The Swiss Budda is a total diamond in the ruff of dive bars. I came upon this spot for the weekly poker game on Wednesday. The minute you walk thru the door...its like walking in to the 70s....complete with hanging deer heads, neon signs, and shuffle board. People are friendly, drinks are cheap and food is bomb. Best southern bbq this side of Sacramento! read more

Swiss Buda - Dive Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

Five Dive Bar Stars are awarded to the Swiss Buda. If you serve most of your beer in cans, that automatically counts you as a dive bar. But the dive karaoke was the best. The karaoke hostess was a little wacky. She sang great, like she should be on American Idol or something, but she didn't really host. She just announced your name, popped in the CD and went for a smoke break while you sang your song. A few times she got into long conversations and not get back until the song had ended. That's when you realized how quiet the bar really was without the karaoke singing. But she was nice and funny and we had a good time. No real stage area, you just stand wherever you want. Good thing the mic is cordless. Bathroom Survival Advice: Women - if you go to the restroom here and the bottom roll of toilet paper is out, you can barely see the second roll on top, but you can't get to it. Just rip the cardboard of the empty bottom roll off the dispenser and the top roll will move down. read more

The best of south Sac under one roof. Come here on a Saturday night around midnight. As you appraoch, blunts will be a roastin' in the parking lot. A conscientious and thoughtful doorman will welcome you. Inside you'll find cheap drinks, a lively crowd and the crooning of karoake. Mind your business and everyone will be merry. Probably not a place to bring an attitude, especially if you aren't connected with the locals. Truly a dive bar at its finest. read more

So this place is right around the corner from my house, and every time I pass it I think "I should totally check this place out" but never do, until last week when I checked it out 3 times, I know, right? Well I went on a Thurs evening with my friend Loren, the drinks were very well priced, I believe my beefeater is $4, this price is )only beat by Bob's $3.50) most places charge $5.50 so it's always refreshing to drink cheap refreshing gin, right? We only stayed for a few that evening, but before we walked in, I was expecting it to be empty, it was pretty packed in there for the time, there were only a few bar seats available and we had a good time. Melanie and I went back on Saturday afternoon after some grocery shopping, and once again, we were astounded by the number of people in the place, we even ran into people we knew, which was odd since I know 1 of them from Elk Grove and another from the backdoor lounge, apparently this is a place that many love to visit. We liked it so much we went back later at night, and just my luck, they do Karaoke on Fri and Sat, I have to say, I even had fun at Karaoke but it's definitely old school, they get low marks for that, very little music selection, none of my fabulous show tunes, I guess I'm spoiled by Joker at Capital Garage and the EGSP crew who have the computerized system where almost every song is downloadable at their fingertips, the tv screen with the words was flashing in and out, and since they didn't have my songs, I had to sing stuff I didn't know. Best part of the night experience, the tacos, OMG! We were starving and saw that they have tacos for $1.50, we gave them a try, all they had left were pork, which I normally don't eat, but I'm so glad I went there because they were juicy, delicious and authentic topped with chopped onion tomato and cilantro, I haven't had tacos that good since I broke up with my ex-bestfriend who's mom taught me how to make tamales, Yummy! I'm definitely going back. FYI: no pool tables in this joint but they do have darts and shuffle board if you're looking for entertainment. read more

If you don't mind a dive bar in a divey area, then Swiss Buda is the place. Chill no-frills atmosphere, the crowd is mostly local regulars, there's darts and shuffleboard (and the karaoke that I didn't witness but everyone talks about), the bartender is super friendly and pours a mean cheap drink. Two older customers were cutting a rug to old school funk blasting on the jukebox. Marvin Gaye, Al Green and Curtis Mayfield always make for a good dive bar soundtrack in my book! The one downfall we saw was the classic Emotional Drunk who hovered around us and kept going on crying jags after being "abandoned" at the bar by her friend. Not that we're immune to human suffering but come on, that is some awkward ish. Later, after B and I left and we texted the rest of the group that stayed at the bar, we found out that there was a second lonely heart looking for attention at the bar. Uh oh. So yeah, Swiss Buda is a cool dive bar and worth checking out... just be on the lookout for drunk troubled strangers looking for a therapist. Haha. read more

