The Mercantile Saloon

The place was cool however, bartenders should not do the most basic service and expect excessive tips. I understand that cheap employers pass the responsibility of paying for their workers onto the customers via tipping but come on dude please do your job and not whine and moan. You signed up for this. The short bald bartender did not let me even organize my money before demanding a tip. I hadnt even stepped away from the bar because I was sincerely organizing my money and then going to tip. Shame on you man have some respect. The drinks were watered down anyways.

Overall, it was a nice bar. Its one bartender whos rude. I didnt catch his name, but hes somewhat on the short side with some bold designer glasses who worked in the back. Drinks werent all they strong, but that seemed to be the norm with all the local bars around here. I live in SF, and the drinks in the Castro are always strong. 👌

I don’t remember the young ladies name who was the bar tender but she was super nice and manning the bar on a Saturday evening alone. Great drinks!

Went here for the first time last night with a few friends and one of the men called me the N word with a hard R I was obviously upset since it is an upsetting word to use towards anyone and the bouncer kicked me out and patted the man on the shoulder saying “it’s ok man go inside “ letting him back in and told me and my friends we were over reacting I was and still am sick that’s people think and allow this behavior just because they are “friends” it was his job to prevent this kind of thing and still took his friends side in a racist act

Super fun! The pool table was pretty cool and the music was a super cool! Drinks are so worth it

Super fun and super busy on a Friday night. The crowd was a great mix of people. With the packed house though expect drink service delays, even though the tender staff was super fast and support efficient, so order appropriately.

The Mac and cheese was so good.. Good drinks and am awesome mix of people

Adam the bartender outside is top tier. Good service, good people and fun times.

Bar tender Chris is the absolute best! Loved this place and the energy! Very friendly service and guests.

The place I used to be at, there where great bartenders now just waiting, but the one busman that was rude and condensing and why!?? Confused... Should not help the public is bothered, heres his pic... Think twice about coming to this place.t he one standing... Dude Why be RUDE,!!?????

Most condescending bartender Ive come across. Made people feel like they were a waste of his time. Ill never go back. Been a long time Sacramentan, and this place should shut its doors or hire people who like to make money. Obviously, they dont need jobs at this place. Otherwise theyd treat people like humans. Dont waste your money here.

While enjoying a night out in Sacramento we found Mercantile Saloon in a quick search for gay bars. At first we werent sure if we were in the right place with armed security at the door. After a quick pat down we entered the bar. It was a cash only bar. The drinks were decent but more expensive then I would have expected for any bar let alone a local bar like the Mercantile.

Perfect place for cheap strong drinks and great conversation. Crowd is usually always great and jukebox plays in the background. It does get crowded and the patio can get pretty smokey which is great for the tobacco smokers but does have non smoking indoors and plenty fresh air for a non smoker to hang on the outdoor covered and heated patio!! Love this place

Absolutely love it! Nice place to get night started for drinks and chatting with friends. Definitely can get a little packed due to location but definitely worth it once inside. Almost always my togo spot for starting night or if I wanna have a chill relaxing night and a couple drinks with friends.

My home. My safe place. Great atmosphere, cheap drinks. All are welcome!This was my old review, but after hearing so many bad experiences I have to change it. Management needs to work on employeeculture, treating patrons with respect

Once upon a time this place was really fun! I will not be going back. The last few times I tried “again” to give it another chance, it was a bad experience.The bartender is so rude and catty.The patrons are rude and catty af! I enjoy a good hair flip and some sassy attitude ok BUT this is downright annoying, especially when I spend money freely to have a great time! My last experience?Some punks ripped off my phone right in front of me and denied it when I questioned them. I tried telling the bartender and all he said was “hold on to your stuff!” …and walked away.I understand that but c’mon. A person can’t set their phone down for a minute for a friendly game if pool?The sheriff payed them a visit the next morning and I got my phone back. Who steals iPhones? Ugh!So there it is. The only positive- strong drinks if you wanna pre-game but, I wouldn’t give my evening to that place ever again. There’s two great bars right across the way I’d rather go to.Sorry-not sorry at all.

This is my favorite bar in midtown because when youre talking to someone else, the music isnt so loud like in Badlands where you have to shout, although thats also personal preference because the Merc is a bar vs a club. I like how low key this place is in general. Also, I think drinks might be slightly cheaper here than the main strip but I havent done a side by side definitive comparison.

Always loud and crowded, so if thats what youre in the mood for youre in the right place. Bar banter and meeting new people is difficult because of the volume though. Youll get your moneys worth with hard alcohol, where they pretty much fill the glass with alcohol and splash in the mixer, but if you want a really well made drink while youre having a chill night with friends then this isnt the place for you.

