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Back Door Lounge
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live, Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
123 reviews for Back Door Lounge
Review Highlights
"I instantly fell in love with Lee Diamond."
(in 11 reviews)
"This might be my new favorite bar in Sac."
(in 33 reviews)
"Red velvet damask wallpaper with gold leaf mirrors behind..."
(in 17 reviews)
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123 reviews in English
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Review from Nicole E.
Sacramento, CA
9/21/2011
Nick (at night) is the best bartender ever! I love this place, I will be telling everyone about the best spot in Old Sac.
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Review from Zach L.
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Back Door Lounge is one of my favorite haunts in Old Sac. It's dimly lit gateway into an era long forgotten. But one that I am so glad to know about. Walking in, you see an old style decor of dark wood, velvet, and deep colors adorning the walls and furniture. A jukebox in the corner is usually playing older music which fits with this place beautifully.
The crowds are typically pretty tame and friendly. You'll see a diverse mix of patrons here which just adds to the fun you'll have. The bartenders are friendly and well versed in old style drinks which happen to be right up my alley. Though there are plenty of fruity flavored liquors for those of you with a taste for them. Along with beer and wine. No tricks, gimmicks, or anything else here. What you see is what you get. A comfortable atmosphere, sensibly priced drinks, and the ability to just relax and escape the current time for a few hours. Come on down for a drink sometime, you'll probably see me there. -
Review from Niek S.
11/20/2011
The music is awesome, the drinks are stiff, the atmosphere "small town great". Gets overrun by really drunk middle-aged women early Saturday nights which is good people watching fun.
A really nice guy with a cool stache sings any song for you for a 1 dollar tip. I tried Ace of Base, and before I knew it he was singing "I saw the sign". Fantastic. -
Review from Alex L.
10/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Back Door is by far the best dive in Old Sacramento, but that's not saying a lot considering there are so few bars in this tiny district. Dive or not, it has a lot to offer on the personality front, which is more than can be said for many of the more touristy businesses in the district.
Located directly across the alley from the classy back patio of the Firehouse Restaurant you'll find colorful patrons of a different, more blue collar stripe. One measure of a good dive bar in my opinion is the quality of the persons who frequent it. At the Back Door you'll find all kinds, from off-duty tour guides to business casual executives to elderly alcoholics. The bartenders are generally pretty friendly and don't mind who you are, what you look like or the ridiculous amounts of alcohol you drink. Disappear into this intimate little bar and do as you please.
They serve up the hair of the dog, cheap and stiff. The only beer on tap during my last visit was Sierra Nevada, so if you're aiming for selection look elsewhere. -
Review from scott f.
1/23/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Alas, the Backdoor Lounge (bdl as we call it) as we know it is no longer the hidden gem as my friends and I loved. What used to be one of the most awesome dive bars that nobody heard of became overcrowded and noisy. We came here on Saturday to hang out after dinner to lounge around partaking of stiff drinks (that is still the same but took way to long to get them) and dance to the sweet sounds of Lee Diamond (who sadly doesn't do Tom Jones. HOW CAN YOU BE A LOUNGE SINGER AND NOT DO TOM JONES???!!!!!), but instead bitch slapped by the sound of some old guys looking like the doppleganger from the royal tanenbaums doing backup to top 40 hits. There were a bunch of people there dressed like the '40's so maybe there was a pub crawl. But I still danced to celebrate my friends birthday so as not to ruin the night. They karoaoke on wednesdays, might have to check that out.
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Review from Earl G.
9/19/2011 2 photos
Best dive in old town Sac. .
The main entrance is through the alleyway across from the Firehouse grill where we were attending a wedding. The Firehouse was charging $14 for one shot of Hennessy. At the Back Door, I got three shots of Remy for $21! This was about 7pm.
The crowd matched the furniture. We were in and out with those drinks in less than a 3 minutes.
Later on that night around 9pm went back for more but the place got packed! The crowd got younger, little rowdier, with people trying to act hard. There was only one bartender still, he must have been at least 60 years old, who moved slower than slow. After trying to flag him down for an eternity to grab some drinks, we just left.
