California State University - Sacramento
- Nightlife

Harlow’s

Named after actress Jean Harlow, this is one of the more expensive clubs, as the cover charge can skyrocket depending on what’s going on inside. But the atmosphere is about what you’d expect from an upscale club with chrome accentuating the interior. It’s a more sensual, romantic place, featuring jazz, blues, and more melodious tunes. But things do speed up a bit with hip-hop, salsa, and other musical genres. The weekends draw louder crowds, but other nights are more chill. Sometimes, patrons talk over the live music, which angers people who want their money’s worth.

Press Club

Dance club downtown with an art-deco atmosphere. Most nights, a DJ plays mostly ‘80s music or soft club tunes for patrons who like to move. Every Sunday there’s free live music, and parties for events like Halloween are common. If you have any female friends who are getting married, take them here, because bachelorette parties don’t pay a cover charge.

The Rage

If you like to dance, definitely give this place a try. There are two dance floors, three bars, some massive outdoor patios, and the music is very loud. It’s an 18-and-over club, so a lot of young people drop by. Crowds change depending on what night it is. Naturally, older people will be there on ‘80s night, but there are also nights featuring ‘70s tunes, European jams, and techno. There are also places to just relax with pool tables, air hockey, and video games

815 L

This is a singles spot for young people. It’s three stories with multiple dance floors and lots of music and shows. If popular radio hits are your thing, you’ll probably like what’s playing. It’s a well-known club, but it doesn’t always live up to the hype, because some pretty raggedy people show up, and there are some seats you just don’t want to sit on.

Empire Events Center

The atmosphere is industrial, and although it’s already pretty big, it looks even bigger because of the high ceiling. Lots of video and flashing lights accompany the music, and on concert nights, the dress code isn’t enforced. Every Wednesday is College Night, so bring your college ID for a $2 discount. On these nights, 18-and-over patrons are welcome. Entertainers, musical acts, and DJs keep the place jumping.

Faces

A large gay club that’s a hit with straight people, as well, and famous for good times and karaoke. It’s divided into areas like the front piano lounge, the smoking area, the express bar, the dance bar, video bar, swimming pool, and Internet café. The large size definitely gives the sense that there’s a lot happening in this place. There’s a cool event happening most days, like Ebony Night every third Wednesday

Pine Cove Tavern

Professionals come here, but college crowds rule this place at around 9 p.m. It gets rowdy sometimes because every night has a shot special, and sports games on television. If you like to drink, you could be intimidated by the twisty stairs that connect floors, and drinks come fast and cheap. One-dollar, two-dollar, and three-dollar drink specials are common, so it’s nice to know this is a bar that’s kind to broke college students. There’s also karaoke, and happy hour lasts from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Stingers Sports Pub

Not as popular as it once was with the college crowd, but still prominent. Lots of drinking and flirting goes on, especially after dark. Barbeque is served on Wednesdays, but breakfast is served every day at any time. You can play video games, pool, or watch television.  

Monkey Bar

The signature Monkey Punch is a hit, but there are other available specialty drinks and “safer” drinks like draft beer for those who don’t like to experiment. Service is often slow because of the crowds, but college students love the place anyway. They often come during happy hour and on weekends. Sometimes, a DJ plays house music late at night, but the place isn’t popular for its tunes, just the cheap drinks and atmosphere.

Blue Cue

A good place to go if you’re not an expert pool player but want to do more than just sit at a bar while you drink (though you can do that, too, if you like). Many well-dressed people come, and patrons are charged hourly to use the purple-felt pool tables. It’s housed in an old brick building and touted as an upscale place to hang out. People like it for the trendy atmosphere, the recreational activity, and the drink selection, but the service gets mixed reviews. Take your pick from dozens of scotches and numerous vodkas, among other top-shelf drinks. Remember to leave your ripped jeans, tank tops, and flip-flops at home, because the employees like their patrons snazzy.

Liquid

The Mexican food is quite popular, as is most of the food during lunch hour, but most people who come at night are more concerned with drinking than eating. They’re not disappointed, especially by the hand-mixed Bloody Marys. There’s music, pinball machines, and large windows to let sunlight in. Jukebox selections vary from alternative rock to R&B to punk. Friday nights, bottled beers are $2 until 7 p.m.

Country Club Lanes

Bowling, video games, and food—what more do you need? Alleys are available 24 hours a day, and there’s glow-in-the-dark bowling. There actually is more to life than bowling. Not much, but there is . . . honest!

Underground Café

Another all-age venue inside of a church that also has live music. Just like Club Retro, the entertainment isn’t always religious in nature.

Club Retro

Located inside a church, it may deter people who aren’t exactly looking for a Christian time. They think, “An all-ages place inside of a church? Are there, like, chaperones and Bibles and stuff?” Not exactly. Though plenty of religious youngsters drop by, you don’t have to be religious to be in on the fun. Many come for live music.

Aside from The Rage, which is an official 18-and-over club, and Empire’s 18-and-over Wednesday nights, there are other clubs that cater to this crowd. In fact, Club Retro and Underground Café are all-ages places that attract high-school and college students. Country Club Lanes is also a late-night spot for the under-21 scene. Here are some places for people who don’t have a license to drink the night away. It’s good to have a car, or a friend who does, though, because some of these places are quite far from school.

Club 21/Bojangles Dance Club

This is a lesbian club, but people of any gender or persuasion are welcome. Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights are 18-and-over nights. DJs spin salsa, alternative, ‘80s, industrial, and other types of music.