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    Tower Cafe

    4.1 (5.6k reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Tower Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    TOWER CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - Tower Cafe

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    Reviews With Photos

    Thai Steak and Eggs
    Ryan L.

    This place is really well reviewed so you know it's going to be good. It was pretty busy when we came and there was really unique dishes all around. We just wanted a little brunch but I really really impressed with all the cool selections they have. I like the interior as well feels very international and the outside has a cool fountain waiting area. Since they text you before you get in it's really convenient, though the wait can be really long.

    My Sister 3/6/26
    Marcia R.

    We really like this Resturant Tower Cafe We all gather after JABA was done. A big Bowling Tournament Japanese American Bowling Assocation it always in March always some State this time Sacramento. Our family in big in bowling To celebrate seeing family at this beautiful cool Resturant we enjoy the cool vibe here is so cute Inside and the patio too is very full of plants and Inviting We met for brunch and the service was great To drinks and food with the French Toast & breakfast dishes & Pozole we were happy the enjoy a good meal together Inside is a very large bar and bakery counter With amazing desserts I love the artwork

    Madame Cristo
    Jacob M.

    Tower Cafe is one of the pillars of Sacramento, a longtime fixture in the city's zeitgeist. People understandably love it. It's been years since I've been, mainly because of the long wait times and no reservations on weekends. As a planner, I gravitate toward places where I can make a reservation. However, it was a special occasion, so we committed to it on a holiday weekend. The wait was estimated at 1.5 hours for a party of 7, but it ended up being closer to 40 minutes, which honestly wasn't bad at all. The patio and waiting area are gorgeous and make the wait worth it on a beautiful day. Great shade from the trees, solid service, and a really nice ambiance overall. The menu is massive with a little bit of everything and huge portions, so it's quite hard to decide. I settled on the Madame Cristo because it sounded decadent and somewhere between lunch and breakfast, which felt perfect for brunch. And decadent it was. The cheesy ham and béchamel blended into this super rich, fatty bite balanced by the French toast it was sandwiched between. The eggs on top were almost overkill, but still a welcome addition for some protein. The chipotle raspberry jam was surprisingly good too, almost like a smoky raspberry salsa that added sweetness and helped cut through some of the richness. The potatoes were standard and nothing to write home about. It was definitely a lot, but pretty good and exactly what you expect from a brunch spot like this. I'm not going to say the food is mind-blowing, but it's solid and they have unique dishes, great vibes, and something for everyone to enjoy. Nice to see that Tower Cafe is still doing well after all these years and remains a great place to celebrate special occasions.

    Thai steak salad
    Elizabeth D.

    It's a vibe! After living in Sacramento for almost 11 months, we finally got to try this Sacramento institution for a late lunch. I just love the outdoor patio with the water fountains, plants, and laid-back summer afternoon vibes. Maybe because it wasn't busy, we were directed to seat ourselves. Our waitress stopped by soon after and was friendly and competent. I got the house margarita, which was rimmed with lots and lots of salt. Yum! The dressing on the Thai steak salad was delicious with a spicy kick and lots of fresh veggies. Honestly, with inflation in 2026, I'm not mad at the smaller amount of steak, which was cooked to my request of medium rare. And the mango was perfectly ripe, juicy, and sweet. The dessert menu looked delicious, but we had a homemade tiramisu waiting for us at home. Otherwise, the cheesecake was looking pretty fabulous!

    Lin L.

    A long standing local favorite brunch place!! Located near the Tower Theatre. This place gets crowded quick, come as early as 8am to avoid the long line!! Their famous French toast is to die for!! I totally recommended this! MUST TRY!! It is melted in your mouth! I have never have such a marshmallow-ish French toast in my life!! Life changing brunch!! The cafe is beautifully decorated inside with garden style patio with water fountain. The service was fast with unlimited coffee!! Price: decent Restrooms: several , clean Parking: free in their complex

    Bobbi A.

