Took my lady here for our anniversary and left genuinely impressed. We ordered the Stinger and the Hương Xưa -- the owner's own creation and easily one of the most unique things I have ever tasted. Nothing quite like it. A Vietnamese gin and bitters amaro that somehow makes perfect sense in a 1920s speakeasy tucked into a historic Sacramento courtyard. The Stinger was classic and perfectly executed. Two very different drinks, both outstanding. Finding the entrance was its own adventure, all I will say is look for the songbird and follow the clues. The space is intimate, the music is right, and the whole evening felt like a proper occasion. One tip, reservations are not required but highly recommended. The space is small and fills up fast. Don't risk showing up and waiting. Sacramento needed this. Highly recommend for a date night, an anniversary, or any evening worth remembering. read more

The 1920s Bookstore - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Recently discovered this hidden gem and honestly, so glad I did. The Clover Club was my drink of choice and it was absolutely perfect. Gin, raspberry, egg white shaken until frothy and pink. Delicate but punchy. Exactly what a good cocktail should be. Aaron and Jeenu behind the bar were wonderful, knowledgeable, warm, and genuinely passionate about what they do. You can tell they care. The space is intimate, the vibe is unlike anything else in Sacramento, and the menu alone is worth the visit. They get busy and fast -- reservations are highly recommended. You will not regret it. read more

The 1920s Bookstore - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

Chill vibe, 'intimate' space, interesting menu, great drinks. Would return. Very curious if there is a rotating theme for the menu, specifically during the colder months. Appointment encouraged. Read the typewriter when you enter! Someone was legitimately attempting to force their way into the speakeasy. Many drinks to choose from, the menu alone is pretty awesome, and I actually read through it as we waited. Yes, go, support them and check it out. Drinks were about $16-19 each. read more

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10/10 would 1000% recommend. That's it that's all that's the review lol such a vibe Date night , meet up with friends, solo trip - you can do it all here. read more

This hidden spot is such a gem with its cool decor and intimate vibe. The drinks were honestly impressive and crafted perfectly. I really enjoyed how the mixologist took the time to make each one special. It feels like the ultimate place to relax for a few hours. I will definitely be coming back here again soon. read more

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This place is such a vibe! Very intimate and classy. The drinks are consistently delicious. We celebrated two anniversaries here with friends and it's been a pleasant experience each time. Due to their reservations policy there's always the perfect amount of people and never has it felt overly crowded. Cannot wait to go again! read more

The 1920s Bookstore - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

This was such a unique experience! The speakeasy is hidden behind a wall of bookcases, but getting in is part of the fun. First, you'll need to find the clock, then the hidden entrance to the library. Once inside, follow the clues to signal someone behind the shelves to open the secret door leading into the speakeasy. It may sound complicated, but it's actually simple and adds to the overall experience. The drinks were excellent, with a menu offering something for every taste and age group. It's a one-of-a-kind spot in the area and the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Old Sacramento. Whether you're on a date or catching up with a friend, it's a cozy, intimate place to enjoy a well-crafted cocktail and a memorable evening. San was a sweet Host who made us delicious drinks. made our experience memorable and positive. Happy to return again with other friends to try other drinks. read more

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So I saw a few videos about this new bar that was opening up in Pioneer Square in Old Sacramento.I heard it was a true "speakeasy",so I knew I had to find out what it was all about. So after some downtown shenanigans I headed down to Pioneer Square and walked down the steps and looking around-nothing-just a bunch of doors with no signs of life and nothing indicating the place I was looking for even existed. So I did see one door that looked like something so I went in there and it was not the place I was looking for but it was another new bar in the area,so we decided to have a drink there and figure out where this bookstore was. So after a quick drink and some intel gathering,I ventured out back into the square and looked for a songbird. Once I found the songbird,I opened a nondescript door and found myself in a 3 sided bookcase kind of room.I was told two different ways to get into the speakeasy and I tried em both-one of them worked and I made my way into the cutest little bar. Once inside it was like we were transported to another time.It was a one-man operation in there and so being patient is definitely part of the vibe. They were playing true crooner type music,which added to the vibe.There are no windows in this bar,so there is no feel for what's happening outside,it's just another world entirely they are building inside this "speakeasy". The bartender greeted us when we got in and gave us this very cute menu-the menu is categorized by decades and features drinks from different decades going back to the 1920s. The drinks here are not cheap but I can say without a doubt-these drinks are made really well and somehow feel like the right price. True bartending craftsmanship is going into the making of each of these drinks. I found drinks ran from around $16-$20 each. They also have a non-alcoholic section of their menu but I didn't check to see how much those drinks ran-I'd imagine they are much cheaper since they don't contain alcohol. We decided to try a few drinks-this is what we had. 1. Negroni-this very gin forward drink was really great-really strong though. 2. El Diablo-this is basically a tequila and ginger beer cocktail with a touch of lime-excellent if you love tequila. 3. French 75-this is a Champagne drink with gin and simple syrup-excellently made and one of the best French 75s I've ever had. 4. Sazerac-rye whiskey and bitters in a glass rinsed with absinthe-this is the drink that sent me to the moon and back-I'm a Sazerac fan and this version of it shot way up the charts for me-it was great and very strong. Technically they are still in their soft opening phase and officially don't open until mid-July and will operate primarily by reservation most of the time,with walk-ins welcome if there are openings. It's a pretty small place with maybe 6-7 tables in the entire bar-it feels intimate for sure. In closing, I am so happy that Old Sacramento has such a great new place opening and the owners have really hit a home run with their concept and I will visit in the future and bring as many people as I can to check out the "bookstore". read more