Come early for the real chill dive vibe and cheap drinks. Come later and find yourself waiting for drinks with Raider fans.
Cash only. -
Review from Sean W.
Sacramento, CA
9/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Wandering through Old Sacramento you will find wonderful, high class establishments such as the Firehouse Restaurant. Sorry, wrong side of the alley. Immediately across the alley from the Firehouse sits this gem of the opposite sort. This is a wonderful dive bar where you are lucky if the bartender knows how to make your drink if it includes more than two ingredients. That doesn't matter. Just tell her the ingredients and she'll gladly try to make it for you.
The Back Door is my favorite place to go for a cheap drink and fun personalities. You get your mix of regulars and people stopping here on their way to a baseball game and all of them are fun people. The bartenders are also quite a load of fun! Trust me, no pretentious bastards here. -
Review from lucy b.
Sacramento, CA
9/3/2011
This place makes me feel like I have gone back in time. I have never eaten here.
If you have never been to the red velvet palace, stop by and check it out. It's totally cheesy and I always think Elvira will meet me at the bottom of the stairs. -
Review from Kent R.
Boulder, CO
7/12/2011
Dropped by on an early Monday evening, during my one night in Sacramento. Empty except the barman ( turned out to be 81 years old!); I asked "how are the martinis?"... He answered "they're wet or they're dry." Ended up having two, nicely made, in chilled glasses with cocktail onions. Quite good.
The place is elegantly shabby, decent tunes (the jukebox is heavy on lounge lizard). Definitely geared for cocktails, rather than beer or wine. I'd out it in the "historic dive" category.
Big plus was chatting up the barkeeper. He's a Sacramento native who has been behind the bar since the place opened in the 60's. Lots of good stories when he opens up. Made good restaurant recommendations as well. -
Review from Mae M.
Sacramento, CA
6/24/2011
I saw a picture of the interior and I knew this is where I had to begin my bar hopping for my 21st birthday. I'm not into the whole club scene and wanted something laid back, but a little different. This was the place.
The drinks were stiff. Almost to the point to where I couldn't drink them, but the bartender knew it was my birthday and said I had to have something extra strong so that could be why.
I like it for the atmosphere. The bar attracted all sorts of people which I enjoyed. -
Review from Christy P.
Carmichael, CA
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been meaning to write something about this place for a bit but kept forgetting.
I make this place a 2nd home on mermorial weekend to get away from the craze of the jazz festival where I volunteer. The 5 days a year I frequent this interesting establishment bring great joy and interesting conversations.
The day shift staff are usually friendly and talkative while the night staff is more about serving drinks.
In the mornings they serve breakfast until about noon when they swtich to their lunch menu and the food is pretty good. (I eat in a lot of restuarants)
If you have nothing better to do in Old Sacramento some day, at least swing by to check out their decor.
This is not my original review and I am tired of writing it because it keeps disappearing. -
Review from Joe G.
Sacramento, CA
10/20/2011
Wandered in here one morning for breakfast. It was awesome. I met the owner Gail and chatted with some awesome ladies that reminded me of the Golden Girls. The breakfast was great and inexpensive and the company was nice.
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Review from Misha F.
Davis, CA
7/2/2011
Disclaimer: I would give this place 3.5 stars if I could.
Being that I work in Old Town I just had to check this place out. First of all the name, Back Door, says a lot about the place. The front door looks like it would be more appropriate if it lead into a speakeasy featured in some cheesy 1940s film noire instead of a cozy little jazz lounge bar in the middle of one of the most touristy parts of town. However, once inside one is greeted by red velvet walls, dim lights, and well worn couches. The bar itself is small and on the far right wall, so in order to get a commanding feel for the place one must go up to the stairs in the back to the second floor and find a table there. The drinks are strong, however a little bit pricey. But if you find yourself in Old Town and are interested in more than either an Irish Pub or a smelly Fanny Ann's, this place is for you. -
Review from Nancy L.
Hayward, CA
12/18/2011
We found this place on one of our trips to a Rivercat game. OMG We love it!! The bartneders are great, the drinks are good and the place is wonderful. Throw in a little Frank music and it is the best. We drive from Hayward at least three times a year to rent a room and hang out at this bar. Its just too fun, Plan on spending New Years Eve there and we don't even know if they are planning party! But I am sure they must be.
