Heard Rick's Dessert Diner was a Sacramento classic, so I had to check them out during my final days in Davis. The moment you walk in, the retro 1950s diner ambience immediately transports you back to classic Americana dessert culture. They've apparently been serving Sacramento for over 37 years! - Hot Fudge Sundae -- made with Gunther's vanilla & chocolate ice cream, topped with whipped cream, pralines, and a candied cherry; beautifully presented with warm hot fudge drizzled all over - Lemon Raspberry Cake -- moist sponge cake layered with lemon, raspberry, and whipped cream; balanced sweetness with buttercream-coated sides The red booth seating and vintage Americana decor really complete the nostalgic vibe. Service was friendly and quick, and the overall ambience was cozy, retro, and diner-themed. Rick's Dessert Diner definitely feels one-of-a-kind, I'll have to stop by again next time I'm passing through Sacramento. read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Hot fudge sundae, lemon raspberry cake - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

Just left the diner. Came in with my brother and niece. My niece was at the counter getting the milkshake she ordered. The person she was interacting with was Noel "the Manager. " He was making small talk with her and he asked her if we were her family. She asked him which one he thought was her "PARENT." He replied that he thought I was her grandmother. I'm 54 years old and have a 30-year-old daughter and my niece is 25. I don't even know how that would be possible. I was right next to them sitting at a table with my brother so of course I heard, and I got up and I said what's up with this grandma stuff, and he said that he answered her question and told her that he thought I was her grandmother. Honestly, I felt completely insulted like you're not supposed to say things like that to your customers or even about your customers. I felt myself getting ready to go completely off on him, so I walked away and went to sit back down. He had the audacity to tell my niece some people can't handle the truth. It's so baffling to me that a manager would say something like that. I know employees sometimes say inappropriate things, but he should know better!! This was supposed to be a nice family outing and he ruined my night. Luckily I have confidence in myself and his comment didn't give me a complex or make me like I look old. It was also disappointing because I went in there specifically to get an eclair, which is normally a decent size. For some reason, it was the half of the size and the same price. read more

I must confess, I had written off Rick's a long time ago when they were still at their original location. We used to go a lot after a night of bar hopping or clubbing. Rick's was the only place open late that had actual desserts. I mainly ate their cakes. They looked amazing. But I really did not enjoy them. Too dry. Just not good, compared to other bakeries in town. Over the years, Rick's remained a Sacramento staple, and when they opened up their new location in Midtown, the dessert community welcomed them back and embraced their sweet offerings, bigger space, and late night hours. I never went til just a couple weeks ago. Around 9pm on a Friday night I was craving banana cream pie and the husband wanted cherry pie. On Yelp search, Rick's came up as the top choice that was open. So we went and stood in the long line. The place was crowded and loud. Lively and busy vibe. Line moved at a good pace and the staff helping were nice but hurried. So we took our lil pies to go. We both liked our chosen pies. Now I know what to order if I go back to Rick's. Pies over cakes. Every time. read more

Sweets and treats galore! The line will be long but moves with quick service. Great stop after a dinner out. read more

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Long line, but worth it. Lots of dessert options! Coconut cream pie was good. I would definitely try other things here. read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Coconut cream pie - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

I usually only review places which I believe deserve special recognition for excellence. But after my latest visit to Rick's I have to weigh in on their cleanliness. Hopefully the management will take notice and bring back this gem and historic eatery in downtown Sacramento. This last visit was inexcusably filthy. Almost every table was dirty, several with standing dishes. The booths were left with crumbs, if wiped at all, and we really couldn't find a clean place to sit, so we left. But we did have to use the restroom, and we should have gone someplace else. The restrooms were worse. The hall to the restrooms are used for storage, and that's ok, but everything was soiled, and looked hastily shoved out of the way. Not even sure the last time the floor was mopped. The urinal has some old stained plastic thing for the urinal cake I'm guessing, and the sink was disgusting. To their credit, the dessert case looked fantastic, and they probably had the same delicious cakes and pies, but we didn't find out today, because if that's what we could lay eyes on looked like, god only knows what the back looked like. Very sad. Bakers are very important employees, but so are wait staff and bus help. Hope they take care of this. Rick's is too good of a Sacramento tradition to let it go to spoil read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Interior - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

I love cake and this diner doesn't disappoint. You can find pretty much any flavor of cake here. The lines move fast and the employees have always been patient and helpful, so ask questions on their selections and try a few slices. Now located on the corner of Jst, it's much larger than the original but still offers tasty treats that Sacramento residents have enjoyed since they first opened in 1986. My favorite cake slices are the red velvet, fruit basket, and raspberry diva (with poppy seeds. Slices are $9.95 and a whole cake is $79.95. You'll also find fruit tarts and pies, coffee bar, deli sandwiches, milkshakes or champagne, beer and wine. The retro 1950's diner atmosphere and an extensive menu of scratch-made American and European desserts make it a very popular midtown spot. Staying open late until midnight is the cherry on top. read more

