Dining options in the River District have increased dramatically with the opening of the May Lee State Office Complex in 2024. The project includes its own food hall, dubbed Richards Market, and Mikey’s Coffee House at the Grizzly Grind, which are open to the public. Additionally, there are many long-standing options ranging from fast food to full service dining.
Capitol Casino, 411 N. 16th Street – Sacramento’s #1 poker room also includes a café and restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 8am until 10pm (and until midnight Thursday through Saturday). From appetizers, sandwiches and salads to steak dinners, the restaurant also features a nightly Asian menu. https://www.capitol-casino.com/dining/
Curiosity Café, 400 Jibboom Street – Located within the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, the Curiosity Café is an excellent spot to grab a quick lunch. Fresh baked pizza, wraps, sandwiches, and salads are available weekdays from 10am-2pm and on weekends and holidays from 9am-4pm (as well as daily during the summer). On your way out, check out the museum’s gift shop! https://www.facebook.com/curiositycafe.mosac
Denny’s, 300 Bercut Dr – Ubiquitous American diner chain that’s open 24 hours a day, specializing in classic breakfast items served all day, as well as burgers, salads, melts, and milk shakes. Conveniently located right by Interstate 5. https://www.dennys.com/
Linda’s Taqueria, 1151 Richards Blvd – This is the spot for casual Mexican fare for breakfast and lunch. Linda’s Mexican Food stands out from the rest by sticking to the values and principles of Hispanic heritage. Linda’s also offers beer, wine, and house-made aguas frescas made with real cane sugar from “abuela’s recipes.” https://lindasmexicanfood.com/
Tulum Bar & Grill, 455 Bercut Dr – Inspired by diverse Mexican culture, with a full menu, bar, happy hour and occasional live entertainment, Tulum Bar & Grill is the go-to spot for full-service dining in the River District. https://www.instagram.com/tulumsac/
McDonald’s, 200 Richards Blvd – This recently-renovated McDonald’s franchise is conveniently located near Interstate 5 and includes drive-thru as well as lobby service. The drive-thru is open 24 hours on Thursday and Friday, and until 1am most other nights. https://www.mcdonalds.com/
Mikey’s Coffee House at Grizzly Grind, 651 Bannon St – The River District’s first coffee shop is located near the corner of Bannon and North 7th Street, within the May Lee State Office Complex. Open weekdays from 7am-2pm, Mikey’s offers a wide range of coffees, teas, smoothies, snacks, soups and more!
Nena’s Mexican Cuisine, 232 Jibboom Street – Classic Mexican platters are dished up in this warm, colorful restaurant with expansive seating, a bar, and banquet room. The extensive menu features recipes that many family generations have enjoyed throughout the years. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available. https://www.nenasmexicanrestaurantsac.com/
Richards Market, 651 Bannon St – This food hall is part of the May Lee State Office Complex and is open weekdays for breakfast from 7am-10:30am and for lunch from 10:30-2pm. Order ahead online and pickup, or dine in. Operated by Pacific Dining. https://www.pacific-dining.com/maylee
Subway, 700 N. 10th Street – Located on the ground floor of the California Lottery Headquarters, this location of the popular sandwich chain is a little off the beaten path; however it is very close to the American River Bike Trail! That makes it an ideal stop when you’re out walking or biking along the riverfront. Just make sure to note the hours; they correspond with the office hours of the lottery: 7am-5pm on weekdays, closed on weekends. https://restaurants.subway.com/
By Devin Strecker
Updated on 2/7/25