I grew up in South Sac and always heard about the Buda, but didn't discover this place till 2010. I"ve been coming here ever since. The Buda is in a sketchy area, but if you know how to act and be cool then you should not have any problems...(fingers crossed) Lol! I'm basically a Karaoke croonin junkie, and on Friday and Saturday night this is where you 'll find ole PMJ doing his thang... Every post is absolutely correct. The vibe is R&B with a lil rock undertones. However, the clincher is the heavy pouring bartenders from Phill to Eric to Justin. If you know what your ordering, you can literally get wasted on 20 bucks. Stop by and enjoy the singers, peeps and the Cheap strong dranks fa sho! pmj~ read more

Eric is definitely awesome. My husband and I have ran into him a few times around town and he remembers us that's a great way to keep customers coming back--to Make a connection and genuinely care about conversations with them. The bar is for sure normaly filled with regulars which is nice. No drama and everyone is friendly. There is also a juke box for music and a shuffle board. If you want a chill place to watch a game, this is also the place to come to. read more

I went to the Buda on Friday, Sept. 11 at 5:45 pm. There was outside seating. It was our first time there, so we were a bit unfamiliar with how it worked. After being seated for a few minutes without being greeted or having our order taken, my friend approached the waitress. She had long dishwater blonde layered hair and was about 5'3" tall. She handed my friend one food menu; we also wanted to order drinks. She came over and wiped off three tables next to where we were sitting, but still did not greet us or take an order. She went back to the entrance to the resto. We waited 10 more minutes and then left. She was not only unfriendly, but downright rude. The sad thing is that we were going to the Buda because my dad loved the place and it was the 6th anniversary of his death. I chose it especially for that reason. He used to go there almost every Saturday morning for biscuits and gravy. His name is Cecil. read more

Great drinks, entertaining locals, clean, animals on the wall, AND it's called Swiss Buda! Karaoke was great. Short rotation, though a lot of music is not in the song book. Must ask the DJ if he has a song you don't see. read more

I stopped in the other day and was told they don't open until noon. Okay, that's fine. I came back today and they were open so I wanted a BBQ pork sandwich but on a bun, not a bagel. I was told they didn't have any BBQ'd pork. THEN WHY IS IT ON THE MENU!!!!! Two trys, that's it. I'll find BBQ someplace else. read more

I remember a friend of mine told me about this place, the owner was looking for a new bouncer, I spoke to him on the phone (speaking proper) and he hired me through the phone, he told me to come the next day, I was sitting at the bar and asked for the owner, the bartender called him over, when he met me, he looked very confused like he was expecting someone else. When we was talking in person, he didn't seem really interested in me all because I'm African American, as we finished, 30 minutes after we spoked, he calls me 30 minutes later and said he found someone else "after hiring me". read more

Great drinks..stiff and we'll priced. Good people everyone is super friendly and welcoming . AMAZING FOOD! the smxhef has the kitchen on point. Not your average bar food . serves breakfast too! everything on the menu is awesome even everything not listed on menu is awesome (all you have to do is ask)! Great great great! I'm hooked on the catfish ! 10 STARS !! read more

Cool spot, liked the stiff drinks and fair prices. They have an internet jukebox and shuffleboard which was cool. The bartender was nice, she was quick and attentive. I heard the karaoke is fun but did not get to scheck it out because we went in during the day. For a dive bar, this place was cool. Even though I am not a regular, the place was fun to hang out in for a while. Not too far from 99 either so that makes it convenient. I would go back. read more

Had a lot of fun singing karaoke. However, there were only a few singers. Drinks are cheap and strong.