    Historic spot alert! The Tower Theatre has stood in this location for decades, and it's always nice to see historic spaces thoughtfully reimagined--this portion now houses a truly lovely restaurant. The decor is absolutely stunning. We opted for outdoor seating and were surrounded by waterfalls and lush greenery, creating a peaceful, garden-like atmosphere that felt both quiet and intimate. If you have allergies, indoor seating may be the better choice, but the outdoor ambience is undeniably beautiful. Service was warm and welcoming, adding to the relaxed vibe. I also appreciate that they offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it an easy choice no matter the time of day. As for the food, the All-American burger was decent but lacked the bold flavor I was hoping for. That said, the fried portobello mushrooms, guacamole, beverages, and puff pastry were definite highlights and well worth ordering. Prices lean a bit on the higher side, but the generous portions and standout ambience help justify the cost. Overall, a memorable dining experience set within a historic landmark--perfect for those who enjoy great atmosphere with their meal.

    Mariam T.

    I am taken back at the beauty of this place. The decor is gorgeous. It's located in a super cute corner with lots of plants, fountain, a theatre, and decent parking. Inside has decoration from around the world. It was so fun pointing out egypt, mexico, thailand, and many more. We came here with our daughter and they had high chairs for babies which is great. We ordered thai steak salad, montecristo, and grassy green drinks -- literally the best drink I've had! They are lightly sweet, we ordered 3 each! Lastly, we went for the banana cream pie and it was memorable. Its a perfect crust and banana custard whip goodness. We met the nice lady that makes all the desserts in house. The staff here felt like family, and we can't wait until we get a chance to come back.

    Jessica L.

    We loved our brunch here! This restaurant is an experience. Very eclectic and funky decor inside. You can't make a reservation so be prepared. We waited 45 min on a Saturday for brunch. We liked our Madame Cristo and Thai steak! 2 of us split it and we are petite girls that can definitely eat, but both dishes were too much for us, we probably could have split one. I'm not complaining tho! I also had the Mexican macchiato which was described as like a caramel latte. I asked for it to be less sweet and it came perfect. I recommend this place!

    Huevos Rancheros Cod Sandwich
    Nemrah A.

    I've lived in Sacramento almost all my life and I've been to the Tower Cafe only a handful of times. The last time I went was over a decade ago. I decided to re-visit it when some friends came to visit me as I feel like this restaurant is so iconically Sacramento! The restaurant itself is amazing from nice greenery outside to multicultural decorations in every inch inside the restaurant. You can spend a while here just looking at the decorations and never be bored. It's honestly one of my favorite things about this restaurant. The waitress we had this time was attentive and would check up on us frequently. I also love they have so many options for vegetarian and vegans. We ordered the huevos rancheros and the cod sandwich. Both were good but I would say the cod sandwich was the best out of the two. Definitely would come back for that. If you are around the Sacramento area for just a small time I would recommend coming here!

    Patio foundation
    Cecilia Z.

    We went to brunch on a Sunday so there was a little wait but now I know why! This place is delicious! I am still dreaming of the honey milk latte! The French connection dish hit the spot! The bread and the bacon were so fresh and the mimosas were amazing! And did I mention the latte was to die for! The Oaxaca mole had the perfect flavoring. There is a lot of decor in the restaurant! Every where you turn there is something to look at. There is only 1 bathroom so the line can get long. With how busy they are our server was always on the floor and filling the water and coffee. We will definitely be back!

    Moroccan Fruit, Granola, and Yogurt
    Afainisi P.

    My experience at Tower Cafe was awesome. I went by myself. My waitress was nice, she didnt bother me much, which i understand because it was packed. I got the Madame Cristo and Moroccan Fruit with Greek Yogurt. My beverage selection was a Iced Matcha and water but then I saw that some people were ordering a Dolce Latte and it looked appetizing, so I ordered that too and it was really good. My total came up to 57 dollars and some change. Oh and I started my Moroccan Fruit with Greek Yogurt first and realized I didnt take a picture. So I stopped, fixed it up and snap one for all to see...lol. I love the vibe in there, it definitely gives off Hippie Vibes but thats expected in Sacramento. As I was waiting for my food, I was people-watching (like usual) and I saw a staff give food to a homeless man. I thought that was very beautiful. A little kindness goes a long way...you know. You have the choice of outside seating or indoors. The outside seating area is beautiful, there's a water fountain nearby with some benches for people to sit and hang out. And the area has some nice shade. Which is awesome because I cannot imagine people wanting to sit in the sun and eat. I see some reviews on here stating that it is impossible to order anything from their menu because the selections were too much. Or the variety of food selections on the menu was too much. Well..I say that they are wrong. Their menu caters to Hispanic and American food. YES, they have burgers on the menu. Yes, they have enchiladas and Salads and Soups if you dont feel like eating anything heavy, they have a lighter selection for you as well. And for my VEGANS out there...Tower Cafe also has some great selections for you as well. Please understand if you can't figure what you want to eat, honey its not the menu's fault. Thank You Toodles

