Badlands

As a native Sacramentan who moved away, I can only say Badlands has gone downhill since its opening.
Back then, Faces was becoming less gay and more mixed, and Badlands, Mercantile, and in some ways, Depot, were all «too gay» for some more conservative heterosexuals. I need to pause here. Listen straight people: I don’t hate you. I don’t think the gay community does either. But it appears to me a very specific, ratchet ho in a Forever21 top and clear platform pumps tends to show up, thinking this is a safe place for her to dance, only to bring 10 of her homophobic straight guy homies who want to scam on her.
Fine, go ahead, scam. But don’t look at me like I’m a crazy slut for dressing in a rainbow sequined onesie and coloring my hair blue. No no, I’m dead serious, don’t do it. Here in the gay bar, you are the one appropriating our culture because it’s loud and more fun.
I really don’t like Sacramento Badlands anymore. The door cover makes no sense. The drinks are way expensive. And if I am dancing, there’s nowhere to move. So I literally am grabbing onto anything in the vicinity to either scare it off or because I’m about to fall the f*** over.
This place was better when it was unpopular. Which is a shame because it’s definitely one of the better looking bars in the neighborhood. The bartenders seem pleasant enough, as do the shot boys. But the handful of people I’ve met here I wish I hadn’t, and the dancing isn’t the sort of fun it probably should be.

Came by here on new years day for a drink. this was my first time being here, I been to faces before but not badlands. me and my friend made way through the bar and went upstairs to get a drink. We got our drinks and sat down and chilled for a bit. After words, we made our way around the bar. there was an dance floor and it was pretty packed. we then walked around so more, and saw there was a patio outside. it overlooks K street and is right across from Faces.
one more thing, they are connected to the depot next door and the second level, there is another bar on the other side.
Overall the place is pretty chill, the drinks are pretty good and i would go back.

Trap night is my night! Girls are always hot and the drinks aren’t too expensive. Music is on point and the patio is nice. One of my favorite clubs.

Same owner as The Depot n same issue. False Advertising. They said they had two for one liquor but after I purchased it they said oh except for on the liquor. So when I did buy my second drink and it was on there approve two-​for-​one list they gave me only one drink. I asked where’s my second they said oh we just gave you a double because you’re one person. Well the drink didn’t taste like it was a double. The bar is just a general rip off.

This is the best gay bar in Sacramento. But that doesn’t mean it is perfect. The only real problem with Badlands is that they sometimes have staff that either plays favorites with patrons or has an attitude with people. I took some time to read the reviews today and I was pretty shocked. Some people have been demeaned, shunned or worse by those who bartend or work here and will probably continue to be. They seem to put up with my drunk ass, why I don’t know. But as an example, they Have had doormen who were such pricks. I even told one of them in my own words «you’re really not nice to people & you have no reason to be» and he apologized to me. But, you get the picture. Overall good service and a nice venue with a mezzanine that’s pretty and perfect for escaping the fray; interesting basement bathroom layout but with a hint of attitude. If Sac were a tiny version of Los Angeles this would Definitely be the Abbey. Except oh wait… they’re usually more friendly at the abbey & in weho because sacramento gays are a very strange breed that’s another story. I rarely have ever been mistreated by the staff here in fact they’re nice to me, but once or twice maybe & combined with the long list of stories people have and I believe it.

The music can be hit or miss. It’s good that the DJ changes from time to time which helps to avoid the same soundtrack playing every weekend, but with variety comes chances for bad music. Drink prices aren’t bad. The dance floor is a little small, but never really packed. I do like that they consistently have fundraisers and events for awareness here which makes me feel more justified in spending money on drinks here than elsewhere.

Such a shame. I used to go here all the time. It was a minute since I’ve been. I got off work and my friend dragged me out. Didn’t want to do the club but whatever I went in. When they were closing they were kicking every one out. No biggie.
The host there, said something about no drinking and driving there’s cops out.
I jokingly started singing «riding dirty» passing by and this host tells me with attitude up the ass, mind you he’s saying everything on his microphone, «uh honey no you can’t karaōke, you can’t sing bye»
Excuse me??? I wasn’t trying to be no Beyoncé, trying to tread some light.
I tell him I wasn’t trying but trust me boo I can sing. (I really can! But wtf am I explaining this to the staff here)
As I’m walking out with the crowd behind me he makes a snarky remark about my hair over the microphone.
Calling it a bad hair job and calls it gangrene.
Dang I could of said so much crap back with his basic clothes he was wearing and his LACK of hair but again
Why?
WHHYYYY is this happened with the HOST of a Friday night show???
Of course he says this when I can’t get to him because everyone is pushing me up.
I’ve never wanted to slap someone so hard, let alone a STAFF member. That’s how you treat people who come to your shows?
That’s how you treat people you don’t even know because it’s a Friday night.
PLEASE, you’re not Hollywood.
Treat your people right. I don’t just come on Fridays I come during the week, I’m a local.
I won’t go back until I get an apology witch is unlikely so my money won’t be coming back either.
Not supporting someone’s pay check who has such lack of respect.
How old are you fool?
Quit playing games.
Summary: WACK, good drink specials but I’d rather hit up Merc, Faces and Depot. Actually everything else but there. You won’t encounter big egos in staff like that everywhere else.
Such a shame! I’ve referred so many people to Badlands but never again.
Deuces
***notice this is for the people running the parties on the weekends. Not at all on the bartenders or bouncers. If they can get the basic attitude out in their shows I’d probably go back but not likely. Bartenders and bouncers are the sweetest. And if probably go in WEDNESDAY nights because I know the host there has class****

We went for power hour on a Wednesday night, bar tender was rude, but didn’t let that effect our night!

