I've seen Bonn Lair on Yelp and been wanting to try this place for awhile and decided to drop in on a Sunday afternoon. There was only a couple of people here and the environment seemed to be very laid back. I was surprised to see all the seating this place have. It's very unique the set up. I ordered a Pilsner and half an order of Fish N Chips with a special request of the chips being well done. I was surprised how good the chips was. Perfectly season with a nice crunch, and the fish was good as well. The beer on the other hand didn't taste good. I probably just got a beer I'm not interested in. I typically like pilsners and was surprised how light this beer tasted. Overall service was good and food. I would recommend coming here if you want an authentic English experience. read more

See all

Bonn Lair feels like the real thing to me, and that's pretty cool. Atmosphere is an A+; you may forget you're in Sacramento, or even in The Colonies. I can rely on Guinness on tap, or a nice selection of other European beers on tap if I'm not fancying a Guinness. The last time I was in was on St. Patrick's this week, and their food offerings were three meat eater choices. I had my heart set on one of the vegetarian pasties they used to have, but I knew it was a holiday so what was available was going to not be the regular thing. I don't come often enough to even know what's regular anymore. I don't eat meat, but I did have my Guinness so no harm done. I really like the choices of seating, between tables and chairs, the bar, booths, stools, benches, and outdoors. It can get pretty busy, but never so much that I've ever felt boxed in. There's a bit of a bottleneck to get a drink as the path to get past the bar is narrow, but staff are really great at working through those requests quickly. So, basically this is my go to if someone suggests a pub atmosphere. Every day. Ok not every day, but I had to throw that in ;-) They don't have a full bar, only wine and beer. Parking is typical East Sac, street parking, no meters. Bathrooms have character. read more

Bonn Lair - Lovely day for a Guinness - Pubs Near Me - Sacramento, California

Finally stopped into Bon Lair after driving by it hundreds of times, and I'm so glad I did. It has that perfect "dive vibe" in the best possible way ~ super cool, cozy, authentic, and instantly comfortable. The service was great, everyone was friendly, and I can totally see why this place has such a loyal following. It feels like the kind of spot that easily becomes a neighborhood favorite. Grabbed a hot pretzel ~ simple, warm, and exactly what I wanted. I'll definitely be back. I heard they have trivia night so will definitely be back for that! Can't believe I had never been there!! Recommend! read more

Came here a few months ago to watch a soccer game with friends, the vibes of the pub were great and everyone had so much spirit! We ordered the British nachos which had fries as the nacho, and baked beans and cheese. It was super tasty! I wasn't sure if I was going to like it but the beans and cheese together were super tasty. My friends ordered some beers and drinks as well and everyone really enjoyed the atmosphere. Overall we will likely be coming back here for another soccer game watch! read more

Bonn Lair - Chips With Beans & Cheese - Pubs Near Me - Sacramento, California

As a Belgian beer lover, this place is the best! Space is super cozy inside but if you prefer to be outdoors, they have two patio spaces. Look for the awning with BL on top. Friendly service, good people, highly recommend! read more

See all

Yelpers led us here. The food and vibe will bring us back. Google search for "British Pub" gave us this choice and reviews confirmed it was worth the drive from the airport. Solid pub vibe from the outside and from the moment we opened the front door (hint: there's parking in back, probably helpful for weekends and warm weather). Outstanding decor. Menu prices are DOUBLE what's shown on their Yelp page, but not outrageous. Update needed. Hubs went for the fish and chips and dubbed it the best we've had in our 6 months in Sacramento. I ordered bangers and mash and it rivals any I've eaten worldwide. Order with the bartender on a slow Wednesday night. Likely servers on busy nights. My big quibble is not advising there is a credit card surcharge prior to paying. Was not written on the menu, announced by the bartender, or printed on table cards. Other than that, this neighborhood favorite, as evidenced by the patron interactions, is a winner. We don't drink, so no scoop about the libations. read more

See all

Nice place to grab a pint and watch the Premiership. Feels like ur back in England. Very warm & relaxing.

