[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

Inspection report of Roosters on the River
A screenshot of the inspection report of Roosters on the River (Image Credit: inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/sacramento)
  • 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.
Roosters on the River inspection report screenshot
Screenshot of the violations noted during inspection (Image Credit: inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/sacramento)
  • 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

Screenshot of Roosters on the River inspection report
A screenshot of the additional comments in the inspection report (Image Credit: inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/sacramento)

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.

Roosters on the River inspection report
Screenshot of the official inspection report (Image Credit: inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/sacramento)