
Rio City Café - Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
Rio City Café - Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
Rio City Café - Sacramento, Sacramento, CA

Rio City Café - Sacramento

4.3
4.3
1661 Reviews
$31 to $50
Californian

Rio City Cafe is situated in beautiful historic Old Sacramento, overlooking some of the most prominent landmarks in Sacramento. The Sacramento River runs by our spacious outdoor patio, with spectacular views of the historic Tower Bridge and the Ziggurat (pyramid) building.
Rio City Cafe opened its doors in May of 1994. We display a comfortably casual setting, with indoor and outdoor seating. We can accommodate large parties and banquets, as well as private parties in our banquet room for special occasions. Or just simply enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine and the view in the outdoor cocktail area. During the colder months, enjoy the view from inside near our cozy fireplace.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 19 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (916) 442-8226
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    GM: Scott Meier
  • Private party facilities
    Host your event at Rio City Cafe! Whether it's business or personal, your party of 30 or more will be the talk of the town when you and our Banquet Managers create a memorable experience for your special event.
  • Private party contact
    Stephanie Miller: (916) 505-1159
  • Neighborhood
    Sacramento
  • Parking details
    Parking at Rio City Cafe is never an issue. We offer valet services Wed - Sun for a fee OR park in the Tower Bridge Garage located at Front Street and Capital Mall, bring in your parking pass and we'll validate for 2 hours FREE.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,661 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.1Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 3.9Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Sacramento / Sacramento Valley

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Sacramento / Sacramento Valley

    Great for scenic views

  • Sacramento

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Sacramento

    Great for scenic views

1,661 Reviews
  1. TyeshaR

    Sacramento

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food4service2ambience5
    We were sat next a whole bunch or spiders but we like the place

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    We made reservations earlier in the day for 7:00 for my husband and I. It was to be his birthday dinner. As we were being seated, my husband noticed an open table by the water. He asked if we could have that table instead. He was told that table was for 4 people. Not 5 minutes later, a couple was sat at the table we wanted, by the same person that sat us. Appetizers were disappointing. My husband ordered Filet Mignon. He made a comment that the dinner was taking a long time. The food arrived cold. We ended up leaving and did pay for our drinks and appetizers, but refused to pay for our meals. Very bad customer experience. We have been to Rio City Cafe many times, with great meals and service, but this time is our last.

    Is this helpful?

  3. ElectaM

    Sacramento

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    I was a little disappointed that my partners 80th Birthday wasn’t recognized w a small desert or something—why do they ask about special events and then do nothing to honor the occasion??

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful view, good food, good service. Its loud with the boats and the street noise if you sit outdoors but you cant beat the view. The Rio city omelette was delicious!

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  5. ArmandoL

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have been going to this restaurant since 2006 and it never disappoints me. I Brin all my business meeting here. Their Sourdough Cheese Loaf is very good. My son eats the Jambalaya here all the time.

    Is this helpful?

  6. hutchss

    San Francisco

    46 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    I’ve dined here twice for lunch in the past week and many times in years’ past. The ambiance is fabulous - sitting outside along the river. The waitstaff are pleasant, professional and courteous. The food is well presented, fresh and served hot. However, although good food, not great food. Just nothing memorable. Last week I enjoyed the crab and shrimp salad. Crisp greens but needed a few more veggies for variety. Yesterday, I enjoyed a Wagyu burger. Fine but not flavorful. I’ll be back but I’d love to see Rio City step up its game.

    1 person found this helpful

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and nice view, we will be back for weekend brunch

    Is this helpful?

  8. JudyS

    Sacramento

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    Wonderful atmosphere, sitting outside on river. Food good enough but nothing stands out. All staff very positive which adds to the good atmosphere.

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  9. Pamela

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience3
    Food was awful. Salmon was dry. Risotto tasted like precooked and frozen. Ahi nachos were awful

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Mzone

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great views of the Sac River, Bridge, and Ziggurat.

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  11. PattiJo

    Sacramento

    25 reviews

    3.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    It was Labor Day weekend and busy in Old Sacramento. However, when we got there we were told we could not be in the patio as requested on our reservation several days in advance. There were several tables out there but they gave them all away. Inside was packed. Food was marginal. At least the Brunch burrito. Maybe it was the the crowds that did it. Not real pleased.

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Our experience was fine. I wouldn’t go rushing back. Had made a reservation well over a month ago, only to be seated in the bar, which was a main thoroughfare. Food was ok, not great/not horrible.

    1 person found this helpful

  13. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Jared was outstanding. We sat outside where it was enjoyable . My husband for this place via Google and I must say it’s a treasure. Food is excellent as are the desserts however the best part was our server. 5 stars all around

    Is this helpful?

  14. JacquelineC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service were fantastic! We had a wonderful evening!

    Is this helpful?

  15. PlexerQueen

    Sacramento

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent service by Jarred! Dining at the Rio City is always a wonderful experience. Great place to take out of town guests or for a date night.

    Is this helpful?

  16. BruceK

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    Food & service were below average. Definitely not as good as the last time I was there.

    Is this helpful?

  17. KellyF

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious - a little pricey but worth it. I had the Crab Louie & had enough left over for the next day. We sat inside as it was a hot day & it wasn't noisy at all. Outside was a beautiful setting on the water with plenty of tables to sit at. Whitney was our server & she was excellent - very attentive & helpful. We would definitely go back.

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  18. JeffM

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and atmosphere. We sat outside and had a beautiful view of the river. Plus the cruise boat was docked playing some great music.

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  19. GeorgeH

    Sacramento

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice place to take a date. Food and service really good.

    Is this helpful?

  20. CraigH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Manager provided an excellent anniversary presentation to our guests!