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This is such a great place. The decades menu is so fun and the drinks were amazing. The ambiance was very unique and fun. read more

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The ambiance, the storytelling behind the Prohibition era and speakeasy's, the drinks. Everything was amazing and felt purposeful. I started off with the Clover & Bijou and my husband had the Scofflaw & The Rob Roy. Look for the song bird clock to guide the entrance. It was fun trying to figure out how to get in. Took a few minutes but we figured it out. read more

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Went to the soft opening with my friend Kerensa and it felt like such a nice exclusive experience. Took us a few minutes to figure out how to actually get access, but we eventually were helped in. The decor and lighting is so cute, they even have tiny fire lamps at the table. We were greeted by Brian (sp?) And San (the owner). Brian gave us menus and the menus had different themed chapters by the decade and even some international drinks and a "Designated Driver" section with NA drinks! Brian also brought us water to start and snack mix - while we took in all our options to decide what to drink! From what I saw - drinks ranged from $16-19... NA drinks were $9-10 I ordered the Moscow Mule and the Shirley Temple. Kerensa got the Bee's Knees (gin drink). The Moscow Mule was big and pretty good. The Shirley Temple had a twist with ginger ale as the base but I prefer traditional 7up or Sprite. I really like the space and the music brought you back in time too. I look forward to when the business fully opens! read more

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Such a fun, unique spot to enjoy a cocktail! So many choices though, would be awesome if they offered a "decades flight" with smaller portions so you could try a bunch! Or even if they did an event night for a set price and multiple taster size drinks would be served. I did not think I liked Gin, but oh my, the Clover Club was amazing! Also loved the Bee's Knees (three of us ordered different drinks and shared). Not too keen on the Aviation. Would be really nice if there was at least a pub snack mix or something though. It is strange to not have something to nibble on while enjoying your cocktails. We thought the bartender was initially a bit stand offish, but maybe thought that was part of the ambience of the "speak easy" vibe, but once he came to get our orders, he was super friendly and helpful! Will definitely visit again!! read more

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Came in with friends on a Thursday night for 9:15pm reservation. This little speakeasy is really cool. Finding it and getting in was delightful. There was only one bartender (Aaron?) he was busy doing everything. We felt bad as it was pretty busy when we were there, but he did a great job helping all and making such good drinks!!! We were all very excited and happy with our choices. Would definitely call this a proper speakeasy and happy to have another place to go to for an exciting evening. Loved it!! read more

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Drinks: Good selection. Some would say too good. Almost an overwhelming options of drinks. There were about 10 drinks per decade, and some were classic well drinks on the menu. I got an aviation cocktail; it was so strong and with little to no actual flavor. Ambiance: I really enjoyed the decor, the music, and the speakeasy aesthetic. It was a cute set up for sure. Some people missed the phone element entirely; this could have been due to already knowing where the door was from social media. Service: I hate to admit it, but the service was not very good. I would expect that working in a place with so much hype into the speakeasy niches and brand new opening; the vetting for more bartender charism would have been stronger. read more

The 1920s Bookstore - The menu and table decor - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Look for the songbird and you'll go back in time to a hidden place where you can sip on a cocktail inside possibly the most unique "bookstore" in town. My friend and I went to their soft opening and enjoyed trying to find the hidden door (I'm going to leave it up to their future guests to figure it out for themselves since I feel like that's part of the fun!). The menu is cute and organized into decades, which was fun. I chose the Bee's Knees, one of my favorite drinks, which has gin, lemon juice and honey, while my friend chose a Moscow Mule and a Shirley Temple. My drink was smooth and well-balanced, I'd order it again. The little dishes of snack mix were a nice touch and our waters came in pretty glasses, adding to the classy feel of the room. In addition the classics, the owner let us know they can make other drinks upon request. The Gatsby-ish wallpaper, glam ceiling and lighting were fun touches that added to the experience. The owner noted that while they won't be offering food when the bar officially opens, one of their soon-to-be neighbors will have food that you can bring into the bar. Thanks for having us! read more

