If you’ve ever wanted to eat a burger while surrounded by lions, bears and giraffes, this is your kind of place.
It’s weird. It’s wild. And it’s kind of awesome.
The collection is massive, the drinks are strong, and the walls are packed with creatures from all over the world.
Where is this place? What’s the story behind it? And do they really have a hippo in the dining room?
Keep reading. You’re in for a strange and unforgettable stop.
Where Is It?
Foster’s Bighorn is located right in the heart of Rio Vista, a small town along the Sacramento River in Northern California.
It’s just over an hour from San Francisco, about 1 hour from Sacramento, and around 1 hour and 30 minutes from San Jose.
You’ll find it on Main Street, just a few blocks from the Rio Vista Bridge, so it’s an easy detour if you’re cruising along Highway 12.
About
Walking into Foster’s Bighorn feels a bit like stepping into a strange museum… if that museum also served cold beer and burgers.
This legendary spot in Rio Vista is famous for one very specific thing: taxidermy.
And not just a few deer heads on the wall.
We’re talking over 300 mounted animals packed into one bar and restaurant. Lions. Elephants. Even a giraffe.
The place is absolutely stacked with animals covering the walls and reaching up toward the ceiling, making it one of the most unique dining rooms in California.
If that sounds a little intense, don’t worry. It’s surprisingly cozy inside, like a hunting lodge crossed with a sports bar.
A Wild History That Dates Back to 1933
Foster’s Bighorn was opened in 1933 by Bill Foster, a big game hunter who loved two things: taxidermy and taverns. So he combined both.
He spent decades traveling the world collecting trophies, mostly in Africa and North America, and brought them all back to Rio Vista.
The collection is massive.
Most of the animals were taken during legal hunts in the 1920s to the 1940s, and the sheer scale of it is jaw-dropping.
There are giant horns, tusks, and antlers just about everywhere you look.
Bill passed away in 1963, but the bar kept going.
Over the years, it’s changed hands a few times, but the taxidermy has stayed put.
Foster’s is now a full-on roadside legend.
What It’s Like Inside
The dining room looks like something out of a retro safari film.
There are animal heads on every wall, a full lioness posed mid-prowl above the bar, and a huge giraffe towering over the booths.
The bar area has that classic small-town tavern feel, with wood-paneled walls, and locals chatting over pints.
There are also more mounted animals behind the bar, including antelope and water buffalo.
It’s not a quiet spot. There’s usually a game on TV, people catching up, and the occasional tourist gasping, “Is that a hippo?” (Yes. Yes, it is.)
The vibe is casual and weirdly welcoming. It’s not your average bar, but that’s exactly the point.
What’s on the Menu
Foster’s serves classic American bar food with zero pretension.
Think juicy burgers, steak sandwiches, fries, and onion rings.
The fish and chips are a local favorite, and the buffalo wings are also a solid choice. Portions are generous, and prices are reasonable.
They’ve got a full bar with beers on tap and a decent selection of wines.
Foster’s doesn’t try to be trendy.
It sticks to what it does best: meat, drinks, and a whole lot of mounted animals.
And honestly? That’s what makes it unforgettable.
Know Before You Go
When to Visit
Foster’s Bighorn is closed on Mondays but open the rest of the week.
- Tuesday – Thursday: 4 PM – 9 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM
Weekends are the busiest, especially during lunch and dinner.
If you want a quieter visit (and more time to gawk at the giraffe in peace), try swinging by on a weekday afternoon.
How Much It Costs
Most menu items fall in the $10 to $25 range, with drinks priced like your average small-town tavern.
No fancy cocktail menus here, just solid pours and a few beers on tap.
Things to Do Nearby
Rio Vista is small, but it’s got charm.
You’re right on the Sacramento River, so if you’re into fishing, boating, or bird watching, you’re in luck.
The Rio Vista Fishing Pier is just a few minutes from Foster’s and makes for a relaxing post-meal walk.
If you’re driving in on Highway 12, make a quick stop at the Western Railway Museum just 20 minutes away.
It’s got vintage electric trains and rides on historic trolleys which is surprisingly fun, even if you’re not a train nerd.
Also nearby is Brannan Island State Recreation Area, about 10 minutes south.
It’s a good spot for kayaking, picnicking, and cooling off in the summer.
A Few Extra Tips
Parking is usually easy, there’s street parking right out front and around the corner.
The vibe inside is super casual.
No dress code, no reservations, just walk in and grab a seat.
And finally, bring a fully charged phone or camera. The photo ops here are wild.
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