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  21. MariaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our dinner experience @ Rio City Cafe was more than we expected. Jerod was very pleasant, he made us feel like we were friends and not just customers. He made certain that we ordered what we would enjoy most, according to our appetites. He checked on us at the appropriate time to make certain we were not in need of anything, whether water, dessert or containers etc. Jerod expressed how he enjoys his job at Rio City Cafe and he definitely demonstrated this by performing EXCELLENT customer service!! As we were leaving, he even went as far as congratulating me personally of my soon to be wedding event. Due to Jerod’s customer service and politeness, we will be returned customers and I have already mentioned Rio City Cafe to family members and Jerod. I said, “Ask to sit in Jerod’s section!!” The food was incredibly delicious and I look forward to experiencing other items from the menu and to enjoy the sunset by the river. BRAVO RIO CITY CAFE for your staff, who greeted us, served our water, prepared and served our food!! SATISFIED CUSTOMERS, Maria Montelongo & sister Donna Pepper

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  22. Hungries

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Super nice place to eat and sit and talk. Food was really good and the staff was friendly

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  23. PhyllisM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    I was entertaining out of town guests, giving them a tour of Sacramento. Old Sac is the first place to be! We had a lovely visit and a delicious lunch at Rio City Cafe. The ambiance was perfect!

    Is this helpful?

  24. BMAC

    San Francisco

    49 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience4
    Pleasant staff and a great setting but the food was so disappointing. Portions are huge but the ingredients seem to be poor quality and everything is over sauced and over seasoned to compensate. Both my dinner partner and I felt ill after the meal and into the following day. Prices are ridiculously high ($77 for two appetizers and two glasses of wine) for the type of food and quality but the portions are gigantic, so I suggest sharing dishes if you decide to eat here. We had the ahi nachos ( too much garlic and questionable fish) and the lettuce wraps (already assembled in a large mound on romaine so hard to eat and too sweet for my tastes). Our wine was fine. The highlight was the staff.

    Is this helpful?

  25. AnthonyG

    Sacramento

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience4
    We called three times before we got there and when we got there, they said they did not see our reservation. Pretty frustrating

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  26. Stuts

    Sacramento

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a table of four for lunch. Beautiful day with a river view seating. Service was fantastic .Food was delicious..

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  27. JulianaG

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I really enjoyed the variety of offerings on the menu. My crab and shrimp louie was extremely well prepared with an excellent balance of flavors. The view of the river was outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  28. SharonJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I always love having brunch here...the patio by the river is lovely and the food and the service are always fantastic..

    Is this helpful?

  29. Mommers

    Sacramento

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I always come back here! I’ve loved this place since moving here from Humboldt County. I bring all of my family and out of town guests here!

    Is this helpful?

  30. JimH

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Rio City Cafe is my go-to place in Old Sacramento. Great food, great service, great river views.

    Is this helpful?

  31. Marge

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service!!! Enjoyed the view of the river.

    Is this helpful?

  32. Annsie

    Sacramento

    122 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    122 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our waitress was prompt and courteous, the weather was superb, and the food, while simple, was excellent. I thought the restaurant could use some decorating refreshment, at least on the deck, where we were seated. But we will surely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  33. SamD

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    Quit frying your French fries in the same oil as your fish! Salmon BLT was old and fishy, just poor food, poor drinks definitely not 4 stars more 2. Great location terrible food

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  34. Insideoutjoni

    San Francisco

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went with guests. We’ve been a number of times so we knew what to expect. Food was great. Waiter was wonderful. He really knew the menu.

    Is this helpful?

  35. CassandraH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was fast and friendly. I had the Shrimp & Grits and it was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  36. LeAnn

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    This is a good restaurant with a great view. Food is good, not a great value, but average for these days. Days. We really enjoyed our dinner but I think they need to work on the restaurant ambiance a bit. It seems a bit outdated. I would go back though because the staff is very nice and the food is pretty yummy. I also went to give them credit for really good fish and chips. They were very generous with their fish portions and the fish tasted fresh and delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall3food1service4ambience3
    Food was def the low point- but the staff was great and accommodated our larger party last minute. Still a good place to grab a beer before the game.

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  38. LanaL

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience2
    I ordered the Wayu beef cheese burger. It was supposed to be Wayu I’m sorry but it tasted nothing but a frozen patty that was overly cooked. I asked for med it was done! I had this burger from Rio City Cafe b fire and it brought me joy! This time I was soo disappointed with everything! Horrible experience, course. I’m f they ran out of the rich beef I should of been told. My ex husband has a 4 th Generation Meat Business Locslly in Sacramento and I do know my Meats! Sad sad sad and disappointed. It was 25.00 burger I added sweet potatoes for my side dish. Total bill was under 100.00 for two. Wow you would never believe how this went. A birthday celebration was in place. Sadden

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  39. Paulie

    New York Area

    37 reviews

    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and drinks were very good and service was outstanding!

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    I love this restaurant. This is only my 2nd time coming here in about 3 months because we live so far away. We couldn’t sit outside because it was too hot but it was still fabulous! I will be back again!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Rio City Café - Sacramento offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (916) 442-8226.

Rio City Café - Sacramento is rated 4.3 stars by 1661 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 19 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Rio City Café - Sacramento

1110 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Sacramento
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Seafood, Steak
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Parking at Rio City Cafe is never an issue. We offer valet services Wed - Sun for a fee OR park in the Tower Bridge Garage located at Front Street and Capital Mall, bring in your parking pass and we'll validate for 2 hours FREE.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    GM: Scott Meier
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (916) 442-8226
  • Private party facilities
    Host your event at Rio City Cafe! Whether it's business or personal, your party of 30 or more will be the talk of the town when you and our Banquet Managers create a memorable experience for your special event.
  • Private party contact
    Stephanie Miller: (916) 505-1159
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