You know how some dive bars give you a fair warning? Maybe the building looks like it's held together by prayer and old cigarette smoke, or the sign out front looks like it survived a minor uprising. You think you know what you're getting into. But then, there are the "Mother Lode" experiences...The kind that hit you sideways and make you question why you ever bothered with fancy hotel bars in the first place. ​My friends and I were in town for a conference, and we decided to hit The Mother Lode for one final "quick beer" before retreating to our hotel. Spoiler alert: "One quick beer" is a lie we all tell ourselves. This place successfully begged me to stay way longer than I anticipated, and it ended up being the absolute highlight of the trip. ​The secret sauce here is the owner, Lorna. She is a total gem. She was warm, friendly, and she treated our group like we were the only people in the building. She actually took the time to school us on the history of the space. Turns out, she's been running the it since 1981, and that the place was a old-school general store outpost back in the day. ​We walked in not knowing what to expect, but we were greeted with actual smiles by a crowd of about a dozen locals who were busy dominating the pool table and crushing some karaoke. Instead of the usual "you're not from around here" glare, they treated us like regulars from the moment we stepped in. If you're looking for a spot with genuine soul and an environment that refuses to let you leave, thank the dive bar gods for The Mother Lode. It's easily one of the best experiences I've had in a long time. read more

Mother Lode Bar & Deli - Patio - Dive Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

See all

Definitely an eclectic place . Located in a thoroughly industrial nook of sorts, surrounded by auto body & paint shops, their neon lights were small but stood out for the area. Didn't see any food options whatsoever so the "Deli" part of the name seemed confusing. There was a small group of folks who seemed to be having quite the time. I arrived very late, around 10pm on a Thursday night, so my fellow patrons were probably 3-4 rounds ahead of me by the time I got there . Didn't seem like my kind of vibe so... no, I didn't sing on this visit. However, it did seem like a place with potential, even if it looked like the kind of place where you'd have to be a regular if you really wanted to cut loose. Maybe I just happened to come in on a slow night? The karaoke "stage" is sort of in its own sectioned-off room. You can still watch the karaoke singers do their thing but they're separated from the rest of the venue by a wall partition and then the bar where the bartender roams around. A curious design choice that I've never seen before but it certainly prevents the possibility of any non-singer giving in to a drunken desire to rush the microphone while someone else is singing. Giving Mother Lode three stars for now. I'll have to give it another visit on a busier night to discover whether I'll feel the karaoke bug's bite. At any rate, I enjoyed a few other inebriated souls belting out some funny tunes. read more

See all

AWESOME PEOPLE ! Loved singing on a thursday night and meeting good people ! Sang karaoke and people were really supportive of you going on there read more

Great old time dive bar. Service was great and the ambiance was exactly what you would expect. Lots of character

Mother Lode is truly my happy place. This is a family-owned business and those who visit are made to feel like family. Lorna, Rex and Eric really make it feel like home and I have made great friends with the other regulars in the bar. Rex is the best KJ ever! It's pretty much "anything goes" with the music. People sing from all genres and Rex makes it so comfortable to try out new things. The pizza and quesadillas are quite tasty. Drinks are inexpensive, making it easy on the budget. I highly recommend it! read more

See all

fun place haven't been in a couple years but a fun place and a cool vibe met a pretty girl once or twice

One of the greatest dive bars I've ever been to. $4 everything's with a college basement vibe, premier karaoke stage behind the main bar, and incredible local vibes. A must stop for 4-6 drinks. read more

See all

Went here to celebrate a birthday and the whole staff and bar made the birthday girl feel special. Friendly staff, great drinks/prices, and amazing vibes. read more

What at first appears to be the quintessential dive bar is actually a safe, clean pleasant family affair with a very special welcoming vibe. Lorna, the owner, is the gracious bartender and Rex, her brother is the best KJ. He will go out of his way to find your song and provides a great sound system. He backs you up and makes you feel safe and supported! Beginners to pro singers will feel comfortable here. Good drinks, fun crowd, even little Miss Daisy, the little Shitzu may be there to either welcome you or she may be snoozing on her little sofa. This is a fun place to bring your own party. If the bar area gets crowded, there's a nice enclosed side patio. It's refreshingly old fashioned, snacks, pizza, popcorn and cash only with ATM inside. That special vibe is love. I love this place! Lorna, Rex, Eric, the regulars and Miss Daisy are the best! read more

