We love going to this out-of-the-way spot off River Garden Highway! The food is always good and the servers are excellent! Looking out onto the river is a nice change. read more

The Virgin Sturgeon - Steak Sandwich - Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Made reservations-when we called they said it probably wasn't necessary but they took our name. We got there. No name was written down. They were not busy at 640 on a Saturday evening so that's kinda telling. I wish the website noted that is was quite a walk to get in as we have a handicapped person. He made it but it was a challenge. Our server Tonya was nice but after taking our order was off the clock. The guy who took over never came back after someone else did the food delivery. So here's the thing. The food wasn't bad per se, but it was sub par at best. It was fresh seeming so that was good. Nothing tasted very good and it was just as if someone was a decent cook so hey, why not. 3 of us ordered the seafood coquette, very oily. The spicy shrimp appetizer was shrimp is a butter tabasco sauce. The end. We definitely enjoyed the view and that was a treat. We could go back for bread and butter and a beverage maybe, not likely. read more

Excellent Cobb salad. Service was very kind, friendly. Old, in need of repair interesting,unusual but fun restaurant. The entrance for me could have been dangerous. There is an unleveled, deeply slanted entrance that takes you a distance to the reception desk. I was not aware of it and full speed ahead almost ran because I could not stop. Luckily, I could by using the banister and stopping myself. The patronage appears to be an older crowd who has been coming for years for the sturgeon. I saw it but it did not look like anything I wanted. Came here because I heard about it as I had gone to Crawdads the day before. read more

Great views of the river and a very lively and festive environment and atmosphere. The appetizers all good and the servers have all been very attentive. I recommend breakfast and then coming back for lunch or dinner on the weekend. read more

Cute, but old little place by the river. Great view of the docks. Quite a few boats went by. You'll see ducks and occasional seals. There's seating and a bar inside on the top floor, and seating outside on the bottom floor. The seating outside does have covers/umbrellas. The entrance and exit (stairs and ramps) are both steep, so you've been warned. Note: if you deal with motion/sea sickness, I would not recommend coming here. The place does move with the waves when boats go by. It's not anything too intense, though. The food was good. I had a burger and salad. The dressing was nice and light. The salad was fresh. The burger was tasty. Side note: the burgers here do NOT come with fries. For some reason when I ordered a lemon drop, they put it in a shot glass. I didn't order anymore alcohol after that. The service was nonexistent, but they did tell me ahead of time that they do not serve people who sit outside on the bottom floor. You'll have to go upstairs to order and come back to get your food or drinks every time, despite the staff constantly coming in and out. If you sit inside, the service is actually great. The staff are friendly when you enter, and they're attentive with the indoor tables. Parking is very limited, but you can park on the side of the road. There was at least one handicap spot that I noticed. read more

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Great setting, atmosphere, service and food! The surrounding areas setting is a beautiful view and perfect for this restaurant! The entrance is quite clever and the step into the actual restaurant has got the perfect nautical feel for a riverside Café! So many options the menu is OFF THE HOOK LITERALLY!!! Food is great.. freshly made and a full bar! It's worth it to experience all that it is!!! read more

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A group of us were celebrating a birthday and came for brunch after riding the River Fox Rail Cars. Needless to say we were hungry! The view was amazing. The river was glistening. The service was amazing. The staff were all so friendly and attentive. The food was great! Some ordered brunch while others ordered lunch. Delicious. I would recommend the fried rice, eggs, and add a hot link! read more

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No frills restaurant and bar off garden highway, family owned and great customer service. Got the sturgeon with Cajun seasoning and mango salsa, the fish was nice and flaky overall rate it a 7/10. A great place to come get a no frills meal Or enjoy drinks on the river read more

The Virgin Sturgeon - Sturgeon with Cajun seasoning and mango salsa - Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

I had the Peel shrimp and the ceviche which was delicious and spot on for the taste buds. Service was good and the ambience of being by the river was delightful, my family and I enjoyed the view and warmth. read more

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Great spot right on the river. Small but has outdoor seating with a bar and a few barstools. We had a couple drinks which were fine. We ordered a sandwich but it came with the wrong bread (different from what we ordered) and a taco plate with a side salad. We asked for extra ranch but never got it. They focused on fixing the sandwich bread and forgot about the ranch so I could only eat half the salad. They dont offer any fried sides like French fries or chips because they dont have a deep fryer. It wasnt the best experience but its good enough for the location. Note, youre on a floating dock that moves when boats go by so keep that in mind if you visit (its not a problem unless bigger boats go by, faster than the required 5 mph). read more

