[Editor’s note: The report referenced in this article reflects conditions observed during an inspection conducted on April 20 and does not represent the establishment’s current or future status.]
Sacramento County Environmental Management Department conducted a routine inspection at Roosters on the River on April 20. During the inspection, the restaurant was cited for multiple health code violations and received a yellow placard.
The inspection report noted low water pressure in a sink, missing toilet paper in the restroom, and improper food storage temperatures.
WhatNow has reached out to the restaurant for comment and will update the story upon receiving a response.
Roosters on the River
- When: April 20, 2026
- Where: 1379 Garden Hwy, Sacramento, CA 95833, United States
Roosters on the River is a Mexican-inspired brunch and dining destination. According to the inspection report, the violations included:
- The inspection report noted a lack of soap and paper towels near the handwashing sink.
- A large pan of cooked potatoes and peppers was stored on top of the stove without proper temperature control.
- Full containers of beans and rice were stored in 4-5-inch pans inside the walk-in cooler. The restaurant was using deep pans to cool food. This was corrected on spot.
- Staff food handler documentation was incomplete. It is advised to be corrected withing 30 days.
- An open personal drink was left on the food preparation table near the bread and toaster. This violation was corrected, according to the report.
- The report also noted that the restaurant’s menu did not include a disclosure warning about the undercooked food items. The report states the menu must be updated to include the required disclosure.
- The protective wrapping of the ice machine was peeling. Ice paddles were improperly stored on the freezer floor.
- During the inspection, one of the thermometers was not working properly and was giving wrong readings (reading 20°F in ice).
- A digital thermometer was broken, and a monitoring thermometer was not available in the coffee prep cooler.
- The cleaning cloth solution has a low sanitizer level, measured at 50 ppm. Empty chemical spray bottles were stored inside the cook’s line hand sink.
- The inspection found low hot water pressure in the 3-compartment sink.
- The restaurant failed to provide an EMD permit during the inspection. EMD is a license issued by the Environmental Management Department.
- No toilet paper was available inside the men’s restroom. Staff were advised to keep restrooms stocked and clean at all times.
A detailed inspection report is available here.
Follow-up Inspection
The health department will conduct a reinspection within 24 to 72 hours. To receive a green placard, the restaurant is required to correct all the violations before the follow-up inspection.