    Tower theaters
    Scott M.

    What a great experience / meal... walk in from the parking lot, to see beautiful water fountains, and lots of plats, as well beautiful flowers. I guess it depends what season you go for the blooms. a really cool theater , a cigar shop, and then Tower Cafe. Totally recommend to get reservations, but there not always needed. I went the other day and waiting just a few mins. The Atmosphere is amazing, well sitting outside that is. I dont think iver ever sat inside, its just amazeballs outside with all the life, and sounds of water. MY meal was excellent and worth the price. Prices are not terrible, but they are not cheap either, I guess right in the middle, I think the wedge salad was $17 ish, the burgers run around $18 to $21 if I remember right... But all in all, For the Atmosphere and food, its well worth it.

    Eggs Benedict (1/2)
    Randy M.

    Picked this place because it was near where we're were going and google search. Outside patio is very green, inviting and large. Down side we could hear conversations two tables away every is so close together. Service was average. Had Eggs Benedict and it was slightly warm not hot when served. Like the menu and choices that are familiar but unique. Hollandaise sauce and ham above average. I would probably give them another chance based on menu and the food I saw on other tables.

    Migas!

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    It a great place a must fabulous deco oh the is delicious there is a wait but well worth it enjoy

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    Page 1 of 139

    Tower Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Tower Cafe

    Is it kid friendly?

    Yes, it's very kid friendly. They are also pet friendly with outside dining.

    Do they have misters on the patio?

    I didn't see any

    Do they allow dogs at patio seating?

    No. We tried to bring our dog there for outdoor seating last year and they said no dogs.

    Do they take reservations?

    Not on weekends. They consider Friday a weekend day also, so essentially, no reservations on Fri, Sat or Sun.

    How do you make a reservation?

    They don't take reservations.

    Do they offer bottomless mimosas with brunch?

    No they don't

    Do they take reservations?

    No advance reservations. You show up and, if a table's not available immediately, they take your name and phone number and text you when they're ready.

    I've called numerous times too and you cannot leave a message either . It says mailbox full?

    That's the only downside for this amazing place - it's super busy! You have to head over there and put your party on the list. Trust me, it's worth the wait!

    Do they ever answer the phone? I've tried to place to-go order and all I get is a continuous busy signal. For weeks. Curious is anyone ever gets their call answered.

    When we went there a couple of weeks ago I heard the hostess say they were having quite some difficulty with their phone line for a while now. Not sure if it's been repaired since then. They also seem super busy during brunch hours, especially on… Read more

    Are dogs allowed?

    I called last month and was told me dogs were not allowed inside or outside.

    Is this place allergy friendly?

    They have the presence (or not) of many major allergens listed on their menu for each food item (but I'm pretty sure they weren't all there, just some). Wheat and milk are definitely on there, I can't remember which of the others are.

    Do they stop serving their famous French toast after a certain time?

    Weekdays until 11am and weekends until 3pm

    Is this establishment wheelchair accessible?

    Yes

    Is breakfast served all day?

    no, its not

    Do they have there regular desserts back?

    Yes, they have all of the classics: Napoleon, whole cakes, etc in the glass display case next to the bar!

    Are they open?

    They moved the opening date to June 2021

    When will Tower cafe reopen?

    July 12, 2021!!!

    Is it true this place is permanently closing?