See all

My fiancé and I went here in our first date and decided to go back again on a date night. We didn't stay long because we had other plans but the service was great! Karaoke was amazing like always. This is one of the best places in Sacramento for Karaoke in my opinion. The space is small but if you're looking for a karaoke night that has a huge selection of songs and a KJ that will buy a song he doesn't have on the spot...this is the place for you. read more

The essential dive bar of dove bars ! Karoake , They grill burgers on a BBQ served on paper plates kind of vibe. Cheap drinks , a house dog named Daisy , and just a great hole in the wall to kick back and have some fun. What a great spot ! plenty of places to park , huge outdoor but inclosed/covered patio that you smokers can smoke in. I had a great time and if you love karaoke barley a wait here kids . So much fun and one of a kind. read more

See all

That was weird. Strange people although kind. Just a locals only bar. Karaoke was fun to watch. Drinks were kinda costly for the venue. All and all. Ehhhhh Stayed for an hour and now on to next place. read more

Good hole in the wall spot. Great place to shoot pool or sing karaoke. The owner runs the bar and she was super nice. Definitely not everyone's cup of tea bar but it fits perfectly in mine. read more

The best hole in the wall Spot. Amy, The bartender is sooo fun and super sweet. Drinks are priced just rite. Every one that works there is so friendly and welcoming Great place to hang out , anytime read more

This bar is near my brother body shop. I came here after work to wait til traffic dies on 80 base on reviews. Man bartender, dj, and crowd are super friendly. Super dive bar and neighbor friendly. Don't expect much but a nice old drink and fun people. If you like karaoke, the sound is on point. Wed-sunday are the days they have live DJ for Karaoke. read more

Mother Lode Bar & Deli - Karaoke - Dive Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

Greatest dive bar around! Fabulous ambience, karaoke, and 2 pool tables. Go out and have yourself a great time!

Great little dive bar. Cute bartender and great drinks! Dont miss out a mellow night here you'll regret it! Saturday nights are amazing karaoke is poppin drink prices are great and theres pool! Come get some! read more

Mother Lode Bar & Deli - Kariana best and most beautiful bartender! Come see her at the mother load she makes amazing drinks and is absolutely wonderful to look @! - Dive Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

Fun people, great karaoke, and reasonably priced drinks. I've been coming here for years.

The Mother Load is in serious contention for the worst dive bar in Sacramento. It's neck and neck with Brownies and The Trap! It's located on the wrong side of the freeway, deep in the un-wiped asshole of Arden. The place is surrounded by vacant lots, warehouses, dirt and weeds. This interior is cluttered with kitsch and crusty customers. There's old laval lamps, worn barstools, dusty stuffed animals, cheap patio furniture and an interesting array of ornaments. It really is a sight to behold. The average age of the customers is probably in the 60s. They're an amiable group without pretense and only seem interested in singing and drinking. The place is really fun. The bartender was fun, the sound system is great, and the geriatric crowd was really into the Karaoke (I like to call it Gerioke). If you're in the mood for a dive, grab your swim trunks and take a plunge into the Mother Load. read more

Off the beaten path is the dive bar jewel called the Mother Lode. We hadn't been to the Mother Lode in a while so we joined some Dive Bar Connoisseurs for a little a-drinky and a-singy at the Lode. Rex is still hosting the karaoke, he's got blowup guitars and free prizes! Jay, the friendliest baertender in Sacramento, was still behind the bar being affable and attentive. Not much has changed since the last time we were there, and that's what is so great about the Motherlode. It's just a friendly neighborhood bar where you can have a couple drinks and forget your troubles for awhile. I enjoyed the regulars and all the karaoke singers. My wife and I did "Jackson" and I also sang Changes by David Bowie. I hope The Mother Lode never ch-changes. Look out you rock and rollers. read more

