Photo of The Waterboy, one of the best restaurants in Sacramento

The Waterboy

4.7/5.0 (809 reviews)

The Waterboy offers a delightful dining experience with a focus on excellent and affordable food. Under the guidance of culinary icon Rick Mahan, guests are treated to a warm atmosphere and attentive service.

Our Expert's Take

The Waterboy stands out in Sacramento's bustling dining scene, offering a unique blend of affordability and excellence. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident not only in their flavorful dishes but also in the inviting atmosphere fostered by owner Rick Mahan and his dedicated staff.

During a recent visit, I was impressed by the efficient service provided by our server Rosa, whose friendly demeanor added to the overall enjoyment of the evening. This combination of top-notch hospitality and delicious cuisine makes The Waterboy an ideal spot for special occasions, such as birthday celebrations, or a casual night out with friends.

At a Glance

Pros

  • Excellent food quality at affordable prices.
  • Friendly and efficient service from the staff.
  • Welcoming atmosphere perfect for celebrations.

Cons

  • Limited parking options in the area.
  • Can get busy during peak dining hours.

What Diners Are Saying

Rating: 5/5

"The food is excellent and affordable. Rosa was our server, and she is very friendly and efficient. Owner and culinary icon Rick Mahan came over and greeted us. It was a super birthday dinner."
- Vincent Gonzales

Rating: 4/5

"I have to say that overall, I had a positive experience at this place. You'll see from my pictures and the one video that the interior of the restaurant is pretty spectacular! I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the decor chosen by the owners. I actually visited this place for the first time on a date in December 2023! So yes, this is an old review that I never got around to writing. With that idea in mind, I must be fully transparent and honest about my complete experience. The food left a little to be desired for my taste. :-( I'm being honest about that. After all, eating is probably the most important reason for visiting a restaurant, yes? I received an order of large pasta noodles with what appeared to be remnants of ground beef or sausage scattered about in the meal. In other words, and you'll see from my picture, there was barely any sauce or meat in the dish! That was unfortunate. I was mostly disappointed because of the price that my date and I paid for the meal! They are pricey as hell! LOL and frankly, I would not have minded the price that we paid if the portions had been larger. And that's the other issue: the portions are quite small at this place. Expect to spend a lot of money but not get much for what you pay for. That's the reality of it. I am always fully honest in my reviews, and this place, even with their high ratings, does not get the benefit of my lying to keep their reviews hi. I'm sorry. You're probably thinking to yourself, "If the food wasn't so great, why give them four stars?!" Well! That's easily answered: it's because of the customer service we received! Our server was very friendly. I gave him a note about the food that I ordered, and asked his opinion about the matter. I guess it was more of a complaint? My date had the same problem. The server basically explained to us that it was a standard measured amount for the proteins. It's how they did things! They literally measure out the amount of protein one receives, and that iscthat. Aside from that, the server was really fantastic. Also, there was another gentleman at the bar who gave us a free drink while we waited to be seated at our table. He was FANTASTIC!!! I had wished he could've been our server. We did have a reservation in advance. So, the decor, the customer service, and especially the cleanliness of the bathroom are the reasons to visit this establishment! I was quite surprised with how clean the restroom was. That's why they got four stars. If the food had been spectacular, I would have given them five stars! If you look at the breakdown of the star review I gave them, you'll see I gave them two stars for the food, but five stars for everything else. Will I visit this place again in the future?Hmmm, maybe or maybe not. I'm not sure, to be honest with you."
- LaVell Thompson, Jr.

Rating: 1/5

"I wasn’t going to write a review until my husband was hit with the most violent food poisoning I’ve ever encountered… don’t worry I’ve added videos for clarification. The best part of this experience was the server and her amazing attitude. Very attentive wait staff. As for the food, it was not what I expected to say the very least. Oysters, good if you like overwhelming onion flavor. Potato gratin, tasted like it was from a box with Parmesan crusted on top. Steak tartare was the most balanced & best thing we had. Steak, so lemon-y and pink I was concerned if it would make my dog sick. Risotto, first time ever trying this and I couldn’t believe they would serve something so awful, it tasted like watery rice mixed with bad seafood. I’m not one to leave horrible reviews like this but after the hell my husband endured after eating at this restaurant, I feel obligated to tell the truth. It’s. Not. Worth. It. (Also, if you have a weak stomach don’t listen to the videos)"
- Karli

Rating: 4/5

"Elegant and classy atmosphere as well as friendly and classy hostesses. The food was extremely pleasant, flavorful and filling. The wine selection was fabulous with the servers being very knowledgeable yet fun with the recommendations. A very great place for romance and romantic/special occasions. A little pricey but definitely made my visit special."
- Courtney Brown

Rating: 5/5

"Really great dining on the patio. Was pet friendly and was offered a water bowl as well! Food was excellent. Especially enjoyed the Steak Tartare with the pastry! You'll have to find street parking for this, we were lucky to find one right at front."
- Lily P

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there parking available?

Parking is limited, so consider arriving early or using rideshare services.

What is the dress code?

The dress code is casual, making it a comfortable spot for everyone.

What is the best dish to order?

The seasonal specials are highly recommended, along with their classic bar favorites.