I ubered my girlfriend and our two gay friends across town because I really liked this bar and wanted them to check it out - We had been doing things all day and I forgot that I had a single shooter in my pocket from earlier. I was greeted from a short blonde bouncer. She saw me pull the shooters out when she abruptly told me to empty my pockets for a pat down. I immediately told her I forgot I had those and I can throw them away before going in.... None of this mattered because the second she saw them she flipped out and told me I was banned for the night and she radio'd her entire staff to let them know what I looked like and that I was banned for the night. I was super kind with her - she was nothing but horribly rude without any consideration to me or my friends being there to enjoy the bar. read more

I always love the Depot. Bartenders here are the best, I feel so welcomed, fun and just chill overall. Doesnt matter what day of the week, and most especially when it's Pride month, the Depot is either the first or the last stop but definitely a place where me and my friends come to meet up and catch up. LOVE The community the Depot built. read more

This will always be my first stop before Badlands. Drinks are awesome, bartenders are so chill and staff in general is too! Patrons are always in check and enjoying themselves, I've just never caught a bad vibe here. Thanks for being here, The Depot! read more

cheap, strong drinks and cool red felt on the pool tables but y'all need some better sticks. All things considered, not bad for free pool monday! read more

Warning: They use facial recognition software, patronscan. They don't have proper signage at the front door and don't give clear warning, that they will scan your ID, and your face, you don't have the right to opt out. When I asked the bouncer they stated, it's to make sure if they need to kick someone out they have their data to ban them, so for safety. While patronscan says it doesn't collect sexual orientation, it won't take much to know you were at this gay bar. Won't be coming back if they continue this policy. They say it's only kept in the system for 30days but since patronscan uses other reporting analytics they actually keep data for more than two years. This is a FYI. The human staff were lovely especially the bartenders. read more

The bartender in the back helped us and was really friendly. The bartender made the drinks strong so I can't complain read more

The Depot - Gay Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

We came for trivia on a Wednesday night and had a great time. The bartender was friendly and our drinks were ready quickly, even with a decent crowd. The trivia was really fun as well and I loved the format with different rounds with answers in between. It was our first time visiting, but after this experience I would definitely plan on coming back again either for more trivia nights or for a quick drink. They have seating at the bar as well as some tables in the front area and then some pool tables before you get to the back where it's more open again. I could see this spot getting crowded on peak nights easily, but it definitely had a good vibe and the drinks were cold and tasty. read more

Let me walk in with a backpack at opening and keep it with me. Come back an our later and it's not allowed? If a rules a rule enforce it at all times. read more

Lovely staff. Great music. Drinks are properly poured and priced. Very welcoming. The Depot feels like a safe space thanks to the staff.

It's Pride month and a group of friends and I wanted to go out to celebrate. We met up at the depot on Monday night, on Monday nights we were told it's free billiards night and they mostly played rock-n-roll. They had rock themed shots on sale throughout the night. The environment was lively, and the staff was pretty friendly. The only thing is the sliding door wasn't being kept closed in the back and so the smell of cigs were overwhelming in the billiards area. Though my friends and I still had fun and enjoyed the night. read more

The Depot - Interior - Gay Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Cozy little neighborhood bar. Just that, don't expect much else. No cover, cheap drinks, pool tables, outside seating and a good selection of beer on tap. read more

employees are rude, don't look you in the face and only speak to their local friends while I sat ignored by even the barbacks. my first bartender ignored me after my first drink order, so I had to unfortunately have to speak with the B word to my right. she only spoke to her locals and never said welcome, but managed me as a customer number 500 for the week. I added my drink to ice to make it less sweet and she quickly slammed my newly made drink into the sink. when I looked at her she was non apologetic hostile and accused me of being the devil I guess. RUDE no apology read more

Now that my clubbing days are mostly behind me, I find that the Depot is more my speed. While it can still get a little crowded, mostly during the hours of 10pm - 12am it dies down fairly quickly. We've been coming for the past few weekends just to play pool and haven't had any issues with long waits for one of their 2 tables to open up. Drinks are on par price and pour wise with other bars/club in the area. They do have an outside patio which is nice as well as an outside bar that is less hectic than the main bar inside, especially during the busy hours. Bathrooms are hit or miss. Mostly a miss though unfortunately. They are often disgusting with clogged toilets, toilet paper everywhere, urine on the floors and seat and I'm pretty sure all the white specs on the floor is booger sugar, if ya know what I mean. They do take cards now, so no need to worry about carrying cash only. Security at the door was also patting down female which I've never encountered but all good. And every time we've been there has never been a cover. Overall, other than the bathrooms we always enjoy our time here and continue to come back. read more

