Sacramento is the capital city of the state of California, and the city is always lively and full of fun activities. If you are a bit of a night owl and looking for a place with great food, drinks, ambience and music, or games, Downtown Sacramento is where you should be at. The cocktail scene here is great with plenty of wonderful options. Check out our list of the best that Sacramento has to offer for some hearty drinking!
20 Best Sacramento Bars
Iron Horse Tavern
📍 Address: 1800 15th St, Sacramento, CA 95811 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 448-4488
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Mon-Fri, 9 am – 11 pm Sat, 9 am – 9 pm Sun
The Iron House serves 12 cocktails, for $12 each! They have a pretty good beer and wine list, along with mocktails and beverages. There are great food options, so you won’t be able to try out all the good ones at one go. Just plan a return visit, and check a few more amazing ones off your checklist!
There are very few places around that serve bottomless mimosas, and yes, this is one of them. Win!
The outdoor dining is amazing. The ambience is hipster, trendy and classy. They offer delivery and takeout as well. They are kiddo and dog-friendly to boot. If you have the time and inclination, I’d make this your next stop for a dine-out night with the family.
Public House Downtown
📍 Address: 1132 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95814 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 446-0888
🕐 Hours: 11:30 am – 8:30 pm Mon-Thurs, 11:30 am – 11 pm Fri, 11 am – 11 pm Sat, 9:30 am – 8:30 pm Sun
Sometimes you want a nice, sophisticated place to savor a great drink. But at times, you just want to have fun and plenty of entertainment. Public House Downtown offers the best of both.
With more than 60 beers on tap, this is a great spot to imbibe. The food menu is comfort American food. With more than 22 flat screens and an unrivaled sound system, the Public House goes out and above to give you a solid spot for enjoying sports and entertainment.
There are 2 outdoor patios and they offer delivery and takeout. The service is attentive and efficient. The ambience is classy, casual and they are kid and dog-friendly, so it’s pretty lively too!
The Shady Lady Saloon
📍 Address: 1409 R St, Sacramento, CA 95811 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 231-9121
🕐 Hours: 3 pm – 12 am Mon-Wed, 3 pm – 1:30 am Thurs & Fri, 10 am – 12 am Sat & Sun
Shady Lady…Woah, sounds…intriguing? That’s what I thought too! This place will take you back to the ‘20s Jazz era. Right from the settings, the menu, the ambience and the decor, they all pay homage to the roaring ‘20s!
Elegant cocktails and delicious beers are on offer on their drink menu. The hipster and trendy ambience work together with other elements to give you a glimpse into the past, with a contemporary twist.
The Shady Lady can work as a great place for a ladies night out. Or a date night. Or one with friends. You know, just about any occasion! The live music mostly compliments with the plush velvet wall decors and old-school Victorian appeal. If you are a sucker for the old-world charm of a bygone era like I am, you will dig this place!
Midtown’s Cantina Alley
📍 Address: 2320 Jazz Alley, Sacramento, CA 95816 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (833) 232-0639
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 10 pm Tue-Thurs, 11:30 am – 1 am Fri & Sat, 11:30 am – 10 pm
Looking for an authentic Mexican experience in Sacramento? Then this is the perfect place for it. You don’t have to look any further.
Everyone loves dining out at the patio when the weather’s great. It would be difficult to find someone who’d say no to Mexican beers and fare. And a casual, laid back atmosphere is just what you need to relax and unwind. Fortunately for you, Midtown’s Cantina Alley offers all of the above! The drinks are solid and the tacos are splendid. Are you a vegan? There are options for you as well, so don’t fret it!
Hankering for Mexican fare and drinks, and true Catina vibe? Check ’em out then!
The Rind
📍 Address: 1801 L St #40, Sacramento, CA 95811 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 441-7463
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Mon & Tue, 11 am – 10 pm Wed-Sun
Do you know cheese is one of the best things that go with wine? But of course, you do! The Rind specializes in inspiring artisanal cheeses that pair well with the delightful and complex wines and beers. They have around two dozen wines, half a dozen draft beers, and almost 30 bottled/canned beers and everything from light to dark.
The food is good, and there are plenty of cheese-based options like Charcuterie, Salads, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, and Mac & Cheese. The ambience is classy, and they have outdoor seating along with delivery and takeout.
The wait staff is personable and efficient. Just going through the Yelp reviews, my mouth began to water! I just had to have their grilled cheese sandwich! If you have the time and means, don’t hesitate to dine here. Or, if you’ve been longing for some quality “me-time”, no better place to get it than at the Rind.
Coin-Op Game Room
📍 Address: 908 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 661-6983
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 12 am Sun-Thurs, 4 pm – 2 am Fri & Sat
This is a neighborhood watering hole with lots of games and entertainment for adults. The Game room has over 40 Arcade games like Donkey Kong, Tron to newer games like Pacman Battle Royale. Be hit by doses of nostalgia as you play video games from the ‘80s and ‘90s. Those were the good ol’ times, right? There are 13 different pinballs, giant Jenga and my favorite, Contra!