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Found this amazing dessert diner through Yelp and it did not disappoint. LOVE when Yelp points me in an AWESOME direction! Delicious desserts and Gunther ice cream. Service is top notch and it has such fun decor. A Must Stop, if in or passing through Sacramento. read more

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It's pretty, with a nice look. Both the outside and inside are cute, and that's the best part of going here. We went on a Friday evening, and it wasnt that busy. They had multiple staff but it took a while to get to us, even with just one person in front of us. That's fine, nothing to dock them on, but something to note. The drinks we got and the mini cake were very forgettable. Arnold Palmer for each of us, and they were meh. The cake we got was a cheesecake, but it was very forgettable. Neither the crust nor the cheese portion of the cake stood out. read more

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If I'm here every year for my husband's birthday, he doesn't want a birthday cake because he wants everybody to have the exact dessert that they want which we can accomplish here because there's so many varieties read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Mint mousse cake, caramel chocolate, turtle cake, and ice cream butter Brickel by sundae - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

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I had the napoleon and petite cake and a sandwich. Everything was perfect. I got it to go but I have sat there before and had a good time inside. The vibes were chill. Service is always good. No complaints. read more

The sign out front says "best sandwiches in Sacramento" and while I disagree that they're the best in the city, they're definitely very good! I split the buddy holly and the fonz and was very pleasantly surprised at how good they were! I did have fairly low expectations, and these sandwiches were absolutely packed with meat. Fresh ingredients and the bread was awesome. The sun dried tomato garlic bread was awesome, I had an entire garlic clove in one bite! For the price ($16) I'd say it's a pretty good sandwich, but not quite the best. I came in for lunch on a Friday and we were the only people there. The staff was kind and the guy that made our sandwiches was helpful. I'd recommend it though if you're in the mood for a good sub! You can grab a sweet treat after too. read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Buddy holly (left), Fonz (right) - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

Every time I come here it's late and the crew is doing the best taking orders and helping people out. Most of us are probably tipsy anyway... My dude has come by to bring his friend and it's been closed so that's weird. Recently stopped by for a mini banana cream pie, cookie, glass of milk and a piece of cake to take home, cuz it's my birthday, delicious! read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

This place solidly served my needs in a tasty way Cute interior diner decor, but we chose to get takeout. Got two Reuben sandwiches to go. Was a little bummed they were out of rye but the other rolls looked tasty and we were hungry. Sandwiches were tasty and satisfying The real hero - the ice cream! They have signs saying they serve Gunther's ice cream which I was not aware was a Sacramento institution - the ice cream was so good and the single scoop very generous ! We needed to take the rest home and they provided lids! Would love it if they had a kiddie scoop but I am not sure - next time I will ask The people working were very nice I would definitely stop for ice cream again . The sandwiches we got weee good but not amazing . I would like to try some other desserts as well read more

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So many desserts and OPEN LATE! We got the cheese cake and raisin rum ice cream. Line up, order and enjoy your treat- super quick service. Diner feel and everyone is happy. read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Had an urge for some good cake and had to try this place out. Got a couple slices to go. Wow! We tried the Black Forest and tiramisu - they were both moist and delicious. Tiramisu slice was on the smaller side but would definitely order both again and want to try more options. read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Black Forest - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

The staff were great, the vibe was interesting, but the mousse cakes tasted like sweetened shortening. I was expecting whipped cream--definitely not. Even the topping on the lemon meringue pie was this same sweetened shortening like stuff instead of meringue. I strongly suspect the transfats in this place are off the charts and you're shortening your life every time you indulge. We'll never go back. read more

Fun diner with nostalgic vibes and an endless menu. Not only can you get almost bay kind of dessert that you can think of, but they also have a good selection of sandwiches, fries and other non sweet treats. Lots of seating, friendly staff, and plenty of parking nearby. Both the caramel Neapolitan and crème brûlée were tasty. Next time I will try something new. read more

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Haven't been in here in about 10 years but recently went for a birthday celebration. Forgot how amazing the desserts are here (duh). A Sacramento staple, the lines exist for a reason! Had a slice of German chocolate cake and literally swooned after the first bite. There is a nice level of chatter throughout the place and I noticed separate tables of individuals reading and enjoying their desserts and also groups talking and laughing. I felt like I had stepped into some weird Charlie and the Chocolate factory alternate reality where everyone is happy, fueled by a sugar infused delirium. I fell under the spell and attempted to eat my rather large slice. Fail! I am certain it won't be another 10 years before I return. read more

