Badlands Sacramento

I had a couple of bad experiences here.On one night, I had only had one drink at the merc *albeit their drinks are strong,* but, I wasnt drunk. I was out for my first time on my own wearing six inch heels actually. I walked in and ordered my only drink since getting to Badlands as my second stop. I barely got to the side of the bar where there was room for me to adjust my heels, and before I could even begin to have my drink, security came up to me, said Im too drunk, and escorted me out. I paid the $10 cover, and bought the $10 drink. To be escorted out in less than 10 minutes. Such a waste, and I didnt deserve it.I also went to a Sunday brunch drag show and was never brought change for my bar tab for a drink I had ordered. I was going to tip anyway. As I had for the separate food tab. But, they assumed and didnt give me the option to choose.I also had two separate evenings where I was standing at the bar for quite a while, waiting to order, while other people continued to come up after me and be helped before me.I just have not felt very welcomed here, at all. Reading some of the other reviews, I wonder if it is because I am trans and express myself femininely, despite a large part of the attraction of coming here being the drag.I dont know. But I have not been back, and it is unfortunate; I really wanted to like going here.💚

Great venue. I live in San Francisco, and this one esthetically is nicer than the one in the Castro. Im going to knock it one star since the one in SF feels more inviting because it doesnt have all the security at the front door. There is no need to be patted down as if Im going into a court house.

Stopped by to celebrate my friends birthday and grab a couple drinks. I decided to head over the bar and grab a drink before we headed out. There were approximately 5/6 people at the bar when I walked up. Waited patiently for atleast 10 minutes as more people arrived and the bartender began serving people who had arrived after me, I figured I’d wait my turn patiently. Gave him a little waive and he nodded his head to acknowledge me. He then served 2 more people Including 2 men located on the left of me. When he finally took my drink order he made sure to let me know “if you want fast service you should stand on this side of the bar, makes sense right?” This confused me for a multitude of reasons. 1. I was sitting to the left of 4 people served before me (5 feet away from the register) 2. the two men on my left were served before me ( further away from were he advised I should order)3. there was nothing that would lead you to believe that this was where you should be to order. My friend who was with me was justifiably offended by the snippy remark after we patiently waited 10+ minutes. She made a remark that there should be more bartenders and walked away. Cameron the bartender than approached me and said “you can leave I’m not serving you!”. Confused I asked why not? Since I never said anything to him besides the drink I wanted. He than stated he would grab someone to kick me out and grabbed his manager Marcus.Marcus listened to me and did make my drink which was appreciated. But there was no apology for the terrible treatment and trying to justify Cameron’s actions which were nothing short of a power trip. I truly believe that being a woman had a lot to do with it as well being as he had no problem serving men regardless of where they were seated.I told my friends (who were not present) about the interaction after we left and apparently they had a terrible experience last time they were there and vowed to never return. We will not return either. This absolutely ruined my friends 30th birthday.Sad that Badlands is not a welcoming space to lgbtq woman. I will stick to the San Francisco Badlands in the future.

Man sac used to be so much fun. But ever since the pandemic the bartenders are rude and wont serve people they dont like. Cameron is a rude bartender who made it an uncomfortable experience for me and my friends who were there for her birthday. After frequenting this bar for over 10 years, I will not return. Back to the Bay

The bartender with the hair pulled in the back and shaved sides - ran over to fix a light issue after lights were turned on during a drag show. On his way, he decided to two hand push a Black female friend of mine while telling her to move. Not just push - but a two hand forceful, disrespectful, and unnecessary shove.I saw the entire thing and need their management to review their cameras from this evening around 9pm and reach out to me. I plan to follow up with a police report for physical assault if the establishment doesnt properly investigate - I contacted numerous staff members.Everyone is extremely nonchalant and I am sick of the Sacramento queer scene not showing respect for all people - especially Black folks, women included. Literally no one cared and once the cameras are reviewed, management will see why this would be deemed physical assault. He mustve been on a drug or blatantly out of his mind. We had just gotten there and ordered one drink each, before this happened. Not worth this sort of experience whatsoever and I would urge the establishment to have due diligence in releasing that individual from their staff immediately prior to me contacting counsel Monday.

