The Virgin Sturgeon: 49 Years of Food, Fun, and History on the Sacramento River
A Legacy Built on Resilience and Creativity
For 49 years, The Virgin Sturgeon has been a symbol of Sacramento’s riverfront charm, offering locals and visitors a place to relax, enjoy great food, and revel in the sun-soaked views of the Sacramento River. But the journey to becoming the iconic venue it is today was anything but straightforward. The story of The Virgin Sturgeon began on an 80-year-old rock barge—a relic from the days of Sacramento levee construction.
This barge, once a foundation for JoJo’s Marina (and later Dirty Harry’s and Bob and Dee’s), went through some serious challenges, including surviving four to five sinkings before it found its true purpose as the home of The Virgin Sturgeon. How did it all come together? Well, over cocktails, of course! A scribbled idea on a napkin led to several names being considered, but The Virgin Sturgeon emerged victorious. It just had the right ring to it.
The Birth of an Iconic Riverside Retreat
The Virgin Sturgeon officially opened on May 1, 1976, becoming an instant hit with both locals and prominent figures. California Governor Jerry Brown and his staff were regulars, and the barge became a place where even important matters could wait—like when Gray Davis, Brown’s chief of staff, paused an important call to play the new video game, Pong, with the Governor himself!
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. In 1978, just shy of its second anniversary, a rogue tree came downstream and lodged itself into the barge, sending it to the bottom of the river. But like any self-respecting, party-loving establishment, The Virgin Sturgeon didn’t let that stop the fun. The booze was salvaged, and the celebration continued!
Rebuilding and the Journey to the Present
After several setbacks, including a devastating fire and challenges finding a new barge, The Virgin Sturgeon persevered. In 1980, the establishment reopened as The Virgin Sturgeon II on land, but in 1984, the riverside location finally became a reality when the barge Le Barge from Sutter County became the new home for this beloved venue.
Today, The Virgin Sturgeon is still a family-owned business and continues to thrive on the Sacramento River, where its floating heritage remains alive and well. It’s a place where locals and visitors come together to enjoy great food, river views, and a rich history that’s stood the test of time.
