Sacramento's vibrant nightlife scene boasts a diverse range of bars, catering to every taste and preference. Whether you're a craft beer aficionado, a cocktail connoisseur, or simply looking for a lively atmosphere, this guide highlights the top 21 bars in Sacramento, ensuring you'll find the perfect spot for your next night out. This list includes established favorites and exciting newcomers, offering a mix of styles and experiences. We've considered atmosphere, drink selection, and overall experience in compiling this definitive guide to Sacramento's best bars.
Exploring Sacramento's Diverse Bar Scene: Finding Your Perfect Pint (or Cocktail!)
Sacramento's bar scene is as diverse as its population. From cozy pubs to trendy cocktail lounges, there's a place for everyone. To help navigate this exciting landscape, we've categorized our top picks:
Upscale & Stylish Lounges:
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The Citizen Hotel's Bar: This sophisticated bar offers expertly crafted cocktails and an elegant atmosphere. The ambiance is perfect for a romantic date night or a celebratory drink with friends. They often feature live music, enhancing the upscale experience.
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Shady Lady Saloon: Known for its meticulously crafted cocktails and a touch of Old Hollywood glamour, the Shady Lady is a Sacramento institution. The skilled bartenders are masters of their craft, creating innovative and delicious drinks.
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Koda: A stylish bar with an extensive sake and whiskey selection. Koda caters to a sophisticated clientele, and its modern Japanese-influenced décor adds a unique touch. The ambiance is quiet and classy, perfect for conversations.
Craft Beer Havens:
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Track 7 Brewing Co.: A local favorite, Track 7 offers a wide selection of its own award-winning craft beers, alongside a selection of guest taps. The brewery itself is a relaxed and spacious setting.
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New Glory Craft Brewery: A popular spot known for its creative brews and fun atmosphere. New Glory often hosts events and live music, making it a lively and social environment.
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Sacramentality Brewing Company: This local brewery prioritizes high-quality ingredients and innovative brewing techniques. They also frequently feature unique, seasonal brews. Their taproom is friendly and welcoming.
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Auburn Alehouse: This location just outside Sacramento's city limits consistently ranks highly among beer lovers for its broad selection and high quality.
Lively Pubs & Gastropubs:
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LowBrau: A popular spot that features an impressive beer list along with delicious food. LowBrau's ambiance is energetic yet approachable, a great place for socializing.
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The Firehouse: This historic bar is a Sacramento landmark with a rich history and a lively atmosphere. They offer a solid selection of beers on tap and a great environment for catching a game.
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The Golden Bear: This legendary Sacramento bar is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, live music, and strong drink selection. The outdoor patio is also popular in the warmer months.
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Fox & Goose: This British-style pub boasts a large selection of beers on tap, pub fare, and a cozy environment. It's the perfect place to relax after a long day.
Unique & Thematic Bars:
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Punch Bowl Social: This entertainment venue combines bowling, games, and a full bar, making it a unique and fun spot for groups.
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Faces: A popular dive bar loved for its cheap prices and relaxed atmosphere. It's a great spot for a casual drink.
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De Vere's Irish Pub: This lively pub provides a fun, friendly atmosphere with all the traditional Irish charm.
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The Press Club: This speakeasy-style bar offers expertly crafted cocktails and a refined atmosphere. It's the perfect place for a sophisticated night out.
Dive Bars & Neighborhood Gems:
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The Devil's Teeth: Known for its strong drinks and casual ambiance.
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Frank Fat's: A classic Sacramento bar with a long history and a loyal following.
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Midtown Barflies: A dive bar with a reputation for its strong drinks, friendly bartenders, and casual atmosphere.
Rooftop Bars:
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The Alibi Room: This bar offers stunning city views from its rooftop patio.
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16 Powerhouse: This bar located in the heart of Sacramento offers a unique indoor-outdoor space with incredible city views.
Wine Bars:
- Wine & Roses: Though not strictly a bar, their extensive selection and lovely ambiance make Wine & Roses a great choice for wine lovers.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sacramento Bar
When selecting your perfect Sacramento bar experience, consider these factors:
- Atmosphere: Do you prefer a lively, bustling environment or a more relaxed and intimate setting?
- Drink Selection: Are you looking for a specific type of beer, wine, or cocktail?
- Food: Does the bar offer food, and if so, what kind of cuisine?
- Location: Where in Sacramento are you looking to go?
- Price: What's your budget?
This comprehensive guide to the top 21 bars in Sacramento offers a starting point for exploring Sacramento's vibrant nightlife. Remember to check each bar's website or social media for hours, specials, and events before heading out. Happy bar-hopping!