Has a great atmosphere! Staff is friendly and attentive. Went for Latin Night twice and my wife and I had a good time 😊 love the colorful balloons 😁

I have been here a few times and am always pleased! The atmosphere is fun and welcoming, the patrons are generally nice and the staff is fantastic. I truly cannot thank their security staff enough. A few men on the dance floor were following my friend and I around and wouldnt take no for an answer. Security was diligent in banning them from the establishment and did everything they could to keep my friend and I safe. The security staff even watched us as we waited for our ride to ensure that we left safely. On the whole, it is a great place to meet and dance with other queer people.

Please refer to Kyle F. Post:I went here on 2/9/24 for the drag show. Spent about $100. Once the drag show was over, decided to hang by the stair wells which happen to lead to the bathrooms and the breaker which why would I know? I know because I saw a guy hanging by the breaker. All of a sudden, all the lights come one. For the bartender to get to the dude by the lights- he decides to shove me with both hands on each of my shoulders. Another sign that queer females and black queer females are the lowest on the totem pole. I wait for him to fix the issue and then I pull him aside and tell him “hey it was unnecessary to push me even though I get it” he brushed me off and acted like I was nothing. Cut to my PTSD and general unwelcome-ness. I got to many other staff of the bar and they tell me to calm down and get over it. DO NOT ATTEND THIS PLACE IF YOU ARE BLACK AND QUEER UNLESS THEY RECOGNIZE THEIR DISREGARD FOR BLACK WOMEN/QUEER WOMEN.

This place is so good, it’s gotten me though a job I had in the area. Without the shows here I would have been lost.

Visited Sacramento recently and decided to check out Badlands. I havent been in years.Not that I expected much from this current experience. And I wasnt wrong. To say that this is a gay club is far from it. There were more women that there were men. Lots of straight couples. I felt like the odd man out. Walked around the club a bit just to check out the patronage, and I sadly disappointed. I wouldve been upset had I paid the cover charge to come in. I ended up hanging out at the Depot (the bar connected to Badlands) most of the night.Where do all the gay boys go now a days in Sacramento???

Had a great time celebrating my birthday this past weekend. Unlike faces, their bouncers went thru each med i had and what i have it for and let us in. Bartenders were great! We were well taken care of and a fun birthday celebration!

If I could give this bar 0 stars I would , if it wasn’t for the rude trans bartender I would of had a great time for my friends birthday celebration but this bartender refused to give my drunk friend WATER and told her to “kick rocks” not only did she/he not give us water she also refused to serve us drinks for the rest of the night (we were not being rude some of us are shy and don’t like confrontation so I know we were not the problem) . The owners should really check there bartenders we willNot be returning to this bar and I will make sure everyone knows how terrible and mean there bartenders are .

Happy Pride and welcome to Badlands the gay club that apparently the manager is trying to turn into a straight hip hop club, because that’s the only music that was played while we were there. I had taken my best friend out to dance for his birthday and it was not advertised on their website as a straight hip hop night or I wouldn’t have driven an hour there and home. When I asked the staff if this was a hip hop night, I was told no and that the DJ must be new because it’s not supposed to be played there ever. She said she would talk to the manager. Well apparently that fell on deaf ears because if that style of music isn’t supposed to be played the manager must be deaf considering it was being played at a level that was clearly damaging the speaker system and close to making the patrons ears bleed. I’ve been out of the club for almost two hours and my ears still hurt not just ringing but hurting. So clearly because they aren’t supposed to be playing that style and even after complaining it never changed. The person working the door was awesome. She understood that it had ruined our evening, she apologized even though she wasn’t the cause nor could she fix it but she did refund our cover charge. Thank you for that. Unfortunately she is not able refund our spoiled evening or wasted time and gas. You need better management if you actually are catering to the gay community, otherwise your just another hip hop club over run by straight people. Who already have their own clubs.

This place is a really good spot for entertainment almost every night and the staff are so friendly and kind. What a welcoming and fun spot to spend your evening.

The security guards are not concerned for the safety of the patrons. Especially the smaller one. I spent over $200 here and we were treated extremely ill by the guards. They need to be educated about the responsibilities of a security guard and how much they are limited because of their guard card, they are not the police.

