Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Sacramento

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Sacramento? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

House Kitchen & Bar - Sacramento

4.9

4.9 (62)

$30 and under

American

West Sacramento

About the restaurant

House Kitchen & Bar in Sacramento is a classic comfort food restaurant with an upscale and casual atmosphere. The staff and chefs at House Kitchen & Bar have been working tirelessly to provide high quality customer service and exceed expectations since 2010. By creating a home-like environment and serving fan favorite comfort foods, House Kitchen & Bar makes each and every guest feel welcome. The contemporary food with a twist won�t disappoint. Try the double dipped fried chicken and waffles with country gravy, the steak tacos with guacamole, corn salsa and chipotle sour cream or the beer can chicken with smashed potatoes and chicken au jus.

Top review

GilVIP

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

spicey pasta was best ever. Pasta tasted like it was freshly made. The shrimp, and other seafoods were fresh and not fishy, and were amazing! Best value in town!

Zocalo Midtown

4.7

4.7 (2884)

$30 and under

Mexican

Sacramento

About the restaurant

Kid and walk-in friendly, great for groups, and a celebration destination known for its fine Mexican cuisine, happy hour, and craft cocktails—Zocalo has been a staple of the Midtown and Sacramento dining scene for over twelve years. Offered in a beautifully refurbished 1920s automobile dealership decorated with original artwork from Tlaquepaque, Mexico—Zocalo’s warm hospitality, fresh regional Mexican food, private dining, and commitment to customer service are designed to transform the ordinary act of eating into an extraordinary and memorable experience.

Top review

Lori

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Our server Ricardo M was outstanding. Food was very good. Zocalos is one of my favorite restaurants in Sacramento. From the time we arrived and were greeted by the hostess to each employee we interacted with service was top notch!

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Popular dish

Mole Chicken Enchiladas

Zocalo - University Village

4.7

4.7 (1889)

$30 and under

Mexican

Sacramento

About the restaurant

Family friendly, great for groups, and a celebration destination known for its fine Mexican cuisine, happy hour, craft cocktails, and to-go—Zocalo UV opened up in the newly renovated University Village shopping center in January of 2018 based on the success of its Midtown and Roseville locations. Offered in a upscale yet casual setting with original artwork from Tlaquepaque, Mexico and a spacious patio—Zocalo’s warm hospitality, fresh regional Mexican food, and commitment to customer service are designed to transform the ordinary act of eating into an extraordinary and memorable experience.

Top review

Sandy

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

The server was friendly and professional and that makes all the difference!

Alaro Craft Brewery, Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

4.6

4.6 (498)

$30 and under

American

Midtown

About the restaurant

Alaro is an award winning Modern American & Spanish Inspired Farm to Table Restaurant & Craft Brewery in the heart of Midtown Sacramento. Owners Ray and Annette Ballestero invite you to enjoy the beautiful but casual interior & lush outdoor patio area of this historic location. Featuring a diverse selection of creative seasonal dishes showcasing fresh seafood, tapas-style small bites & full-bellied burgers that border on sublime, our team has curated one of the most unique restaurants on the grid. In addition to Sacramento's most awarded craft brewery we feature a full cocktail bar, a well curated wine list including Spanish varietals and house made Sangrias, Fair Trade Sodas & Teas and Organic Soft Serve Ice Cream! Open for Lunch and Dinner daily. More at AlaroCraftBrewery.com

Top review

NildaVIP

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

The service could not have been better. All of them had a very friendly smile. The food came on time, in faster than I would have not (not that it was too early).

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Experience

“On Sundays We Brunch”!! Need we say more?

Experience

Castle Happy Hour – Unwind Like Royalty! 🍻

Experience

Industry Mondays -Cheers to Hospitality Heroes! 🍻

Tequila Museo Mayahuel

4.4

4.4 (179)

$30 and under

Mexican

Sacramento

About the restaurant

Welcome to MAYAHUEL – A True Tequila Experience

More than just a restaurant, MAYAHUEL is a tequila museum that brings the spirit of Mexico to life through its vibrant restaurant, bar, and lounge. Here, you don’t just drink tequila—you experience it.

Recognized with the Michelin Plate award in 2020, Mayahuel continues to gain acclaim as one of the top Mexican restaurants in the region.

