The Waterboy

My wife took me here for my birthday dinner. Zang (sp?) was an amazing server and made the evening special! This restaurant is small but quaint. They have outside seating with misters. We had the oysters, scallops, steak, and profiteroles. The champagne we had and the old fashioneds were amazeballs! My first bite of scallops was a bit disappointing because it was chewy but every bite after that was fire!!!!! The steak was not cooked medium but it was so flavorful and tender it didn’t matter. Will come back for sure. The antipasto plate and the deviled eggs look great. Thank you for making my birthday special.

Had a good time here. The food was great, really enjoyed the antipasto. Drinks were strong. Our server was kind and informative, as was a guy who came by with water (I had a hard time choosing between duck and steak. He recommended the duck even though duck isn't his thing and it was delicious!) Only real detractors were the acoustics (it was loud and cacophonous until people started clearing out) and the chairs aren't very comfy.

Wow I don't know where to start with this... a tantric trip to taste budlandia where I went deaf for a brief instant while my brain shifts all focusing powers to the magic in my mouth. What a treat waterboy is. We came in on a Friday night and the joint was packed to the gills and for good reason. So my friend and I took the first spot at the bar and we're greeted rather quickly by the bartender Jon. He started us off with a couple of house made rye cocktails then went over the specials. His knowledge of the drinks and not only the menu but the chefs preparing the food as well. After his take we decided to have a few of his favorites. Beef tartar and sweet bread. I would have never ordered the sweet bread if I had read the menu because it's not sweet or bread. I sure am glad I didn't cause it was phenomenal. Hands down one to go back for. For our entrees we had the quail with pork belly and the fire grilled brick chicken. Both were great but the chicken was clearly the winner. The skin was crispy yet the plate flooded with juice when cut open. Waterboy and Jon thank you for renewing the Sacramento food scene single handedly👏🏾👏🏾

Based on my first visit, I will give this place a 3.5 stars. For the positive, the services was great. However, when I told my server that the cocktail I order was not tasting good and that it would go better with another bourbon, rather than offering to change, he just said, maybe you order another one. That was not a great start although he recovered for the rest of the meal. As an appetizer we ordered a paella salad, which had the rice undercooked. The rest of the meal was good but not memorable, which was not good for us as we heard this is one of the best places in Sac. Plus, the quality did not match the bill. Is not about the money, but when the food is not to standard but expensive, that does not seat well with me. Perhaps our expectations were too high. Perhaps we got them in an off day. Nonetheless, I will try this place again in the eventually of the off day and with lower expectations.

Sarah and I walk past the Waterboy several times a week. We’ve been here separately and wanted to give it a go…. wow just wow. I had the Halibut and Sarah the chicken and dumplings. We had the deviled eggs to start… Each dish was so delicately prepared, subtle flavors and nuanced aromas… wonderful. Our waiter knew the history of the building and shared with us.. very very attentive staff!