Are You kidding me? This place makes more than enough money to have decent cue sticks and hand chalk for Pool players. You have to pay 2 Bucks for one game, surrender your id AND leave a deposit to play a game, and this is the $#!t you get? Also, seriously? You guys can't fix the sink in the men's room so it's not constantly wasting water? Lastly, the bar is overdue for some deep cleaning. read more

The Depot - a close up of a metal button - Gay Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

Next stop: Sacramento Depot! Had drinks at Depot two of my three nights in Sacramento. It's a nice, safe place with a positive vibe. Lots of lively synergy due to the club next door too. Brandon and Deanna (my Michigan home girl) were my bartenders. Funny, sharp-witted yet attentive and professional, all at once. Prices were reasonable - based on the other 4 area bars I patronized. And, pours were quite "respectable". If I lived in the area, I'd definitely be a regular here. read more

I've been coming to this bar for almost 20 years. I've been bringing my girlfriend with me for the last 3 years. She wears a mini backpack that serves as a purse. It's more secure than a purse. Just big enough to carry her wallet and keys. The bouncer always takes a look inside and then lets us through. Like any purse. At any other bar. Tonight we walked up and the woman bouncing said "Sorry no backpacks" and wouldn't engage us further. We walked a good half mile or more to go to Depot. Never had a problem in 20 years. Honestly, I'm not gonna waste my time again if we meet the same kind of unnecessary resistance. We don't like people looking through our belongings, but we understand the importance and are willing to cooperate. This was a level of no cooperation on the establishment's part and we don't have the time or money to support a business like that. Very unfortunate. read more

If you are planning a fun evening or a happy hour Depot is the place. I like how knowledgeable the bartenders are on finding you the perfect drink that I never ever heard of before this adventure: the Superman (2 limit) and the Fairy F#@K that my friend enjoyed a few. Coolest aspect is if you're there before 9 you can walk through this side door with a free cover charge into Badlands. And when it gets a little too cray in there you can walk back through the door back to Depot to mellow out. Note: cash only in Lavendar Heights bars. read more

The Depot is a friendly and welcoming neighbor gay bar. The drinks are good and the service was attentive. We were there after a Sunday Brunch so it was nice and mellow the way I like it. This is a cash only bar so make sure you hit the ATM on your way there. There is street parking and some nearby pay for use lots. read more

Always go to play pool and they have THE WORST cue sticks I've ever seen! Either get rid of your pool tables or simply replace the tips of the cue sticks!! There's no excuse. It's always been like that. Y'all just look lazy. read more

I don't see why this bar doesn't deserve 5 stars based on my experience! I came here recently on a Friday night and was immediately comfortable knowing the bar was mostly full of harmless gay men, as compared to going to hetero bars where as a woman I have to be alert 'cause you never know. The music was fun, the two bars downstairs weren't too crowded and the margaritas I ordered were just fine served in a full glass. The bartenders were friendly and nice. I like that there are different rooms at this bar including the main room you walk into that has a long bar, cocktail tables, and window seating, a room with a pool table, and a room that is enclosed yet open to the outside air and has patio access if you really want to be outside vs being enclosed in the metal cage-like room with another smaller bar and more cocktail tables. There's two single restrooms downstairs as well. I didn't go upstairs but definitely would in the future. I'm looking forward to going back for more fun nights. read more

Very good drink & had fun at the pool tables. Two tables & 2 dollars a play/ 5 for 3 games , cheap drinks & good drinks for your buck!! if anything people/security could be a little better. No complete pat down or bag check. Lucky I didn't have my CCW on me but they didn't check anything. What server sais 'no tip no request'. That seems a little redundant to me to be begging for tips because you're havint a slow night. Had a phone stolen & nothing was done when it was stolen from my jacket on the floor. Security needs to be more strict with who they let in besides checking ID. read more

My Sacramento go-to bar with my BFF. The drinks are cheap (I come from the Bay Area) and the music is usually on point. The bartenders are super friendly and are quick to serve. My favorite thing about this bar is that it hasn't changed. Everything in Sacramento is starting to get gentrified and that Bougie flair is starting to creep to all my favorite haunts. The Depot was one of my favorite bars when I became of legal drinking age and has been a dependable bar to go to when I wasn't in the mood for a club or a lounge. Still to this day, you can get a good buzz and depending what you order, possibly drunk for $20, especially during happy hour!! Take your bff, boo, partner, girl gang, boy bangs, etc. and enjoy a drink! Snag the prime seats by the open window so you can people watch and drink your drank. read more

