Rio City Cafe
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 442-8226
Fax: (916) 442-7229
- Price:
- $$$$
- Best of Citysearch:
- View 2005, Waterfront Dining 2005, Fireside Dining 2004
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11am-9pm , Fri-Sat 11am-10pm , Sun 10am-9pm
Editorial Review for Rio City Cafe – by Sarah Van Den Bosch
The Scene
Simple cream-colored walls and modern art complement the spectacular river view. Couples vie for the few tables by the windows overlooking the Sacramento River, while families opt for tables in the front room with a view of Old Sacramento. Uncomplicated elegance makes for a romantic destination. Deferential hosts do not quite make up for sporadic waitstaff.
The Food
California cuisine that experiments with Pac Rim influences, for the most part, proves successful. Crispy duck empanadas start the meal off well with their sweet, tangy berry-reduction sauce. Grilled salmon is slightly dry, not crisp on the outside, but tender and meaty in the middle. Moist pork tenderloin would be satisfying if the apple-brandy sauce paired with it wasn't so cloyingly sweet. Rich turtle tart is chocolate-heavy with truffle-like filling, but the pecan crust is worth eating on its own, if just for its nuttiness and hint of cinnamon.
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Insider Tips
Save MoneyOrder the combination platter as an appetizer: You get four appetizers for the price of two.
ParkingThere's a convenient pay lot on L Street, but has extremely narrow spaces and tight aisles. Got an SUV? Try metered parking.
Where to SitThe most coveted seats are the window seats overlooking the river; tables by the fireplace are a wonderful alternative.
User Reviews for Rio City Cafe
04/02/2007 Posted by iflymaui
This is a great restaurant but not for its food or for its guest policies. This is a great place to dine for its outdoor patio/deck that faces the Sacramento River. Parking is only validated if you are dining there Monday-Friday for business. A divided and 'guest preferred' policy; you'll pay approx; $6-$8 if you dine on weekends or holidays. Strange but true... The menu is varied and it changes quality by chefs and general managers. I've been dining there for 10 years now because I like its views, patio, staffing and 'just sometimes' its food. For 2007, the restaurants lunch menu has changed again and just as an example, all sandwiches during lunch come with 'Garlic Fries'. In oil. On the plate... No alternative options except those wet-greasy fries. The menu exhibits oils, cremes, sauces and fat instead of being healthy California if even in concept. Wine list is good and wine prices fair. They've changed the beer menu (used to have Sam Adam's iced glassware for those hot Sacramento days but downgraded). Full bar offers everything else but signature drinks are pricey. This isn't a not-to-go restaurant. I'd advise lunch for the sun and the lunch menu prices. It fails miserably at being consistent overall while being perfect in location and ambience. TGIF's or Cheesecake Factory quality at best if I were to compare.
Pros: Views! Outdoor Patio!
Cons: Inconsistent food quality and guest policy.
11/14/2006 Posted by janbaby27
If it's not too hot or cold out, its fun to sit outside and enjoy the river. However, the prices are a little steep for what you get. If the food was awesome, then the price would be fine - but its only subpar. They have a great variety of martinis, which can make the night fun!
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