Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Sacramento / Sacramento Valley

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Sacramento / Sacramento Valley? 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 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!

The Tin Lantern Bar and Grill

4.8

4.8 (57)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Auburn

About the restaurant

Cozy locale featuring burgers and filet mignon, plus beer, wine, and a selection of whiskey.

Top review

Dan

Dined on Jun 29, 2025

This eatery is so consistently excellent that one might think they are in a time warp. The food is absolutely spectacular, no exaggeration, and the prices will have you smiling. Located in a very picturesque little town. Do yourself a favor.

Friar Tuck's Restaurant & Bar

4.6

4.6 (690)

$31 to $50

American

Nevada City

About the restaurant

Friar Tuck’s on the corner of Pine & Commercial Street in Nevada City’s Historic District has been a festive dining and lounge experience since 1973. Friar Tuck’s features a warm, unique atmosphere with friendly staff, an extensive steak, seafood and fondue menu, award winning wine list, classic cocktails and live music 7 nights a week Friar Tuck’s was created in the winter of 1973. It is one of the first wine bars in Northern California and is honored to have received the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine for the past 15 years running. Live music, seven nights a week is also a huge part of Friar Tuck’s. Friar Tuck’s is proud to be one of the oldest privately and family owned restaurants in California and now the Paige Family have become the new Proprietors to preserve this landmark tradition in the heart of Nevada City. Please come and create your own personal experience as many of our 40 plus year customers have done.

Top review

Sydney

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

My 7 year old son and I went for his birthday dinner. The service was great. We ordered a Caesar salad — the dressing was awesome—and salmon to share and it came out in a timely manner. They were kind, bringing him a spoon for his pearl pasta and offering him ice cream for his birthday. The in-house music was awesome, a perfect mix of dinner music and entertainment, keeping us moving in our seats.

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Popular dish

Seared Scallops

Experience

Monday - Wednesday Enjoy 20% Off Drinks

Rock & Brews - Rolling Hills Casino & Resort

4.5

4.5 (412)

$30 and under

American

Corning

About the restaurant

Welcome to Rock & Brews, where the unifying force of rock ‘n’ roll music and the burgeoning craft beer movement meet the American bar and restaurant. We are an energized dining and entertainment concept offering affordable, high-quality classic American food. We have a broad selection of local and international craft beer options, and we immerse our guests in a casual rock ‘n’ roll experience unlike any other.
Rock & Brews is taking thrills to the next level. Rock your taste buds with delicious cuisine fit for rock stars while enjoying craft beers from around the world. Immerse yourself in the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll dining experience.
Located inside the Rolling Hills Casino, Rock & Brews offers guests a broad menu of classic American food with a twist. Rock your appetite, rock your mind, and rock your world at the one and only Rock & Brews Restaurant.

Top review

WendyVIP

Dined on Jun 17, 2025

Fun place and great food and drinks! Excellent service too.

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 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 (118)

$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

Sonia

Dined 3 days ago

Waiter was so attentive and friendly. Made jokes and very knowledgeable

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!

Top review

Ashley

Dined on May 12, 2025

Short staffed, but everyone was very nice and attentive.

El Don Cocina and Cantina

3.7

3.7 (23)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Lathrop

About the restaurant

About El Don Cocina & Cantina
El Don Cocina & Cantina offers a vibrant, elevated experience in Mexican dining, blending authentic flavors with a modern twist. From our enhanced Skirt Steak Tacos to signature seafood specialties like Camarones a la Diabla, each dish showcases premium ingredients and bold, unforgettable flavors.

Our bar features handcrafted cocktails made from scratch with fresh ingredients and creative flair — the perfect match for any meal. With a warm and inviting atmosphere and a carefully curated menu, every visit to El Don Cocina & Cantina is a celebration of Mexican cuisine and cocktails.

Need to Know
We have a 10-minute grace period. Please call us if you are running later than 10 minutes after your reservation time.

We may contact you about this reservation, so please ensure your email and phone number are up to date.

Your table will be reserved for 1 hour 30 minutes for parties of up to 4; 2 hours for parties of 6 or more.

Top review

Jovita

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

The food and drinks were excellent and delivered promptly. We really enjoyed the meal! The servers were attentive and contributed to a pleasant dining experience.

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