If you’ve lived in Sacramento for more than a minute, you’ve heard of Scott's Seafood on the River. It’s basically the "grand old dame" of the local dining scene. But honestly, in a city where trendy farm-to-fork spots pop up every week in Midtown, there’s often this quiet assumption that the older riverside staples might be losing their edge.
I went back recently to see if it’s just nostalgia keeping the doors open or if the kitchen is still actually firing on all cylinders.
Spoiler: It’s the latter. But there are a few things about the current setup—especially with the parking and the recent levee construction—that you really need to know before you just roll up to the Westin.
The "Wall" is Gone, and the Vibe is Back
For about 17 months, things were... weird. The Army Corps of Engineers basically moved into the neighborhood to do some necessary levee fortification. For a long time, the famous river view was partially blocked by a giant wall. If you were looking for that romantic "waterfront sunset" vibe, you were mostly looking at heavy machinery.
That’s over.
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The wall is down. The river is back. Owners Alan and Sigrid Irvine (who, by the way, are independent owners and not some corporate hotel management group) navigated that mess with a lot of grace. Now that the dust has settled, the patio is once again one of the best spots in Northern California to grab a drink.
What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
Most people head straight for the Clam Chowder. It’s a classic for a reason—thick, buttery, and they don't skimp on the clams. It’s $10 for a cup or $12 for a bowl. If you want something with a bit more kick, the Spicy Crab Bisque is actually the secret winner on the soup menu.
The Standouts:
- Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut: This is arguably their signature dish. At $46, it’s not cheap, but the crust has this perfect crunch that balances the flakey, mild fish. It’s served with a ginger-lime butter that I would honestly drink if it were socially acceptable.
- Ahi Poke Nachos: For $26, these are massive. Wonton chips, chili-miso aioli, and a generous amount of tuna. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes you regret ordering a main course because you’ll want to eat the whole plate.
- Scott's Cioppino: This is a monster of a dish. Clams, mussels, prawns, fresh fish, and crab in a tomato-fennel broth. It’s $52, but it’s basically two meals.
I’ll be real with you—the Pacific Rim Salad ($27) is great if you want something "lighter," but if you're going to Scott's, go for the seafood. The burgers are fine (the Scott’s Burger is $24), but you can get a great burger anywhere in Sac. You come here for things that lived in the water.
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The Parking Situation: Don't Get Fooled
This is the part that trips people up. Since the restaurant is attached to The Westin Sacramento, the default move when you pull up is to hand your keys to the valet.
Pro tip: You don't have to.
Self-parking is back and it’s free. When you hit the gate, the valet will ask "Valet or self-parking?" Just say self-parking. They’ll let you in, and you can save that $20+ tip for your server instead. If the lot is packed (which it gets on Friday nights), valet is a lifesaver, but for a random Tuesday lunch, just park it yourself.
Happy Hour and Brunch Hacks
If you’re on a budget but still want the river views, you need to hit the Happy Hour. It runs Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
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They do $10 Salmon Burgers and $10 Crispy Calamari. Compared to the $40+ dinner entrees, it’s a steal. They also have oysters on the half shell (usually 3 for $6), which is one of the better oyster deals in the city right now.
And then there's Brunch.
If you haven't had the Crabcakes Benedict ($30), you haven't lived. They use real Dungeness crab, which is a big deal because a lot of places try to sneak in filler or "Jonah" crab. For a drink, get the Kitchen Sink ($14)—it’s a Bloody Mary with a crab-stuffed olive, a prawn, and a bacon strip. It’s basically a snack and a drink in one.
Is it Still "The Best"?
Sacramento Magazine's readers vote this place the "Best Seafood" almost every single year. Is it the most "innovative" food in the city? Probably not. You won't find deconstructed foam or experimental nitrogen garnishes here.
What you will find is consistency. Alan Irvine has been at this for over 40 years. His sons, Iain and Tristan, are now heavily involved in the management and marketing, ensuring the place doesn't feel like a time capsule from 1991. It feels like a place that knows exactly what it is: a high-end, reliable seafood house with a view that nobody else in town can touch.
Essential Logistics for 2026
- Reservations: Absolutely necessary for dinner and weekend brunch. Use OpenTable or just call them at (916) 379-5959.
- Location: 4800 Riverside Blvd. It’s tucked away. If you feel like you’re just driving into a residential neighborhood, you’re on the right track.
- Dress Code: It’s Sacramento, so "California Casual" is the vibe. You’ll see people in suits next to people in nice jeans and a polo. Just don't show up in gym shorts if you're sitting in the main dining room.
- Pets: They are surprisingly dog-friendly on the patio. They’ll even bring out water for your pup.
Your Next Steps
If you're planning a visit, check the sunset times first. Aim for a reservation about 45 minutes before the sun goes down so you get the full transition from daylight to the glowing fire pits. Skip the valet, head straight for the bar for a quick "Featured Cocktail of the Day," and make sure someone at the table orders the sourdough cheese loaf—it's $13 of pure, buttery joy.