The 1920s Bookstore - Bee's Knees! - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

I really wanted to like this place, but the slow service completely ruined the experience. Our group of four had to share two menus because the server said they have a limited number. Fine, we made it work. Then we waited 15-20 minutes just to get our drinks. It was pretty clear the bartender spending time chatting with the three women at the bar was slowing everything down. I would have liked to order a second drink, but we decided it wasn't worth waiting another 15-20 minutes. To answer management's question, we had a reservation. Good service matters, and unfortunately, that was seriously lacking here. read more

What a fabulous new place! The 1920s Bookstore was a true speakeasy experience! Many other reviews and videos have shared how to get there. We didn't know the "secrets" and had to kind of wander around until we found it. Which what it was all about, right? The bartender made us some fabulous cocktails! The "menu" allowed us to read all about different decades and the popular cocktails of that time. With this kind of an experience, I expected their cocktail prices to be high. But they were not - average cocktail prices like what you'd pay for at a mid level restaurant and much lower price than what you'd pay for at a high end restaurant. Great date night idea! Make reservations - this is a small cozy place. read more

The 1920s Bookstore - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

We had such a great experience at 1920 Bookstore! The atmosphere is beautiful, the drinks were fantastic, and the service was excellent. It's such a unique and fun speakeasy with a really great vibe. Definitely make a reservation because it gets busy! One suggestion for management would be to place a small sign outside the door when the bar is at capacity. The doorbell was ringing every few minutes, and the bartenders had to keep stopping to let people know they couldn't accommodate anyone else. A sign could help make things easier for both the staff and guests. Overall, we had a wonderful time and would absolutely recommend 1920 Bookstore! read more

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Cute and cozy, tucked down in an Old Sac square, it's perfect for a girl-date or a pre-dinner cocktail. Fun speakeasy entrance and quaintly decorated interior. The 1920s book of cocktails will blow you away with options as you browse decades of clever concoctions and time tested favorites. read more

The 1920s Bookstore - Whisky sour. Very yummy. - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

Finally, a place in Sacramento that takes its cocktails as seriously as I do. Found the bookcase, figured out the door, and immediately felt like I'd stumbled into another era. Ordered the Sazerac and an Old Fashioned, both were outstanding. The Old Fashioned might be the best I've had in the city. No shortcuts, no nonsense, just whiskey done right. The space is tiny, the vibe is perfect, and the menu alone is worth the visit. Old Sac finally has its hidden gem. Go find it. read more

The 1920s Bookstore - Me, my girlfriend! And the best liquid that I've ever put in my mouth. - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

This has become my spot. There is something about walking through that bookcase that immediately slows everything down. The outside world disappears, time stops mattering, and all that is left is good music, a well-made drink, and whoever you brought with you. Cozy, intimate, laid back. The kind of place you don't rush out of. If you haven't been -- go. If you have -- you already know. read more

The 1920s Bookstore - "Hương Xưa" drink - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

Such a fun spot! I went with my best friend for a girls night and it was amazing! The bartenders were so sweet and knowledgeable about the drinks and their craft. They checked in on us and when my friend and I didn't notice that time had slipped by past their closing hour- they did not rush us out at all. We felt bad not realizing time had gone by, but they were both very sweet and understanding! The cocktails themselves were amazing and some of the best I've had in Sac! The Three Dots and A Dash was probably my favorite of the night. I love how the menu was a "book" that included facts about the history of prohibition, popular drinks over the decades, and the lore behind the drinks themselves. I'll definitely be back to try more! read more

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Great little speakeasy in Old Sacramento. The service was a little slow however it was made up with the quality cocktails made. It was only the mixologist and no host, so I won't be harsh. I'd definitely recommend this spot. Just a note,some customers don't understand speakeasy, this isn't a place where you come to do a bunch of shots to get drunk. It's a classy spot to have a nice conversation or just chill out. read more

The 1920s Bookstore - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Loved this little gem in Old Sac! My husband and I are New Yorkers and it brought us back for sure. Super romantic and unique. We will be back again! Also, they have mocktails if you aren't drinking or pregnant. Service was great too. read more

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Phenomenal place. It was actually pretty exciting "finding" the secret door. The drinks were absolutely delicious and dangerous if you don't pace yourself ‍. The ambience and overall vibe was exactly how we had envisioned it. 10/10 would recommend! read more

