Sacramento is already known by foodies as California’s underrated “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” but its core nightlife is sneaky-good, too. There are droves of downtown-midtown bars where you can bounce between cocktail dens with speakeasy vibes, sports-bar rowdiness, and full-on tiki escapism without traveling far. However, there are so many bars in the city that narrowing down the must-visit spots to a top five list is no easy feat.
Luckily, Sacramento insiders and locals have plenty of opinions they’ve shared online as far as the best and coolest bars worth checking out around town. We consulted local pub and bar discussions on Reddit, cross-referenced those with reviews, and checked in with local blog and journalism coverage to round up a solid list of diverse options for any Sacramento visitor looking for a good time and a well-made cocktail or tasty brew.
The bars listed here are in no particular order — and they appeal to a variety of styles and travelers, whether you’re looking for a secret speakeasy with vintage style or a lively, bright space for cheering on your favorite sports team surrounded by fellow fans. So read on for some bucket-list bars worth adding to any brew or cocktail lover’s Sacramento itinerary.
The Shady Lady Saloon
Bring your love of vintage vibes to the Shady Lady Saloon, where the atmosphere takes you back to the 1920s speakeasy era. Founded in 2009, this bar is frequently recommended by locals for its stylish atmosphere, and it was named one of the top 25 “Best Bars in America” by Esquire in 2014 (via CBS News), as well as topping several other “best bars” lists throughout the years. With 4.5 stars out of over 1,700 Google reviews, Shady Lady stands out as a Sacramento favorite…