This establishment was originally built in 1915 by Chinese immigrants and later purchased by Al Adami naming the restaurant Al the Wops. Walking into the bar and grill, you can see the many dollars tacked onto the ceiling and the nostalgic background behind the bar of days gone by, which usually plays host to local farmers, boaters, and tourists in the area. My sister and I decided to take a scenic drive along the Sacramento River and recalled our dad's stories of hanging out at Al's after a day of fishing the river and how the place really "hit the spot!" We pulled up and parked on the narrow little street and walked into this well-known place with the smell of garlic French bread wafting into the air and locals sitting at the bar. We were taken into a small back dining area and given the menu. I ordered the infamous steak sandwich, while my sister ordered the Al's burger, and my husband ordered the fish tacos. The plates were quickly brought out to us and were very generous portions. The steak sandwich was so tasty and big, I was only able to eat about a fourth of it along with the delicious onion rings that came with it. My husband demolished the 3 fish tacos and french fries, and my sister managed to eat about half of her burger. We will definitely be back. read more

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My last time I was here many years ago, it was not a good experience. I was perusing the reviews and the menu, and I decided to go for a drive down the Delta, and give them another try. I hate to say it, but that was a mistake. Not the drive down the Delta, but stopping here.. As other people have mentioned, it's a cool space with lots of character. I Head into the dining room, and they were pretty busy. I was kind of surprised, as it was a Wednesday. If they are this busy at lunchtime on a Wednesday, I can imagine what they are like on the weekend. I waited a few minutes to sit down, and then finally I walked over and asked the server if I could just sit anywhere. She said yes, I could. She came over to my table to give me my menu, asked what I wanted to drink, and brought it right back. She said she would be right back to take my order, it was about 10 minutes. It only goes downhill from here.... So she comes and takes my order. I ordered an appetizer of the grilled bread with marmalade and peanut butter, and for my lunch, I ordered the spaghetti Bolognese. She said, "I will bring you your appetizer first." So I wait, and I wait, and I wait... As I mentioned, there was a good number of people in the dining room, and there were also people ordering food while sitting in the the barroom. . She was the only one serving, and it looked like there was only one, possibly two people cooking. 30 minutes in, I don't even have my appetizer yet. I waved her down and asked her, and she said it will be soon, there's still a few people ahead of me waiting for their food. As I was watching, I noticed that food was coming out of the kitchen pretty slowly. 45 minutes in... Still, not even an appetizer. I was going to wait a few more minutes, but then I noticed something. I was watching the server. She was not only bringing food, she was handling money I watched her scratch her head, wipe her face with her hand, and then she even scratched her behind, although through her shorts that she was wearing. They were jeans, shorts, and to me, they seemed pretty short for working in a restaurant That was enough for me, I left. I decided to go back home via the other side of the river. I crossed over, and almost immediately found a bar and grill, where I decided to stop for lunch. The service was stellar, and the food was amazing. The prices were also very good. Sorry, Al, I'm not going to wait for number three. Two strikes, and you're out. read more

Today was girls day for lunch! We searched local restaurants on the Sacramento Delta, we found Al the Wop's. We loved the ambiance of the town of Locke!!! You can tell there is a lot of history in this restaurant!!! The dining area has large tables for family's or large parties. I have eaten here many years ago and was excited when they brought bread, peanut butter, and peach/pineapple jam!!!!! You have to order this now. Well, you have to get their famous bread, peanut butter, and jam to start. The bread was grilled, and smelt so good when it came to the table. We gobbled this up!!! The jam seemed to have more pineapple than peach this time. I ordered fish tacos. And I was so surprised when they came!!! 3 huge fish tacos with slaw, plenty of crispy fish, smashed avocado, and spicy sauce. It was delicious!!!!! I could only eat one, I was filled after eating one fish taco!!!!!! I will defiantly be returning for these fish tacos!!!! read more

Al the Wop's - Delicious fish tacos - American Near Me - Walnut Grove, California

My Mom lives this hole in the wall place. Every June on her Birthday Al the Wops was her preferred place. The steak and spaghetti are wonderful. This is truly a gem if you are willing to travel off the trail. Salad and service is also GREAT! read more

Fun place in historic Locke. Great steaks, lots of adult and non alcoholic beverages. Nostalgic. Friendly service. read more

Al the Wop's - American Near Me - Walnut Grove, California

Another amazing steak dinner here! 16 oz ribeye perfectly seasoned and served. Great fast service at the bar. As always the experience here is worth the travel time. read more

