Community members are invited to attend the grand opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront on Friday, Aug. 7, at its new location in the historic Steamers Building along the Old Sacramento Waterfront.
The event begins at 5 p.m. at 1108 Front St. and is open to the public.
Mayor Kevin McCarty and District 4 Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum are scheduled to participate in a ceremonial keg tapping. Free pretzels will be available to the first 100 attendees.
“Our waterfront is the crown jewel of our city,” said Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty. “With the opening of Der Biergarten plus the children’s play area, public market buildings, and a waterfront restaurant coming soon, we are making the investments our waterfront deserves. These investments will drive economic development, build community, and breathe life into Sacramento’s downtown.”
“The Steamers Building is one of those rare opportunities to create a really unique experience on the Old Sacramento Waterfront,” said Pluckebaum, who represents the area. “Visitors to Old Sac get to enjoy a pint of local beer practically on the river while enjoying views of the river, the Tower Bridge, maybe the sunset. The fact that it’s all operated by der Biergarten, a proven, local small business makes it even better.”
The new restaurant is part of ongoing City efforts to add dining options, public gathering spaces and other visitor amenities along the waterfront.
“The opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront is another step in our ongoing efforts to revitalize the Old Sacramento Waterfront and create welcoming public spaces for residents and visitors,” City Manager Maraskeshia Smith said. “As we continue investing in the waterfront, partnerships like this help transform City-owned spaces into vibrant destinations that support local businesses and strengthen Sacramento’s riverfront.”
Local business owners Sean, Erika and Jarrett Derfield developed the new location. They also operate Der Biergarten in Midtown and Sean Finnegan’s Pub in Old Sacramento.
The Steamers Building features an open air seating area along the waterfront Embarcadero. The new restaurant offers a menu that includes German and Belgian beers, Northern California craft beers, sausages, pretzels and other small plates in a classic beer garden setting.
“We wanted to bring the same communal outdoor atmosphere people enjoy at our Midtown location to the waterfront,” said Sean Derfield. “Watching the riverboats pass by and hearing the sea lions makes it a distinct Sacramento experience.”
The opening complements the City’s broader Waterfront Reinvestment Program, a multiphase effort to improve public spaces, infrastructure and the visitor experience along the Old Sacramento Waterfront.
Projects underway or in development include replacing aging sections of the boardwalk, creating a children’s play area in partnership with local tribes and designing new Public Market Buildings along Front Street. The proposed market buildings would provide additional space for dining, shopping and community activities.
As part of the program, the City recently completed a new riverfront deck at 1110 Front St. using state grant funding. The City is now working to identify an operator for a planned restaurant at the site.
More information about Der Biergarten Waterfront is available at beergardensacramento.com.
