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Best Summertime Bars In Sacramento

Nothing beats a frozen piña colada, icy margarita or frosty craft brew in the summertime, except of course, enjoying your drink of choice in an inspired setting with appetizing fare and good friends to keep you company. These are some of the best bars in Sacramento to feel the summer breeze and quench your thirst in an outdoor venue.
Nightlife & Music Summer Time, Bisla's Sports Bar
Photo Credit: Bisla's Sports Bar via Facebook

Bisla's Sports Bar
3565 Auburn Blvd.
Sacramento,  CA 95814
(916) 808-5200
bislas.net

With tons of HD TVs and daily specials, Bisla's is known as one of the best outside bar experiences in the area, and to top it off, there's no cover. This is the perfect spot to watch a summertime ballgame if you're not able to score tickets to see the Giants in person, as the bar shows all MLB games in HD and and entices sports fans with a different drink special every day of the week. What really makes Bisla's a great summertime bar though, is its outdoor space. Complete with outdoor TVs, a hookah area and a giant waterfall, this patio is one of the best in the area. Whether you're here during the day to cool off with some beers and catch a game, in the evenings to take advantage of the great happy hour specials, or are staying until last call for dancing and DJs, Bisla's is always a fun time.

Related: Best Pool Halls In Sacramento

Nightlife & Music Summer Time, Rocky's 7440 Club
Photo Credit: Rocky's 7440 Club via Facebook

Rocky's 7440 Club
7440 Auburn Blvd.
Citrus Height,  CA 95610
(916) 726-4389
rockys7440club.com

On the inside, Rocky's 7440 Club is full of amazing amenities, including daily karaoke, flat screens, a pool table and video games; but it's what's outside that makes this a perfect summertime haunt. Rocky's has dubbed its outdoor space the "adult playground" in the "party backyard." The backyard comes complete with a sand volleyball court, putting green, shuffleboard and dancing to the tunes of great DJs. To keep the drinks flowing out back, the yard also features a full bar, a blender bar, a beer troth and roaming shot girls with tooters and Jell-O shots.  Storm curtains, patio heaters and outdoor A/C keeps the customers comfortable through any type of weather. A fan fave on Rocky's weekly roster of specials is the no-cover Thirty Thursdays, with 50 cent Coors Drafts, $4 Coors Pitchers $3 Smirnoff and Kraken and Coke and $5 Vodka Red Bulls from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.  While this is a place to have some fun in the sun, keep in mind the dress code forbids some staple summertime attire like plain white t-shirts, tank tops and muscle shirts.

rio city cafe
Photo Credit: Rio City Cafe

Rio City Cafe
1110 Front St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-8226
riocitycafe.com

If you're looking for amazing views and drinks concocted by some of the best and friendliest mixologists in Sacramento, head to Rio City Cafe. With a lengthy wine list, a signature Rio City Mojito and specialty drinks that include mango, key lime, cucumber basil and jalepeño martinis, this hotspot rivals any bar offering summertime drinks. The Rio City Cafe is located in historic Old Sac on the banks of the Sacramento River and features patio seating with views of Sacramento's Pyramid Building and the Tower Bridge. Head outside to be serenaded by the sounds of the river while you nosh on California-style cuisine (fusion-inspired plates crafted from fresh, local ingredients) and sip on your frosty drink of choice.

Nightlife & Music Summer Time, Sophia's Thai Kitchen
Photo Credit: sophiasthaikitchen.com

Sophia's Thai Kitchen
129 E Street, Ste. E
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 758-4333
sophiasthaikitchen.com/bar

If you're looking for a venue that mimics an exotic oasis, head to Sophia's to be temporarily transported to a relaxing vacation. The Bar at Sophia's Thai Kitchen is known for its tropical outdoor patio experience, complete with a gorgeous tropical fish tank and candlelit backdrop. Happy hour kicks off on the weekdays when the doors open at 4 p.m. Touting a large selection of scotch and bourbons, patrons can also imbibe on choices from a worldly beer menu that stretches from Mendocino to Belgium to Thailand. The exotic feel of the Thai Kitchen is highlighted by Sophia's specialty drinks - the mojito and Mai Thai, and the cuisine, which offers traditional curry dishes and Thai specialties. Sophia's offer live music several times each month with a variety of acts, so check out the full calendar to see who's playing if you're looking to catch a show. Trivia for shots and prizes keeps the Tuesday night customers on their toes.

Nightlife & Music Summer Time Bars
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Swabbies On The River
5871 Garden Hwy
Sacramento, CA 95837
(916) 920-8088
www.swabbies.com

What could be better than rocking out to live music on the banks of the Sacramento River in the middle of summer? Nothing, except if you add delicious tacos to the mix. While this restaurant/bar/live music venue combo may be located riverside, the owners strive to make you feel like you're right on the beach with authentic "marina food" (this is where the delicious shrimp and seasonal fish tacos come into play) and a tropical ambiance. The live music schedule is in full swing in the summer months, so take a quick glance at the calendar and plan your trip to Swabbies around the next must-see act's appearance. Or, if you're planning a group party, you can book a local DJ or live tribute band to keep the festivities going.

Related: Best Music Open Mic Nights in Sacramento

Jody Only is a freelance writer with credits on a variety of Internet and print publications. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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