Watch CBS News

Best Places To See Indie Rock In Sacramento

By Steph Rodriguez  

The Sacramento music scene thrives because of its wide array of music venues. From late-night blues clubs to family owned establishments that host myriad genres like hip-hop, punk rock and indie rock, the capital city's music catalog is endless. Whether it's an intimate, acoustic show at a local coffee house, a summer concert in the park or shoulder to shoulder packed musical experience at one of Sacramento's larger venues, there are plenty of choices for the most devoted music lovers.

Torch Club
904 15th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-2797
www.torchclub.net

One of Sacramento's oldest bars, the Torch Club opened in 1934. This Downtown venue is known for its affinity for local and national blues acts with live music six nights a week. Take a seat at Torch Club's wooden bar and watch live music on a small stage that makes for an intimate experience. Besides its devotion to the blues genre, music enthusiasts can catch reggae, rock 'n' roll, and even roots and Americana from time to time.

Old Ironsides
1901 10th St.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 443-9751
www.theoldironsides.com

A family owned restaurant, bar and music venue for more than 70 years, Old Ironsides is one of few watering holes in Saramento to survive prohibition and adapt to the changes of the bustling city. Nowadays, the crowd at Old I is a mixture of indie rock shows, dance nights with music provided by some of the city's most seasoned DJs, and its also known for its killer open mic nights where aspiring and veteran indie musicians come together to try out new material for intimate crowds.

Harlow's Restaurant & Night Club
2708 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 441-4693
www.harlows.com

If you're looking for a venue that feels large, but offers an intimate concert experience with top-notch sound, Harlow's Restaurant & Night Club is the place to be. National acts like Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires, Phantogram, and Youth Lagoon have all performed live at Harlow's on a stage where fans are able to stand right up against. The outdoor lounge area is also something to note. If you find the need for a little fresh air from the booming music and a sweaty crowd of fans, step out back where fire pits and comfy sofas offer the best break before getting back in the thick of a night to remember.

Related:  Best Tacos In Sacramento

Starlite Lounge
1517 21st St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 704-0711
www.facebook.com/starlitesacramento

Starlite Lounge may be a haven for national metal acts like Entombed to Sacramento's doom metal band, Chrch, but it's also known to host Americana, blues and indie rock bands on occasion. The two-story music venue has two bars, one upstairs where the stage and dance floor is located and also downstairs where there is also a pool table and a gigantic robot. The kitschy-decorated midtown venue also has a full kitchen that serves burgers, tacos and baskets of fries.

Shine Sacramento
1400 E St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 551-1400
www.shinesacramento.com 

An acoustic night at Shine Sacramento is fun for the entire family. One of few all ages venues, this coffee shop also serves local beer and kombucha on tap and even offers a variety of red and white wines. The small stage offers indie rock musicians a platform to reach new fans in the heart of a historic, Downtown neighborhood. Shine is open seven days a week with myriad musical events scheduled almost every day. For example, Thursdays are reserved for its weekly jazz jam, new and local indie rock is usually found performing tunes on Friday and Saturdays, and come Tuesday mellow out with some inquisitive trivia.

Related: Best Bars For Ladies Night Out In Sacramento

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.