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Mon-Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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This could be the best hidden treasure in Sacramento's bar scene. One of my favorite things to do is to tell people that there is a bar under the mall.
Anyways, the bar seems to be stuck in a time warp, and I don't mean that in a bad way. The jukebox still plays 45s and I'm told that there is quite a collection of records locked in there that aren't even on the jukeboxes playlist. For a laugh try song #169. There is also a small bookshelf next to the fireplace down in the lounge area if you aren't feeling incredibly social. Still the place is very warm and welcoming with its old beer signs and decorations, and its always somebody's birthday in there.
The patronage is comprised mostly of retirees and state workers/lawyers on their lunch breaks, and I've never met one of them that was not happy to meet the stranger in the seat next to them, and before you know it you're not the stranger and they'll be passing you the baked goods. I've been in here a few times when they had a table set up in the lounge with sandwiches and other snacks on it.
The drinks are cheap, and strong, and the bartenders are great. Parking is never an issue because they're more than happy to validate your parking for you at the general store upstairs.
This bar closes pretty early though, so if you're looking to have a nice afternoon drink or get your group a cocktail before your big night out I would highly recommend checking out the Pre-Flight. Wether it is busy or not is hit or miss. There's not always a seat at the bar but they do have table service. It may not be the best place to bring a date if you're trying to get to know someone because more often then not you'll find yourself caught up in conversations with the entire bar and if your date is shy, they may feel left out. Bring your friends. I would not go here to watch any sports simply because the tvs are out of date and small. I would also not come here if I were a douche in an affliction t-shirt or just a general d-bag. This place is a respectable bar and we don't need any morons to ruin everyone else's good time.
Thanks to fellow yelper, Kimberly M, for showing me this place! I felt like we needed map points in order to find it (ok, it only took asking two mall employees, but still).
There was no one in the place minus a few regulars saddled up to the bar. I ordered a Manhattan and it was really divine -- strong, but delicious. And, only $3.25!! (Now, if only they made sandwiches!)
The best part of this bar are the posters on the wall. Like the one that says the bartenders practice the "Bobbit Theory -- anyone acting like a pri*k will get cut off" and other somewhat salacious reads ... like the text on my martini glass which likened good men to good martinis: something about being stiff ... eh, I don't know, I'm just the messenger, here.
We asked about parking validation (I know, not exactly keeping with the whole hidden, speak easy theme, but eh, what'ya gonna do?) and Russ, the head bartender here, said, "yeah sure" and then disappeared for upwards of five minutes, actually leaving his bar with patrons inside. He came back with validated ticket in hand. Amazing. Now that's old school service ... honest, genuine and I'd go so far as to say chivalrous.
Tonight I went to the Pre Flite Lounge with Olivia...I think I stepped into a time machine and went back to a time where Jack, Janet and Chrissy from Threes Company were going to drop in for a drink.
I have heard many great things about this underground gem....I concur with all things positive yelped about the Pre Flite Lounge. The bartender Russ welcomes us with a Hi how ya doing...and sets us up with coasters and asks what I woud like to drink...I ordered a coors light and it came with a frozen half mug. I know, "Kim, why dont you live a little?!" We are also set up with a cute little bowl of pretzels...I thouroughly enjoyed the pre flite and my new friends company!!!!!!!!
This place has its own little personality, and in my opinion I wouldnt change a thing as of yet. I will be returning to the Pre Flite Lounge!
Barkeeps are great! Russel and Brian are masters of the craft!!
Recall when Indiana Jones 'finds' the lost city of Alexandria? That's how I feel every time I visit the Preflight. It has a subterranean location (below the old Morton's Steakhouse) that dates back to the 1970s (?) when airlines had ticket counters that were not at the airport. In fact, there's an alley where travellers could hop in a cab and get whisked to the airport.
I like the dim lighting, the fireplace that's never lit, the happy hour 'spread' of snacks before you ascend the stairs to the landing with the quasi-tiki bar and especially the jukebox. Tables and chairs look like something from my parents' dining room, except for the NASCAR cutout on the wall. The best part: the bartender and bar-matron, and regulars are very friendly... Somehow it mixes together with reruns in my mind, and becomes Sacramento's own Regal Beagle. I could see Jack, Janet, Chrissy and Larry hanging out here!
