Sacramento Gay Bars

Lively crowds, strong drinks and racy music videos are what you can expect from this popular Sacramento gay bar.

Located in the heart of the city's bustling gay scene at Midtown, The Depot is a popular dive bar, serving up affordable drinks and good vibes. Let one of the friendly bartenders fix you a drink as you enjoy a Thursday night Drag Race viewing party.

Next door you'll find Badlands, an energetic gay dance club.

Sacramento's only 'real' gay leather bar, located north of downtown in Gardenland. The Bolt is popular with bears, leather daddies and their fans, but everyone is welcome.

If you enjoy a masc vibe, you'll fit in very well here. As well as serving great, strong cocktails, The Bolt also has a rear patio and smoking area for hanging out and chatting.

 

The Mercantile Saloon, or “the Merc,” has been part of Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ scene since 1976, when it opened in a converted Victorian house on L Street. During the 1980s, owner Ernie Brown helped establish the bar as an important gathering place for Sacramento’s gay Black community, at a time when many other venues were less welcoming.

Today, the Merc is a small, proudly local gay bar with a covered patio, pool table and jukebox. There’s no food or event programme here; come for strong drinks, good company, and the music.