SACRAMENTO REGION (MPG) - Located along the Sacramento River, Freeport Bar & Grill keeps American cuisine and tradition alive with quality service, classic dishes and a homey atmosphere.

Owned and operated by Nicole Finley’s parents since 1996, the family-run restaurant is a staple in the Freeport area. Finley and her brothers are next in line to take over the business, continuing its legacy as a “Gateway to the Delta” and a favorite for locals.

“We really just try to keep it ‘back to the basics,’” said Finley. “We have signature dishes that have always been on the menu…we add stuff but we try to keep it with that homey feel where all the meals come with a soup or a salad that you don’t have to pay extra for.”

The restaurant has seen renovations over the years, including a covered, pet-friendly patio for year-round outdoor dining and events.

Located just 10 minutes from downtown Sacramento and about 12 minutes from Elk Grove, Freeport Bar & Grill is open daily until 10 p.m.

Despite updates to the restaurant’s appearance, staple recipes remain unchanged. Customer favorites such as Yankee pot roast, French onion soup and clam chowder served every Friday are long-standing traditions.

“The Yankee pot roast is the original owner’s recipe and we’ve never changed that. We do home-made clam chowder every Friday, the same recipe that we’ve had for years,” Finley said. “French onion soup is served daily and we have newer items like the Monterey-stuffed avocado salad with mixed greens, fresh avocado and bay shrimp.”

Finley has been involved with the restaurant since her youth by hosting, folding napkins and helping her parents where needed. After graduating from California State University, Sacramento, Finley continued working alongside her family assisting both on the floor and with back-of-house responsibilities.

The restaurant stays true to its roots while evolving to meet customer needs, offering veggie patties and gluten-free options.

Family values and community spirit shine through their events for Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve. The outdoor patio also hosts weddings, showers and celebrations of life for longtime clients.

Bartender and head server Kristin McCollum has worked at the restaurant for three years but has been in the restaurant industry since 1999. McCollum said she “fell in love” with the Delta community and the people she serves.

 

Pictured is Freeport Bar & Grill bartender and head server Kristin McCollum.

“Freeport is a great place to work, great food and good people. My philosophy is we can work hard, have fun and help each other,” said McCollum. “Fish and chips are the best thing on the whole menu, fresh and never frozen cod. We make our own tempura batter and it’s a huge portion, enough for two people to share.”

One of McCollum’s favorite parts of the job is seeing familiar faces.

“People I served 20 years ago come here and remember me; they become my regulars again. That’s something that’s always stuck out to me,” she said.

According to McCollum, Freeport Bar & Grill is one of the few places in Sacramento that maintains a down-to-earth vibe while offering quality food. Customer-favorite cocktails include the raspberry lemon drop and dragon berry mojito with muddled strawberries, both original recipes.

Pictured is Roberta Ashenfarb.

Roberta Ashenfarb is a regular customer who said that the atmosphere, food and staff are among the reasons why she loves dining at the restaurant.

“The food is fresh; it’s very well made. You’ve got good company here, good people here. They have great specials, and I just love it,” she said.

David and Carolyn Hinshaw, Pocket residents, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with dinner at the restaurant. They have been dining at the restaurant for a few years.

“We like the service and we like the people,” said David Hinshaw.

 

David and Carolyn Hinshaw, Pocket residents, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a dinner at Freeport Bar & Grill on July 9.

Happy hour is available at the bar from 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays with beer and wine specials as well as small bites such as flat bread pizza and pretzels. Customers can watch their favorite team or sport on the screens upon request.

Located just 10 minutes from downtown Sacramento and about 12 minutes from Elk Grove, Freeport Bar & Grill is open daily until 10 p.m. Kids eat free on Tuesdays and adults enjoy 20% off bottles of wine during “Wine Down Wednesday.”

Whether it’s longtime residents reconnecting over a favorite meal, new customers discovering a neighborhood gem or families marking life’s milestones, the restaurant continues to be more than just a place to eat. It’s a community gathering spot where tradition is honored, stories are shared and everyone is treated like family.

To view the menu, upcoming events or learn more, visit freeportbarandgrill.com/about. Freeport Bar & Grill is located at 8259 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento.