Badlands Sacramento
Dancing · Video Bar · Sacramento, CA
About
Badlands stands out in Sacramento's scene as a multi-level dance club with a giant disco ball that anchors a high-energy dance floor. It's a mixed LGBTQ+ and straight crowd here, drawing locals and travelers since 2006. The venue also has outdoor seating, a video bar, and a full bar that fuels the late-night vibe.
Hours are unusual: open until 6am on Mondays after 8pm, with late hours the rest of the week. If you're planning a big night out, note that some visitors report inconsistent door policies with its sister venue Faces Nightclub just across the street.
Badlands is located in Sacramento's Midtown neighborhood, a lively area known for its bars, restaurants, and nightlife.
Features
- ✓Giant disco ball above the main dance floor
- ✓Open until 6am on Monday nights
- ✓Outdoor seating and video bar
- ✓Full bar with happy hour specials
- ✓Late-night hours Thursdays through Saturdays
Good for
Practical
Best nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
What people say
Rated from 318 reviews. 150 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
When I first tried to get into Faces Night Club across the street, I was denied entry as a new customer. They apparently communicate by radio when someone is turned away or kicked out. Even though I was just throwing away a closed coffee cup at another bar's trash bin, they claimed they knew I was denied across the street and wouldn't let me in. When I asked why, the explanation made no sense—security was about to check my bag, but another staff member said no. They tried to cite open container laws, but I pointed out my cup had a lid. Then they changed the story to losing their liquor license. I was upset and felt targeted. While waiting for my Uber, I mentioned I'm a flight attendant just visiting to support the community. They finally let me in, and I bought a drink, but I was shaken that this happens in the gay community and in California. If you're a person of color, just stay away.
A visitor · 1 year ago
I was visiting from Montreal recently and went with my boyfriend to the main bar. The music was playing endless videos of straight-looking women with exposed midriffs and thongs dancing provocatively. I thought, is this a gay bar? It felt like they were appealing to straight male fantasies. I hadn't been to Sacramento in 14 years, and this place made me feel like I was on another planet.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Sunday Funday”
This is a great place to hang out on a Sunday. You can't beat the prices, and they give decent pours. They mix retro music videos with some current ones.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“just ok”
I visited on a Wednesday during happy hour. The crowd was a decent mix of men and women, but the bartender seemed more focused on serving people she knew, leaving me waiting about 15 minutes.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“A good time”
A nice way to spend a Sunday! The young bar back is the hottest guy in the place.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there food served? +
Badlands is primarily a dance club and bar. It does not appear to serve food, though nearby options are available.
What are the best nights to go? +
According to Yelp, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are the busiest nights.
Is Badlands a gay bar? +
Yes, it's a gay bar with a mixed LGBTQ+ and straight crowd, and it's part of the local gay nightlife scene in Sacramento's Midtown.
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