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Review from Lily D.
Sacramento, CA
10/31/2010 2 photos
I almost hate to review this awesome little bar because I want to keep it a secret... but I have to give credit where credit is due!
I love this little dive bar! From the second I walked in I felt right at home. Both times that I have gone there I have been able to pull up a seat at the bar and chat with some of its eclectic patrons. The bartenders treat you like you've been going there all of your life. The drinks are strong and appropriately priced. I have yet to try the food there, but I'm sure I will soon.
I like it because it's in the alley, it's dark and private and you you can get away from noises of Old Sacramento. They have a live Frank Sinatra impersonator there on Fridays and Saturdays and it makes you feel like you've stepped back in time! -
Review from Michele W.
Eugene, OR
1/16/2011
The atmosphere is pure lounge lizzard, which at first I thought was kind of cool. There were big round booths with tuck and roll leather, dim lights, red velvet burnout wallpaper, a piano, no TV's which was actually very cool, Barry White on the stereo and even a couple of couples swallowing each other's tongues in the booth next to us. I was kind of stoked for the 60's music and campy-ness of the place but that changed quickly.
Once we were there more than a few minutes this bar got weird. Very weird. All the patrons kept staring at us, the next song to play was more Barry White, they served no food at all and the bartender girl had a giant sore on her lip.
We were still debating whether or not to have a drink there since we were doing a pub crawl for my friends birthday and two of us decided to use the restroom while the other two decided about the drink. We were then followed and fully accosted by this wasted old hag who claimed to be the owner for using her restroom before we bought anything. We exchanged some unpleasantries and our mind was made up to just keep on movin' on. She totally lost any chance of us actually ordering with that moronic maneuver.
Personally, I cannot believe this place has 4 stars. I am a fan of the dive bar, but I still value good service and this place has NONE.
Oh, and..... if you value your health, do not pick up a 'date' here. I'm giving you fair warning. -
Review from Christine A.
Sacramento, CA
2/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Someone slap me for not coming here sooner. What a treasure! First of all, it's in an alley: dope! Second, I like the decor; it feels like it has soul, (and you can't go wrong with original red velvet wallpaper,) and third, the bathroom reminds me of my old partying days in Oakland.
I feel like this place used to be what the Shady Lady is now, minus the state workers & 50 years.
This place is out of the way enough for tourists to not know about it, which is great for me! I don't have to feel guilty drinking around kids, because there aren't any in here.
Aside from the lack of parking, I'd like to come back on a weekend night and hopefully give it more stars.
The afternoon we were there, I chatted with an older woman who told me she was the owner & that her boyfriend was Filipino. I look forward to seeing her again.
Another plus? This place is right across the way from where I want to get married; cliche, I know, but what else is there in Sac? -
Review from Brit O.
Fair Oaks, CA
7/15/2010
Damn good margarita!! The bartender was awesome, wearing a Star Wars tee... Darth Vader tattoo. She's alright in my book!
I went in there at 2 in the afternoon - shut up. It was 5 o'clock somewhere! I had about 10 minutes to kill and a margarita sounded like the perfect time killer.
The place was funky and cool. I didn't mind the decor at all. The guy sitting at the bar next to me said he saw Cake play on the stage there. Not that Cake is the greatest band in the world, but still pretty sweet.
I'd go back... in the afternoon, of course.
Oh, and ladies, you know how bar bathrooms are always iffy... this one was alright. -
Review from Shannon E.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Our group headed to the Back Door Lounge during my younger sister's 21st birthday celebration and had an absolute BLAST! My boyfriend and I had been in before and were semi-in love with the juke box, the bartender and the overall ambiance. With the family in tow, we all headed there on Monday to see if it was as great as we had remembered. Verdict: AMAZING SPOT. It's a bit hidden and has such a fun, laid-back vibe. Definitely worth hitting up if you're strolling through Old Sac or wanting to venture out of midtown.
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Review from Whitney B.