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Many of us locals have been going here for many decades and it's a mainstay. I think brunch time is the best time because it's not too busy and a summer comes in and they get slammed with boaters. Yes, you can dock up. I ordered biscuits and gravy and my friend ordered Sturgeon which he never had and he said it was great. I've never seen such big biscuits and generous portions of gravy. I couldn't finish even half. A throwback joint with character and characters. Ha. If those walls could talk. read more

The Virgin Sturgeon is a family favorite. Whenever we're out on the water and enjoying the Sacramento River, we dock here to grab a bite and a drink. They are known for their floating bar dock with plenty of seating and shade, full menu and a friendly fun vibe. You're guaranteed to run into the owners, as well as life long regulars and other boaters enjoying their food and beverages. The seasonal menu changes daily, from fresh grilled swordfish, to stuffed avocado salad or a zesty key lime pie for dessert, there are always delicious options to choose from. I usually order the grilled Cajun chicken tenders and a side salad, fresh and healthy and full of flavor. You can also get it in sandwich form which is basically two small sandwiches (see photo). The bean dip is also a great starter and pairs well with beer and cocktails. We like to add beef for a heartier dip. This comes with tortilla chips and is really spicy! This trip we got our food to go and made sure to use the clean restrooms and chat with fellow patrons in the upstairs bar area while waiting for our food. We come here multiple times a year, especially in the summer. So if you're looking for a place to dock your boat and grab some food and drinks, and hang out with a cool crowd, The Virgin Sturgeon is the place to be. Don't forget to tip the bartender! read more

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Huge shout out to the Virgin Sturgeon especially Dez, Julie and staff that made our Celebration of Life possible yesterday. They were incredibly generous providing us with appetizers and event space on the floating bar area since this was my brother Jeff's hang out. They also have dynamite drinks and breakfasts so please honor this wonderful local business!!! read more

The Virgin Sturgeon - Julie & Jessica-floating bar area - Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

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This restaurant caught my eye while searching for a place to eat in the area, and the idea of dining right next to the water while enjoying seafood sounded perfect. Located along the Sacramento River, you reach it by walking down a tunnel-like pathway that leads directly to the entrance. The moment you step inside, the humidity hits you. All the windows were open and the ceiling fans were running, but it was still uncomfortably warm and sticky. Most of the diners appeared to be in the 60+ crowd, giving the place a more mature, relaxed vibe. For drinks, I tried the Sturgeon Whisperer. It was so light it tasted like it barely had any alcohol in it. The smoked sturgeon appetizer came on a bed of greens but was underwhelming--bland and lacking character. The house specialty, grilled sturgeon with Cajun seasoning, was moist and cooked perfectly but needed a serious boost in flavor--salt, hot sauce, anything to wake it up. The side of rice was tasty, but the steamed vegetables were just average. I imagine this restaurant would be a much better experience on a cooler day. Adding misting systems or stronger cooling fans would make a big difference. The space itself could also benefit from some updating, especially for a spot with such a prime riverfront location. On the plus side, the bathroom was clean, and our server was pleasant and attentive. read more

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The Best!!! I am shocked that we never made it here before. Great service. The combo plate for $22 was a deal! So delish. We also had the sturgeon, trout, and Cajun catfish plus the ceviche and calamari appetizers. The blended watermelon and mango margaritas are on hit! Oh, and the tiramisu cheesecake had me rolling out the door. Thank you for a wonderful Mother's Day! read more

The Virgin Sturgeon - Tiramisu Cheesecake - Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

Really love this place not only for its location but its staff. A happy and fun staff means this place appreciates it employees. Really homey location right on the Sacramento River. Great seafood and great sandwiches. I got the crab cake sandwich which was super tasty. I also got the Cajun chicken sandwich which was great as well. read more

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Only redeeming quality here is a nice view of the river, everything else quite frankly sux ... food was very bland! Service subpar. While the host and the server were nice, they fell short in all other areas. They brought our food to the wrong table, TWICE! Every other table got bread and while we sat with our drinks for 20 minutes I finally had to ask for bread! Why wasn't it brought out to us automatically like they did for the other tables? Hmm ... Then food took forever! I should've paid more attention to the negative reviews, they're all true! This place will not be on my list of river restaurants to frequent, that's for sure! Next ... read more

