Outdoor Dining Spots in Sacramento For Spring Evenings
You know that moment when the sun starts setting later, and suddenly everyone’s like, “We should eat outside!” like it’s a revolutionary idea? Yeah, that’s spring in Sacramento. And it hits hard.
The birds are chirping, your allergies are back with a vengeance, and your inner foodie is begging you to ditch the sad couch dinners and get out under some string lights with a glass of something chilled. Luckily, this city’s got no shortage of patios that make you feel like you’re living your best al fresco life—even if your toddler just launched a crayon into your pasta.
Whether you’re planning a cute date, trying to wrangle your friend group for a night out, or just want to eat something that isn’t takeout sushi in your car, these five local spots deliver good food, great vibes, and that yes-this-is-my-main-character-moment feeling.
1. Canon East Sacramento
Canon is what happens when someone dreams up the perfect patio, and then actually builds it. Tucked in East Sac, it feels a little like you’ve wandered into a secret dinner party where everyone’s cooler than you—but still super nice about it.
Chef Brad Cecchi’s menu is made for sharing (and yes, that means you do have to let your friend steal a bite of your lamb ribs). It’s seasonal, colorful, and full of little flavor bombs that make you say “okay, we’re coming back here.”
And the setting? Covered patio, cozy lighting, minimal bugs. It’s classy without being snooty, which is rare. Canon’s where you go when you want to impress someone without feeling like you’re trying too hard.
Details:
Canon East Sacramento
1719 34th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 469-2433
Open daily from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
2. The Waterboy
The Waterboy has been holding it down in Midtown since 1996, and honestly? Still slays.
The food is northern Italian meets southern French—so basically, all your “I just got back from Europe” food fantasies without the jet lag. Their sidewalk patio is charming as hell, and somehow always the perfect temperature (no scientific explanation, just vibes).
Pro tip: come on a weeknight when it’s less crowded, and pretend you’re a food critic while sipping something from their seriously impressive wine list. Order the risotto. You deserve it.
It’s date-night material, solo-dining-with-a-book material, and special-occasion-but-not-too-stuffy material.
Details:
The Waterboy
2000 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 498-9891
Lunch: Tuesday–Friday, 11:30 AM–2:00 PM
Dinner: Tuesday–Saturday, 5:00 PM–9:30 PM; Sunday–Monday, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
3. Paragary’s Midtown
Paragary’s is the Beyoncé of Sacramento patios. Elegant, timeless, and just a little bit extra (in the best way).
With waterfalls, olive trees, and enough greenery to make your houseplants feel inadequate, it’s the spot for when you want to eat something delicious while pretending you’re the star of your own garden party.
The food? California seasonal, and every dish looks like it was plated by a food stylist. From wood-fired pizza to the brunch menu of dreams (looking at you, lemon ricotta pancakes), this is the kind of place where you might start making up reasons to celebrate.
It’s perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or when you just want to feel fancy on a random Thursday.
Details:
Paragary’s Midtown
1401 28th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 457-5737
Dinner: Sunday–Thursday, 4:30 PM–9:00 PM; Friday–Saturday, 4:30 PM–9:30 PM
Weekend Brunch: Saturday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
4. Drake’s: The Barn
Drake’s: The Barn is what happens when a beer garden and a playground have a love child.
It’s loud. It’s fun. It’s massive. And it’s exactly what you need when you want to hang out with friends but also need space for your kids to burn off energy so they don’t ask for your phone every two minutes.
There’s beer (obviously), cocktails, food trucks, fire pits, and enough lawn to host a small festival. You can wear heels, sneakers, or Crocs, and no one will judge you.
Bonus: They’ve got live music, movie nights, and enough picnic tables to seat your entire chaotic friend group. This is Sacramento’s ultimate come-as-you-are patio.
Details:
Drake’s: The Barn
985 Riverfront Street, West Sacramento, CA 95691
(510) 423-0971
Hours vary; check website
5. Revolution Winery & Kitchen
Want to feel fancy without actually driving to Napa? Revolution has you covered.
This urban winery is all about small-batch wine, local ingredients, and giving you serious “I’m a wine person now” energy. Their Midtown patio is cozy, low-key, and somehow always smells amazing (probably the garlic fries).
Their menu changes often, but it’s always solid. You can sip a flight, snack on seasonal bites, and casually drop “I love that these grapes are local” into conversation like you totally know what you’re talking about.
Also, the staff are lovely. Even when you ask way too many questions about the rosé.
Details:
Revolution Winery & Kitchen
2831 S Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 444-7711
Tuesday–Thursday, 11:30 AM–9:00 PM
Friday–Saturday, 11:30 AM–10:00 PM
Sunday, 11:30 AM–9:00 PM
Final Thoughts: Patio Season Is Personal
Let’s be honest. Outdoor dining is about more than just eating—it’s about the vibe.
It’s catching golden hour while sipping something sparkly. It’s watching your kid chase a pigeon while you pretend you’re relaxed. It’s that weird sense of peace that comes from hearing laughter, clinking glasses, and someone else doing the dishes.
Sacramento knows how to do this. So don’t wait. Pick a patio, make a reservation, and soak up spring like it’s your part-time job.
Just maybe bring a jacket. It is still NorCal, after all.
If you want the top 5 Craft Beer Spots In Sacramento, check them out here!