Went to Bonn Lair today for St.Patricks Day. Great experience...got there by 4:30 for corned beef and cabbage and Guinness. Expected it to be packed and we were able to get a booth so we didn't have to eat standing up. Corned beef and fish and chips were terrific. Guinness is always good! Thanks to Connor for being a great host. We will definitely come back! read more

We came to BonnLair celebrating the end of a long week. Had a couple pints and tried the Shepard's pie. One full serving was perfect for two and accompanied a couple beers perfectly. BonnLair is always a great place to have a relaxing evening. read more

See all

Bonn Lair is an amazing experience! You are transported to a real British Pub with exceptional brews and plenty of UK cuisine. It is a happy experience with many loyal regulars. The community is very diverse, loving and kind! Please do not let anyone know how special this place is! :-) PS- they survived Covid-19 and are thriving with all of the original employees The Owners are top-notch. They always exceed expectations! Scrum Down! read more

Bonn Lair - Pubs Near Me - Sacramento, California

Definitely loved the vibe of this bar and I very much enjoyed the fish sandwich. Bartender was quick and friendly. Great little hang out spot. read more

Bonn Lair - Fish sandwich - Pubs Near Me - Sacramento, California

Love the Lair. Have been coming here since day one. Good folks, great beer and their relationship with the La Trattoria restaurant next door is an added bonus. I love getting the fresh Cask Ales and the Guinness is fresh. There are some local craft taps as well. Wine and cider for the gluten free folks and a GF beer or two as well. Cozy booths and some outside seating. Lots of regulars mix with newcomers. Friendly. It's a Sacramento staple - I love it. read more

I specifically went to Bonn Lair after reading the reviews for their fish & chips and they did not disappoint! Better than some served in actually fishing towns I've been to. This is now my go to spot! read more

Good classic British food and pub atmosphere, from fútbol on the screens to posters in the head and everything in between.

We took friends to Bonn Lair for the traditional pub experience to propose a trip to London and Scotland. The service and food are amazing! I had the Shepards Pie and it was very tasty and even comes with a side of peas, just like in England. My husband had the bangers and beans plate. Very tasty but not really the tomato beans we've had in England. The rolls were soft and fresh. Bonn Lair is a little beat up but it adds to the charm and feeling of a real pub. They have outdoor seating options too. They clearly have quite a few regulars, adding to its personality. My big complaint is the amount of smoking. Not inside of course, but the outside seating right by the door. That isn't Bonn Lair's fault per se, I just wish the smoking was limited to the outdoor seating a little farther away from the door to inside. All in all I would recommend as a spot to hang with friends but not too many because it is quite small. read more

I had a great time celebrating English New Year at Bonn Lair. This small English style pub is located in East Sacramento and is a nice neighborhood establishment. They are designed to resemble an authentic small town pub you might find in England. There is limited parking in the area, so be prepared to walk or get a ride. First off, Bonn Lair only serves beer and wine - no spirits. This can be a little frustrating, but they have a good selection of beers on tap. I got a wonderful Fullers ESB and gave it an encore. Note that they serve large pints here so watch out. The interior is very cute with lots of exposed Timbers and English items. There are a few large booths, a small bar, and a few tables scattered about. The back patio is covered but may be chilly in poor weather. The booths are wooden making a long night a bit challenging with an older back. It can get crowded quick too. Our food was very good. I was game to try their poutine and was rewarded with a generous and fairly authentic version. My mates had the fried fish as combo and sandwich. Both were happy with the results and the fish looked good and authentic. It took a decent time to get the food, but the kitchen likely cooks to order. Overall, Bonn Lair is a great local bar for those living in the area. Several big downsides make it tough to warrant a drive from further out, but locals enjoy this little slice of England in Sacramento. read more

See all

I came here because I was missing authentic British food. The place wasn't too busy, which was nice. Staff was friendly and helpful. I appreciated the little trinkets, knick knacks, and old timey photos. Food was just ok. I miss a good chippy but they always use steak fries here as the alternative. Fish was nothing to rave about. I can't say it remedied my cravings for british food. I'm glad I tried this restaurant out, though read more

A classic Sacramento spot in the heart of East Sac. It's a pub in the most traditional sense - you'll find good beers on tap and lots of little nooks and crannies to huddle in with old friends. It's a great place to grab a pint and relax for an afternoon! read more

BonnLair is an institution! Their Oktoberfest is something we look forward to every year. It's a great East Sac local bar haunt full of friends and family alike. They have partnered with the restaurant next door to offer some awesome food to go along with the lovely Euro Pub atmosphere. Come catch a game of futbol with a pint in hand! read more

Bonn Lair - Family friendly! - Pubs Near Me - Sacramento, California

Grand pub a few blocks by McKinley park. They have a decent menu (haven't tried any of their food) as I stuck mostly to a liquid diet when I've been there. They have a decent selection of beer but they don't serve hard liquor. The bar staff was attentive and quick with black and tans with a good knowledge on what lager makes for a better Guinness hat. I appropriated my beverage and took a seat in the quiet but decadently clad interior British style pub with a quiet ambiance if you want to chat with someone over a brew. They have a large patio our back and a front patio when the weather is nice. I've been here twice, once for a beer and then on Saint Patrick's day but both were great experiences. It's three blocks from my house so it's going to be a go to for a drink but if you're in the area or simply walking by, check it out. read more