Al the Wop's - Ribeye - American Near Me - Walnut Grove, California

If you wanna talk about a spot being located in the heart of historic history, this is one of those places. When you're walking up to it, you're walking on a wood plank ground just as if you were in the western days. When you walk inside, you're definitely greeted by a bar atmosphere, which then has you putting on your thinking cap asking yourself for? Where do you eat at in here. But once you continue to walk straight towards the back, there's a very small dining area with picnic table style seating. The room only holds possibly about maybe 28 to 30 people right away. You can tell that the establishment is very very shortstaffed which reflects the sign that they have on the outside of the door that's pretty much says they're hiring for every position. The bar side of things was driving, pretty lively. I think somebody was celebrating their birthday.. I know the cool part about the bar side is that when you look up on the ceiling, there are bills, money hanging everywhere which is a good talking point on how did they get those bills up there? Lol. There were four of us dining in this early evening for dinner. Our food came out in a decent time. It was pretty decent. The person that was the cook for the day was also the person that brought most of our plates out to our table. Whom could have been a little bit more friendlier, but overall he did not interrupt our dining experience. This is one of those establishments that if you're passing through this town, checking out the history seeing what it's all about and then you become hungry and just want something simple but still on the tasteful side of things to eat this could be a possibility. Just don't let the demeanor of some of the staff get to you. If we do arrive here next time it might be to check out the bar side. read more

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Wasn't thrilled about the name of the place, and was quickly told that they leave the original name, but they now are called Al's Place. Why not make it official. We stopped here to grab a bite to eat and had taken the more scenic route on the way home. Unfortunately, this was the only place that was open in the very small little "town "of Locke. It's definitely a local watering hole, and the bar was filled with intoxicated locals. We were showing a table in the back towards the "restaurant " Calling at a restaurant is a very loose term. Locals definitely stop here for a bite to eat. From where we were seated, I could tell that they have a pseudo makeshift kitchen of sorts. I have to say the whole experience was just weird. We ordered the potato skins as an appetizer. They were over fried, underwhelming, and just sad. We had ordered a burger and fries, and the fish and chips. I took a bite of the burger and definitely was glad that I had not ordered it. My fish and chips was a mix of fish with some fried shrimp, and I substituted onion rings for french fries. Everything was heavily fried, very greasy, and I'd help for some tartar sauce and some malt vinegar. There are no words about the tartar sauce, other than just don't. And the malt vinegar was nonexistent. I'm a firm believer that foods not need to be covered in sauces, etc. to enjoy them, they should be enjoyable on their own, and the sauce are used to enhance what's there. This was just a greasy mess. That was a pricey lesson. I didn't mind the shrimp, but the fish was definitely not edible. It just had a very fishy frozen old taste to it. The dollop of coleslaw or whatever that was I'm a plate was bad also. The waitress pretty much had taken our order, brought us our drinks, the food, and that was about it. We didn't see her until she wanted us to pay for the check. Service was nonexistent, and I wish the food had been. Definitely not a place that I will be returning to. Sad place. Sad name. And sad food. read more

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Love the place for its quirkiness and friendly people. Food is good, especially the home made pickles and banana peppers with peanut butter, yes peanut butter (best with a cold beer). Solid home cooking. Don't be in a rush or expect white linen, this is a place to sit back and savor. read more

Al the Wop's - Peppers with peanut butter to be applied with a spoon smashed flat. - American Near Me - Walnut Grove, California

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Fun place in this little funky town on the Delta. Our server/part-time bartender was amazing. She was funny, attentive and made a great dirty martini. The kitchen stuff was however quite the opposite. Hubby's medium-rare steak was more of a medium, my medium was well done to the point I had to return it. More of a hockey puck than a steak. Funniest part was I ordered it with onion ring in the kitchen staff dropped off this tiny steak on a large plate and walked away. When they finally brought out the correctly cooked steak with the onion rings, the rings were slightly burnt. To their credit, our friends onion rings were cooked Well. There was six of us and the group was laughing that the Yelp reviewer's order was the one with the most errors. Overall the fun place with good drinks and adequate selection of beers, with a doll and inconsistent kitchen. read more

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A classic "dive-bar" spot but with friendly staff, delicious food and decor with a vibe. (Off menu garlic tots!) We also enjoyed walking the small main street area for the history and stores. read more