BTW, 0.05 demerit for closing by 9 PM!
The Preflite Lounge is a hidden little gem located under the Westfield Downtown Mall. Only open on weekdays and closing
at 9pm, the Preflite caters to the many state employees that work in the downtown area.
Your host for the evening is usually Russ. A wizend bartender that pours a damn good drink. Drinks are average priced, about $4 for a Beam and Coke.
The bar is an "L" shaped bar that seats about 12 or 14. There are also plenty of tables for groups to sit at. The decor is straight out of the 70's. If you ever wondered what the "Regal Begal" might have looked like inside, make a visit here. Jukebox is a great old 45 player with a bunch of classics on it.
A little history about the Preflite and how it recieved its name. Many years ago, people flew out of Sacramento Executive Airport on commercial flights. The ticket counters were located in the lobby out in front of the Preflite and shuttles would ferry the passengers to the airport. The commercial airlines have long since moved out to Sac International and the lobby is now vacent save for a bunch of tables and chairs. The bar is bike friendly and you can park them in the lobby.
Open Monday thru Friday till 9pm closed all Federal holidays.
**Edited from original review in which I posted under incorrect name.
I absolutely love this place.
GREAT hidden little gem of a dive bar. Because of the weird hours I don't get over here as often as I'd like but it's a great, low-key place to knock a few back.
"Where the $%^*#@ is this place?" I think were the words that I muttered under my breathe last Thursday when L. and I began our trek from the Downtown Plaza parking garage in search of the Pre-Flite. Ever since a fellow Yelper mentioned it in passing once, I've had a desire to visit this mysterious subterranean watering hole that used to be the spot for airport travelers waiting to catch the shuttle. (I know, I'm a bit odd) Luckily, for us we ran into some friends of L.'s on the street that were just leaving the lounge. I think they took pity on us and that's why they offered to show us where this place was squirreled away.
Walking into the Pre-Flite is like taking a step back in history. Ever see that show "Quantum Leap?" Yep, a step back like that---far back in history. The bar is small but divided into two levels, the walls are adorned with fun, kitschy memorabilia and the lounge has that dim lighting that only those who have visited Vegas can relate to... lighting that makes it difficult to ascertain whether it's 8am or 8pm while knocking back a few. Additionally, the bartender immediately won my heart over when I requested my standard -Jack on the Rocks. Instead of giving me a quizzical "But you're a girl!" look that my order usually elicits, the barkeep gave me a friendly smile and remarked, "You're my type of girl." Between him, the feisty Jack Russell that was bounding about and the cocktail waitress that was an absolute doll, I felt immediately at home.
Pre-Flite will never be the hot spot in the grid nor will it ever be the latest meatmarket and for that I'm thankful for. The obscure little bar in the midst of the concrete jungle is the perfect spot to duck into for some tasty grog and good conversation when you just "need to get away."
OK, so maybe I'm letting the cat out of the bag here by listing the Pre-Flite, but really, it's the best bar around. Really strong drinks, a small bottled beer selection, free happy-hour snacks, and you can still smoke in there, as it is owner-operated. It is old school to the max. You will never find it without these instructions:
It is UNDERNEATH Mortons, below sidewalk level. And closed on the weekends. Awesome. Some years ago my friend and I met this older gentleman that said she looked exactly like his ex-girlfriend....who looked a lot like Elvira. And then we received his recipe for clam dip. Always some interesting people. Good times.
-Pretty sweet place to grab a few stiff drinks and eves drop on the regulars as they discuss there everyday life. Definitely a regulars place, everyone in there knows everyone , including everyones grandchildren.
-The decor was amazing, a definite blast from the past. Really I felt like i was walking into my grandparents home with a full bar, so don't expect to come in and cause a ruckus, just get your drinks and have a seat, enjoy the A/C and relax.
-The bartender was a pretty nice guy, and so was the lady hostessing, very sweet people. I'd recommend everyone to stop by at least once.
Another great hole-in-the-wall bar sniffed out by the Sacramento Dive Bar Connoisseurs! The management here was kind enough to accommodate our group and pre-arranged extended business hours just so we could have the proper Pre-Flite Lounge experience. Our group easily filled this inconspicuous little bar that is located below street level (a true according-to-Hoyle DIVE!) on the periphery of the Downtown Plaza Mall.