Bonn Lair - Quant and comfortable ambiance inside - Pubs Near Me - Sacramento, California

See all

After a long trip away, with no groceries in the house, and not wanting to cook, my boyfriend and I found ourselves in need of some dinner. We ended up at Bonn Lair and did not regret it. It has a great pub vibe, with a nice variety of beers on tap, and the perfect traditional comfort food I love so much about England and the British Isles. We decided to split a few items to get a taste for what Bonn Lair had to offer. We ordered a mini shepherd's pie ($5 during Happy Hour), bangers and mash, and a Bavarian pasty. The shepherd's pie was tasty and the perfect portion for someone who maybe isn't super hungry; but we were, so we polished it off. The bangers and mash had good flavor and the gravy really helped to pull the whole dish together. And the pasty was tasty as well, probably the best pasty in the Sacramento area that I've come across. All in all, Bonn Lair has good beer, a nice ambiance, and the perfect comfort food on a cold winter evening. read more

See all

Just had a great time at Bonn Lair at the semi finals of England v Netherlands. Staff was amazing keeping up with the cheering crowd. Serving both drinks and food. I had great fish and chips (l am English and congrats to chefs) read more

This place is decent. I would say that the beer is what you would expect- only english beers. No spirits or cocktails. The food was okay. Again, nothing special. Just some decent english food. Unfortunately the service is probably the most underwhelming. The bartender (didn't catch his name- white male with a beard) had zero customer service skills. Not sure if I'd return unless I was REALLY craving some english beer. Other than that, nothing to really come back for. read more

The most authentic small U.K. pub experience in Sacramento. Try the Scotch eggs and Fuller's

Five of us ate there for dinner recently. The food and service were excellent and the portions were generous. Nice authentic British pub atmosphere too, which was what we were looking for, having just returned from a trip to London. read more

Went for trivia. Solid pint of Guinness and great vibes. The curry sauce with the fries were also really good

This is about as close to an English pub as you'll find in Sacramento. The dark wood, memorabilia, beers, and food are the the small neighborhood pubs across the pond. They have a great selection of beers like Fuller's, Einstok, Old Speckeled Hen, etc. The menu includes scotch eggs, British nachos, fish n chips, pasties, and more! The the food and beer are hearty and satisfying. The crowd varies in age and is easy going. I've never heard an argument or seen a fight despite all the alcohol consumed. It's just not that kind of pub. Which makes it a great place to hangout in my opinion. read more

Bonn Lair - Beer! - Pubs Near Me - Sacramento, California

The only reason I give this a two star is it has potential. As far as the greeting of the female bartender.....forget it. I felt like the kid on the playground where the local kids sneered. Horrible welcoming feeling. No booze beer and wine one. Minimum $10 credit card charge. No reason to stop here in my opinion. The place is worn. Old everything. Dusty. I'm guessing dirty in the back. And we're walking.. read more

I have been coming here for years. It has a relaxed atmosphere. I moved away over 20 years ago but I always go to the Bonn Lair when I visit Sacramento. read more

Worst food I have ever had. I'm English and this place does not know how to make decent fish and chips or Scotch eggs. I couldn't even eat it. Horrible. read more

I have read other reviews, and am wondering if one needs to be drunk to enjoy the food. I'm also wondering if we were overcharged.... First off, the good. The decor was very British. Now then, the food. The Scotch Egg was decent, but extremely dry. We shared an order of fish and chips. The fish was not fried correctly....the batter was falling off, and extremely oily. My babe's fish was cold in the middle. As we were LITERALLY the only visible customers, there is no excuse for fish and chips to be so poorly cooked in a "British Pub." Lastly, the mini Shepherd's pie. It was dry...until I noticed gravy....on the side??? Really? I've eaten numerous "pies" in Scotland, and this was a first. So fish and chips, one scotch egg, and one mini Shepherd's pie, at happy hour prices....was $28??? Seriously??? Would not recommend at all. There are much better sources of pub food in the Sacramento area read more