    No On their website they say temporarily closing with that it's been open for 30 years in fact I was there the day it opened and I was doing massage on People💗

    Is the restaurant closed permanently?

    No...just temporary because of the COVID19

    What's the average wait on a Sunday at noon for 2?

    I would say like 15-20 minutes if you just say you don't care if it's inside or outside

    View All 37 Questions

    The Porch

    The Porch

    3.7
    (2.1k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Went on a Saturday for brunch with three other people and when I asked the wait time, the host took…read moreawhile to seat us, even though I said we were ok with outside. At the end, we ended up seating outside and all the time wasted could have been to help other people. Our server was friendly, but since we were outside she would take awhile to come outside. The meatloaf was a big plate and my husband could not finish it. He did say it was a bit salty. The shrimp and grits were great (would recommend). My son's chicken tenders were great as well and looked homemade and not like it came from a frozen bag. There is paid parking around the area. It was a 60 degree day but with jackets on, the weather felt amazing. When we had stepped into the restaurant it had felt too stuffy, so I am glad we got to seat outside.

    Brunch today was at The Porch which is a Southern brunch right in Midtown Sacramento. The staff was…read morewarm and welcoming. We were seated outside which was lovely, especially given the weather and the slight breeze. I appreciate that they offer an option for reservations. Many brunch places do not do those nowadays, which I hate. Every brunch requires a coffee. I appreciate that they do lattes here, rather than just hot or iced coffees. They had some unique syrups, such as bourbon caramel and praline. The syrups were on the more subtle side, which some people prefer. I am not one of those people, but it was a good latte for a breakfast/ brunch spot. I wish there was more ice tho.  The skillet cornbread with sharp cheddar, creamed corn & garlic, honey butter & house made seasonal jam on the side was a great starter dish. I enjoyed the garlic and cheese. The temperature/ toastiness of this was yummy.  We couldn't decide between the cornbread and the sticky bun, so the only obvious solution was to order both. The topping of the sticky bun was delicious. It was almost pecan pie adjacent.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Porch salad
    Porch salad
    Grilled Brie

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    Grilled Brie
    Old Soul

    Old Soul

    4.1
    (1k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    AMAZING!!! I'm a barista and I really love to go to coffee shops and get know other Baristas. Also…read moreto have a place where I'm not working and enjoy the ambiance. Old Soul at 1716 L is like home to me. It's the place I always want to be when I'm not living the craziest life possible. I'm OBSESSED with their kieche and as annoying as I'm sure it is I always have to ask if mushrooms are in it because of allergies. Not one staff member ever makes me feel bad about asking. Want to give a couple shout outs to the stellar team if I don't mention your name your still so great! Reese, probably one of (the coolest humans you'll ever meet) remembered me from my second entrance in the building and always makes the best coffee. They go above and beyond in customer service asking about my acting and hobbies. Always pleasant and working hard. Tiff is an absolute gem and has gone above and beyond by remaking my order when it was accidentally taken by the wrong customer immediately. She is kind and welcoming at every visit. Overall I don't have a lot of places I feel comfortable being. Old Soul is one of them and has a special place in my heart. Thanks for always making me feel seen, serving amazing food, and helping me stay alive with a great coffee no matter what the drink or season.

    What's the point of offering online ordering if employees refuse to make the order until the…read morecustomer personally reminds them? I waited over 30 minutes for two drinks that took roughly three minutes to prepare. The employee only started making them after I asked whether my order was ready. Her explanation was that they don't make online orders until customers show up because some people never come, or because ice might melt. That's not how mobile ordering works. The entire reason people order ahead is so the drinks are ready when they arrive. Instead, my order was apparently ignored while I stood there waiting with no communication whatsoever. If customers are expected to announce themselves before their order will even be started, that should be clearly stated when ordering. Otherwise, this is just wasting people's time and defeating the purpose of the service entirely. Extremely frustrating experience.