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The table we sat down at was just a piece of thin plywood that was a wall to their porta potty that our table sat along side of no roof over the make shift bathroom either!!! Boats have better enclosures! My 1/4 lb hamburger I took one bite out of it and refused to eat anymore of it! My friend said it was good? I have never seen 100% beef look like this meat did cooked, it wasn't even juicey like real beef should be. I would eat a there and think the Health Department should be notified! Honestly I was so grossed out being in that place! I am going to complain to the health dept. I have never been served food that I would not eat in my 63 years of life! I have been all over the Delta, Whimpy's, the Rusty Pelican, Ryde Hotel, Riverboat, Tower Park, Light House if they are even still open? I've been on the Delta since I was 16 and this place is a no go! Open the Del Rio!! That is much better place to serve food!! Mr I can't take a customers criticism at least my friend ate your burger! I had a porta potty in my boat and was way more sanitized than yours!! Not for public use!!! Omg!! read more

This unique spot is worth going to with great service and good food. A bar atmosphere with restaurant seating in the back. The place was filled with tourist out for a short drive from Sacramento area, MC riders, and locals. We tried the pulled pork and steak sandwich with fries. Both were good. The steak is not sliced up it's a STEAK with bread. The fries were crispy. The old fashioned was well made and service at the bar was fantastic. read more

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We stopped off to see Locke based on an AI recommendation. It is a registered historical site as the first town built by Chinese immigrants for Chinese Immigrants. What we found was far more than just a place on a historical registry. The locals were warm and welcoming and enjoyed sharing their town's colorful history with us. It has been used in movies, featured on Zak Bagans Ghost Adventures, and make sure you ask how Al the Wops got its name! The food was fresh and delicious and the portions were very generous! Thank you to Fritz and Karen from Al's and Lisa from the thrift store next door for being so welcoming, and making us feel like neighbors. read more

Al the Wop's - Dollar bills with tacks tossed up and stuck to the ceiling is a popular local custom! - American Near Me - Walnut Grove, California

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While u might think so, this is not the only place to eat in little Locke. There is another place at the end of main street. Food & prices are alright but its mostly a bar read more

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Love Al's. One of the best watering holes on the Delta. Great vibe, and place to meet with friends for food & drinks. read more

Al the Wop's - Decor - American Near Me - Walnut Grove, California

Weekday lunch with the kiddos. We didn't leave hungry and had tons of leftovers. Beef stew bowl was amazing. Never can go wrong with steak sandwiches and pull pork sandwiches. Peanut butter and jam with bread. If you know, you know. read more

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Fun spot w lots of nostalgia . Haven't been in over 25 years but bet it's the same w less locals.

The food was excellent and the atmosphere is nostalgic! We totally enjoyed going there and will go again very soon.

Awesome hole in the all with great atmosphere - super friendly too! We had the brussel sprouts - top notch! The steak sandwich was a little more disappointing - I'm expecting more than just a plain piece of meat on bread. The baked potato was also disappointing - wasn't quite cooked all the way through. I would try the grilled chicken next time. read more

Food was absolutely outstanding, great service , great cook , awesome bartender Everything was perfect!! read more

Neat little hole in the wall spot. You can tell there was a lot of history in the if only the walls could talk! The food was good and the portions were huge! Our server/bartender was friendly and definitely was getting her hustle on! From the bar seating, I caught a glimpse of the cook handling business! Our food came out fresh, hot and had a home comfort feel to it read more

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In this quiet town who knew the food would be this good? Would not hesitate to stop by when in the neighborhood!

Great stop after hiking the slough trail. Cold beers, perfectly cooked burger with Al's bread. 5 stars for a dive bar with some good history. Give it a try. read more

We came to Locke for lunch and a historic stroll, starting at Al's. We sat at the bar and had attentive service from the bartender, who was friendly. The chicken sandwich and small steak meals were delicious and moist, with generous sides. The salad was a nice mixture of greens and had a lot of ingredients. The other patrons were friendly as well, and numerous for an early lunch/beer. Overall I was happy and would definitely return. read more

Some of the best food ever! I love the dive bar vibe! Reminds me of home! Definitely a 10 out of 10! We will definitely go back!