On Saturday, Sept. 14 at approximately 6:30 p.m., I purchased two pints for me and a friend. I chose the minimum tip suggested on the receipt, and total came to $18.40. Forgetful, I left my credit card on the bar. A few minutes later, the bartender came to my booth, returned my card to me and joked that he had "paid for his Hawaiian vacation" with it. I found this funny (I had used my Hawaiian Air Mastercard), and I thanked him and apologized for my forgetfulness. Today, my account statement informed me that I had made a purchased at Bonn Lair for $100.10. I don't know who ripped me off, but someone sure did. And it has ruined this place for me. I have been there on other occasions, and I always enjoyed it, but I won't be going there again. I guess you could call it "poor service" (I call it theft). read more

Great hot food. Cool, cozy, dark pub vibes. They obviously have regulars who were seated at the tiny bar top and made ordering around them slightly awkward. Open seating, pretty empty on a weeknight! Will be back. read more

Bonn Lair - Pubs Near Me - Sacramento, California

The beer selection is awesome they worked with me to figure out what I wanted I got quick friendly service and got to hear a few jokes also. Plus the food is great. One plate of food is too much for one person to eat which is great read more

Bonn Lair - Fish and chips - Pubs Near Me - Sacramento, California

Great pub to grab a pint! The traditional cozy pub aesthetic often makes me forget I'm in the states. Lovely spot to catch a match or just unwind. read more

Bonn Lair - Front patio - Pubs Near Me - Sacramento, California

I've been coming to this bar pretty regularly for almost a year now and I love it so much. It was my first date with my boyfriend, plus the first place I ventured out to after the initial coronavirus shutdown, so it definitely holds a special place in my heart. The food is exactly what it should be for a pub, and it's damn good! The Scotch egg and pasties are the bomb, and the beer selection is awesome. Lots of Belgian and dark beers as well, which is a nice break from the overabundance of IPA's at so many other places. The beertenders are wonderful and they play excellent music! 80's goth? Two tone ska?! YES please. Alright, I gotta go, because I'm here right now sitting in my favorite corner, I've got a Scotch egg and Einstock White Ale to finish, and "Let's Dance" by David Bowie to groove to. read more

Bonn Lair - We love it here! So cozy - Pubs Near Me - Sacramento, California

Whoever decorated the interior please take a bow. I've been to England and I think my family in Liverpool would surely give this a stamp of approval for authenticity as I did. Take note people - this is what a real pub looks (and feels) like. Bonus to the ladies - purse hooks under the bar. Quality beers, rotating taps, and a friendly bartender. All that's missing is someone playing pub tunes on the piano. I didn't eat here but word is the fish n chips are legit. You have stouts galore, Guinness on tap (and know about the mandatory 2 minute wait to get a divine pour) and stock a respectable selection of Belgian brews - I'm sold. Tasty brews on tap from Iceland? Well yes, I think that's a must try. Really wishing I paid more attention to this pub when I used to spend a lot more time in this area in my college days. To think of all the Guinnesses I could have drank... read more

See all

Cozy British Style Pub. Fish and Chips are wonderful...Shepherd's Pie a real winner. Soccer vibe, great beer selection. A Sacramento bucket list restaurant. read more

Sunday night is Trivia Night at Bonn Lair, but be prepared to stay a while. I've been twice to their trivia night, so I can tell you it will be minimally three hours from start to finish if you are serious about this team trivia competition. Beer on tap is a good selection of imports including Stella Artois, Bass, Affligem, Carlsberg, and then some. I will steer you away from the Old Speckled Hen based on my own experience, although it could be that I'm a bit delicate when it comes to special British ales that require a separate nitrogen tap and taste like a bird's nest. Let's just say that it led to some curious rumblings in my colon... and this internal monologue continued uninterrupted until the demons were cast out. By the way, the trivia is strange and unusual and fun, so it is worth a try if you are so inclined. Our team (Team D'Oh) won first place, which was a $20 bar tab for use anytime. Second place was either a free bottle of wine or a round of four drinks. Third place... I don't know what third place was, but I think it had something to do with David Hasselhoff's manly physique. read more

Bonn Lair - Inside Bonn Lair - Pubs Near Me - Sacramento, California

New owners name is Shawn, he's a child hiring children to run the pub. I've been going to this pub for years, it was an awesome place when dad ran it. Would go there after the soccer games that dad sponsored and we would take all the family and friends there. Now the son is in charge, he doesn't sponsor hardly anything for the soccer players and then gets mad at the soccer players because they're not bringing everyone like they use to. Unfortunately they have hired a new server/tender that has no industry experience, is extremely confrontational, will serve you a drink and then tell you that she's closing immediately and the drink has to be finished now, and is discriminatory towards males. At the rate the Lair is going, it will be out of business and up for sale within probably a year, and at this point I would be happy to see it go. Food is ok at best and the new tender is creating an ambience of hostility and discrimination. read more