One of the best happy hours! I want to say it's everyday and it ends at 8pm. The ac is on in the front but obviously won't be on the "patio". They have two pool tables and you have to pay /ask one of the bartenders . read more

The Depot - Tequila sunrise and vodka and cranberry ! - Gay Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

Horrible customer service! If you want to be inappropriately touched, this is the place to go! Management doesn't give a shit that their guards grop women and say that it's a procedural pat down. The manager was more bothered by the complaints from patrients than by the sexual harassment being openly performed...FYI, it was a female guard inappropriately "patting down" women. read more

I had an awful experience at the Depot this past Saturday morning around 1am. Out of the bars in lavender heights the depot has always been one of my favorites. However, that completely changed after being on the receiving end of a poorly implemented new pat down policy and awful customer service from the manager. I went to the depot to meet up with some friends and was showing my partners friends the lavender heights scene since she was visiting from out of town. Upon getting to the depot a security guard said that she needed to do a pat down of our "breast area." I didn't think anything of this but after getting into the bar red flags were raised. This pat down was not a pat down like any other I've ever gotten here in Sacramento or anywhere else. It was really rough, unnecessary, and my partners friend ended up feeling pain. The pat down was only of our chest are and no where else. It was very rough and triggered past feelings of sexual assault. Because of how uncomfortable we felt we asked to speak to the manager, who we later found out's name is Omar (he did not want to release this information to us). When we spoke to him about our concerns he cited new safety protocol and continued to double down on the fact that this is a newly implemented policy due to safety. We repeatedly explained that we understand the need for safety but the way this was implemented mad us uncomfortable. Then he ultimately told us that we should leave because we were unwilling to work with him. The poor excuse for the pat down was violating and awful but Omar's response and gaslighting of our experience is what made this so much worse. I have never felt less safe at this bar and am so concerned for other survivors of assault and also the queer community because this policy is here to stay and is not done in a safe or inclusive way. Even worse is that when we went back outside there were groups of other people coming in not receiving this pat down. I noticed this and Omar was standing outside at this time so I pointed this out to him and he yelled at me to leave. I am so disappointed in this experience and really caution anyone thinking about going here. There were no solutions offered and we were incredibly dismissed for our experience. It was very triggering and not how I wanted to end my night. Be safe everyone. read more

The bartender had a full on power trip! She was completely raging at two girls who went into the bathroom together. This was a Thursday evening the bar was empty no one was waiting to use the restroom and they were in there for a mere couple of minutes. The bartender was enraged and proceeded to kick them out with force. Yelling at them calling them names. Completely unnecessary. Something that could've been handled very differently and professionally instead she used the "power" that she had to put her hands on them and kick them out. Management needs to take this type of interaction seriously and reassess/train their employees before they get a civil lawsuit against them. Completely not okay. I would avoid at all cost. read more

I parked right outside, so I'd say I was lucky with that. We entered and were asked for ID. They also take your picture so I'm assuming they use a program to match your face to your ID. There was no cover charge the night I went. I drank Shock Top the whole night which was about $6 a glass. They had white claws, something that most bars don't have for some reason. The Bar tenders were nice, they smile at you, create small talk, bar tender stuff. I went on 3/19/23, a Sunday and it wasn't very packed. They have pool tables if you walk further back and then a pathway that connects to Badlands which is next door. It was dim, I don't remember hearing music for some reason but it was quiet enough for us to converse and hear whoever we were talking to. Overall a good experience. I'll have to come back on other days to give a better overall review but 5 stars so far. read more

Night manager is horrible, as a manager downtown who comes in with other managers/bartenders trying to have good time but he consistently blocks us off at the door saying their not accepting new patrons on a Friday night, at 12:42pm. At this point we're sure it's personal. It's degrading to the business and hope it changes soon read more

I love this bar. Gay bars are usually a lot more fun to just chill in a nice environment and listen to dance music. So my friend and I that have the opportunity to meet up once in a while decide to check it out; grab a couple of drinks and catch up. We went on a Saturday evening for their Happy Hour deals, which were great... less than $5 for a cocktail or pint of beer. Inside there were so many TV screens on the ceiling that it was very hard to not get distracted by them. Saturdays they play clips from sketch comedy shows and movies, and music videos from the latest hits. It was fun re-watching old MadTV clips though while sipping on drinks. The bartenders were very nice and they made some strong drinks for us. My friend and I talked for a few hours outside in the smoking area, and we had a great time. I will definitely come back later for some of the events that they have... looks like fun! read more

The Depot - Kamikaze and Apple Martini - Gay Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California

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great place to have drinks listen to music and play some pool! everybody is super nice and always has great attitudes!

