Old Sacramento took on an old-time German flair on Friday night as customers wore traditional dress to celebrate the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront.

The location, in the historic Steamers Building on the waterfront embarcadero, has a German beer garden atmosphere overlooking the Sacramento River. It serves German and Belgian beers along with Northern California brews, as well as German-style sausages, fresh pretzels and other items.

The owners also operate the Der Biergarten location in midtown, and Sean Finnegan’s Pub in Old Sacramento.

“We wanted to bring the same communal outdoor atmosphere people enjoy at our Midtown location to the waterfront,” said Sean Derfield, one of the owners, in a statement. “Watching the riverboats pass by and hearing the sea lions makes it a distinct Sacramento experience.”

The Steamers Building is owned by the city of Sacramento, and stands a larger city-owned restaurant building formerly occupied by the Rio City Cafe. No tenant for that building has been announced.

Members of the Sacramento Turn Verein Alpentanzer Schuhplattler dance group perform at the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront in Old Sacramento on Friday. Members of the Sacramento Turn Verein Alpentanzer Schuhplattler dance group perform at the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront in Old Sacramento on Friday. ZIYU JULIAN ZHU julian.zhu@sacbee.com Markus Geissler plays the accordion during the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront in Sacramento on Friday. Markus Geissler plays the accordion during the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront in Sacramento on Friday. ZIYU JULIAN ZHU julian.zhu@sacbee.com Security manager Ivan Orona, left, serves food at the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront in Old Sacramento on Friday. Security manager Ivan Orona, left, serves food at the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront in Old Sacramento on Friday. ZIYU JULIAN ZHU julian.zhu@sacbee.com Owner Sean Derfield passes a mug of beer at the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront in Old Sacramento on Friday. Owner Sean Derfield passes a mug of beer at the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront in Old Sacramento on Friday. ZIYU JULIAN ZHU julian.zhu@sacbee.com A customer eats a German sausage at the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront in Old Sacramento on Friday. A customer eats a German sausage at the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront in Old Sacramento on Friday. ZIYU JULIAN ZHU julian.zhu@sacbee.com Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty drinks a mug of beer at the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront in Old Sacramento on Friday. Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty drinks a mug of beer at the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront in Old Sacramento on Friday. ZIYU JULIAN ZHU julian.zhu@sacbee.com Ethan Maiuro, left, and his girlfriend Zoe Smith clink their glasses at the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront in Old Sacramento on Friday. Ethan Maiuro, left, and his girlfriend Zoe Smith clink their glasses at the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront in Old Sacramento on Friday. ZIYU JULIAN ZHU julian.zhu@sacbee.com

This story was originally published August 8, 2026 at 2:21 PM.