Waited over 2 hours in line, literally took our drinks we had in line, then did not let us in. Had the excuse it was 1 AM, but continued to let others in and the entire night let others cut in front of the 2 hour line. Completely ridiculous and run like garbage. Every other bar in the area let people know well ahead of time. Go anywhere else but here.

This place is a joke. Not worth the cover. Bouncers have rage issues. Stay away! Not a friendly place

I love it here! It’s fun for drag shows, karaoke, and for nights out dancing into the morning. The bar staff are friendly and pour a perfectly stiff drink. Security is also always professional. If you haven’t been here for the drag shows specifically then baby you’re missing out. Some of the best drag talent in Central California is right here in the heart of Sacramento. Shows on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

**this is for the drag brunch only**Such good food, drinks, drag queen crowd sourced comedy and interactive entertainment!

Badlands is where you go when you want to get your dance on with your friends or by yourself. The place is a cash-only business so make sure you bring plenty of bills unless you do not mind the ATM & the WD fee they charge. Drinks are reasonably priced & the dancers really deserve it all. There is an outdoor patio on the first floor and upstairs to give you space to smoke or get some fresh air. I believe the entrance fee is $7. If possible, avoid the jell-o shots at all costs. They charge 3 for $5 but those things really mess you up.

Very cool place to go to with a lot of energy. I wasnt into the music but everyone else seems really into it. Drinks were a little strong. Dance floor is awesome. Theres a gender neutral bathroom that people werent expecting but it didnt bother me.

Security escalated a whole situation over nothing. Was advised that the main person was having a bad day and to not push it. Wasted 100$s of dollars here and will never recommend this place

I did not know that I was going to a gay bar this evening, so to my surprise there were lots of dudes in here, and they were not out to find women. As a straight man, I have to say this place was pretty fun, especially since I got a free beer out of it. Strangely enough, I left with a higher confidence level, albeit driven by advances from other men. This is the kind of place that straight girls would love to go to since they wont get hit on while they dance.

Im very short and I was trying to get through the crowd I accidentally bumped through some people but I supposedly the manager that is in charge of that place kicked me out. To me that is stereotyping and very rude. I have gotten stepped on multiple times and bumped into but no one doesnt do anything when it happens to me thats bunch of Bs. Other than that it has great music

Its fun until you get kicked out for no reason. My friends were in the same bathroom stall going pee (because thats just what girls do when they go out together) and a girl started banging on the door for them to get out. We all thought it was some random crazy girl and didn’t even pay attention because she never stated she was security and she didnt look like a security guard. Turns out she was and when they came out she told them they had to leave because apparently you cant go in the same stall together (even though its not posted anywhere so how are we even supposed to know that???) She grabbed another security guy who kicked them out. I was extremely mad because we all paid to get in and now my friends were kicked out for the stupidest reason and without warning. I would understand if they were acting belligerent, but seriously for using the bathroom?? I talked to the manager and she talked to the girl security guard and then she apologized and said they should give a warning beforehand and said we could go back in. We just left though because screw that place. NOTE TO BADLANDS: POST A SIGN THAT SAYS ONLY 1 PER STALL. GIVE A SOLID WARNING AND STATE YOU ARE SECURITY BEFORE KICKING PEOPLE OUT. AND HIRE BETTER SECURITY THAT DOESNT JUST LIKE TO KICK PEOPLE OUT FOR FUN AND MAKES THEM FEEL ALL BIG AND BAD. THIS IS A CLUB, NOT JAIL. You lost a customer and will continue to lose customers if you dont make changes.

I had such a great time here! It had mad energy and karaoke next door! I didnt get to see a drag show the night I went, but cant wait to go back to see one! I liked it the best from all the clubs around. Cant wait to be back!

Great space & A Sexy Bartender that can pour a killer margarita!

Visited Sacramento a few weeks ago and stopped in for a drink. I had a good time but the club is nothing special. The place was totally dead but maybe it was because I went in early in the week. It looks like it might be fun on the weekends, they have a big dance floor and outdoor patio.

