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The Waterboy

4.2 (1.1k reviews)
Closed • 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Updated over 3 months ago

The Waterboy Photos

Business Info

THE WATERBOY ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Outdoor seating

Recommended Reviews - The Waterboy

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Reviews With Photos

Outside menu
David L.

I took my Ma for her Birthday here. She wanted to go to a fancy restaurant and I picked this place. I have been here maybe 17 years ago so it has been a long time. I made sure to make reservations since I didn't want to wait for a table. It was for 5 PM. I think since they open at 5 it wasn't needed. They are on a corner and have indoor and out dining. The place is nice looking and the door is handicap. Push a button and it opens for you. Pretty nice. We arrived early and even before they opened and it was empty. They accommodated us even though they were not open yet. The door opened heheh. The bar is right in front of the door. I noticed that all the seats of the bar were reserved. Kind of funny. I later learned that the regulars come in and take over the bar . Pretty neat. This pace has been around a long time and I noticed a lot of the customers are much older. It's nice to have a place where they know you and welcome you. Plus the prices are not cheap. The server was very nice and friendly. She server us Prosecco for my Ma's Birthday. So nice of them. They didn't have Remy so I got a Scotch. I got the Balvenie 14yr Caribbean Cask $26 it was really nice and I liked the flavor. Ma got the scallops and they were really nice and she enjoyed them a lot. My friend got the Ahi and that was good. My wife got the Spinach Agnolotti. She thought there would be spinach in it but I guess it was the pasta. I got the Waterboy Cassoulet. It had so many meats in it and the server said it would be great. I love duck and lamb so I got it. I thought the portion was kind of small. I liked it but thought some of the meats were over cooked. It was ok. As for the desserts. Ma got the Let's Eat Cake which was a lemon one. It was light and she loved it. I got the Seasonal Crostata which was an apple. It was good as well and it came al la mode. All in all we had a fantastic Birthday dinner and such a good time. Service was great and the place was pretty and we liked it. As for a fancy place. I thought it was just ok. Everyone enjoyed their food but I thought it was just average for fine dinning place. I left still hungry which isn't good. It was nice to try and my Ma loved it which is all that mattered.

Frito Misto of Crispy Fish, Shrimp & Anchovy Olives
Brooke V.

Came here for my birthday because Waterboy was one of the few restaurants with scallops on the menu. Decor reminded me of a coastal vibe. The menu was diverse and the scallops were delicious and just kissed by the pan when cooked. My husband enjoyed the salmon special. The appetizer Fritto Misto was really good. Our waitress was so sweet and brought us a complementary glass of prosecco for my birthday and put a candle in our dessert. I really appreciated the special treatment.

Daily special: Halibut (April 21, 2026)
Pavel R.

It's interesting when I went inside the interior made me feel like I was in West Palm Beach. Maybe it was the wicker chairs or that and the palm tree located right in the middle of the dining room. I'm not saying that's a bad thing by any means but just struck me of that when I came in. The food was good and the halibut special was excellent. I'd say the pricing was slightly on the higher side, but on par for the items being served. Service was excellent so I would give that five stars.

Mike G.

The food was excellent as was the service, both of which I expected, and they delivered. All of our dishes were great and cooked just right. I loved the atmosphere of the place, had a feeling of being out in wine country. Most options on the menu were meat dishes, but there are still dishes for vegetarians the eat. I had a ravioli style dish that was really good, and paired with asparagus. I got an old fashion as well, which was good, but nothing exceptional.

Ravioli of Ricotta, Prosciutto, Lemon & Nutmeg
Hector H.

Went to this restaurant on Saturday night and it was super popular. We ordered seared scallops and ravioli and they were all amazing. On top of that, knowing that we ordered a few dishes to share, they automatically split the Caesar salad for us, which was very thoughtful and great service. Overall a really nice restaurant and we will definitely visit back again.

Albert L.

Friendly service Delicious food Have an outdoor seating area that can accommodate our dog with us! A little bit of the pricier side but I think it's worth it

Mel L.

Hadn't been here in awhile, but it is absolutely superb in all ways. The service was amazing, our server went over specials and was very attentive and knowledgeable of wine selection and pairings. The ambiance is set with candle lit tables, the only thing is the tables are too close together for me. However, it was still enjoyable. Everything ordered was delicious. The deviled egg was such a treat! I did not get a photo of the scallops dish because I was soooo excited to eat it-- that had to be my favorite thing of all. 10/10 experience and food. I recommend trying this place out if you haven't already.

Complimentary celebratory champagne

Had our anniversary dinner tonight and let's just say, everything exceeded our expectations. We have been to multiple Michelin star restaurants in Sacramento and this local gem beat them all. Pass on canon and Ella's and even allora. The manager and service was exceptional and the food committed to the bit! We left there feeling very special and satisfied in every aspect of our dinning experience. We will most definitely be back! Thank you for making our night special and memorable

King Salmon
Nica F.

