Sacramento Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Sacramento.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Sacramento! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Sacramento has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Sacramento. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Sacramento offers over 59 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
Tom's Watch Bar - Sacramento
Highly rated American in Sacramento with 4.9 stars from 2721 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 414 K St Suite 180, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Snug
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.6 stars from 482 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1800 15th St, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Shady Lady Saloon
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.5 stars from 1799 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1409 R St, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Jungle Bird
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.4 stars from 1548 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2516 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Frank
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.7 stars from 179 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1610 R St #150, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Dive Bar
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.2 stars from 1832 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1016 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Cabin
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.4 stars from 338 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1207 21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Ro Sham Beaux
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.8 stars from 182 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2413 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Last Stop Saloon
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.6 stars from 104 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 916 2nd St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Midtown Lounge
Highly rated Restaurant in Sacramento with 4.9 stars from 43 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1111 24th St #102, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Night Cap
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 5 stars from 33 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1730 J St, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Darling Aviary
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.2 stars from 440 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 712 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
Social Nightclub
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 3.9 stars from 281 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1000 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Faces Nightclub
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 3.5 stars from 491 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2000 K St, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Flamingo House
Highly rated Restaurant in Sacramento with 4.3 stars from 956 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2315 K St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Mango's Sacramento
Highly rated Restaurant in Sacramento with 3.5 stars from 450 reviews.
📍 1930 K St, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Mix Downtown
Highly rated International in Sacramento with 4.1 stars from 545 reviews.
📍 1525 L St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Harlow's
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.5 stars from 922 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2708 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Torch Club
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.5 stars from 575 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 904 15th St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Press Club
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.2 stars from 352 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1119 21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
La Kalle
Highly rated International in Sacramento with 4.2 stars from 32 reviews.
📍 908 15th St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Press Club was Barfly
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.2 stars from 76 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1119 21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
Ace of Spades
Highly rated International in Sacramento with 4.4 stars from 3337 reviews.
📍 1417 R St, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Harlow's
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.5 stars from 922 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2708 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Channel 24
Highly rated International in Sacramento with 4.7 stars from 267 reviews.
📍 1800 24th St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Boardwalk
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.4 stars from 578 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 9426 Greenback Ln, Orangevale, CA 95662, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Press Club
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.2 stars from 352 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1119 21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Sacramento Memorial Auditorium
Highly rated International in Sacramento with 4.5 stars from 1406 reviews.
📍 1515 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Crest Theatre
Highly rated International in Sacramento with 4.6 stars from 2138 reviews.
📍 1013 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Backyard
Highly rated International in Sacramento with 3.5 stars from 29 reviews.
📍 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815, USA
- 🌃Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Grange Restaurant & Bar
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.5 stars from 840 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 926 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Yard House
Highly rated American in Sacramento with 4.4 stars from 3079 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 405 K St #100, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Old Sacramento Waterfront
Highly rated Restaurant in Sacramento with 4.6 stars from 28661 reviews.
📍 1014 2nd St #200, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Butterscotch Den
Highly rated Steakhouse in Sacramento with 4.6 stars from 386 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3406 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Steakhouse cuisine
The Golden Bear
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.4 stars from 772 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2326 K St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Pocha House
Highly rated Korean in Sacramento with 4.3 stars from 125 reviews.
📍 1910 Q St, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Korean cuisine
The Jungle Bird
Highly rated Bar in Sacramento with 4.4 stars from 1548 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2516 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Honey and The Trapcat
Highly rated American in Sacramento with 4.4 stars from 551 reviews.
📍 1023 Front St A, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
Punch Line Sacramento
Catch live music performances at this vibrant Sacramento venue, featuring diverse artists and genres.
- •Check venue capacity and arrive early
- •Earplugs recommended for loud venues
- •Cash for drinks and merchandise
- •Check setlist times if multiple acts
- •Coat check often available
Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge
Laugh the night away at this popular Sacramento comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
STAB! Comedy Theater
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Sacramento venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Sacramento Comedy Spot
Laugh the night away at this popular Sacramento comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Hard Rock Live
Experience unforgettable entertainment at this Sacramento venue, offering shows and performances for all tastes.
- •Book tickets online in advance
- •Check show duration and intermissions
- •Arrive early to find parking
- •Review venue policies before attending
- •Check for package deals
The Sofia, Home of B Street Theatre
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Sacramento venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
Dive Bar
Explore Sacramento's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Flamingo House
Explore Sacramento's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Social Nightclub
Explore Sacramento's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Faces Nightclub
Explore Sacramento's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Mix Downtown
Explore Sacramento's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Harlow's
Explore Sacramento's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Sacramento varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Sacramento range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sacramento offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Sacramento cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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