FINALLY a good drink! I have a simple order but for some reason a lot of places screw it up. I like this little joint and I'd like to thank the cutie pie bartender for giving me a stiff one. read more

Stopped in here this morning for Bloody Marys after a fine breakfast of carnitas and eggs at Alonzo's with a couple of pals. Great choice! A super-fine local bar with excellent drinks. An olive and two dilly beans topped my (plenty strong) drink. A thoroughly enjoyable morning of drinking! read more

This is one of those kind of places you would expect to find in this part of town. Unfortunately I found it a bit ghetto. I am all about blending in and this fish does better in water. It was clear right away there was a local vibe in play and the majority of the soul pack lived within walking distance to this professed karaoke Bar. Even though there was a nice selection of songs available from the host he declined my husband's request to throwdown some Ozzie Osborne and straight up stated "we don't play white people music in here"... Which was really awkward coming from a white boy! Well I am sure there is plenty of places to explore nearby for some drunken karaoke fun that will allow for music of all color...So although there was a lot of people having a good time, swaying to the tune of "let's get it on" and enjoying a fine blunt in the parking lot we just didn't fit in . read more

Was recommended this place by a friend. Really exited. Seamed cool.. I was loving it until a woman came up and ordered the same beer as me and was charged a dollar less. Wtf phil the bartender and to think I thought you were cute. Now not so sure on the bar. How do you expect to get more customers. At least don't upcharge then charge someone less in front of the other. Your still cute Phil even if I paid a dollar more. read more

This place got the job done. It's a divey joint, which I enjoy. Strong drinks, regulars, karaoke: check, check, and check. The neighborhood is a little dicey, and it wouldn't hurt to have a mid-evening check on the restrooms to make sure they have TP and paper towels, but overall we had a great time. The bartender bloke was cool. read more

Best Fried Chicken Sandwich I've ever had. Heading back Wednesday for BBQ!

In for breakfast with Eric!!! He is the best. Southern pork chops and gravy are wonderful

Ok this place is hella cool to kick back at with some homies. Had a good time, bartender didnt catch his name but a big guy who gave good service. Chill spot read more

My fríes uses to go to the buda every Sunday morn Before he would drink seriously in the afternoon. He died from excite alcohol and smoking. I went to the Buda twice. Once just to go to Disney land. I said i would not go to DL until i first went to Buda. read more

We love this place! Cash only bar. Have been coming here off and on for years and years for karaoke with Scott.

Its always easy to get caught up in a neighborhood. And if this is your case, the Swiss Buda would look pretty intimidating. It's nestled between a pawn shop (complete with bullet proof glass) and a liquor store with bars on the windows. But looks can be decieving about this quaint little bar that does little to stand out between the two, with its discreet wooden doors, and colorful sign. When you walk in, you will most likely see a bunch of people (that can only be called regulars) seated around the bar, talking loudly and occasionally glancing at whatever sports game is on the TVs. The walls are filled with fake fish, pictures of people only the owner would know, mirrored signs, and mementos from trips taken long past. The bartender is usually leaning against the counter, talking or arguing with the regulars about sports, branches of the service, or who's up next for karaoke. The same goes for the bouncer who checks IDs. He's sitting at the bar, drinking a water and bullshitting with everyone who walks in through the door. Normally, at 24, i'm a bit young for the crowd. Everyone seems to hover somewhere between late 20s and late 50s. But that doesn't matter to the colorful people who make up this weekend gathering. They simply smile at me, and more currently, give me a small nod of recognition. My only beef with this cute little place is the way they are never open late week nights and you can only smoke out front!! If you want to go and have a place to stay until 2, you have to come on the weekend. But the best part about that is undoubtedly the karaoke! KJ Leslie is a minor celebrity amongst my friends and I. She's funny and friendly, and always give you a little announcement before you take the mic. Its great doing karaoke there! There's never really a huge crowd, and the people that are there are so encouraging! They'll dance and sing along no matter how bad you are. Often cheering for you by name, and are more than willing to let you hold the mic to their lips when you forget the high part of the second verse. I'll warn you that a few of the people who frequent the karaoke at the bar (not me!) are really good. you know, the types of people who really make the rest of us look bad (I always pray that i'm not after any of them). But to balance it out, there's a few who are spectacularly awful and ham it up to the crowd with hand gestures, and corny dedications, and dances next to the shuffle board game. There are comfy vinyl booths to sit in mixed with metal chairs and tables covered in plastic cloths. But the drinks are cheap, strong, and plentiful as you gain a bit of an ego boost waiting for your turn to sing. All in all, I love this little bar. Some where you can go in a baggy tshirt with your hair a mess, and sans makeup. Go with a group of daredevil friends who don't mind letting their hair down and singing a song or two. Then sit back, relax, and let the laid back atmosphere embrace you, and leave your "gussied up party girl" personality back in your downtown studio apartment! read more