We enjoyed our time at Waterboy for the first time. Our server was very nice and was constantly checking in on us. We bought our own bottle with $30 corkage. The food was amazing. Its a small space inside and they have outdoor.

Scallops from 6/17/26
Bob F.

I come to Sacramento a few times a year for work and the Waterboy has become my favorite restaurant in the city. Amazing food, great service, relaxing atmosphere. 10/10 highly recommend.

Pork Chop
Stephy C.

Had a fabulous time at The Waterboy! Went for a birthday celebration and the service was great. We made a reservation ahead of time and noted that it was a birthday celebration, once we were greeted and sat immediately. The food was so great! It was delicious and had lots of flavor. I had the pork chop and it was amazing! We also got the focaccia bread and frisso misso . Overall really great place!

Lovely airy dining room
Pamela F.

It's been far too long since my last visit to The Waterboy. Its fabulousness hasn't changed one bit. Wonderful, friendly service. Wide variety of usual favorites plus lovely array of seasonal specials. I opted for a mix of both. So nice that my server, Jenny, offered a half order of the housemade focaccia. The only miss of the whole meal was the frigid, rigid puck of butter that came with it. It was far too hard to spread on the delightfully soft, spongy bread. Luckily the sea salt and rosemary left it delicious on its own. Also great for soaking up the last bits in my soup and salad bowls! Enjoyed the chilled peach and melon gazpacho. The torn basil leaves really made it pop. Absolutely loved the Insalata Americana, their take on a wedge salad. The accoutrements were plentiful and perfectly complimented the cold, crispy iceberg lettuce and yummy ranch dressing. While the "soup, salad and bread" combo was satisfying, I couldn't help but get the apple tarte tatin with cinnamon ice cream. Rich, sweet and the perfect serving size. The dining room is open and airy, reminiscent of a sweet European bistro only larger. I promised to Victor, who also assisted with service, that I would certainly not let so much time elapse until my next visit.

Salad of Bacon, Burrata, and Tomato
Melissa G.

The Waterboy offers an opulent dining experience in the heart of Midtown. My partner and I bought tickets for their Thursday night dinner series, which has a pre-fixed menu, and we loved the theme of spring becomes summer, as it incorporated a variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The tickets were $110 per person and included gratuity. Besides our interest in the dinner series, we also came to celebrate my partner's birthday, which we noted in our reservation. The Waterboy is a great place to visit if you're celebrating a special occasion, and the host recognized ours and gave us a complimentary champagne toast to help us celebrate. It's details like that, which truly make a good experience a memorable one! Inside feels intimate yet rustic, and we were the youngest diners by several years, but I still felt like we received great hospitality. Dinner was excellent, and one of our favorite dishes of the night was the bacon, burrata, and tomato salad. The chef described it as their take on a BLT, and it definitely delivered! I was a fan of all of the stone fruit featured in dishes (grilled peaches with the chicken) and loved the cherry and almond tart to finish. I'd highly recommend the Waterboy and would suggest making a reservation in advance, especially if you have a special occasion.

Half Dozen Oysters

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2 months ago

Very small portions, risotto had saffron and tough chicken, not a traditional risotto. Prices were high..

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The Waterboy Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Waterboy

What is your corkage fee?

Reasonable

Will you be open Thanksgiving, we have visitors from out of town coming in for a wedding and dinner?

Hi J.J., Thank you for your interest, but will be closed for Thanksgiving. We wish you and your… 

Does this place accommodate vegetarians?

Yes. They have very good vegetarian meals, although not necessarily vegan.

Gluten free options?

Hi Stephanie, Yes, we are able to accommodate gluten-free guests and a variety of other dietary restrictions even if you don't see something listed on the menu. Our menu changes often, so listed options will vary. If you're able to let us know a few… 

How often does the menu change?

Hi Austin, our menu changes seasonally so the duration of each menu will vary. Typically it's every 6-8 weeks.

Are there any vegan options on the menu?

They are just now hiring a new chef who is vegan, who is already a ROCK STAR when it comes to flavors and textures that vegans love so much! ASK and hopefully they'll be letting her showcase her stuff, soon!!

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Ro Sham Beaux - Pita Bread & Hummus

Ro Sham Beaux

4.6(177 reviews)
0.4 mi•Midtown, Newton Booth
•$$
Family-owned & operated
Outdoor seating

One of my favorite wine bars in Sacramento, ugh the only place I go for wine, bread and cheese +…read moremusic Serves/Bartenders are def very busy but still take really good care of you. Tbh I forgot what I ordered but everything's pretty good, I would def recommend the marinated feta + crostinis though The only "bad thing" is that they share a restroom among the other establishments, you have to be lucky to be able to use it on a busy night, so go to the restroom b4 u leave ur home lol!!

I've stopped by this place a couple times for some late afternoon drinks, and it's a nice spot…read more It's located in the same building as Ginger Elizabeth, so parking isn't great, but you can find parking within a block or so of walking. There's metered parking in the street just in front. They have a nice selection of wines and cocktails. Not the most expansive list, but a nicely curated one. Most recently, I tried the Pimms Rangoon (Gin, Ro Pimm's, fresh lemon, ginger, pineapple, fizzy water) and a wine that I can't recall. The cheeze whiz (house made whipped manchego and parm on crostini) is a must-have. The bread is wonderful as well as the cheese and olive. I'm usually not crazy about green olives, but it worked so well with the cheese. I've had tinned sardines in the past, and they were fine... along the lines of a tin of Fishwife. Next time, I'll probably try another bread & cheese dish. I like the kitschy vibe. And, our servers were nice both times I've gone. If I lived a little closer, I'd probably drop by more often, but I'll keep this place in mind when I want a drink and a small snack to go with it (and dessert at Ginger Elizabeth is next door!).

Photos
Ro Sham Beaux
Ro Sham Beaux - Raclette over potatoes

Raclette over potatoes

Ro Sham Beaux - Bread & Butter

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Bread & Butter

Revolution Winery & Kitchen - REV Burger

Revolution Winery & Kitchen

4.2(820 reviews)
0.8 mi•Midtown
•$$

Visited for a happy hour with one of my girlfriends. They have a really nice happy hour menu. We…read morewent for the Arancini and sadly they were out of the oyster mushroom calamari, but I will be back for that. We also got a beet salad, olives and bread and a cheese plate. The Arancini was fantastic, I was not expecting that flavor explosion from a vegan dish. The beet salad was really lovely. Even though this is a mostly vegan restaurant, they do have a couple of real cheeses on the menu. We did a cheese plate and it was generously heaped with all kinds of goodies. My only critique would be that thecheese plate was missing something a little sweet, like maybe a jam or a honey. Didn't take a picture of the olives and bread, but the olives were marinated in a citrus broth and were delicious. We destroyed it all. They've got a huge selection of wines and a lot of of them are on tap. My friend really liked their Syrah that is on tab and the server informed her that she could actually buy a bottle of it so she did! I had a rosé of Granache and thought it was quite nice. They've got a killer Patio, great vibes. But we decided to sit inside because it was literally 100° that day. This is absolutely a business I will return to.

We went to Revolution Winery and Kitchen on Sunday around 5 pm. We chose to sit at the outdoor…read moreterrace because the weather was perfect!! The greenery decor and the gentle breeze made us feel relaxed like we were having a luxury picnic. Our server was very sweet, fun and polite and checked on us just right. His presence made us fully embraced the environment that we simply laughed out loudly at all our jokes as if we were at our own home!! We were a party of five. Three people ordered the Rev burgers because burgers are the restaurant signature dishes. They all loved their burgers and fries including the one who usually skipped burgers/meats! One got a Tofu Skewers & Noodles and she loved it. It's very flavorful with pan-seared curried tofu skewers (slightly crunchy outside and soft inside), miso-garlic rice noodles, edamame, tahini-red pepper sauce, toasted sesame seeds, and green onions. Yummy. I got the salmon and pesto pastas. The salmon was delicious and fun to eat, very crunchy on the outside and soft in the inside. The pastas with just the right amount of pesto that's perfect to my palate. Deliciousness abounds. We were greeted by the beautiful sunset when we finished our dinners. The invitation to walk was irresistible. A perfect night out.

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Revolution Winery & Kitchen - Front of the bar

Front of the bar

Revolution Winery & Kitchen - Uncle Dino's Pasta (vegan style) - roasted tomato & almond pesto, fusilli col buco, cashew burrata, basil

Uncle Dino's Pasta (vegan style) - roasted tomato & almond pesto, fusilli col buco, cashew burrata, basil

Revolution Winery & Kitchen - French onion dip

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French onion dip

Alma Wine Bar & Shop - Art Deco flower arrangement

Alma Wine Bar & Shop

4.7(32 reviews)
0.8 mi•Downtown

Such a fun spot in downtown Sacramento!!! A friend and I came in on Thursday for their Sake Tasting…read more& Oysters event that they host on the last Thursday of every month, and we had such a good time! Unfortunately the oysters sold out before we could grab some, but the sake tasting was fabulous! We got to sample some really amazing options and it was such a fun way to try a few different varieties. We also got surprised with an oyster shooter from the oyster vendor and it was AMAZING!!! The atmosphere was definitely one of my favorite parts. The place was packed, there was a DJ playing, and everyone seemed like they were just having a great time. Service was a little slower because of how busy it was, but everyone was still friendly and the energy made it completely understandable. Such a fun, lively environment and a great place to hang out with friends, try something new, and enjoy a night downtown. We had an awesome time and I would absolutely come back, especially for another sake and oyster night!