That’s enough about the games. Coming to the libations, there are craft cocktails and local craft beer to quench your thirst with after all that hard work from gaming. There’s a spacious outdoor patio with pretty lights. Another overwhelmingly great thing about this palace is that you not only get to play your favorite games from childhood, but you also get to listen to some classic music that you grew up with. Win!
Wash all your grown-up cares away at the Coin-Op Game Room!
Pangaea Bier Cafe
📍 Address: 2743 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95818 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 454-4942
🕐 Hours: 12 pm – 9 pm Wed-Sun, Closed on Mon & Tue
The ultimate craft beer experience is what’s on offer at the Pangaea. Nothing you like on the tap? Then choose from one of the 100 bottles of beer of all styles from breweries all around the world!
They claim their Pangaea Burger to be the best in Sacramento. I cannot agree more! If the thought of great beer and one of the best sandwiches you would have ever had doesn’t excite you, I’m not sure what will!
People on Yelp really don’t have anything negative to say about this place. Try this place out if you can!
Track 7 Brewing
📍 Address: 826 Professor Ln #100, Sacramento, CA 95834 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 520-4677
🕐 Hours: 3 pm – 9 pm Mon-Thurs, 12 pm – 10 pm Fri & Sat, 12 pm – 8 pm Sun
Track 7 Brewing specializes in exceptional craft beer with 5 year-round beers and seasonal selections. Even for regular patrons, there’s something unique and new to look forward to every time!
They are kiddo and dog-friendly. The staff is great and helpful with recommendations. There are some games like cards or cornhole that you could try if things get a little boring. You can get a growler and get it filled, but you must consume it within the establishment, just a heads up for you folks.
Zocalo
📍 Address: 466 Howe Ave, Sacramento, CA 95825 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 252-0303
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Sun-Thurs, 11 am – 10:30 pm Fri & Sat
Yet another Mexican establishment? Well, yeah, I mean can you ever have enough of Mexican! Zocalo features a craft cocktail menu and fine Mexican fare to match.
The ambience is upscale, trendy and classy, yet casual. Original artwork from Tlaquepaque, Mexico adds character and charm to the place. There’s outdoor seating, and they offer delivery and takeout. On Tuesdays, there’s an offer on tacos. Yay!
Mercantile Saloon
📍 Address: 1928 L St, Sacramento, CA 95811 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 447-0792
🕐 Hours: 12 pm – 1:45 am Mon-Sun
This is the city’s first Gay Bar, established way back in 1972! They have a full bar service offering delicious drinks. They have one of the sweetest patios ever!
This is a Divey bar with a classy, casual ambience. The cocktails are powerful and pack a punch! No kidding! The music is eclectic, and so is the crowd. And just so you know, they are cash only, so go prepared. But they have ATMs just in case.
There’s a pool table and a giant TV so entertain yourself in the way you know best!
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WildWood Kitchen & Bar
📍 Address: 556 Pavilions Ln, Sacramento, CA 95825 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 922-2858
🕐 Hours: 3 pm – 9 pm Mon-Wed, 3 pm – 10 pm Thurs & Fri, 11 am – 10 pm Sat, 11 am – 9 pm Sun
The WildWood should be your destination if you are looking for a sophisticated, classy and upscale bar to sip on some incredible fine wine. The wine list is massive, with more than 100 options on wine! The cocktail options are good too. The food is all-round excellent and will leave you with nothing more to desire.
They have a lovely outdoor patio which is cozy and comfortable. Lights with trees, a waterfall fountain and fire pits to keep you warm for when it gets chilly, this place is exquisite. If you are looking for a wonderful ambience to leisurely savor your wine paired with excellent customer service, WildWood will work perfectly well for you.
The live band helps elevate the entire experience.
The Jungle Bird
📍 Address: 2516 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 476-3280
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 2 am Tue-Sun, Closed on Mon
Tiki bars are my favorite! The Jungle Bird is a Tiki oasis with tropical Tiki vibes and paradise-inspired decor! The inside has the right dose of Disney kitsch that makes it super fun. The outdoor patio is a great spot to dine at, so get it if you can. Or better yet, just come early!
The Drink menu features an extensive selection of rum, and the food menu is delicious island cuisine to match.
Be transported to the South Pacific at the Jungle Bird!
Midtown BierGarten
📍 Address: 2332 K St, Sacramento, CA 95816 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 346-4572
🕐 Hours: 3 pm – 9:45 pm Mon-Thurs, 3 pm – 10:45 pm Fri, 11 am – 10:45 pm Sat, 11 am – 9:45 pm Sun
This place offers authentic German beers and light German fare. There are 32 beers on draft. There is no music, TV or dance floor. But hold on, don’t be disheartened just yet. This is a great place to socialize. Come in those memorable conversations with friends over a great beer! Or you could enjoy playing a game of Corn Hole, Foosball or Ping Po with your group. The ambience is casual and laid back, and they are kid and dog-friendly.
