Suggestions
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Seafood Simmer
Cajun Pasta
Jambalaya
Large Louisiana Gumbo
About
Crawdads on the River
Welcome to Crawdads on the River! Nestled along the scenic Garden Highway in Sacramento, this New American seafood restaurant is a true gem that offers not just a dining experience, but a vibrant atmosphere right on the riverfront. With a blend of delicious dishes and a stunning setting, Crawdads is the perfect spot for everything from casual lunches to lively dinner gatherings.
This charming establishment is known for its expansive menu, featuring a diverse selection of seafood and many vegetarian options that cater to a variety of palettes. From signature dishes like the velvety Cajun pasta—celebrated by patrons for its rich, creamy sauce that seems almost drinkable—to satisfying classics like fish and chips, each meal highlights the chef's dedication to flavor and quality.
- Location: 1375 Garden Hwy Sacramento, CA 95833
- Reservations: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Absolutely!
- Parking: Garage, Street, On-Site, Valet Options Available
- Happy Hour Specials: Weekends are the best—join in on the fun!
- Family-Friendly: Yes, good for kids and groups!
Crawdads on the River provides a welcoming atmosphere where casual dressing is the norm, making anyone feel right at home. Customer reviews often echo a common sentiment: the service is warm and attentive, enhancing the overall experience. Many have raved about the stunning views as they sip on refreshing cocktails like the famous strawberry daiquiri, adding a nostalgic touch for family gatherings. It’s no wonder so many choose this spot for memorable occasions, as noted by guests who recommend it for celebrating milestones like graduations.
Moreover, the restaurant is committed to sustainability, offering compostable and reusable tableware, aligning delicious food with eco-friendly practices.
Whether you're looking to enjoy a fantastic meal with friends, celebrate a life event, or simply soak in the sun by the river with a good drink, Crawdads on the River has something special for everyone. With a blend of great food, lively atmosphere, and rich flavors, it’s bound to become one of your favorite dining spots in Sacramento. Don’t forget to stop by on a Friday or Saturday for their exciting ambiance after dusk—there's often something happening, from dancing to heartfelt conversations over tasty dishes.
So, make your way to Crawdads on the River. Embrace the riverfront charm, savor the delightful cuisine and enjoy a meal that promises a unique blend of flavors and a memorable experience!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Nice river front spot. Decent menu. Food is good,drinks were strong. Good service. Would definitely come back! ”
“ GREAT location on the river! Food is tasty and the drinks are decent (depending on who's working). The staff is always friendly. It's a unique dining experience because of the location. On a summer day you can enjoy an ice cold beverage while people watching those on their boat. My favorite item they serve is the Cajun pasta. The sauce is so good I can drink it. It's a blend of creamy, spicy, tangy flavors and when the thickness meets the linguini noodles it makes the perfect marriage. This would be a place ai recommend you bring out of town relatives for a fun experience. ”
“ Staff was great and on it. Literally right on the river with great views. We used their back room for a party and another bar area with tv's to watch the game. The service was good and food was even better. ”
“ First time eating at crawdads on the river. This was my dad and mom's favorite spot to eat when they come to Sacramento. In tradition of my mother, may she rest in peace. I ordered a strawberry daiquiri like the one in the picture of her and my dad sitting out on the dock by the Riverside. I ordered the steak and shrimp skewers with a salad. It was Divine. The state was perfectly cooked not to dead not to alive just perfect. My daughter had the nachos made to her liking my uncle ordered fish and chips. The fries were so good the ones I got to sneak from his plate lol my father ordered jambalaya and it smelled delicious. Everybody was pleased with their meals are server/bartender/host was amazing super friendly super nice . The decorations for Christmas made me feel so warm and welcomed and special and I really felt like we were eating at home. I definitely definitely want to come back. Maybe when it's not raining that way I can sit by Riverside. And order some more of those daiquiris. ”
“ Great food place along the river. Enjoyed coming here to celebrate a graduation. I had gotten a salad and that was good. The service was great and attentive. They were very patient with us as we were taking a while to decide on what to eat. It's a cool place to go to on a summer day and watching all the boats pass by. It's a louder vibe but enjoyable. ”
“ It was a beautiful 78 degree day, couldn't think of a better way than to spend the afternoon eating lunch on the Sacramento River. Sun shinning, light breeze in my hair and the sound of waves create a vibe only Crawdads can provide. We arrive and park on the lower level of the parking lot as there was no parking on street level. I prefer to dine on the outside patio so the wait was 30mins or so. There is a IG worthy sitting area and spacious bar while you wait. Our waitress was bubbly and present, always checking in on us with fast service. I was in the mood for a top shelf margarita $15, boozy and refreshing 10/10 We ordered calamari as our starter. This was perfectly seasoned and cooked with a tasty chipotle aioli on the side. 9/10 Boyfriend wanted the salmon but it was sold out so arrive early in the day if this is the dish's you prefer. We both opted for the surf n turf skewers with side salad for a healthy lunch. Steak was juicy and tender, everything was great and a perfect lunch date. Will be back. ”
“ This place was awesome! I'm surprised they only have 3 stars on Yelp- everything was great for us. It is a little walk on a ramp over the water, but well worth it to sit right on the water and see boats go by. Our daughter really enjoyed the atmosphere. Calamari was really enjoyable. The pieces were large and tender. It had an additional seasoning tossed on top which really set it apart from other places. Huge portion and half off during HH. Such a great deal! They have good options for kids. We got the kids grilled cheese which came with fries. It was very large since it is on Texas toast. The bread is so good. Buttered and perfectly grilled. Large side of fries which are flakey, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. BLAT was large as well. It was on the same buttery Texas toast. Thick cut bacon with a good amount of veggies on it. I ordered mayo and mustard on the side. It is a dollar more for fries (normally comes with chips) but well worth the upgrade. Creole burrito was loaded and was surprisingly good. Fish and andouille sausage mix with yummy sauce inside. Came with fresh tortilla chips. Portions were so big. Only ate half on my sandwich because the calamari was so large. Reasonable prices and great view. Fast service. ”