Birmingham, AL
5/19/2010
Ok. I suppose I must write a review.
So the lovely Katie B. put together a cleavage event to support breast cancer awareness.
Boobs and alcohol. What a perfect mix.
Back to the BDL.
I have not acquired my frequent flyer miles for Old Sac, so this bar was very hard to find. Even the staff at a nearby establishment gave me the wrong directions. But they could have just been effing with my head. Who knows.
Luckily I ran into Dat and company, and we eventually found the place.
First thing I noticed, was that it was cash only. Thank goodness I brought cash.
The place is kind of small and cozy. But it was super hot, even with not so many people in the mix. All you have to do is just keep drinking as the patrons flock in, and you won't feel the heat.
The lounge singer was a nice addition. What was even better was seeing the elderly man dance. It kind of reminded me of the old man that always hits in Chris, on The Family Guy. That is, if he were to ever dance.
Now on to the bartender. His name is Thomas. Not only is he super good looking, but he makes really strong drinks. Not only did he make super strong drinks, but he made sure I got home safe and sound. That is all of the story I will tell. I am trying not to embarrass myself. In fact, I would just like to forget that night ever happened.
Let's just say, best bartender ever.
That is all.Listed in: I like alcohol
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Review from Jenny O.
Bakersfield, CA
10/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
This bar takes a little getting used to - after a few of their strong drinks and you'll feel right at home.
Bf and I came here around 11 p.m. and we were pretty surprised by the crowd - a mix of baby boomers, some who are borderline geriatric, younger hipsters, and a wedding party. Freakin' Awesome. The bar area is cozy and the decor is blazing crimson red - this place takes the "old" in Old Sac to a whole new level.
The lounge singer could be a hit or miss. Down two long islands, sit in the upstairs section near the back and he's a hit. Sit on the lower level near the speakers, while completely sober, and he's a miss. He belted out everything from classics to Journey and some of the older crowd was loving it. They even started dancing! A older gentleman, with a cane, was on the dance floor and he could move! I sense many social security checks are spent here but hey, the patrons happy and I couldn't be happier for them.
Drinks were strong but, can be a bit pricey - long islands were $9. The bartenders were pretty cool, too. When we went to settle our tab, one of the bartenders forgot to write down what we got. The lady bartender asked us to be honest with her and tell her what we had so, we did. She appreciated our honestly and knocked off a few dollars off our tab and threw in an extra drink.
Great place with a great vibe - I'll be here again. -
Review from Eduardo C.
Sacramento, CA
5/8/2010
I gotta piggy back on the shoulders of great reviews. The past several reviews say everything I would say . . . and to think that the Back Door Lounge exists in Old Town. I had no idea, and until the Yelp UYE I never even heard of this place. It was a great contradiction: a splendid bar in Old Town.
Back Door Lounge is the sort of place that is at the intersection of appropriateness. I could either (1) go here by myself, (2) go here with male friends, (3) go here with female friends, (4) go here with a lover, (5) go here with a girlfriend, or (6) go here with my parents. That's a wide range of potential.
When I went inside the Back Door Lounge I felt a little skanky and so I ordered from the well. I had their finest regular Jim Beam on the rocks ($6). Jim Beam on the rocks just makes me think of Virginia's Charlottesville summers. To make the experience complete I would just have had to been surrounded by gals wearing summer dresses, flip-flops, and aviator sunglasses. I like summer.
The downside of the bar was that it only accepts cash.Listed in: Sacramento Happy Hour
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Review from Katrina B.
Sacramento, CA
5/20/2010
Totally cute, totally fun, totally in Old Sac?
Who knew something so awesome was hiding in an alley in Old Sac. No, the Back Door Lounge isn't a gay bar - it's a classic 30's or 40's (I don't know my eras) inspired bar with a great lounge singer and fabulous vibes.
I was happy to see older folk hanging out, drinking and dancing. This place is really fun and my only complaint is that they only take cash- so be prepared!
If you like the Shady Lady but not all the d-bags- come here! -
Review from Tiffany K.