If you have never been and want to try out a place that is out of the ordinary, Al the Wop's is a must. Great bar and grill with a relaxing vibe. Al's is located in the historical Chinese immigrant town of Locke, CA. Locke's Main St. is frozen in time with a handful of shops and a museum celebrating its Chinese heritage. The walls and ceilings of Al's are covered in history. Very popular with people traveling the Delta and the locals of the area. The bartenders, and cooks are awesome. They know their drinks and food. All of which are excellent. Over the years I have tried everything on the menu and found all the dishes are delicious. Very colorful and a great place for any age. I usually don't give 5 stars, but this place has earned it. read more

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We were out for a drive along the Delta and wanted to try this place. Took a little bit to find it. Parking was easy on the street. The menu is nothing to write home about many of the items were not available any longer. They were out of french fries. I ordered the club sandwich, which had only halfway cooked bacon and two slices of turkey on the whole sandwich. It also held the tough end of a piece of lettuce. It was a 43 minute wait from order time to delivery Mary (the waitress) was a very kind and nice lady, but I think she forgot to turn in our order. My husband had the pulled pork sandwich on special with onion rings. The only thing you could taste was the barbecue sauce. It is a dive bar ambience, but the bartender was a funny man. We may go back for a second chance. read more

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Authentic old fashioned decor, friendly and welcoming staff with good service! Fried chicken was too well done, some what charred and lacked flavor. read more

Fried to perfection cod tacos with Smashed avocado Lovely slaw and sauce - huge and so tasty- $15.00 bargain too. Also makes a mean and unique old fashion. Great attentive service And most unique ambience of anywhere -ask how to get a dollar bill up to ceiling. read more

Al the Wop's - Fish tacos are the bomb!!!!! - American Near Me - Walnut Grove, California

This is one of the few original Sacramento River Bar & Restaurants to be in existence for over 80 years. As a kid we would come here every once in a while if we were lucky (58 year ago). I remember the food was fantastic. We sat in the dining room. My son I came on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in June. The bar was full so sat in the dining room. Mary the waitress, and Crystal the cook, took special care of us. The draft beer was fresh & real cold and our Burgers were next level wonderful with mushrooms, sautéed onions, bacon and cheese. We decided we need to come back soon to crush many others things on the menu that sound great. All of the sauces and dressing are home made. This is legitimately the best food on the Sacramento River. If you like a from scratch stellar meal, get in here and enjoy some history. I bet you'll come back and bring your friends read more

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We come back often to Al's for the authentic vibe. However, tonight was a disappointment. I ordered the $48 'Ribeye' - shown in quotes because how can a ribeye be 50% fat? We courteously showed the fat to the server, who apologized took 50% off the steak ($24). Hmmm. read more

Al the Wop's - Plated $48!ribeye about 50% grizzle and fat. - American Near Me - Walnut Grove, California

My birthday and had the family for lunch. Twin 5 year olds split a hamburger. One of the older 10 year olds had spaghetti and the other had chicken sandwich. My daughter had steak and my wife and me had hamburgers everything was great. Valarie took great care of us. This place has been around for a hundred + years and is fun to be in and quaint. read more

Service 10/10 Thanks to Susanne she's been amazing, its an old style kinna of a bar which i love, most of the customers who come were locals which im loving it more. My fish & shrimp are very tasty and well cooked! Just the salad was saggy. Do follow us on IG @spitorswallowed account if you find this interesting! Thank you! read more

Al the Wop's - at the bar - American Near Me - Walnut Grove, California

The fish and chips- my favorite hands down!! The most wonder slaw and I am always surprised how big the fish is- biggest - best fish n chips in town!! read more

Al the Wop's - American Near Me - Walnut Grove, California

Small place... but the food was so good! Flavorful and good portions. Only 2 servers but the bartender was funny and she made sure we had everything we needed read more

Highly recommend. This may look like a dive bar (and it is), but look further and you will find great service. Mary, served us with humor and attention to detail. David gave us great food and generous portions. Thank you owner Fritz for steering us in the right direction (we were going the wrong way) and providing a delightful lunch! read more

Great service and food. Fun place to visit on your Birthday. I like taking family who have never been. read more

Heading out for a little day-trip from Sacramento, we stopped by Al the Wop's for lunch. The atmosphere was cozy and divey, with a jukebox for customers to play music, lengthy bar seating area, and tables in the back. Old photos and artifacts decorate the whole place making it fun to look around and soak in some history and oddities, and the service was friendly and helpful. We were told it is usually pretty busy (~12p on a Friday), but apparently got lucky as it was fairly slow. The food was delicious including my juicy half-pound burger pictured with sweet potato fries, and portions are quite large. Also pictured is the peppers and peanut butter, apparently a secret staple for a snack. There's a wide range of liquor and draft beer to choose from, too. Definitely stop by if you're cruising along the river roads looking for a hearty meal! read more

Al the Wop's - American Near Me - Walnut Grove, California

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The service was terrific and friendly. It was a great time to go at 11 a.m., and we were all served amazing portions. I would totally recommend this restaurant. read more

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