Very poor service. Low quality drinks. Basically this is a college bar for adults. Cheap long islands etc. with heavy handed pours. If your looking to go out and drink on the cheap ,this is your place, though a pint of vodka from the grocery store would likely be a better choice drink wise. You can have some fun here if you go with a group of friends, but dont expect the staff, atmosphere, or drinks to add a positive spin on your night. This has been my experience the last three times I have gone.

This bar is a fun atmosphere to start your night, they have great music and the service is good. The wait for drinks can be daunting but they are made with care. There is both a open air patio and a inside lounge area with a pool table. I suggest going 30 mins to an hour early before the crowds fill the place around 11, especially if you wish to find a niche place to enjoy yourself as this bar can get crowded at times.

I hadnt been out in a while, Mercantile is a great place for cocktails and for meeting people. They were playing great music and it was crowded! (Fri night) Good atmosphere and I met some nice people.

Everyone loves the merc. Unfortunately its a secret that everyone knows about now and the crowd is just too much now. Best times to go are happy hour or for day drinking...unfortunately going on the weekends is so incredibly crowded now that the last time I went it literally took me 45 minutes to order a drink. Not worth it anymore.

I have grown to love The Merc dearly! Good stiff drinks and cheap too! Whats not to love about that? The crowd is friendly enough and if I can stay here and get wasted with 3 drinks or less and then go down the street to dance at Faces then hey its awesome in my book!Bring cash as they dont dont accept cards...bummer!

One of Sacramentos great bars! With an open heart and mind enjoy drinks and music inside or in their great covered patio. The bartenders pour generously, so be responsible. Always a happy place.

Absolutely love going here! My friends and I always meet here for drinks! Our favorite is the pink starburst, it tastes just like candy!!! They have a system where you can select your own music, so everyone gets to hear their song. Im always dancing and laughing. the merc is the place to be!!!!

I wanted this bar for a quick drink on my way home I was surprised it was quite quaint had a pool table and an outside patio more amazing the bartender Nikki she was amazing she was friendly and cheerful and quite knowledgeable on all the alcohol I stopped in for one drink I ended up staying longer The jukebox not only had today’s hits but had some of the older ones it was fun I think I’ll have to make it a habit great place

Strongest drinks in town and at a cheap price. We mean real cheap at Happy Hour. Many people come here do drink before they go to the other clubs. Hope to see you there some evening.

The entire place smelled like disgusting cigarette smoke, really brought down the quality of the bar. The bartender made me and my friend juice instead of cocktails, was actually really excited to come here for a long time but now that Ive finally went, I understand why everyone spends their time at faces and badlands instead.

I was there with my friends on March 3rd 2022 and the 2 employees (that are men) body slammed my friend which is a female and the other one punched me in the face and now I am suffering with a concussion (im also a female). That bar is known for being racist and attacking their customers. There was a ton of witness that saw my friend and I get assaulted. We are pressing charges and never going back there again!

Tonight. I had a bar tender literally bully a tip. Not ok. First time it’s happened anywhere, and being very honest about it that really changed my overall experience. Legit I’m sitting here on location writing this review instead of having fun.

STRONG cheap drinks. Most of the staff is very friendly and accommodating.

Good place to go to get trashed for very little money. They could use a little help on the concept of friendly service, which is no big deal when theyre busy, that I totally understand. But it was the bartender that wasnt actually doing anything that was rude over and over again.

My favorite bar in sacramento hands down, i try to come atleast twice a week haha. The atmosphere is awesome, the bartenders are great, the drinks rock and of course i love happy hour! Always love going with friends and bringing friends who have never been.

Great atmosphere with absolutely fabulous clientele. Stop in here if you want drinks that will get you drunk, since these bartenders sure know how to pour a stiff one!

The owner was really unreasonable last night. I don’t think I’ve been treated so rudely in all my life, he should really not be bartending under the influence of alcohol, or what ever other substances he was abusing. I wish you could rank places with negative stars.

Strong drinks and cheap prices. Not as gay as it used to be since the college crowd and the hipsters discovered you can get blitzed for only a few dollars. Stay away on Second Saturday unless you want to be crushed by the crowd.

The Merc is eoic! Reminds me of that inter-galactic saloon in Star Wars. Its a gay bar bar but everyone is welcome. Gets loud and boisterous. Very large, very strong and inexpensive drinks. Meet your friends there or go by yourself no problem. You will be entertained.

Not the greatest environment but most of the people are nice and plenty of conversation to go around. Cheap drinks that are strong! Wonderful place to start out with a drink or two before hitting the town.