    Photos
    They roast their own beans.  Amazing coffee shop: a hidden gem.  Photo by Monterey Films LLC
    They roast their own beans. Amazing coffee shop: a hidden gem. Photo by Monterey Films LLC
    Veggie quiche. The blandest quiche ever!!!! 0/10
    Veggie quiche. The blandest quiche ever!!!! 0/10
    Pumpkin Spice Latte

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    Pumpkin Spice Latte
    Zebra Club

    Zebra Club

    3.5
    (359 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $

    I finally stopped into Zebra Club at 9:30am on a Saturday to catch up with a big group of people…read more The bar was already hopping, and it looked like there was a previous group hanging out after watching early morning sports on the TVs. I ordered a Guinness and we moved to the back area as our group grew too large to have at the small front tables. They have breakfast and lunch available and had an impressive menu for what I thought was just a bar. We asked our server what she recommended and she said the waffle fries and French toast are great. While we passed on the French Toast (this time- I'm more of a savory breakfast person) we did get waffle fries ($7) and their Zebra Special ($15.50) that comes with two eggs, meat (ham, bacon or sausage), hash browns, and choice of toast. We paid a little extra to get a biscuit with gravy instead of toast. We also ordered jello shots for the group and it was very fun having morning jello shots with breakfast. They have a lot of televisions here and seem to serve as a watch party destination for a lot of sports fans. They also have an outdoor area, which is great for groups, but we also noticed that the small of people smoking wafted into the inner dining area from outside which was a drawback for me. The staff here was so nice and attentive and we had so much fun with our group here. Would highly recommend checking them out.

    The stars are to only represent the food and the cook Mike. I've heard so much about the tacos that…read morewe decided to stop in for Father's Day. Well, the meat was cold and it seemed like all that was done was fry the tortilla. We explained the food was cold and instead of ensuring the meat was warm, Mike stuck the food in the microwave - with the lettuce, tomato, and cheese! Now the server, Shana, gets 5 stars. She was understanding and apologized when we said the meat was cold AND after it was put into the microwave. I feel like Shana knows customer service.

    Photos
    Zebra Club
    Bar on a kings game night.
    Bar on a kings game night.
    Bar with 7 or more tvs.

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    Bar with 7 or more tvs.
    Iron Horse Tavern

    Iron Horse Tavern

    3.9
    (3.6k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    amazing. brought my bitch husband here to divorce him, server was very kind. food and ambiance were…read moreall splendid.

    I've eaten at Iron Horse Tavern several times over the years, but this review is dedicated to one…read moreof the most underrated items on their menu... the beignets! As someone who grew up enjoying Southern comfort food, I can honestly say these are some of the best beignets you'll find in the Sacramento area. They're huge, light, fluffy, served warm, and covered in the perfect amount of powdered sugar. They're always fresh, and every bite reminds me why I keep coming back. My daughter absolutely loves them too! She goes back and forth between these and Huckleberry's, but for me, Iron Horse Tavern takes the win. This time we ordered through DoorDash, along with a side of chicken, a bag of fries, and--if you know, you know--TWO sides of their amazing Sriracha cream cheese. Trust me... one isn't enough! Food: Outstanding. The beignets were the highlight, but everything was fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned. It's nice finding a restaurant that consistently delivers quality whether you're dining in or ordering takeout. Service: Everything arrived perfectly packaged, neatly organized, and exactly as ordered. Nothing was forgotten, nothing spilled, and I even loved the thoughtful touch of the bag being labeled with my name. Little details like that make a difference. Ambiance: I've dined inside several times, and Iron Horse Tavern has one of my favorite atmospheres in Sacramento. Located in the historic R Street District, the restaurant blends modern industrial style with warm, inviting décor that pays tribute to the area's railroad history. Whether you're stopping in for brunch, dinner, or cocktails, it's a place that's lively without feeling overwhelming. If you've never tried the beignets here, you're missing out. Sacramento doesn't have many places serving authentic-style beignets, and Iron Horse Tavern has definitely earned a spot at the top of my list. I'll absolutely be back... probably sooner than I should!

    Photos
    Opening at 11:00 AM very friendly staff! Looks promising!!
    Opening at 11:00 AM very friendly staff! Looks promising!!
    Awww potato fries
    Awww potato fries
    Fried Chicken Burger

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    Fried Chicken Burger

    Tower Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated July 2026

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