We offer an extensive vegan menu, a curated mezcalaria, inviting outdoor seating, a versatile private event center, and catering services for any occasion.

Join us for Happy Hour and enjoy our expertly crafted cocktails and small plates at special prices. Prefer to enjoy Mayahuel at home? We also offer convenient takeout options so you can savor your favorite dishes wherever you are.

Come experience the flavors, culture, and hospitality that make Mayahuel truly unforgettable.

Top review

Louise

Dined on Jun 16, 2025

Delicious with great service. Outdoor patio is perfect for lunch!

Pig Latin

4.4

4.4 (149)

$30 and under

Latin American

Elk Grove

About the restaurant

Escape to a Latin paradise at Pig Latin in Elk Grove, the newest taco and tequila bar. This vibrant restaurant offers a unique escape filled with culinary delights and festive energy. Indulge in a diverse menu of Latin-inspired dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Enjoy mouthwatering tacos like "Quesabirria De Res" and "Achiote Jerk Chicken," or savor small plates such as "Elote Ribs" and "Maduros," each bursting with flavor. The extensive bar features a remarkable selection of tequila and mezcal, perfect for sipping while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Don't miss their handcrafted cocktails, including signature margaritas that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're out with friends, on a romantic date, or enjoying a family gathering, Pig Latin offers the ideal setting. Relax on the spacious outdoor patio with fire pits or enjoy the vibrant indoor space. Come escape the ordinary and embark on a culinary adventure at Pig Latin.

Top review

Kenny

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

Glad I had reservations as it was crowded on arrival. Parking lot is always full in this area. Food was OK, but outdoor patio atmosphere was great. Prices are a bit high but its a fun place to hangout.

Bear & Crown

4.4

4.4 (26)

$30 and under

Contemporary British

Sacramento

About the restaurant

Welcome to Bear & Crown! We’re a family-owned restaurant in the heart of Downtown Sacramento bringing a taste of the UK to California. We blend our family's British heritage and love of food & drink with our California home, offering a modern spin on the pub experience. Whether you're here for a full dinner of our famous fish & chips or signature scotch eggs, or looking to grab a pint of British ale and play pool, our full restaurant, bar, and beautiful back patio offer family-friendly space for everyone.

We offer reservations for groups of 2 or more at all times the restaurant is open-- both outdoor and indoor tables are available.

Top review

Richard

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Great food. Friendly host. Clean and well appointed. Wonderful English bitter

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Experience

Happy Hour!

Hard Rock Cafe - Sacramento

4.2

4.2 (178)

$31 to $50

American

Sacramento

About the restaurant

The menu at Hard Rock Cafe reads like a greatest hits album of international favorites. Choose from all the popular items Hard Rock is known for, plus a few Sacramento exclusives. Bite into our legendary signature burger, enjoy a sizzling steak, or try one of our fresh salads. However you satisfy your culinary cravings, you'll find a lively atmosphere that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or late-night bites.

Top review

Glenda

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Fajitas were a 9, filet was a 5. The filet was cooked properly for me at medium rare and was tender, but it had little “filet” flavor. We were there on a busy concert night, so service was a bit spotty, but our server was friendly and tried his best to keep up with his tables. I’m sure on a regular night, service would be great.

Joe's Crab Shack - Sacramento

4.2

4.2 (117)

$30 and under

Seafood

Sacramento

About the restaurant

Joe’s Crab Shack offers a variety of favorites from all parts of the sea and shore. From its extensive menu, guests can choose from buckets of seasonal seafood, fried shrimp platters and fish dishes, as well as options from the “mainland” that include steak, sandwiches, and chicken. Guests can indulge in over-sized and creative cocktails, such as the Shark Bite which is playfully garnished with a shark toy. Since its inception, Joe’s popularity has stemmed not only from its menu, but also its retail store. With various pieces of merchandise for purchase, including the ever-popular tie-dye T-shirt with the phrase “Peace, Love and Crabs,” Joe’s has become synonymous with the word “fun.”

Top review

Elier

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

Great service and food was delicious love the water front view

Chevys Fresh Mex - Roseville

4.0

4 (458)

$30 and under

Mexican

Roseville

About the restaurant

Making the best Fresh Mex food from scratch, daily!