Decided to stop in here on a Saturday night as I was passing through Sacramento and it was okay. The drinks were great, pricing was good, but it was more of a place to sit around and talk or play pool with your friends then it was to mingle.

Great drinks and customer service! Wish they had different music options for the interior & exterior spaces- since the energy is always diff in both

Land of the strongest drinks in the entire metro area. Cheap too. Nice divey and familiar atmosphere, chill bartenders, and digital jukebox you can change with your phone! (AMI Barlink)

I went to this bar awhile ago. Eric was the bar tender. I ordered a beer and gave him $5. He gave me the beer but refused to give me my change. When I politely asked for my change he said I spent it for my tip. Apparently its customary for these bar tenders to tip themselves. I demanded my change and he had told the other patrons that hes mad about 75 cents! and had them laugh at me. He said he would throw me out if I kept demanding my change. I demanded my change and THEN THE BAR TENDER THREW COINS AT ME! Not once but twice and then had me thrown out.I talked to a local police officer and they went in and got my change. Suffice it to say I wont be returning

Cheap strong drinks. Nice energy with the crowd. Not a bad place to pregame it before hitting clubs or just stay and chill. Staff is always nice.

Food was super flavorful. i will be back with my relatives. bring your appetite because portions are generous. menu is like a cafe in boston i liked.

One of my favorites downtown. Wish they would have gotten new bartenders before reopening. Definitely needs an upgrade in their staff. They have always been rude.

Happy hour goes from 10-7pm. Whats better than a 9 hour happy hour? Came in the afternoon, quiet crowd at that time. Nice people.

Well its still Ok. But a couple of months bed out was remodeled I was a bar stool having a cocktail 1 of the bar stool legs was unlevel to a crack in the brick floor a corner of the brick was broke off my drink in hand. Stool went down and I went with it. With the cocktail still in my hand. Glass broke. Cut my wrist. I bled. No 1 help to help me get back up. It was to embarrassing... Few months later the whole back patio was remodeled... I still go there after not going for 6 years... I still use the old restroom in the bar. Never used the new remodeled restroom. Keep up the good business... With my accident... Ill be ok... 1 🌟... But dont get me wrong. Before this accident. The bar was 10 🌟 for me... And then some... Wow. Went to mercantile from 1979 Till 2017 😭😒☺😍😁😃

Watch your stuff carefully. Thieves go just to steal from people knowing the bouncers wont do anything about it. Shame on management for allowing people to pray on their patrons.

What can I say that already hasnt been said. This place is a Sacramento landmark. Strong drinks, good music, lots of interesting people to talk to if you are social. You cannot beat the prices for drinks.

Owner doesnt care if (non-security) staff become belligerent and physically violent towards REGULAR, PAYING queer BIPOC customers FOR NO REASON. read more at blackzebrapro on Instagram.

Theres no other bar that has such a lighthearted atmosphere.

Ive always been fond of the Merc.(My opinion maybe influenced by their Happy Hour plying me with cheap cocktails.)Regardless-- or perhaps for that reason-- the Merc has always seemed to me to be the maximum amount of fun for the minimum amount of spent.(As opposed to other spots which feature a shocking pricetag, no fun included...)

Awesome bar. Awesome bartenders. Drinks are responsibly priced and pretty strong. Best place to start a night out in my opinion

A good dive bar to pass time with friends. We spent our time in the back patio which was cool, unless you dont like the smell of tobacco smoke.

The cheapest strongest drinks the DT has to offer. The juke box has thousands of songs and there is a pool table. Indoor outdoor seating and 2 bars

Me & a friend were new to the Sacramento nightlife and this place was suggested. We had a really good time and met new people. Will definitely return soon !

I love this place, excellent food & service. Fast, efficient, and courteous service. This place has a good atmosphere. Mood here reminds me of San Diegos scene.

If you havent been, then what are you waiting for! Go see for yourself how an eclectic group of people, with rights to a dj booth, and some amazing drink mixers, make for an awesome evening that you will NEVER forget!

I wish I could give more than 5 stars! So completely comfortable whether inside or out. Drinks are AMAZING and reasonably priced for what you get.

Just asked bartender for change but he didnt give it, i think he was annoyed we wanted to know why they were cash only and thought wed be too drunk to notice he didnt give change

Just moved back after 30 something yrs ...still that beautiful warm inviting bar that I knew back then....only been here 3 times on early afternoon...so I cant say about it when busy......still love it.

