Bawk! by Urban Roots
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Bawk! by Urban Roots

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A vibrant urban eatery celebrated for its exceptional fried chicken, fresh oysters, and lively atmosphere with unique graffiti art.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Bawk! by Urban Roots

Bawk! by Urban Roots

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant urban eatery celebrated for its exceptional fried chicken, fresh oysters, and lively atmosphere with unique graffiti art.

"Delicious food and great beer, with a vibe that's as cool as the graffiti on the walls."

TIP

Beat the Rush

Arrive early, especially during peak hours, as seating is limited and lines can get long.

Parking Prep

Parking in the downtown area can be challenging. Plan to arrive early for street parking or budget for nearby lots.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Saturday 11AM

Cuisine

American BBQ

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(916) 376-7531

Address

1409 R St #102, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Famous Chicken and Waffles

Famous Chicken and Waffles

Renowned for its chicken and waffles, featuring crispy fried chicken atop thick, fluffy waffles. A must-try classic done right.

Unique Urban Atmosphere

Unique Urban Atmosphere

Experience a cool urban vibe with eye-catching graffiti floors that add a distinctive character to the dining space.

Fresh Oysters

Fresh Oysters

Beyond chicken, Bawk! surprises with fresh oysters served by the half or full dozen, a delightful seafood option.

The Best Spots for Fresh Oysters in the Greater Sacramento Area
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse in 📍Sac #bbq #sac #sacramento #midtown #bayarea #foodie #foodtiktok #foodtok #foodreview #foodlover #fyp #foodporn #eat #goodeating
@maikhanh.hoang
55 likes • 1.2K views

Beat the Rush

Arrive early, especially during peak hours, as seating is limited and lines can get long.

Parking Prep

Parking in the downtown area can be challenging. Plan to arrive early for street parking or budget for nearby lots.

My first time eating bbq in Sacramento and DAMN 🤩 📍Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse 1322 V St Sacramento CA 95818 The Really Real Reveiw Instagram: @ kellydotcoms #food #sacramento #fyp #bbq
@kelly.tans
55 likes • 1.2K views
Honestly whatever Urban Roots opens is fire. #sacramentoeats
@_wellverzed
1K likes • 15.9K views

Spice Level Awareness

Communicate spice preferences. Some dishes can be heavily seasoned or may not have enough heat as expected.

Self-Service Option

For quicker service during busy periods, consider utilizing the self-service counter.

Urban Roots 🍻 #Sacramento #sacramentotiktok #sactiktok #916 #Saceats #BlackOwned916 #UrbanRoots #sacramentoca #WilsunPlates
@mariawilsun
3K likes • 34.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Beat the Rush

Arrive early, especially during peak hours, as seating is limited and lines can get long.

Parking Prep

Parking in the downtown area can be challenging. Plan to arrive early for street parking or budget for nearby lots.

Spice Level Awareness

Communicate spice preferences. Some dishes can be heavily seasoned or may not have enough heat as expected.

Self-Service Option

For quicker service during busy periods, consider utilizing the self-service counter.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners praise the restaurant's cool urban vibe and unique graffiti art, along with its excellent BBQ and beer selection. However, some reviews mention issues with sticky tables and inconsistent seasoning, with a few experiencing dry chicken or overly salty dishes. The popular chicken and waffles and fresh oysters receive high marks, but service can be slow during peak times.

"Went here happy hour on a Friday afternoon. Not crowded, great prices, fast service. Honestly, this place surprised me, the chicken sandwich (with the maple sweet heat) was really really good! Definitely worth checking out. And the happy hour specials are definitely worth it!"

Aaron Brown

"Bawk! by Urban Roots was a good dining experience. I love the design and style of the restaurant. The spray paint/grafiti street style interior is really nice. The did was good. The collard greens were really good. The chicken was good. The oysters were good as well. The stout ybeer was a surprise. I regimen Bawk! by Urban Roots for anyone who loves soul food. The restaurant is small and the line can get long. Getting a seat at dinner time is extremely difficult. Overall, it was a good experience. I'll arrive earlier next time."

Winston Blakely

"We had to wait over 30 minutes for just 2 items ordered that cost $50 total including tip for self service, despite no wait to order at the counter or for a table. We also decided to move outside since they cranked up the music loud indoors at noon for some reason.

The chicken sandwich was so small and the chicken dry, waffle fries cold and undercooked. My waffle was the only redeeming item, thick and fluffy with a really good butter on it.. But the chicken on top of it also tough and dry."

Artemis Huntsman

What People Like

Cool urban vibe and art
Delicious BBQ and beer
Signature chicken and waffles

What People Dislike

Inconsistent seasoning (salty/not spicy enough)
Sticky tables
Long wait times

Frequently Asked Questions

The famous Chicken and Waffles is a standout. Oysters on the half shell and the Maple Hot Honey chicken are also highly recommended.

Parking can be challenging in the downtown area. It's advisable to arrive early to find street parking or be prepared to use nearby paid lots.

The restaurant has a cool urban vibe with distinctive graffiti floors, making it a visually interesting place to dine.

While known for chicken, the menu may include sides or appetizers that cater to vegetarians. It's best to check with the staff directly.

Portion sizes are generally decent, especially for items like the Bawk Fries. However, some guests have noted feeling hungry after their meal.

Google Review

The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis for seating, and reservations are not typically mentioned. Be prepared for potential waits.

Google Review+1

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Bawk! by Urban Roots (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide