Near the historic Tower Theater on Broadway sits another piece of Sacramento history, the Tower Café. Since opening on Earth Day 1990, owner James Seyman has maintained a philosophy of bringing together the hearts, minds, and appetites of Sacramento’s diverse population under one roof. That fusion approach still defines the menu today.

Tower Café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with dishes that span the globe. The Famous French Toast—custard-soaked and legitimately award-winning—is the kind of thing regulars order without looking at the menu. But they also do Piag’s Thai Steak, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, and a rotating selection of seasonal specials that reflect whatever’s inspiring the kitchen that day. The desserts are made in-house, and the spirits list goes well beyond basic options if you want something to sip while you eat.

The space itself feels like it belongs in that building next to the Tower Theater. There’s a real sense of place here—the kind of café that’s been important to Sacramento’s dining culture for over three decades and doesn’t feel the need to prove it.

Dogs on leash are welcome on the patio as long as they’re well-behaved and trained. It’s a genuine permission rather than a grudging allowance, which makes a difference when you’re eating outside with your dog in Sacramento’s warm months. The patio gives you street-level views of the Broadway corridor, so there’s enough going on to keep everyone entertained while you eat. Just keep in mind this is a working restaurant patio during service hours, so it’s not a dog park situation—more a nice spot to grab a meal and have your dog alongside you without it being awkward.