Sacramento, CA
4/25/2010
I've been coming here off and on for a number of years. Located directly across from the Firehouse restaurant alleyway, this place radiates charm and doesn't have that Old Sac seediness vibe.
There were a group of us wimmin and one lounge singer who was part Love Boat, part Frazer. He crooned some tunes that I recognized and, hey, that little sound system of his does a good job!
This older guy, who must have been in his late 60s or 70s, took it upon himself to be our mascot for the evening. He pulled up a chair and started slapping the table to the music. Okay, let's face it, he was annoying.
My time is precious to me and I did not want to have a lousy evening because of some alcoholic codger. So after 10 - 15 minutes of putting up with him, I politely told him that this was a private party and to leave us. I think he took it well...he just stood behind me on the other side of the booth and glared at us.
Meanwhile, a random businessman in suit took turns spinning us on the dance floor. Yes, it was an interesting evening.
They have Sierra Nevada on tap - three drinks set us back $12.50. Now that's what I call a bargain! I'll definitely be back - what stories may come of the next visit...? -
Review from Destiny M.
San Ramon, CA
8/22/2011
I visited the Back Door last weekend for the second time in 6 mos. for lunch (11:30) on a Saturday. Again, the food is great and the portions are sizeable. THEE waitress is a likeable sort and takes good care of you. HOWEVER....THE COOK!!!!! There was one other table of 3 people and our group, which consisted of 3 people as well. We ordered two sandwiches, which took over 30 minutes to arrive, THEN, I had to send the tuna sandwich back to be grilled like I had ordered - not toasted.
Is the cook trying to undermine the waitress so she won't get any tips and run her off???
NEXT TIME I WILL PAY A VISIT TO THE COOK WHILE HE IS COOKING MY LUNCH SO I CAN SEE EXACTLY WHAT HE IS DOING!
IT WON'T BE PRETTY!!!
Destiny M. -
Review from candice f.
Fairfield, CA
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome place if you like to see people have a good time, relax and be unpretentious. We went on a random Friday or Saturday night, and there was a lounge singer, couples dancing, and an over all chill vibe in the room. You do feel like you have stepped into some sort of time warp but I think that is what brings this place it's charm.
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Review from Jefferson L.
Sacramento, CA
5/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
If you were to walk down a dimly-lit alley, step through a nondescript doorway, be enveloped by velvety, red walls, hear the schmaltzy crooning of vintage Sinatra, question the placement of an entrance awning, watch a white-haired elderly couple, dressed in churchwear, cut a tattered rug, frown at paltry tap offerings, be aurally accosted by the cough-laughs of weathered bar denizens, and wonder, wide-eyed, how in the world you ended up in a David Lynch movie, you'd be in none other than the Back Door Lounge.
Need I say more?Listed in: Wet Your Whistle
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Review from Rebekah T.
San Francisco, CA
3/15/2010
Walking around Old Town made me thirsty, so we stopped into the Back Door Lounge. It was early afternoon so the bar was not as crowded as it could be.
We ordered a couple beers and enjoyed our conversation with the Bartenders. They are very friendly and even found a sweet lemon for my Blue Moon, no oranges - but was quite good in my beer.
I love this place and think it's a fun place to stop in. Can't wait to come back at night. -
Review from David K.
Sacramento, CA
7/22/2011
I haven't been to the Back Door in a few years. This is a divey place in Old Sacramento which had a great lunch cook back when I went there. I don't know if they have the same cook. I never ordered a drink in there so I can't say if they know how to mix a cocktail or not. The Chef's Salad was the best lunch you could get anywhere. A weird, obscure place with a talented cook.
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Review from Stacey H.
Sacramento, CA
2/1/2010 ROTD 2/18/2010
What a great little bar. Tucked into the alley across from the Firehouse in Old Sac, we almost missed it.
Once through the doors, you walk into a dark, yet vibrant little bar with a great vibe. You got your regulars sitting at the bar that look like they've been parked there a while. The bartender knows them by name and you can tell they all have a lot of history.
The decor is....interesting. Eclectic. Red velvet damask wallpaper with gold leaf mirrors behind the bar. Very bordello-ish. I'm pretty certain it's looked this way for at least 20 years. I liked it.