This is a cool little bar to go to with a couple of friends if you just want to relax, kick back and drink a few. When I went, there was an older crowd. It wasn't super obnoxious like some bars. Respectful. Prices are decent. It's a nic bar in S Sacramento. We need something like this. Go check it out. read more

Best neighborhood bar. don't miss breakfast on the weekends.

Great little dive bar, bad hood, i would not be around here after dark, but for drinkin it's great.

OLD SCHOOL, Hole in the wall Bar. PROBABLY BEST PLACE FOR SINGING NIGHT. Its next to a pawn shop,liquor stores and a gun shop. What elese more do you need? laid back bar. MEL THE OWNER IS A COOL CAT. read more

Seriously, the Swiss Buda sets the bar for dive bars. I can't explain it... you just have to experience the karaoke magic and exhale. Despite the very sketchy location (I can say that since I live blocks away) the on-site bouncer is extremely conscientious. No fear...once you grab a mike and start singing, everyone is family. read more

Pretty much a typical dive bar, but one that happens to be right down the street. This fact contributes to our friend suggesting we wander over after a few beers with dinner at his place. The drinks are reasonably priced, and the bartender is cool, but I think the main draw for this place is the seemingly never-ending karaoke. There is usually a wait to get up and sing, but at least it's always entertaining to watch/listen. read more

Fun neighborhood dive bar. Mel the longtime owner passes and I think his family took over. They really spruced it up, added some great food and really nice TVs. The bartenders are really nice, especially Eric. The rest of the place is still kinda old, but that's a dive bar. I'd give them another star if they ever got draft beer. read more

Best Local Bar for us, it's walking distance, friendly staff, good food. Jukebox is always going except for NFL Sunday's which is the best idea ever.. I love this place, and keep coming back. read more

Honestly I LOVE this place the customer service is excellent The bartender is awesome drinks are great and strong lol If your looking to chill and relax I recommend you coming here.. read more

No drama. Just ordinary people good conversations. Laughs, jukebox and reasonable prices drinks

I wish I could give it -1 I'm so mad right now it's not busy i have been waiting for my check for 20 minutes already my first time here & I will never return the bar tender has helped everyone one but us read more

This place has one of the best burgers in town and the cook is on-point. The fries are homemade. The breakfast is pretty awesome too. As far as drinks, they're cheap and it is a dive bar. Most patrons are over 40. Some are missing teeth. read more

Go for the BREAKFAST! It is tasty. You can get a delicious bloody mary from the bar to go with a heaping plate of eggs and hash browns, but you don't necessarily have to. What more could you want? Went on a recent Saturday morning about 10:30 AM and enjoyed the mellow atmosphere, a beverage, and an omelette with hash browns and toast. It's only one guy running the show in the kitchen, but he knows what he's doing, so good things come to those who wait. read more

Been a few years , when I did do Karaoke at the Swiss Buda had a great time, other singers very supportive of the singer. Sound system was very good, and the bartenders are very good at their jobs. read more