We come in for brunch every Sunday. The bartender Jackie is always giddy and glowing. We asked for breakfast shots, and they told us they didn't have butterscotch alcohol. Dez who runs the place said don't worry, we'll have it next weekend. To our surprise, when we came in today, she delivered. Breakfast shots all around, Talk about service! Beautiful views and staff. Love it here read more

The Virgin Sturgeon - Amazing service - Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

I have always been a fan of this restaurant. Thinking back, I'm not sure if it was the cocktails, it being on the river or it was just a cool place to hang out during the summer. Hadn't been in years! My husband wanted to take a ride in our new car & grab lunch so we decided to come here. The place hasn't changed at all. Still a bit of a dive, old & musty. We were seated right away inside by the window. We don't drink anymore so water it was for us. My husband remembered having a great burger long ago. So we ordered a mushroom burger with everything. Came out looking delicious but just wasn't. The patty seemed like it was those patties you get at Costco, no bueno. We ordered a salad & soup because they don't have French fries...who doesn't have French fries? The salad was pretty good & the soup was good not great. Our waitress Darby was good, friendly & went out of her way to look for some Worcester sauce & mustard for my husband. Guess we were a little disappointed and probably won't return. Such a bummer! We did enjoy the view. read more

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The kitchen is understaffed severely. We waited about an hour even though only a third of the tables were occupied and then waited about 70 minutes for food after that, for our party of 6 The portion sizes were average, and solid tasting but it's a shame the staff was cut down so much Overall good experience if you're not in a rush or not too hungry read more

Went to The Virgin Sturgeon for the first time with my wife and father-in-law, and it was a great experience. The restaurant is literally on the river, with an awesome outdoor patio--I'm sure it looks even better when the trees are in full bloom! I had the famous crab sandwich, and it lived up to the hype. It was delicious and just the right portion--not too heavy, which I appreciate. My wife and her dad both ordered the open-face steak sandwich, and they gave it two thumbs up! Overall, a fun and unique spot with good food and great views. We'd definitely come back if we're in the area! read more

The Virgin Sturgeon - Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

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- -the service was very good , the catfish and combo salad and fish were plentiful and taste delicious. The grilled chicken and spinach salad was good and filling. We were visiting from Southern California. read more

We called about an hour in advance and were informed that the wait time would be approximately 45 minutes but that they will try to seat us before. We arrived early at around 12:55 p.m. & checked in for our 1:30 p.m. reservation but ended up leaving at 1:54 p.m. after receiving multiple explanations as to why we had not yet been seated. During that time, several guests who arrived after us were seated immediately. One of the hosts appeared to be ignoring guests who were trying to check in, which only added to the frustration. We also noticed one other party leave because of the poor communication and lack of attention. Unfortunately, the overall experience was disappointing and did not meet our expectations. read more

Visiting Sacramento on business and saw The Virgin Sturgeon online. Got there and walked down an airline boarding tunnel to get to the boat. I tried their sturgeon with lemon pepper seasoning and dill sauce. It was delicious. The waiter was exemplary also. With The view overlooking the river, it was a great place to have dinner and unwind. read more

The sturgeon was not sturgeon and whatever that fish was was mushy and salty. Never going back.

Love love love this place. Prices are a bit high for what it is but over all the atmosphere and the people that work there make it worth it!! Food is always hot and delicious. Servers are kind and considerate. Can't wait to go back. read more

I have always loved the virgin sturgeon. I love the smoked sturgeon, dips beer selection and seating overlooking the river.

This beautiful restaurant is on the Sacramento River. We arrived by boat and docked right at the restaurant. However, it is also easily accessible by car. The restaurant is rustic, beautiful, and clearly has a great view of the river. We came for breakfast. We ordered the Machaka, Chicken Fried Steak, and Veggie Omelet. The food came out quickly with friendly service. I loved the Machaka! By far my favorite. However, the Chicken Fried Steak was also delicious! I did not try the Veggie Omelet, but was told it was great! The prices were moderate and the portions large. My wife and I shared the Machaka and both left full. I highly recommend this place to everyone! read more

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Fun place and beautiful view right on the river. Food was good drinks were good, service was good as well.