We came here today just to play pool tables and the security guard got mad at us because the balls were falling out like I told him where not experienced players and he basically boarder line harassed us and we just ending up leaving still with 2 paid games of pool left

Terrible selection of beer and liquor. Crowd is often meh. Bartenders are hit or miss. Strong, cheap drinks at happy hour, though, if you dont mind the rest.

Really not my scene but went out with coworkers and had a great time. Drinks are excellent and an overall kick back atmosphere

Super friendly staff specially security my favorite lol drinks are cheap and stiff can’t go wrong super chill place and everyone is welcome here I love it!!!

Dealt with some guy well. Always friendly people. Strong drinks for good prices.

CASH ONLY: Many bars in Sacramento are cash only, so be prepared for that. I also suggest their Tokyo tea drink here, youll only need two for the night.

This is a not to miss spot! Came here for the first time tonight and LOVED the drinks and live music! The energy here is incredible and the servers are on point!

A Sacramento institution. Get the AMF. Thank me later

The bartenders arw sassy and make strong drinks on the cheap. Music is always good. Perfection in a gay bar. 👌🏽

Great bar. Everyone is very friendly. Outside drinking area. You do have to pay with cash, although there is an ATM available.

I love the grungy dive bar vibe and the value is great because boy do the poor their mixed drinks. But what is in the house on top????

Drinks so good bartenders you will love so laid back and you meet so many beautiful people safe place too

Crowded place but great drinks for the price! Would like to see a few misters outside for these 100+ degree nights.

Chris, the tiny attitude queen at the patio bar, almost ruins my enjoyment of this place. Cheap drinks and friendly clientele are what keep me coming back. I just avoid the back patio bar.

Been a favorite of mine for years great. Friendly staff good drinks nice sociable venue.

Fantastic drinks great service, friendly workers, but youll see the same people there night after night.

Live in Sacramento for five years, move to sac from san Francisco California. The Mercantile has always been a home away from for me and Queer sisters. and brothers, most of all, the lovely Manager Chris, has always greeted us with lots of love and respect & making us feeling at home. If you are ever in Sacramento, the Mercantile is the place to be.Happy July 4th 2017 everyone. See you at the Merc.

Cheap strong drinks, music, popular with locals, Im Lavender heights. This is an LGBT establishment, so please be lbgt friendly, or go elsewhere

For a gay bar, it is disappointing to find that the clientele is well over 50% straight women.

The Merc is a laid back place where you can talk and meet friends. It has been a really nice place to go after work.

Cheap and strong drinks. Good place to start off your night to get a buzz, but not my place to chill for long.

Great place. I found my Angel here. 3/15/1976 Where are you 😇. I didnt get your number. Sorry the night was.... Different.

Absolutely love it! Nice place to get night started for drinks and chatting with friends.

Cheap drinks, lots of people but not overcrowded. Good music, decent pool table (with a waitlist)

Very fun bar. This place has the best outdoor seating in midtown.

Its a nice place to meet up with friends. No dancing though. Lots of hot men.

Typical community gay bar...kinda clickish. Patio with bar....smoking allowed. Reasonable drink prices! Could be my Cheers spot!

Its just a place to go for cheap drinks then leave. Bartenders are rude but the drinks are strong. Just go in, have your drinks, then go to Faces or Badlands.

My only issue with the place is that it gets really really packed to where its hard to even move around but its understandable because the place it fun

The Merc is an accepting place for everyone. Come as you are, leave the drama behind and get the best drink prices in town.

The bartenders are friendly and the drinks are really inexpensive especially for happy hour.

A great place to meet nazis and be threatened to be tasered if you complain

Great atmosphere, reasonably priced drinks with awesome bartenders

Theres enough ego and attitude out on the floor, you shouldnt have to deal with it behind the bar. Feel bad for the poor barbacks out on the patio.

A good place to see friends. I usually go during Happy Hour.

Good place to enjoy a nice night out with friends, good music, good drinks, good vibes

Always a fun time here! Cheap booze and stiff drinks are always a great combo!

Very friendly outside bartender wonderful service amazing drinks he needs a raise

Great place to start the night. Bartenders could be a little more friendly.

Best local bar.great vibe...cool people.and the bartenders hook it up.

My first gay bar I loved it cheap drinks chill atmosphere even for a Recluse

Best place for cheap good drinks and fun before and after the club

Cheap and strong drinks. and wonderful atmosphere and conveniently located by badlands! #pride

Great gay club. Mostly 20 to 30 on Fri night which is normal for all clubs.

Aggressive bouncer pulled his taser out on people for no reason.

Bald white unfit bartender in the back patio over charges for drinks 2 different prices on the same drink 🍹

Its a nice bar, but I cant stand the amount of smoking that takes place in the covered patio.