Im amazed at the poor treatment I received from both the door person and the security guard when I attended the club last night 4/13/19. I accidentally left my wallet at the bar upstairs and left the club. I went back 10 min later and they had closed off the upstairs area by putting a chain across the stairs. I went to the door person working behind the counter and she said there was nothing they could do. I asked to have someone check for me to which she replied dont give me attitude! I asked if there was someone else who could help me... she had security come and explain that there was nothing they could do but wait for the club to empty out and they would check. I waited outside the door for 20 min while the club emptied and then reminded the security guard that my wallet was left upstairs and asked if either I or someone could go get it. I told them exactly where i left it.It took 15 seconds for the security guard to tell me that it was not there even though i sat there and watched the guy never leave the front desk or radio anyone to check. I was immediately given the absolute worst attitude and treated like i was an inconvenience and some kind of criminal!I called my bank after about 15 min of begging them to check for my wallet and my card had already been used at the liquor store on the corner.I am disgusted with this treatment. It would have taken 30 seconds to let me go get my wallet but instead they chose to be rude arrogant. I have been going to badlands since the day they opened and the depot for about 20 years.Based on the way I was treated last night I will never be back.

I understand its a pandemic but the level of rudeness by every single member of the staff was completely unnecessary. Ill never come back here and I dont recommend it! We were yelled at for not being in assigned seats when we werent ever assigned any... Everytime I took my mask at to take a sip someone yelled at me. Im sorry... So awful.

One of the worse place to be. They kick you out for no reason. Plus bar tenders make the weakest drinks.

Security guards are super rude. Went to this bar for the first time yesterday and I will never go to this place again. Don’t waste your time and money

Place is awesome long line but worth the wait fun like its ur birthday hot staff security makes u feel safe drinks perfect wouldnt want to spend my money going out anywhere else lets go kings

Need to educate their receptionist. To be able to check internatonal ID’s. Will take my business somewhere els. But its basic to be educated enough to understand whats an ID . Thanks

Ive always had a great experience when I went there, most recently I went to brunch and mimosas on easter. It was so well put together. Very organized, great food, excellent entertainment and just a very comfortable atmosphere.

Bar scene is energetic, but wouldnt recommend for dancing. Floor is small and didnt favor the music for dancing. Was music youd hear on the radio in the top 20 in the 90s. For example, No Scrubs TLC. Maybe I just went on the wrong night.

Badlands is a fantastic place to catch a drag show from the amateur show FTLP on Monday nights to Makeup and Mimosas brunches on Sundays to nighttime drag shows for more established performers Wednesdays through Sundays. bring your tip money and watch the kings and queens and things and in between put on a show!

Badlands security removed a regular patron because, and I quote, He looked at me funny when we walked by. They refused to explain why they were removing him until pressed, then claimed they had a complaint about someone spitting and lacking any evidence, decided it must be him. This was a regular patron who has spent thousands of dollars over the years at Badlands, and had nothing to do with whatever complaints they were pursuing. When asked for their names, the security guards refused to give them. They also shoved the patron and refused to acknowledge that three other people were with him at all times and saw no bad behavior from the patron.Shame on them. These straight, ill qualified and disrespectful guards need to be fired and Badlands needs to do better.

Beautiful atmosphere, good mix of new and “older” music (Tiktok by Kesha was a surprising but welcome track) 😆 People here are super nice and beautiful too 😍

If I could give this less than a star I would. I was harassed by a bouncer for being a trans woman that uses the woman’s restroom. He literally followed me into the bathroom to tell me I wasn’t allowed to use it because I was a guy when I CLEARLY had a FULL face of makeup on and heels and nails and I was carrying a damn purse for Christ sake. This bar claims to be a safe space but doesn’t seem very Trans-friendly. Disappointing

6 of us went on a Wednesday to check out the Trapacana event. Everything was going great until someone with leopard print tattoos on his head threatened us. Turns out he works there. Id give it 4 stars if it were not for the bad experience with the staff.

My go-to dance place. They also have events, dancers on the pedestals, etc. Outdoor space to get away, multiple bars and good music.

I litteraly had 1 shot there in an hours time and the security guard kicked me out for being to drunk because I wobbled on the stairs. I tried to explain to him my legs were sore from leg day at the gym yesterday, but he rudely escorted me out. I will not be returning again.

Expensive to enter only to find that there are way more straight women then men whether gay or straight here. Stop labelling places gay if they’re not anymore.