Great place for dinner! Love the wood burning stove to keep it toasty when chilly out. Crab sandwich was delish. I moved the dive bar vibes and beautiful views of the delta. Quick and easy spot to stop at when on the way to the airport. Service was quick and friendly. read more

The Virgin Sturgeon - Entrance - Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

Absolutely Disgusting -- Would Not Recommend This place was deeply uncomfortable from the moment we walked in--outdated and unsettling. I'm white myself, and even I felt out of place. If trailer parks had a restaurant located in them, this is how I'd picture it looking and tasting. To say nicely, there was a stark and noticeable lack of diversity among the staff and customers. We had 7 people at our table, and not a single dish was remotely edible: 1. Salad - Tasted rancid, likely expired. 2. "Famous" Crab Sandwich - Smothered in Thousand Island dressing, it was inedible. 3. Mac & Cheese + Pasta - Clearly microwaved. The pasta literally exploded during heating. 4. Indoor Environment - Unbearably hot, humid, and sticky. The A/C was either broken or nonexistent. Overall, an absolutely awful dining experience -- from the food to the atmosphere. Save your time, money, and stomach, and eat literally anywhere else read more

The Virgin Sturgeon - Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Always really nice workers here. Had their chicken pasta with no peas. And their steak sandwich with mushroom? Wished I got the sandwich because it looked so good. My pasta was served in a bowl. I would've preferred a bigger bowl...perhaps pasta bowl. But I ate it all. Owner is super nice. Met her a couple times. Bartender was very nice as well. Would I go back? Most definitely! read more

The Virgin Sturgeon - Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Amazing! Food and service exceptional. Our server was so great, especially for being new. Food is delicious. Thank you guys! Highly recommend! read more

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Nice view, Good music, Great service but not my jam when it comes to the menu and food. FYI nothing famous about the crab sandwich but it sounded good. read more

The Virgin Sturgeon - Famous Crab Sandwich - Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

I came here on a Wednesday night, and it was pretty packed. I sat at the bar since it was easier. Our bartender was was Jackie and she made sure my drinks were flowing! I ordered the Smoked Salmon Salad and it was delicious! The salad was fresh and the salmon was cooked perfectly. I was also trying to eat healthy so that was the best option. The restaurant can be accessed by land, AND you can get here by boat! There is seating outside, and you can dine in with the view of the river. There are a lot of locals that go here to grab drinks, and this is a great place to meet friends for drinks. I have been here when it was busy, and they are short staffed sometimes. Be patient and enjoy life! The servers and bartenders are working hard to get you your order! read more

The Virgin Sturgeon - Smoked Salmon Salad - Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

The salad was well balanced and good value for the pricing. The candied walnuts complimented the dish very well. As for the Famous Crab Sandwich. It had good flavor but very basic. Not a dish you should order if you're looking to fill up. The highlight of our meal was the breakfast potatoes. Definitely a must try if you are to visit. The service was excellent and even though the restaurant was busy our waitress was very helpful and attentive. We enjoyed our window seats looking out over the river and the room temperature was nice and cool on a hot day. read more

The Virgin Sturgeon - Spinach and Strawberry Salad Famous Crab Sandwich w/breakfast potatoes - Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

What's nicer than enjoying a meal on the water in an individual restaurant with a lot of local history? Been here a few times and enjoy the variety in the menu. Oh, and try it here for a weekend brunch with the family. Great fun, especially for my daughter and son who seem to know everyone that boats and stops by as well. read more

The Virgin Sturgeon - Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

Neighborhood bar , food is good , service perfect , prices are affordable . Nice to be on the river . I was surprised that it was smaller than I expected . Parking is along the street and about 6 spaces for the restaurant . I highly recommend it, especially during daytime . read more

The Virgin Sturgeon-- a hidden sac gem. I feel like only the locals know about this place but maybe I'm wrong?!? Favorite bar/restaurant down by the river! My favorite area is where you sit outside on the floating bar/ table area. Good drinks/ great people working.. & tasty food. In the summer this place is always packed and a huge party because the boats tie up here! Check er out! read more

The Virgin Sturgeon - Outside - Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

Cool place on the river. They have great service and vibe going, just wish the food was the same. I think this place is more of a bar with bar food, rather than a restaurant. Got the catfish and crab sandwich. They were both fine but they lacked the tastiness of fresh caught food. Even my black beans tasted like metal and it was served cold. Overall, come watch a game and have some drinks, can't beat the view.... read more

The Virgin Sturgeon - Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California