This is one of my wife's favorite dessert spots in Sacramento. They've got some great pies and cakes, and this has been her birthday spot go to for many years. This year her dad surprised her with a banana cream pie and a pumpkin pie for her birthday. Both beautiful and delicious. I really like their fruit basket cake and carrot cake, and have tried a few others and enjoyed all. Service is fast, kind, and helpful. Ambiance is of an old style diner where you can order up at the dessert counter. You can order slices or the whole cake/pie. Recommend. read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Pumpkin pie - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Whe we first opened the door there was a line past the door so we hesitated. The line was moving pretty fast so we decided to stay. So glad we did. This place has amazing desserts, with so many kind to choose from. What I enjoyed was the patience inside the place. No one was rushed, or frustrated because of the line. Everyone just waited patiently for their turn. The employees behind the counter were great too because they didn't rush us. They took their time and answered our questions. It was our 1st time there. The tables were clean so we sat in there and ate. I would recommend this dessert shop because of the quality of desserts and the variety. For the affirdable prices and atmosphere. This would be a great date night spot or somewhere to take the kids. read more

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Went to Rick's for the fourth time a few weeks ago. I have yet to find a cake that is not absolutely scrumptious! The owner was so sweet and came to check in with my party! Definitely will be returning here! read more

The Dessert here is phenomenal and the atmosphere transports you back into retro times! The service is kind and genuine & laughter is not of shortage in this shop. My fiance, my sister & I had a really hard day and found out about this late night dessert shop. Safe to say that we left super satisfied and will be coming back whenever we stop by Sacramento! read more

So, it was yummy... but too expensive IMO. If it was a full service restaurant I'd be totally OK with spending $10.95 on a mini cake but after waiting in line for 20 minutes I was less thrilled about the pricing. But yeah, if you're patient and have money, the mango cheesecake is amazing, and my BF liked his Oreo cheesecake as well. The random homeless tweaker outside that told us the cake here sucks as we walked in was wrong. Maybe he was just upset he couldn't have any? read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Mango cheesecake - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

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I've been here a number of times but realized I've never written a review. I stopped in on a Saturday night around 9:30p and there was a line almost to the door. The line was about 30mins before we ordered and by this time the line was all the way to where the swivel chairs were by the back mirror. This place gets busy. I had to try one of their deli sandwiches. Ordered the Elvis. It was ok. I didn't like the bread as my sandwich was more bread than anything. The Elvis came w/ Mesquite Smoked Turkey, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Pepperjack Cheese Jalapeño & Avocado, Chipotle Gourmaise Dressing Lettuce Tarrato & Orion, & Chipote Cotija Bread. I wouldn't order this again but will try one of their other sandwiches. Also ordered the New York cheesecake which came in a round tin instead of a sliced cake. It was really rich but good. Loved the crust. I'll be back to try another dessert. There's so many to choose from and the whole cakes are huge. Staff were ok. Service was a bit slow. read more

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Always loved this place. When visiting Sac I will stop here to grab an overpriced slice of cake because it's just simply delicious in a fun environment. I enjoy the various cakes and layers it's great. read more

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Super cute place and such a vibe. Went here to end our date night with a slice of cake that was really good. Service was fast but not very friendly. I still recommend going since there are a lot of cake options. read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Slice of red velvet cake and Oreo cake - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

This pace is such a vibe. They have a variety of sweet treats. From cake, cookies, cannolis, icecream, pie, cheesecakes. You name it! Seems like they have it all. Decent sized and prices. Old school inspired.. very much 50s decor. Knocking down 1 star because the violations health inspection report was sus read more

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We've always been fans of Rick's, ordering at least once/month. My go to has always been their carrot cake and death by chocolate. Unfortunately lately, the size of their slices have decreased and tonight for some reason it was pieced together. Service was good as always and of course it's still cute same 'ol Rick's diner! Cakes are still yummy but they've gotten pretty stingy with their slices! read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Don't know what they did here! They took another slice and tried to piece it together. - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

First off! I end every sentence with an exclamation mark! People ask, "Even with questions!" Yes! Especially questions! Rick's! This place seems like it would be more 1950's oriented! Also, I was blown away they offer sandwiches! I asked one of the young ladies working if they were any good, and she said "are you asking me, or, like, yelling at me!" Once it was established I was asking, albeit awkwardly, she was forced to help me! So, I ordered the Framboise cake! It was good, but I prefer raspberry cake! Try it and see! read more

I definitely like this place. Came down here while hubby's shopping and needed something light. They do offer unlimited amount of pastries and ice cream. Good customer service and delicious iced mocha. Unfortunately they do not have blended drinks only iced. Will I return again? Most definitely and I will be trying their other items on the menu. Quality of service:A Quality of food:A Price: affordable. read more