The 1920s Bookstore - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

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This was literally such a disappointment . On Wednesday 9/9 My husband and I spent 12 hours at the hospital and wanted to just decompress over a solid cocktail. We searched this really cool place and were excited to try it . Once we got there . The man who opened the door asks if he had a reservation , we say sorry no we didn't as the website doesn't indicate that one is required to attend. After a very long awkward pause he says he could make it work for tonight . Once we walked in , there were more than half the chairs empty . And only three other tables sat....... the table he sat us had dirty drinks on it, and then says " there is water right there help yourself ". But there wasn't any clean cups to get water . It took them more than 7 minutes to even give us a menu and 15-20 minutes after that we were finally asked for our order . I guess their priority was talking to each other and paying no attention to their literal customers . There was ZERO hospitality . The vibe was way off and it's such a shame because it was such a cool place . It was very distasteful that my husband and I didn't say one word . We just wanted to down our cocktails and go. The two male bartenders need to work on customers as a whole not just who they know at the bar or each other . My husband is the bar and beverage manager for one of the best restaurants in Sonoma county , we would never leave a bad review unless we really felt inclined , and by reading the other reviews it is clear to see this is a reoccurring pattern at this business . And the replied from management are no better .... I recommend you fix this , we haven't experienced much of this if at all in sac anywhere else we've visited . When I speak of this very concept , and my experience here I'll definitely be telling people in soco how this specific location is horrific. Then all the managers replies have totally disregarded the customer experience . Telling me I'm lying because I only left 3 reviews in 2 years ?? That's rich. Have you not seen your other reviews of at least 2 other people saying the same thing and you very disrespectfully replying pretty much indicating you do not care . Ofcourse you're going to say I'm lying , like I said I don't leave bad reviews unless really inclined . It doesn't indicate I'm lying - shame on you! Yikes read more

The 1920s Bookstore - Speakeasies Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Went to a sneak preview and it was fantastic, great vibe and atmosphere. Drinks were good read more

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I saw a reel on instagram for The 1920's Bookstore and knew I had to take my husband. What an experience! Everything from finding the bar and getting in to ordering cocktails was a unique experience. I got the vodka gimlet and man, it was so good! We look forward to returning soon. read more

I'd like to point out we came out for opening day. We arrived around 4pm and were only 2 of maybe 8 people in the bar, so it wasn't busy. The Pros: it was like a real speakeasy that is kind of difficult to find and unassuming from the outside. The drinks list is extensive and there is some backstory in the menu which was cool to read. The drinks were good, nothing outstanding but tasted good The Cons: the walls are thin inside the waiting room and we could hear the bartender say "I don't want to let them in" and then made us wait long enough that we felt the need to ring again. Then we heard him say "you can wait, the book says and wait" which overall was rude. We got in and there was no greeting by the bartender we grabbed seats at the bar and we were barely spoken to. It wasn't until he took his break and another bartender came by that we were actually treated like guests. This bartender did mention to us that the phone bell system that is used from outside the speakeasy is annoying but I'm sure if I listened to it all day, I would agree. This is kind of nitpicky but there was also a point that the bartender poured liquor from a handle into a smaller bottle which is actually illegal. The owners might want to do some training before licensing becomes an issue Overall, it was fine for a one time visit but I probably wouldn't ever come back or recommend it to anyone. There are plenty of really interesting speakeasy's in the Sacramento area where I've had outstanding service that I would go to first read more

The vibe is relaxed, nice music, could envision being in a Prohibition era speakeasy. The cocktails were very good and Aaron provided excellent service, both personal and professional. We'll be back with friends. read more

Was able to come to the soft opening, we cheated and asked where the entrance was as we went to the soft opening of Bier Projekt also. You walk in and you read the type writer and follow the instructions. Wait until they are ready, it is fairly small but they created such a beautiful space. I was absolutely in love with the vinyl player, I recently got one and I am just obsessed and it's a nice touch. They aren't fully finished with the interior but I love their menu, it's different and there is a ton of different options for drinks. The page 38 cocktail was hands down the best cocktail, one of the bartenders created it and it's made with a Vietnamese gin of sorts if I am not mistaken. It was just lovely. It's so nice to see Sacramento open such cutesy little places with a lot of intention behind it. I definitely will be back soon! The service was great also, I forgot the bartenders name but we rang the phone excessively and felt so bad as he was by himself but we apologized and left him a good tip! lol sorryyyyyy thank you for a great time. read more

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We made a reservation for my birthday and waited over 45 mins and never got service... This place is clearly working out its difficulties for now and the staff was extreamely rude even clapping for our group to leave... I have worked as a baratender and this was disgusting. We ended up leaving and going to a better bar. This place is not worth it. Crappy management clearly set this place up in the wrong direction, I feel bad for the staff as a former service worker... DO NOT GO HERE. read more