A popular Sacramento beer garden is opening its second location this week.
Der Biergarten Waterfront, a German beer garden, will hold its grand opening at 1108 Front St. on Friday in Old Sacramento.
The business is owned by Erika, Jarrett and Sean Derfield, who also own Sean Finnegan’s Pub on 2nd Street. The Old Sacramento location will deliver a “traditional German-style beer garden atmosphere overlooking the Sacramento River,” according to a news release from Der Biergarten.
“We wanted to bring the same communal outdoor atmosphere people enjoy at our Midtown location to the waterfront,” Sean Derfield said in the news release. “Watching the riverboats pass by and hearing the sea lions make it a distinct Sacramento experience.”
The beer garden will operate out an historic building close to the neighborhood’s waterfront, hence its namesake. The building will also have a 1,550 square foot seating area near the boardwalk. Der Biergarten’s midtown location on K Street launched in 2014.
“Like the Midtown location, Der Biergarten Waterfront will feature communal tables encouraging guests to connect while enjoying scenic waterfront views free of televisions” and amplified music,” the business wrote in its news release.
The opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront is a part of Sacramento’s Waterfront Reinvestment Program, according to a news release. This $25 million city-funded initiative seeks to improve tourism in the Old Sacramento area.
Der Biergarten Waterfront replaces Rio City Cafe, which closed in 2024 after 30 years.
The first 100 guests Friday will receive a free “authentic German pretzel,” according to the business’s news release.
“Guests can choose from imported German and Belgian beers alongside Northern California craft brews. The food menu will feature traditional German fare, including premium sausages, fresh pretzels, and other small plates,” the news release read.
Der Biergarten Waterfront will be open to the public at 5 p.m.
This story was originally published August 3, 2026 at 12:25 PM.
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Emma Hall covers retail and business for The Sacramento Bee. Hall graduated from Sacramento State and Diablo Valley College. She is Blackfeet and Cherokee.