The sign outside saying "Best Sandwiches in Sacramento" isn't a lie. It's a fact!! My sandwich was fantastic! Lots of meat & toppings. The person who took my order was super friendly. The inside has a 50s vibe. I wish I had taken pics. The desserts behind long glass displays are mouthwatering. This place is a must. read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Turkey, ham, lettuce, provolone & cheddar cheese, pickles, banana peppers and deli sauce. - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

I haven't been here in about 8 years, and not much has changed! I stopped by here with a coworker and decided to get some Gunthers ice cream. They are super generous with their portions and I had to take the rest home. The diner is clean and there is a lot of seating available. My coworker and I got our items quickly, but we did come on a Wednesday evening, so the diner wasn't busy. read more

Love Rick's for their beautiful and delicious dessert options. My friends have raved about this place and finally took me to try it. The Carmel napoleon was absolutely divine. I have also had the heath bar and brownie, which were delicious! It gives that diner feel, without the dirty and grungy feeling you often get at a diner. The environment Is clean, inviting, and easy to navigate. I love how you can see each dessert. We also got the most adorable graduation cake for a friend and it was just perfect. Thank you, Rick's! read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Caramel Napoleon (top), brownie (middle), heath bar (bottom) - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

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This place is adorable. It is such an iconic Sacramento spot and offers a grand display of sweets as well as bread. The service was quick and accommodating. You order at the counter, they help make suggestions based on what you tell them you like...the presentation is beautiful. I would definitely return for the experience and maybe to try their sandwiches but their cakes and pastries didn't WOW us. The lemon cheesecake was unpleasant and I have to say...almost everything we tried from the cannoli to the gluten free chocolate cake had almost a cheesecake flavor. I can't explain it. The mini cake our son had to have was so cute but very dry. The best pick of the day was our daughter's gluten free chocolate cake. It was incredibly sweet though so I recommend sharing it! read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Hi-ya! This place gets so busy! The line was so long, but kind of worth the wait. The deserts all looked so good. I wish I had an endless stomach or I had a faster metabolism haha, the place was fun, minus the one table the leaned over if you put too much weight on it. But we got coffee and ate our deserts and chatted up with good friends. The place serves all kinds of folks, kiddos, teens, young and old, hip and low key like us haha--I was just shocked that we saw a little of all Sacramento there late at night! What a great place! read more

Service was good and it's such a cute spot in Sacramento! I don't love how dry some of the cakes get after sitting out but they do look gorgeous. The coconut one is my favorite. This time I got the a creme brulee and cannoli. I wasn't aware there was going to be fruit in the cannoli but the flavor was still ok. The creme brulee is torched right before you get it which is fun. It was a little runnier than I expected, but the bit run under the crystallized sugar was delicious. My friends really liked what they got. And the ice cream creations are solid. Next time I think I'll stick to the cakes. read more

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The desserts at Rick's are amazing and delicious. The selection is by far the best I've ever seen. They are open late. the servings are large. I'm addicted to the caramel topped napoleon. read more

Got the lemon blue berry cake and the heath bar this time. First time trying the lemon blueberry cake and it was good. Just the right amount of sweetness to it and you can taste both the lemon and blueberry. The heath bar is always good - rich, decadent, very sweet and a nice treat to enjoy once in a while, incrementally (= The staff here are always friendly and I love the diner theme. read more

Rick's Dessert Diner - Lemon Blueberry Cake - Desserts Near Me - Sacramento, California

Old Favorite Showing Some Wear Came back to Rich Dessert Dinner after a few years and... let's just say, nostalgia can be sweeter than the cake. I grabbed the banana cream pie and the chocolate peanut butter cake. The banana cream pie? Absolute star-creamy, flavorful, and full-on banana bliss. It's the kind of dessert that reminds you why this place was once that spot. The cake, though? Looked cute, tasted like it came from aisle 7 of a grocery store. Just dressed up in fancier clothes. Texture was all over the place: some bites dry, some moist. You really had to hunt for a perfect bite by mixing frosting with cake like it was a DIY project. If you're coming here, I'd actually recommend ordering cakes that most likely have a slice left (the popular ones) The slices tend to be fresher and less dried out that way. The desserts are rich and heavy-bring a friend or two to share unless you are a sweet tooth- The mini pies were new to me and actually pretty solid--great texture, strong flavor, but again... very heavy. Service? Straight-up transactional. No frills. No small talk. Just pick your slice and move along. Plenty of seating inside and outside though, and still a cute spot for a low-key date or sweet tooth run with friends. read more

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