One of my favorite gay spots in Sacramento, mostly due to the chill environment and the crowd. While visiting Sacramento on a Wednesday this place drew in an audience due to it hosting a trivia night. Although I chose not to Participate in it tons of people went and it was enjoyable nonetheless. They have a pool table in the back that some guys were in and an outside area to smoke or relax, along side with another bar which they open on their busier nights. This is known as the pregame bar before going out to badlands next door or any of the other places nearby. Definitely recommend starting your night here. read more

bar was very nice, lady at the front was very thorough with her pat down, there's no reason to touch my genitalia. 2/5 stars

Always always have a great time with Joey and Nelly @ The Depot! SITREP Great peeps and a fantastic location for bar-crawling fun. At the corner of 20th & K, this is a prime location for being able to wander around the Midtown. SETUP This is a nice place to end up after an evening of wandering around Midtown and enjoying the 2nd Saturday Art Walk. With friends and TVs on some favorite shows, this is a great way to end the night. *FLASH-MOB!* On a Saturday back in October, it was just a wild treat to watch a Flash-Mob take over the nearby streets and do a rendition of Thriller! What fun. After taking pictures and participating in all the madness, it was so nice just to be able to get into the chill-environment of THE DEPOT and have a few drinks. THE LOWDOWN The Depot is where you want to end up at! read more

Fun place to drink. Bartenders are fun and great people watching. Great location too! Deanna is the bomb, we had a fantastic evening with her serving up some great cocktails. Can't wait to try the piano bar on Tuesday nights. read more

I mean what's not to love? Strong, and I mean STRONG, vodka sodas, friendly as hell bartenders (D, i'm lookin at ya) and amazing pop music videos playing on all the tv's. Been coming here almost weekly with my gal pals for mid day drinks on saturday's and it's been so fun ever since. My only complaint is the back patio can be a TAD bit crowded and often can't find enough space to sit/a place to sit for that matter. All in all though a fun gay dive! read more

Went to the Depot Saturday night with two of my friends...everything went horrible very quickly.. The guy checking our ID greeted us and was really nice. Then we waited in line to get checked by security. The security lady check my purse first and gave us a story about how someone pulled a knife on a staff member and that they were implementing a new search policy. She asked for consent to pat us and I said yes. Not thinking anything of it. She patted me first but only did the chest area, which I felt was very inappropriate. We all felt very violated. Even the girl behind us yelled wooooh that's to much! WE WERE ALL IN SHOCK. We walked inside and came right back out. The guy that checked our ID was right behind us and even appoligized, saying "that was to much". We were still in shocked, trying to figure out what just happened to us. We went back after a few minutes to speak to a manager. On our way back, we watched how they wear patting down the women at the bar next door because it was the same security company, MIB, but it was nothing similar to what we got as a pat down. We went back and we watched the depot let people in with no searches or pat downs, so we asked security for a manager. We spoke to the manager because we wanted him to be aware of what was happening, and we didn't want it happening to other people, but it was clear he didn't care to hear what we had to say. We also asked about where they got training from, and he responded with an attitude, Sacramento shireff department. He also stated that they will be having another training next month. I didn't want to continue the conversation with him beacuse the way he was responding was rude and obvious that he didn't care, so we said thank you and walked off. read more

Always a great safe place for a drink, make new friends and enjoy music and laughter.

Satisfactory gay dive bar, but probably not my first choice since it is cash only, and they will not give you a receipt but will tell you how much your drink was. There was no cover charge, at least when I went on a regular Friday night ~12am. The women's restroom was locked when I went, so all the ladies just went to the men's restroom and it essentially turned into a unisex restroom, which was fine, but it got crowded quickly. read more

Sat with a drink for a minute and a cute bartender with a backwards hat and a tattoo on his left arm ran over to me and handed me a $50 I apparently left on the counter. Good staff. :) read more

I consider The Depot a gay dive bar, and my favorite one at that. It stands out as a low-key little corner bar on the same corner as its big neon club companions. Much like its club counterparts, The Depot has strong drinks, numerous screens playing music videos, and a smoking area in the back. Unlike its club counterparts, the drinks are cheaper, it's quieter and much more casual. There's pool tables in the back bar area. I've been here on weeknights, on weekends, on pub quiz night, on Leather Porn Party night, on St. Patrick's Day, on Halloween, on New Years, hell I'm going there tonight to the RuPaul premiere party... I like Depot any night of the year! It's a great place to grab a cheap drink with friends (or even better, grab a few cheap drinks before going over to Badlands or Faces!) read more

The Depot - *clink!* - Gay Bars Near Me - Sacramento, California