Bartender was funny and loud and quick-witted. Perfect for our group. She could sling 'em and also made a mean Bloody Mary. We'll definitely be going back soon! -
Review from shelby B.
Sacramento, CA
6/30/2011
I always have a great time at this bar, no matter what. There is always good music playing wether or not it is live. Karaoke is super fun there. There has not been a time that I spent at this bar that I didn't meet some fascinating inidividual. And the bartenders are just spectacular. My favorite is the lady tender. Her name escapes me right now but she is the best! I need to make a trip to the Back Door speaking of...
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Review from Stan O.
Sacramento, CA
1/23/2008
I've been meaning to write this for ages, but reading these reviews finally nailed it.
The Back Door is not a dive bar. In fact, nothing in Midtown outside the Monte Carlo or perhaps the Flame is really a dive bar.
Suburbanites, read closely--just because it's not like the Chili's in Roseville or some ninja turtles sushi joint where the drinks look like they come from some kid's chemistry set, it's not a dive.
Dive bars open at 6 am, have male to female rations of like 3,000:1, and produce a stabbing at least once every six months.
The Back Door is a classy establishment and the men follow the golden rule that a man's drink should never contain more than two ingredients, (don't worry brah, Jager Bombs are still choice!).
Highlights include Lee Diamond, (who can sing the Italian parts to Dean Martin songs) and that one time I sold dances with my date for shots of whiskey and some Taft oil tycoon ended up buying me like 10. -
Review from Megan L.
Galt, CA
11/26/2008 ROTD 2/10/2009
This place loses one star because I never seem to remember the end of the evening...and I'm sure it was worth remembering if I was here. This seems to be the go to bar for a great time. The lounge singer is just cheesy enough without being lame, and the drink.....phew...STIFF!
Note: when gleefully walking out the front door of the Back Door...remember...the alley way is slick. If you don't remember this you could fall directly on your arse TWICE when going outside. -
Review from Johnna B.
11/16/2008
Wow, this is a tolerant bar if there ever was one.
I was in a psychotic-drunk state when I showed up Friday night, and I didn't even get kicked out, much less cut off.
I remember singing some Frank with my old girl Liz, talking some serious shit to some old man and some jocks talking on their cell phone, talking on my own cell phone after talking a rash of shit to others because of their phones, calling someone the c-word in the bathroom (OMG,) falling down a couple times. Then it gets foggy.
Liz paid for like 2 rounds. We had something like 6 rounds due to the friendly patrons in our midst. After Liz helped me out by propping me up against the wall, I did a lot better. No one could hear me talking shit either, thank god.
The bartender Andrea was very wonderful and let me answer the bar phone. I found that highly entertaining. The drinks here are like 6$, so you could potentially go broke. But if you show up wasted, you'll be fine.
I fear what one would have to do to get cut off here. I left this place absolutely hammered with two full drinks in front of me. Thank you to whoever bought those. There were [at least] 3 people that didn't like me at all by the end of the night. Sorry to those people. If it's any consolation to them, the night ended very poorly on my bathroom floor .
I think I'll give these folks a few months to forget me before going back here. I think some man named Donald (?) was really nice. Good times. -
Review from Katie T.
7/19/2007 ROTD 8/25/2007
The last time I was here I had an in-depth conversation with the bartender about where I might be able to acquire a rack of antlers for my wall. Really I was trying to butter him up in hopes that he might offer to sell me some of his (hunting came up earlier), but according to old man bartender, a real hunter never parts with their antlers.
Despite leaving without my antlers, I've yet to leave sober or without a good chat with the bartender. And that's really the point of a bar like this.Listed in: This Is Love
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Review from Liz S.
Sacramento, CA
5/30/2008
The Backdoor Lounge is one of my favorite places to go get a drink or two or three.
It has this great air about it. As soon as you step in it feels as though you've entered another era. The red velvet walls, candle lighting, old photographs and jazz inspired art just give off a vibe of swank. The bartenders all know what they are doing and are really on top of getting you your drinks quickly. I was in there last weekend during Jazz Jubilee and it was packed. I didn't expect to get my drink too fast because of the amount of folks at the bar. It took about 5 minutes to get my drink, not bad, but the bartender told me my drink was on the house because it took so long to get. Ummm, awesome! I always leave a nice size tip to the bartenders here because they are always so good to me.