Generally nicer than Faces. Drinks are a little over priced. Can be hit or miss with the overall energy. Parking isnt too bad. Worth it to get their text notifications.

Great bartenders, great service, amazing venue, fantastic drag queens, but to be honest their music is super outdated. Far too often they rely on throwback music and it really kills the mood for the crowd.

Best club in town if you dont mind being ratchet. The drinks are cheap as hell. Im straight and like going here because the crowd is usually very friendly and not into airs.Probably dont go if you suck.

Fast service and great music. Wish the dance floor was bigger but overall had a good time

Not a fun place to go anymore . They wont allow you to even dance in your own seat at your own table . Staff member with light blonde hair ponytail there was also super rude about it and will yell at you.

$20 cover to enter and you can’t leave and come back in after 11pm 🙃. Horrible policy for the price you have to pay.

The skinny black security guard has a power trip or something. He needs to calm it down a bit bathrooms were gross and music was so bad

An amazing club! Drag shows, Trapicana trap music night, and so much more! The bar staff is very nice and knowledgeable!

This is like the only real gay club in the area. Faces is NOT gay. I love the staff and it is great running into my friends. There definitely is a community here.

Loved it it was great had so much fun cant wait to come back again ❤️💕

Fun, great shows, awesome performers, great place to meet new people 😊🎉

Every time I go there the bartender always remembers me and my wife. Fun, can get crowded; but hey its a club its meant to be at capacity.

Great drink selection.Urban atmosphere with excellent lighting and sound system. Good music and good friends. Check it out!

They dont have toilet seat covers!!! I was a little grossed out by that. But overall its a decent place. Good bartenders especially greg!

Always a great LGBTQ bar to go to.

Nice cozy place. Music is loud enough to be enjoyable, but quite enough to let you talk without damaging your vocal cords

Loved the vibe and energy. Think the choice in music can improve, Overall enjoyed the experience and look 4ward to return

This place is AWESOME! Drinks are reasonably priced and the bartenders are nice, I will definitely be going back!

Great music and super friendly bartender. The old fashion was perfectly made. Two thumbs up!

I have revised my review. from six months ago. The team seems to have things together these days.

Great place! Played all of the classics and was a good vibe all around!

Love the drinks and atmosphere, great gay night club.

Hello there. I will spend one night at Sacramento on June.Male, 45 y/o... What do you recommend to do that Saturday afternoon-night?Thanks!

Very fun environment with great bartenders. Cash only though but they have an atm.

Great dancers. Isiah is a beast!

Cool venue. Top 40 Friday night was only hip-hop. People I was with seemed to like it though.

Fun place to go drinking with my homies. Great LGBTQ atmosphere.

ImNew to thisCloset cd trying to come outNeed some one to take me outIf anyone is interested let me knowI will be your dateWe can make out and have fun

Women are getting drugged and Im hearing bartenders may be involved

Fun safe club the drag shows are to amazing.

Fun dance scene. Great music. Cash only. Easy coat check.

Several dance floors. Didnt like paying high cover or the fact once u leave you cant get back in

Best dance music that Ive heard in Sacramento. It was a blast to come in here with a group of friends.

Great gay bar with dancing. Drinks are a little pricey.

Always a good time! And I love the random drink specials!

Your new bouncer between badlands and depot is yuck and not the vibes lol

Great service, cool place to hangout and have a drink 👍

Love this place❤ great security and bartenders

Good atmospher drinks people freindly social amazing bar and club

Great place for a night out, very busy

This clubs pretty gay if you ask me lmao !

Love this place. Great energy and wonderful staff!

Having more fun than the FCC allows!

Gay bar but more and more non gays frequent this midtown hotspot

Cool bar to grab a beer and chat with friends.

Cheap drinks but the place is hella small

I like it but do they have 18+ nights?

A cute local dance and drag bar.

Дорого,грязно,не гостиприимно!!(Translated by Google)Expensive, dirty, not welcoming!!

It was better when security wasnt so damn uptight

Fun place, very friendly.

Great atmosphere. Friendly service.

Great place to dance!

Only thing too many drag shhpws

Do they have 18+ there?

Its the place to be for a drag show !!!!!!

Fun bar, cute crowd

Had best time..

Nice place....love it

Nice

Nice place

Gay Night club, music in English