Best Country Bars In Sacramento

Many people probably don't think of Sacramento as the small town it actually is, but in all sincerity, many of us here know our neighbors. Even though this happens to be the state Capitol, we still proudly ring cowbells at our basketball games. Sacramento even has some great country bars for those of you looking for just that. On the following list, you'll find one or two of the usual suspects, as well a new place or two to balance things out.

Happy Bar
5236 Bradshaw Road
Sacramento, CA 95829
(916) 361-0337
www.facebook.com/HappyBarKaraoke

Happy Bar is a true country spot a couple miles off the beaten path, complete with wood paneling and framed pictures of John Wayne above the coolers. The bar's heartily garnished bloody marys are great and there are horseshoes out back. A good selection of liquors line the bar. This place has been serving up stiff drinks for a few decades. Drop by Fridays and Saturdays for karaoke.

Mother Lode Bar & Deli
1424 Silica Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 922-1480
www.facebook.com/MotherLodeBarDeli

Tucked away in an industrial area, this "hole in the wall" is a great place to get your country on. It has five star-rated karaoke Wednesday through Sunday. If you're a smoker, you'll be happy with the smoker's patio out back to keep you warm and dry. Challenge someone to a game of pool or just chill and watch a game. Mother Lode often has special parties and events; a lot of regulars even celebrate their birthdays at the Mother Lode. The locals are very welcoming, making this a great country dive bar.

Goldfield Trading Post
1630 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95812
(916) 476-5076
www.goldfieldtradingpost.com

No longer is this the burger joint that occupied this address for so many years. The new Goldfield Trading Post (formerly Hamburger Patty's) is everything you could ever want in a country bar. You know this is a country bar as soon as you walk through the door, as the decor and music both tell you so. Speaking of music, Goldfield has quickly become the venue for country music shows in Sacramento.The menu also reflects all things country with items like the Prospector Poutine, Cowboy Fries and Gold Nuggets. Check the Goldfield website for information on upcoming shows and ticket information.

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Stoney's Rockin Rodeo
1320 Del Paso Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 927-6023
www.stoneyinn.com

Stoney's is that classic place everyone thinks of when the word country pops up. It features $2 Thursdays, from 9 to 11 p.m., with specials including $2 wells, $2 Fireball, $2 Coors Light and even $2 Bullrides. Most Thursdays also feature a live band (check site for details). Hot Country Fridays feature dance lessons at 7 p.m., prime rib and $2 PBRs. This bar has it all, including bar specials and a full menu. If you'd like to take a crack at singing your favorite country song, come in on Wednesday nights for karaoke. Please remember that Stoney's is closed Monday and Tuesday.

Elkhorn Saloon Country Bar & Grill
18398 Old River Road
W. Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 371-2277
www.elkhorncountrysaloon.com

A couple miles outside of downtown along the river is Elkhorn Saloon - an awesome country bar. Feast on great grub like chicken fried steak sandwiches, great giant pretzels and amazing nachos. The semi-remote location is perfect for the live music on Sunday afternoons, karaoke Friday and Saturday and prime rib on select Thursday nights.

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As a hospitality professional Andy Soto has worked every facet of the industry. He currently leads the team at Spectrum Restaurant Consulting. He started writing a hospitality blog in 2009 and restaurant writing for Sacramento Press in 2010. In 2011 Andy became a Sacramento Restaurant Examiner for Examiner.com. His work can be found on Examiner.com.