The original business model for the Pre-Flite Lounge was to offer a watering hole for visitors/workers in the Capitol who wanted to get their drink on before catching a shuttle to the Sac Airport. The decor gives the undeniable impression of a cheesy 70's airport lounge, and it should be put on the historic registry if there is any justice in the world.
The name reminds me of the lyrics in Elton John's "Rocketman":
She packed my bags last night pre-flight
Zero hour nine a.m.
And I'm gonna be high as a kite by then
A good time was had by all... drinks flowed, chatter ensued, the ladies at my table tolerated my booze-fueled humor and shameless flirtation. The Pre-Flite felt like the Soul Plane, and all I ever packed was my modest satchel.
I went here for the Dive bar christmas party, WOW, Russ is one of the best old-school drink slingers i've seen. The pours were strong, he was a wealth of knowledge, hell he even knew some of the hidden gems in my neighborhood. The 45 record playing juke was excellent (it had Kiss you all over) everyone was friendly, even the security guard that wanted us to move our bikes out of the lobby. If your ever in the neighborhood stop by and have a few.
I stay at the J St. Holiday Inn quite often. While the Valet has my car hostage, I'm always on foot looking for a great watering hole. For the last couple of years, it's been the 4th st. Grill (a no frills place that has decent food and drink for a solo traveler). On my last visit, I began to eaves-drop on the conversation the chap next to me was having with his drinking buddy.
Trying to focus on specifics I heard:
--under Morton's
--a block down L
--Jack Russell
--Old School
--Dive Bar
That was it. I butted in and asked for specifics. I was given details as to not lose my way. Doing a walk-by, it looks like there is nothing there...just a sterile looking waiting area--go in, walk past the chairs and follow the familiar din to the retro cave in the back corner. Awesome little bar, great bartender, strong drinks (I had Manhattans), only 3 bucks, and, yup, a little Jack Russell terrier roams around.
So long 4th St..
This little hidden gem is a great place to hit up if you are sick and tired of shopping at the plaza. It's actually nestled on the side of the mall (such an unassuming spot). Friendly peeps & cheap drinks. A lot of oldies on the juke box, this is a great divebar! They have odd hours, like, I think they close at 7pm or sometime close to that.
What's not to love?! Strong drinks, cheap prices, a wonderful dive! Its hidden in the mall, one of those word-of-mouth spots. I just wish they had better hours. . I rarely get out there.
You, Me, and Dupree . . . um, yeah . . . this is the kind of place that all of the regulars would get hella jealous should the owners of this place let you (or Dupree) set up "cot" here.
And, yes this is the kind of place where you would feel welcome enough to do so.
- Jack Russell terrier
- Chips and Clam dip
- My own crap-ass birthday (was almost ruined by a stalker) . . . redeemed by visting this place . . . and I was lucky enough to visit on a day that there was some kind of DELICIOUS chocolate chip cake (I claimed it as my unknowing B-day cake) . . . and I felt mucho better. Not to mention that there is an ever-present "Happy Birthday" sign . . . because, as I was told . . . "it's always someone's Birthday, so we just leave the sign up all the time". . . : )
- COOL people hanging out
- Even more cool woman that got my parking ticket (amongst all of the other patrons) validated . . .
- Underground, hidden from stalkers
- Speakeasy vibe with a friendly touch
And, that's all I am willing to divulge for now . . . you will just have to check it out for yourself. If you're not an ass, you'll most likely be welcomed with a smirk and a nod . . . and maybe an offer to get your damn parking ticket validated. . . shhhhh . . .
Shhhhhh....We can't talk about Pre Flite too much. Let's not let this secret bar get ruined by a-holes....I'll meet you there @ 5 and we can have some crock pot chili and Ruffles - provided by management of course. I have $1 and will get at least 12 songs on the Jukebox for that. First up: "To All the Girl's I've Loved" with Willie and Julio Eglasias.
cant smoke in there no mo
Sacramento, CA
Category: Bars
Sacramento, CA
Category: Bars
Sacramento, CA
Category: Cinema
Sacramento, CA
Category: Bars
Sacramento, CA
Category: Pubs
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