Aside from serving drinks there is entertainment at least three nights a week there. Every Friday and Saturday evening there is a lounge singer performing. I don't recall his name but he's pretty entertaining. On Wednesday nights you can go to the karaoke party. I'm a sucker for karaoke but at some places folks just take themselves too seriously. Not at the Backdoor though, most everyone performing just has fun singing into the mic and the folks in the crowd are really supportive. Its not a terribly clicky bar either, if your a newcomer someone will start talking to ya (and not just in that let me chat you up kind of way). And if you don't feel like talking to folks thats fine too, sometimes I'll just go sit up in the balcony area and people watch.
Did I mention they have a grill? I have yet to try their lunch/dinner menu but I went there for breakfast last weekend and found it was pretty tasty. They serve your typical country breakfast: eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage... I had the half order biscuits and gravy with potatoes, which was huge by the way. I couldn't finish the meal, I'm glad I didn't get a full order. One thing that was kinda odd about my meal was that although it came with biscuits it also came with toast. As my partner in crime stated "You're over starching em!" I guess no mater what you order for breakfast you get toast. The waitress was very attentive, if half my cup of coffee was half gone she was already filling it up for me.
I sure am glad I work just across the street from the Backdoor Lounge because it means I can go there as often as I please. In fact I'll probably be there today once I clock out. -
Review from Erin N.
Sacramento, CA
3/19/2008
This place is SO cool. It's everything I love in a bar.
It hasn't been redecorated since the 70's, it's dark, the bar area is swarming with barflys, the jukebox selections rock and the bartenders are memorable. Plus the drinks are reasonably priced and fairly strong.
It's hard to have a conversation when Rudy Valentino's doing his thing, but he's great.
I heart this place!! -
Review from Allen B.
Sacramento, CA
5/9/2008
Great vodka martinis, lots of olives and anything by Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, or Patsy Cline. Every time I go here, alone or with friends, I end up enjoying myself and feeling better about life. It could be the martinis, or I've just been fortunate, but I think there is just a good vibe here.
Step inside, soak it in for a bit, order a martini, walk over to the jukebox, play some Frank or Dean or Tony, sit down and get right. -
Review from Lee D.
Sacramento, CA
3/27/2008 1 photo
Of course, I'd give it Five Stars. I love "working" here! It's not so much work as my weekend home away from home. The people here are the best in town and the boss is a great lady with a heart of gold.
Re: Erin N.'s review-thanks for the props, but Rudy hasn't been there for years. And when I'M doing my thing and people want to talk, no problem, that's why there's great seating upstairs. lol
I invite everyone to come and join the great atmosphere at the Back Door whether it's Friday or Saturday night when I perform or any other time. You'll have a great time. And the breakfasts and lunches are fantastic.
For more info on me, see http://www.leediamonds...
And for some videos of my performances at the Back Door Lounge, see- http://www.youtube.com... -
Review from Mija R.
Sacramento, CA
11/24/2010
So, a friend of mine and myself decided to go on a Bloody Mary "Adventure"... Starting at the Delta Queen in Old Sacramento, and ultimately ending at The Depot... We made many pit stops along the way, with The Backdoor being no exception.
Just so that you get the gist of things... we decided that we would rate our Bloody Mary's on the 5 S's...
1. Size: How big was the Glass?
2. Spice: Too Spicy, or not enough?
3. $$$
4. Salad: Is it a meal?
5. Satisfaction: Overall... Was it good?
So, I must say... while The Backdoor was not number one... they were certainly one of the more entertaining. We told the bartender what we were doing and he played right along. He took his time, and it tasted great. The salad was minimal, but decent. It wasn't too spicy, and for the price, I certainly couldn't complain.
Honestly, this was my first experience here, and what is not to love. They have James Taylor on the Jukebox for Christ sake! The bartenders were friendly, and the patrons seemed very approachable and fun.