After The Distillery shut down, I was destroyed. I honestly felt like no other karaoke bar would be able to hold a candle to, much less measure up to, the amazing memories I had there. Enter Mother Lode. Words do no justice, this little house of heaven is so magical, I felt like I was in a tv show. A girl was up for karaoke but was outside, the whole bar shouted IN UNISON, "Hey Kristy!" Great patrons, everybody I struck up a conversation with became fast friends. Diverse music selection, great dj and most of all, the zone of karaoke performance makes you feel like a star. Classic, classic dive bar. I asked for an ipa, the badass woman that looked like she'd seen some shit in her time replied, "We got bud, coors...Sierra Nevada and blue moon, those what you're lookin for?" I fell in love immediately. Go and experience it for yourself, you shan't regret it. read more

This is a great dive bar, especially for kareoke. They have a back patio that you can have a smoke and take your drink with you. The patrons are almost always friendly, kerri the bartender is awesome and when she picks up the mic for kareoke its amazing especially since she still serves drinks while singing. Rex the KJ is totally awesome and is over all just a great KJ This place is awesome. read more

Mother Lode Bar & Deli - Dive Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

This bar is a great hole on the wall! They have the best prices for liquor in the Arden area. The bartender was very friendly and made good tasting but strong drinks so you truly get your money's worth. The inside is as you would expect from most dive bars; it has a pool table, an atm, jukebox, plus a nice outside patio area. If your looking for super cheap but good drinks come here! read more

Mother Lode Bar & Deli - Kamikaze - Dive Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

This is the best place for karaoke. Rex the KJ is absolutely THE BEST! The Mother Lode has taken precautions to protect their clientele from Covid while still providing a great time. read more

It has been quite awhile since I have been here, but I am looking forward to visiting my home away from home! @Rex-I can't wait to see you again! We will by Friday night! read more

Bar is good karaoke is great, but Ron is horrible. He yells at customers and puts his hands on them all because they disagree with him. He acts as if he's the owner just because he's dating the owner. He verbally attacked and assaulted me and my friends over a simple question. As much as I love this place as long as RON is there I don't think I will be coming back. read more

Me and Bff had a ball here. The owner and the bartender were very welcoming and accommodating. They serve food and if you're a smoker there is an area at the back. The regular patrons were very friendly. Karaoke was awesome! You may have to wait awhile for your turn, but it was definitely worth the wait. We will definitely be back. read more

The BEST place for karaoke in the Sacramento area. Rex makes you feel right at home and is super fun and encouraging to everyone. Low key vibe, good times. read more

Great place to get cheap drinks. Reminds me of the Mos Eisley Space Cantina lol. A lot of different eclectic characters there. Karaoke too. read more

Stopped by for a bit and had some fun. I'll come back for the cheap beer and good music. Cash only. But it's fun and close to the Arden area

Mother lode is the greatest! I always stop when I'm in the neighborhood! Bartenders are the best here too! Drinks so reasonable and large out back patio read more

I went to the Mother Lode last night for the first time. I was immediately greeted with smiles and friendly conversation. I felt at home instantly. Throughout the evening I met and chatted with several very nice, real, down to earth cool people. Rex, the kj is so much fun! Great personality, song selection and sound. I had a great time! I had been searching for a karaoke place in Sacramento for a few years. After last night, I am happy to say that I found my new karaoke bar. Kerrianna, the bartender is upbeat, super friendly and does a fantastic job interacting with the patrons and making sure we always have what we need. Bottom line: I plan to be a regular patron of this fun karaoke joint. read more

In town on biz. Looking for a dive bar. Found it. Eric, Didi, and Lorna were very nice and accommodating (they stayed open 2 hours passed closing). Good service at a good price with great atmosphere and friendly clientele. read more

This bar is like the dive bar of your dreams. I was looking to go do something in the evening and saw on yelp that this place was right on the other side of the freeway from the hotel I was staying at. The photos looked interesting and I thought I would go check it out. So my man and I headed over around 9pm. To be honest, as you drive up its a weird dark area of town. We drove through some industrial looking warehouses. There's hardly any street lights. I even said at one point, I'm not so sure about this. Then suddenly there's the bar. It a little building lit up with a neon sign. Its just sitting there among all these other blank looking buildings. It was like right out of a movie. We walked in and saw the oddest mix of people hanging out. Young, old, well dressed and not so well dressed. They were having Karaoke. It was the most amazing mix of songs and people singing and the vibe was just so calm and laid back. The bartender greeted us warmly and asked how we found the place. She immediately offered up if I found it on Yelp and I told her I did! She was awesome. She treated everyone like a friend shes known for years. We sat at the bar and enjoyed our cocktails and watched the room in complete awe. I couldn't believe a place like this exists. The music the decor and the people were all more than I could have expected. I even worked up the nerve and sang Karaoke for the first time. I sang Hello Its Me by Todd Rundgren. It was so fantastically fun! Everyone cheered me on and the guy running the music was so awesome and sang back up for me. They also have a back patio area that you can smoke in. There was no one in there when we went in. It was decorated like my aunt decorated her patio in Phoenix. I loved it. We were able to sit quietly and talk but still hear the music from inside. Ive been talking about this bar to anyone that will listen. Its a one in a million place. read more

They had a disco ball...about the size of a midgets stomach, floating in the back of the joint. VERY friendly. All 6 people welcomed me with open arms as I sang a classic track...500 Miles. I would ONLY suggest this place to lonesome travelers looking for Lola...the Jaba the Hut woman who puts lipstick on thick...after hearing you sing one of her favorite tracks. Would recommend to someone passing through...or for ANYONE supporting Trump. read more

Bring Cash. The drinks are strong and priced accordingly. Ask for a top shelf Vodka Cran and thank me later, you only need 1 if you're going to drive. The service is friendly and the ambiance is the best dive karaoke bar on the planet. The snacks are even tasty! (Dude, try the GARLIC BREAD!!) read more

Little diamond in the rough, tucked in a light industrial area. You walk in and not just the bartender, but other people inside say hi to you. I'd guess there are customers that have been coming here for years. I'm not saying there are a bunch of bar flies here; I'm saying there are repeat customers. I came on a karaoke night. This place is packed on karaoke nights! And the vendor has literally any song you can think of. Great sound system, intimate set up for it. The karaoke host can belt it out himself. They do not mess around with their liquor either. Huge variety, top shelf. I ordered two drinks; both times I couldn't taste the soda in it. I'm not a huge drinker. Doesn't matter. I'll be back. LOVED the energy here. Loved this place. read more

Great dive bar. Cheap drinks, patio that feels like a backyard, and you can't beat the karaoke if you're a people watcher.

Got to say The Motherload is probably hands down the coolest dive bar. I've lived is SF for 23 years and since the I.T. Moved in with hipster hair cuts and found that PBR, a handle bar mustache and cowboy hat go great together, SF has lost all verve. The MotherLode has every local holding down this western themed din. Thought I hated Karaoke but as every local taking turns at the mic. Very fun to sit back and watch the good, bad & ugly on vocals. Drinks, ok I've never seen an 8 count drink. The Adios Mother F#%ker is just that. Adios to your brain at I think $7 great prices, great pool table & just a great weekend away from the bay!!! Thanks The MotherLode. I'll see you again soon!! read more

My wife and I were eating dinner close by and yelped for the closest karaoke bar and discovered the Mother Lode! Rolled in and met Jay. I am from the midwest and Jay is about as good as it gets. Friendly, attentive, I don't think I had an empty glass at all. Rex was rocking karaoke, we enjoy singing and having fun (I run my own karaoke as a hobby for friends and parties) and he was top notch. My wife is from Sacramento and we were visiting family for 14 days...this night was one of our favorite (except Thanksgiving with all the food!) If you want a snobby marti bar...stay away...if you want a great time with great people at a resonable price...this is the spot. read more