The Bank
📍 Address: 629 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 557-9910
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 10 pm Tue-Thurs, 4 pm – 1 am Fri & Sat, Closed on Mon & Sun
The Bank’s vault features 68 self pour taps with local/craft beer, wine and cider. The Bank is located in a stunning former bank building with restaurants on the main floor and a Tap Room in the vault in the basement.
The ambience is classy with a retro-feel. The bar upstairs overlooks the entire bank, and the beautiful detailed high ceilings are admirable! This is a place you must try out at least once for the ambience and great beer.
Hawk’s Public House
📍 Address: 1525 Alhambra Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 588-4440
🕐 Hours: 11:30 am – 9 pm Mon-Fri, 5 pm – 10 pm Sat, Closed on Mon
Hawk specializes in cocktails and wine in a classy, yet trendy atmosphere. There are around 10 signature cocktails (or as they call it, Hawktails). The wine list is well crafted, and there are around 30 varieties to choose from. They also have a few draft beers and some bottled/canned beer.
The food is American comfort food. Public House Burger, Pork Belly, Deviled eggs, Fried Chicken Sandwich! Slurp, slurp!!
Service is prompt and accommodative. You are in for a treat at the Hawk’s, so don’t waste time. Fly, you good people!
Canon
📍 Address: 1719 34th St, Sacramento, CA 95816 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 469-2433
🕐 Hours: 5 pm – 9 pm Wed-Thurs & Sun, 5 pm – 10 pm Fri & Sat, 5 pm – 9 pm Sun, Closed on Mon & Tue
I have always been curious to dine at a Michelin-rated restaurant. You as well? Then you could try the Canon and see what it’s all about!
They have more than a dozen wines, and a good selection of whiskeys and other spirits too. The restaurant is gorgeous inside out and the ambience is upscale and classy.
This is a stellar and wonderful fine dining addition to Sacramento’s dining scene. Oh, and if you have guests coming from out of town, I highly recommend the Canon! No place better!
Karma Brew
📍 Address: 1530 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95814 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 917-5555
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 11 pm Mon-Fri, 2 pm – 1 am Sat, 2 pm – 11 pm Sun
Karma Brew features some of the best of brews, wine and tapas in the area. Affordable beer, delicious wines and refreshing cocktails are on the drink menu.
They have an outdoor patio with a fantastic view of Fremont park. The ambience is classy and intimate and just the spot that would seduce you with its kitschy, eclectic and unique decor.
Karma Brew is a wonderful spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a romantic date night. If you want to enjoy a little piece of England right here in Sacramento, do so at the Karma Brew.
19 Handles Pub & Grill
📍 Address: 4235 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95864 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 487-4979
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Tue-Sun, Closed on Mon
At 19 handles, they serve 9 drafts and 10 rotating taps. Hence, the name, 19 Handles. That adds up, right? These keep changing, so something unique for the beer lover every time he checks in. The drink menu also features a good selection of wines.
The atmosphere is classy, casual. They offer outdoor seating, delivery and takeout. They are kiddo-friendly and there’s even a kid menu. The wait staff is attentive and efficient.
The fish and chips and scotch eggs are popular items on the menu, but there are many other delightful options too. My foodie’s heart is happy! And even happier that it is a good spot to dine solo. I look forward to a great dining experience when things get back to normal!
Field House American Sports Pub
📍 Address: 1310 Fulton Ave suite d, Sacramento, CA 95825 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 487-1045
🕐 Hours: 12 pm -12 am Mon-Thurs, 12 pm – 2 am Fri, 10 am – 2 am Sat, 10 am – 10 pm Sun
This is a popular sports bar serving 28 taps of rotating craft beer. There are around 10 each of the cocktails and wines if you are not into beer.
The ambience is classy, casual, and they offer delivery and takeout. There are 17 HD TVs and an HD projector for a great game viewing experience! So, the next time there’s the big game, try watching it at the Field House and cheer and jeer with the rest of the people there. You may just enjoy it more, just saying!
Bonn Lair
📍 Address: 3651 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (916) 455-7155
🕐 Hours: 11:30 am – 1 am Mon-Sun
If the pub vibe is your jam, you will love this place. They have a fantastic selection of beers on tap and comfort pub food that will soothe your taste buds and soul.
From the layout and atmosphere to the food and beer, you will enjoy a piece of England in the heart of Sacramento.
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Phew! So, there you go! I have picked up some of the best watering holes in Sacramento to quench your thirst and drink craving! While there are plenty of options for beer and cocktails, there are enough places that serve wine and other liquors that you are fond of! Get cracking!
