Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Sacramento

OpenTable

Updated June 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

4.8

4.8 (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 1 day ago

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 (2880)

$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

ChristieVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Very very loud! Inside and outside was extremely loud -l have to raise your Boise to talk to your dinner party. They don’t clean the tables well at all. Same dry rag to clean multiple tables. Our table was filthy with leftover food on it. We had to ask for it to be cleaned a second time. They don’t use cleaner which is honestly gross. It was disappointing.

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Popular dish

Mole Chicken Enchiladas

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 4 days ago

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! 🍻

Red Lobster - Citrus Heights

4.5

4.5 (60)

$30 and under

Seafood

Citrus Heights

About the restaurant

Elevate your day at Red Lobster, where fun meets fancy and every meal is a celebration.

Whether you’re marking a special occasion or treating yourself or your crew, Red Lobster is the perfect place to enjoy all your seafood favorites. Dive into our signature shrimp, wild caught lobster and crab, and more. Plus, a variety of fish and popular non-seafood items like our Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo.

Looking for a showstopper? Create Your Own Ultimate Feast or select a Live Maine Lobster straight from the tank. Or explore our Daily Deals with a different special available each weekday at a price you’ll love. Toast the day with Signature Cocktails including Lobster Punch and Main Deck Margarita Flights to make any moment feel festive. You won’t want to miss our newest menu items or special promotions like Lobsterfest and Crabfest. Reserve online today.

Group Dining, To Go, or Catering options. For parties of 11+, please call.

Top review

EileenVIP

Dined on Jun 11, 2025

Always outstanding service by waiter Stephen! He is very polite and accommodating. He serves every course efficiently. The shrimp entrees and the Cheddar Bay Biscuits are always tasty.

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!

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 7 days ago

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

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Experience

Happy Hour!

Hard Rock Cafe - Sacramento

4.3

4.3 (177)

$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 4 days ago

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 (116)

$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

CharlesVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Our server was Beto, he was an amazing server. We had great service and a nice meal.

Chevys Fresh Mex - Riverfront

3.6

3.6 (869)

$30 and under

Mexican

Sacramento

About the restaurant

Making the best Fresh Mex food from scratch, daily! Whether you’re with friends or family, there’s a fiesta waiting for you. No one beats our Every Day $4 Happy Hour, $3 Taco Tuesday, Kids Eat for $1 Wednesday & Weekend Brunch with Bottomless Mimosas! Join us for Good Food & Good Times.

Top review

Jason

Dined on May 25, 2025

The food and the service were both amazing. However, even though I had a 7 PM. Reservation, we did not get our table until 7:45.. Also, whoever was upstairs was so loud. Children stomping and jumping. We did not mind, just startled some people lol

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