Long due visit today!!! Recommended by a friend at Betty's next door :)…read more Love the vibe - it's so cute, very Cancun / Mexico style, decor and flags give it away tho the details are worth admiring with wall art being special. Boo and I stepped in during happy hour and ended by tasting few great Baja California varietals and chilled reds. Cheese and Meat platter on point - so fresh and yum! Hannah was a great host and very friendly - will be back soon!! Xx

Photos
Alma Wine Bar & Shop - Half Glass of wine

Half Glass of wine

Alma Wine Bar & Shop - The bar counter

The bar counter

Alma Wine Bar & Shop

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58 Degrees & Holding - Private Dining Room (1)

58 Degrees & Holding

4.1(929 reviews)
0.2 mi•Midtown
•$$$

I actually loved this place. It was my first time visiting the other day. We went for my friends…read moregraduation and they graciously sat our large party of eight together. We really appreciated the fact they sat us together. I ordered a few oysters and oh my goodness were they delicious! Absolutely divine. I loved the brine around the oyster such a delicious treat. I highly recommend them. I also had a chambong which was easier to throw back than I expected. I throughly enjoyed the experience. I highly recommend this establishment for a girls night. I feel like it totally has that vibe. The happy hour has phenomenal deals and goes until 6:00 pm! Definitely will be back!

I haven't been here for years. In fact I recall when this place was part wine bar, part wine bottle…read moreshop! Fast forward to now and the focus seems to be more loungey. The area where the bottle shop was is now a large seating area with comfy plush chairs on one side, booths on the other and tables in the middle. A friend wanted to come here since they had all day happy hour on Tuesdays. Was pleasantly surprised by the Oregon pinot noir on the HH menu at $10. Also enjoyed the charcuterie board that was $12 on happy hour. Grapes could have been fresher and perhaps more than one type of cheese would have been nice, but it was still substantial. Service was on point and attentive. The waitress even demonstrated the "chambong" that they have for $5 on happy hour. If you ever did beer bongs in your college years, you can now do champagne and rose ones while you are adulting. I wasn't in the mood for chugging champagne, I prefer to sip my alcohol these days. They also have $3 oysters on the menu for happy hour. I'll have to try those out the next time I come back.

Photos
58 Degrees & Holding - Private Dining Room (2)

Private Dining Room (2)

58 Degrees & Holding - Cheese Plate

Cheese Plate

58 Degrees & Holding - Wine Bar

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Wine Bar

Allora - POLPO - Balsamic glazed octopus, Calabrian chili, ink, potato gnocchi

Allora

4.4(875 reviews)
2.3 mi•East Sacramento
•$$$$
Women-owned & operated
Fine dining

It's not expensive. In this world you get what you pay for…read more Restaurants like these exist because we have special moments in our lives or someone or something or a memory or event that needs to be celebrated in the finest of ways. You deserve to be pampered. You deserve to put on your best and be seen. Operations like this are beyond complex in everything from acquiring the ingredients they use to the training of their workers and their presentation of hospitality. You're not paying for anything you're buying a ticket to a fully immersive experience. Turn off the rest of the world and all judgments of food and sit down, RELAX and take in what's coming your way. You are literally eating a delicious display of grace under pressure and if we are what we eat we could all use a little more of it! YOLO! Go to a Michelin Star restaurant.

We had the good fortune to try Allora tonight. What a treat! The ambiance is modern and inviting,…read moreif loud. (Soft surfaces would help a lot.) The menu was varied and had a myriad of interesting and unique dishes. The service was excellent, including the delightful manager who also poured wines and checked in often. The food was very good and absolutely gorgeous. Eclectic plating and dishes with beautiful arrays of colors, textures and layers. Every dish was good, but there were a few stand outs. The melon gazpacho with melon, prosciutto and sweet shrimp was something I've never had before. It was cool and creamy and refreshing. The lasagna was something I've never creamy and rich. The halibut, with a super thin butter toast as the 'skin' was a revelation. And the desserts were something I've never well considered and played, not super sweet with contrasting sour and creamy notes in each one we tried. Overall a lovely experience and a great place to celebrate life.

Photos
Allora - TORTELLINI EN BRODO - Branzino, scallop, fermented corn, Jimmy Nardello peppers.

TORTELLINI EN BRODO - Branzino, scallop, fermented corn, Jimmy Nardello peppers.

Allora
Allora - HAMACHI CRUDO* - Cured Hamachi, marinated beets, Calabrian chili

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HAMACHI CRUDO* - Cured Hamachi, marinated beets, Calabrian chili

The Waterboy - french - Updated October 2026

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