Super friendly, great drinks, with a super chill and flirty environment

Great Bar! The tenders are super nice. The security is awesome.

Ive always enjoy going to the mercantile . Ive gotten a boyfriend there. I go during the day only

Very good drinks. They will get the job done. Lol

One of the best bar staffs in town, great time at the Merc

Cheap, STRONG drinks. Laid back atmosphere, security is fair and polite.

Nice pool table, rowdy nights, good place overall. Not for the meek.

Chris the bartender serves only people he finds attractive and ignores the rest who have spent thousands over the years so he and the rest of his phony kiss ass groupies can go to hell

My go to place when starting of a night with friends. This is a one of a kind bar where the vibe is never wrong/negative.

You lookin for a strong inexpensive drink go here! Two drinks and youre well on your way!

Great strong cheap drinks perfect place to pre game

Good pricing great drinks chill atmosphere

CASH ONLY & ATMs do NOT work ( Chase and WFB customers)...on to the next place...

Great environment, delicious, strong, reasonably priced drinks.

Its probably the best bar in Sacramento, although many straight people are invading its gay space.

Ok bar. Niot very many goodlooking people. It should have more ambiance.

Strongest drinks in lavender heights for sure! Chill zone for friends to hang at.

Great place, bartenders are nice. Be back here soon.

I love the merc they have the cheapest strongest drinks and a great atmosphere....

Great drinks. Great people. Fun bartenders.

Loved mercs for years! Strong drinks at great prices!💕💕

Cash only, cheap strong drinks, locals get super rapid service

I have been going here for 4 years solid. Great prices and amazing vibes.

Havent been here in over 10 years. Cheap drinks and friendly folks

Favorite place downtown to get a strong drink or 2 before you head to the more expensive clubs in the area.

The new owner does not know what he is doing. The bar is getting worse everyday.

Best LGBT+ Bar with cheap strong drinks in Sac.

Friendly neighborhood Midtown bar with great outdoor patio and bar.

Very cheap drinks during happy hour.

Good cheap drinks and lovely nice people

Best drinks, drink enough u dont even think about the snobbish groups of people.

Always good drinks at a reasonable price

It was cool. Nicely poured drinks. Thats all that matters.

I love this bar, wish I had one like this in LA!!

Great dive bar with cheap and strong drinks

Favorite bar EVER! Love the bartenders, love the people.

Always fun great drinks, great vibes.

I like place. can meet people. have beer

Elenganza extravaganza at the Merc. Gay during the day but mostly straight during prime hours.

Fun place cheap drinks average crowd

Fun and low key atmosphere. Playing pool here again!

Good strong drinks. Friendly crowd.

Great atmosphere. Strong drinks

Drinks are great strong & cheap i love it

Good drinks and conversation busy and fun

Nice place. A little better manicured than I had hoped.

In from SF bar awesomes! Great visit before the symphony...

Great Place for hanging out with the LGBT Community :)

Best drinks. Seriously. Black Superman. Go night night

They have a very relaxing atmosphere.

Great cash only bar everyone is welcome

They totally forgot how to apply decent costumer service.

Great drinks! Friendly staff!

Favorite place to hang with old friends. And always meet new ones.

KIcked us out for no reason. And shorted us on our drinks.

Ok little dirty and slow drinks $$$ Y???

Cheap drinks, chill vibes, and my to-go place to grab a drink.

Lovely gay bar and atmosphere.

Comfortable; strong cocktails at a good price

Good weekend crowd and good drinks

Best drinks for the best price!

Staff is a little stand snobby and there is a couple creepy people here.

Cheap drinks, good music, good times

Great atmosphere and great drinks

Cheap strong drinks... what more do you need?

I was kicked out for texting someone who was texting me bummer :-( bunny

Good patio to hang out with friends.

Its ok if you like to get drunk

Dont expect much from the patrons, it,s where their mail is delivered

Lots of different people not sure whats going to walk in

Fabulous night out with my co workers

Terrible rude bartenders!

Heavy on the alcohol. Pretty cool place.

Cool divey spot in the Lavender. Cash only.

Great well drink prices

Always cheap strong drinks.

Great service and welcoming atmosphere!

Strong drinks, cheap prices.

Cheap drinks. Nice environment..

Best drinks for your buck

Always a great night out!

Strong drinks and cheap as well!!

Just an interesting old pub to visit!!!

Good music..Fast service

Fun and good drinks.....

Local LGBTQ bar that been around for decades.

Cheap drinks and good people.

Strong drinks and awesome people

This bar loves N@zis

Good little bar for hanging out.

Best drinks in town!