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Sacramento Nightlife

Experience Sacramento's vibrant and diverse nightlife, from historic dive bars to trendy rooftop lounges.

Best Bars in Sacramento

5 venues

The Shady Lady Saloon

cocktail bar
4
$$

Craft cocktails, live jazz and blues, burlesque shows

Downtown (R Street Corridor)Mon-Sun 1pm-1am

Vintage, speakeasy, lively, live music

Old Ironsides

dive bar
4
$

Sacramento's oldest bar and music venue, diverse crowd, affordable drinks

DowntownWed-Fri 4pm-2am

Historic, casual, lively, live music venue

The Torch Club

dive bar
4
$

Sacramento's premier live music venue since 1934, diverse local and touring bands

DowntownWed-Sun 5pm-1am

Historic, live music, casual, blues/rock

Fieldwork Brewing Company

brewery
4.5
$$

Rotating selection of craft beers, located in a vibrant district

Midtown (Handle District)Mon-Thu 12pm-9pm

Casual, industrial, dog-friendly, large indoor/outdoor space

Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse

brewery
4.5
$$

Award-winning craft beers and delicious BBQ

Downtown/MidtownMon-Thu 11am-9pm

Casual, lively, industrial-chic, BBQ and craft beer focus

Best Night Out in Sacramento

A curated evening itinerary from early drinks to late-night dancing.

7–9 PMPre-Game

Start with cocktails or craft beers at a neighborhood bar. Keep it relaxed — the night is young.

MIX Downtown

Downtown · $$

9 PM–12 AMPrime Time

Hit the main strip. Rooftop bars, live music, or a lively pub crawl through the best neighborhoods.

MIX Downtown

Downtown · $$

12 AM–3 AMLate Night

The clubs open up. Dance floors fill, DJs take over, and the real nightlife begins.

Faces Nightclub

Midtown (Lavender Heights) · $$

Nightlife Neighborhoods

Downtown

A blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy, Downtown Sacramento offers a diverse range of nightlife activities. From sophisticated craft cocktail bars to lively breweries and dance clubs, there's something for everyone.

Best for: Bar hopping, live music, diverse crowds, upscale experiences
Crowd: Eclectic mix of locals and visitors, can be younger in some clubs
Walk Score: 93/100
MIX DowntownTom's Watch BarOld Ironsides

Midtown

Midtown Sacramento is known for its vibrant and eclectic nightlife, offering a mix of trendy cocktail bars, lively dance clubs, and casual pubs. It's a popular spot for locals and young professionals, with a strong emphasis on live music and diverse social scenes.

Best for: Trendy bars, live music, diverse crowds, LGBTQ+ friendly venues
Crowd: Young professionals, diverse, LGBTQ+ community, lively
Walk Score: 94/100
Faces NightclubFieldwork Brewing CompanyThe Jungle Bird

R Street Corridor

Sacramento's historic warehouse district, the R Street Corridor has been revitalized into a vibrant hub for nightlife, featuring a mix of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It offers a trendy, artsy vibe with a focus on local businesses and live music.

Best for: Trendy bars, live music, unique dining experiences, arts and culture
Crowd: Hip, artsy, young professionals, diverse
Walk Score: 91/100
The Shady Lady SaloonUrban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse
DistrictBest ForCrowdWalk ScoreTop Venues
DowntownBar hoppingEclectic mix of locals and visitors
93
MIX DowntownTom's Watch Bar
MidtownTrendy barsYoung professionals
94
Faces NightclubFieldwork Brewing Company
R Street CorridorTrendy barsHip
91
The Shady Lady SaloonUrban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse

Local Nightlife Tips

  • Explore the diverse neighborhoods: Downtown for upscale and lively spots, Midtown for trendy and eclectic venues, and the R Street Corridor for a mix of historic and modern entertainment.
  • Check venue websites or social media for live music schedules, as many Sacramento bars feature local and touring bands.
  • Consider using ride-sharing services or public transportation, especially when exploring multiple venues, as parking can be limited in popular areas.
  • Some nightclubs and popular bars may have cover charges, especially on weekends or for special events. It's advisable to check beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best neighborhood for nightlife in Sacramento?

Downtown offers a mix of upscale and lively options, Midtown is known for its trendy and eclectic scene, and the R Street Corridor provides a unique blend of historic and modern entertainment. The 'best' depends on your preferred vibe.

What time do bars close in Sacramento?

Most bars in Sacramento typically close around 1:30 AM to 2:00 AM, especially on weekends. Some venues may have earlier closing times during weekdays.

Is there a cover charge for Sacramento nightlife venues?

Some nightclubs and popular bars, particularly on weekends or for special events, may have a cover charge. It's recommended to check with the venue in advance.