In the fall, What Now Sacramento reported that Midtown staple Der Biergarten was exploring a second location somewhere in the city. Now, it’s official: the beloved beer garden is headed to Old Sacramento.
Mayor Kevin McCarty announced Tuesday during his State of Downtown address that the German-inspired concept will take over a small outbuilding along the waterfront at 1108 Front St, just north of the former Rio City Cafe space. The move is part of a broader effort to revitalize the waterfront and reactivate the historic district’s riverdeck.
“I think it’s a great opportunity. They’re an excellent partner in Midtown,” said City Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum, who represents Midtown and Old Sacramento. “I think that having them there in that space, activating that, providing opportunities for folks to really enjoy the waterfront and do it while having a beer, sitting out and watching the water go by is perfect.”
Founded in 2014 by Sean and Erika Derfield, who also operate Sean Finnegan’s Pub in Old Sacramento, Der Biergarten has become a warm-weather favorite thanks to its open-air layout, communal tables, and impressive lineup of 32 beer taps.
The new 2,000-square-foot outpost will feature a patio and grassy area along the Sacramento River boardwalk, with views of the local sea lions. Sean told What Now Sacramento that seeing the sea lions in this spot was a selling point for Erika, who had been hesitant to open a second location while the couple was considering retirement.
The menu will mirror the Midtown location, featuring giant pretzels, sausage platters, schnitzel, and rotating German and Belgian craft drafts. While Midtown sources beers from across the country, the Old Sacramento outpost will spotlight more locally brewed selections alongside the brewery’s signature Starburst grapefruit radler topped with pomegranate cider.
“We started talking to everybody, went through the city bid system, and were chosen from the top three,” Sean said of securing the new building. “The only thing really different is that we’re going to feature locally brewed beers.”
The original Der Biergarten will continue operating as usual, including its annual Oktoberfest in late September. The Old Sacramento location is undergoing construction, with city improvements underway, and the Derfields hope for a summer 2026 opening—likely July—perfect for enjoying the patio.
The expansion comes as the former Rio City Cafe site undergoes long-needed repairs. The restaurant closed in 2024 after three decades in business, with significant structural work required on its city-owned deck. An additional, as-yet-unannounced restaurant is expected to occupy the larger footprint, with CBS13 reporting it will be a high-end Mexican concept from the Central Valley.
