Description and review of Old Ironsides, a popular dive bar, restaurant and music venue in Sacramento known for its cheap drinks.
About Old Ironsides
Old Ironsides celebrated its 88th anniversary in 2022. It opened in 1934 and is the oldest bar in Sacramento. Its ranks as “oldest” as it was the first business in town to obtain a liquor license after Prohibition.
For its first 88 years Old Ironsides was owned and operated by the Bordisso/Kanelos family. Popular events at Old Ironsides include the weekly Monday open-mic night and its Indie/rock dance club LIPSTICK.
SacramentoRevealed.com – All Things Sacramento (from a personal perspective)
In 2022, Old Ironsides was sold to Bret Bair and Eric Rushing, owners of Goldfield Trading Company. Bair and Rushing were the founders of Ace of Spades on R Street, later sold in 2016 to Live Nation Entertainment. The two also owned Holy Diver on 21st Street until its closure in 2021.
Lunch – Menu/Service
After an enjoyable morning viewing murals on R Street with members of the Sacramento Renaissance Society, I joined members of the group heading to Old Ironsides for lunch.
See related blog post: R Street Mural Walk
Our group filled two long tables in the back room. The room contains a small stage and it is where the open mic night, dance club, and live music performances are held. Old Ironsides is known for hosting a wide range of musical genres.
The friendly and cheerful staff member handling the back room had his work cut out for him! However, we were not in a hurry and he was a pro handling spilled drinks, etc. with aplomb.
Several of those at my table decided that an adult beverage was in order. I ordered a glass of white wine ($9) and others ordered one of the 24 beers offered. The wine pour was more than generous, and the quality of the wine far surpassed my expectations for a dive bar.
See related blog post: 20 Best Dive Bars in Sacramento
For lunch I ordered the Grilled Cajun Chicken Sandwich (lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado mash, mayo, brioche bun with fries) ($15). The chicken was juicy and the sandwich tasty. The French fries were lightly salted and likewise good.
Others at my table spoke favorably about their burgers, BLTs, grilled cheese, etc.
After lunch several members of the group made their way to Beers Books, while others of us went our separate ways. It had been both an interesting and enjoyable morning and early afternoon.
See related blog post: Sacramento Independent Bookstores
To Sum Up
To sum up, I will certainly consider stopping by Old Ironsides for lunch again when I am in the vicinity.
Old Ironsides Snapshot:
- 1901 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811 (10th & S Streets)
- (916) 443-9751
- Hours/Daily: (11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.) (next day). Exception: Thursday (11:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.) (next day)
- Lunch: Tuesday – Friday (11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
- Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly
- Street parking
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