Great place to just dance. Great friendly people. The drinks are good size and have a little kick to it. Just all around great place to be

Badlands has been my go to gay bar/​club since I first started going to them. It’s certainly a great place to drink with friends and dance the night away. It’s a very spacious bar/​club; with a second story overlooking the dance floor, and a back patio outside where people can smoke.
First, it’s Sacramento so except to be charged a higher cover than what you’re used to in larger cities. The cover is generally $ 6-​$ 8. Also, it just depends on the day you’re going.
Second, the drinks here are comparable to anywhere else. The average price is $ 8-​$ 12 I’m guessing. Not too sure though. Just depends what you’re going to be drinking as well.
It’s definitely a «true» gay establishment, where it’s mostly gay men inside. Although the other bars in the area are «gay», they tend to have a lot more straight people.
I’ve always had fun at badlands. Only downside is that it gets old. It’s always the same old crowd.

I came here on pride weekend thinking it would be a night of love and celebration, but instead I was completely disrespected by staff (doormen and bouncers) and told to get the F out, simply because my friends and I were asking about payment because we thought we had a get in free pass, which we later found out was only good for one person. The staff here is completely rude and disrespectful and I don’t think I will ever be coming back. Faces and Merc it is!

Emilio wouldn’t let my girlfriend and I inside badlands with our FREE COVER text message unless we tipped him $ 20. Partying at badlands on the weekend is overrated so I’m going to keep it classy and stick to faces.

90% of a fun time comes from the music in a bar! Why have a DJ that only spins for himself? It’s pride weekend and no one is dancing. No one is even bopping along to the music. DJ is oblivious. :(You have to play to the crowd! Yawn.

Badlands is like the sister club to SJ’s Splash. Everything about the interior looks the same except upgraded with more space and is much cleaner. The upstairs has a comfortable seating area and balcony.
The outside patio is nice with a bar area for people who need a retreat from the loud music. The service is good and there’s always a good looking guy offering jello shots.
Everyone is really nice and fun. It’s a rare thing to find a club in which almost everyone is dancing.
The prices for drinks are very reasonable. We bought 3 mixed drinks for $ 23. It’s a good feeling to see that there is still cash in my wallet by the end of the night!

I didn’t realize I had not written anything about this wonderful club lol. There is always something new to see and cool new people to meet. I really love the enclosed back patio which also has a bar and all the bartenders are sweethearts. Karaōke night is a blast and there are some incredibly talented singers that perform here. There are go-​go boys in speedos if that’s your thing. This is a gay club and all orientations are welcome. I always have fun talking to random people and hanging with my folks at the same time. There’s a wide variety of music so there is something for everyone.

I am a feminine lesbian who gets kicked out for a gay guy throwing water in my eye and pushing my girlfriend onto the ground. I decided not to come here again but I am still getting lgbt abused in my own community. Thank you badlands!

$ 8 cover (CASH ONLY) and EXPENSIVE DRINKS!!! $ 12 for a shot of Jameson and $ 15 for any type of mixed drinks!!! Prices are similar to The Park! One shot is equivalent to two but still. $ 12! That’s ridiculous! Came on a Saturday night and it wasn’t too packed… the main dance floor had a decent amount of people and the music was good but, compared to Faces across the street, I’d rather spend my money there! Bartenders are friendly and crowd is a bit on the older side. Definitely no need for «dressing to impress» as it gets pretty stuffy in there and you’ll end up sweating like crazy if you love to dance!
Overall, good music (mostly EDM and a few top 40’s), pretty calm crowd (since they are older), but expensive drinks! I recommend visiting the Merc first (to pre-​game-​HUGE SHOTS and STRONG DRINKS BUT… they are CASH ONLY!) then hitting the clubs afterwards! You can thank me later :)

I love going to gay bars to dance my butt off! I know that probably sounds odd coming from a straight chic! But two things I can be guaranteed… one is a good time and the second is not worrying about dealing with some drooling, drunk tool trying to get laid not taking a hint!
This place has an awesome energy for dancing and the bar staff are friendly and fun! The only thing I think Faces has over them is variety in music. Between the two spots, you are sure to have a great time shaking a tail feather.
I have not been here for karaōke or drag nights, but thinking may have to come out just to try them out for this as well!

So… in their defense, I didn’t stay long. 1. I have to give props to my bartender (which I did with my tip but also now on here). He ROCKED my socks! Super sweet, Social, FUN as all Hell! And was having a blast at work! Bartenders make the world go round and he was doing his part.
It was still early when we got there and my friends all rave about this place so I’ll have to come back to see if I have a different outlook but, major stars for the bartender, and also because they have an awesome Hookay/​ECig Station downstairs! Taste all you want, get a refill, get a new cartridge. It’s a mini one-​stop-​shop! I wasn’t able to go upstairs even though I was alone and it was early but, again, I’ll have to go back.
Parking was limited and all at a price. There was a cover. And the whole bar (VERY INCONVENIENTLY) was CASH ONLY. There’s ONE dance floor, and an outdoor patio. I’m missing what all the excitement is about?

Hell yes. My first time to a gay bar was Badlands last Friday and I am sold. What made it even better was that it was 3^rd Friday, meaning it time for ‘Fridays Are A Drag!’ yep, drag show! Yaaaaaaaaaaas! These ladies know how to werk it! If you are easily offended, this is not the night for you. Taryn drops every curse word you can think of and it’s guaranteed that you’ll see some kind of dildo during one of the performances.
The drinks are strong and everyone is so damn friendly! So much eye candy from the gogo dancers to the bartebders, but of course it’s a damn shame because after all, it is a gay bar. The husband has no issues with me coming without him since he doesn’t have to worry about any slimy creepers potentially hitting on me. Hahaha!
4 different bars, one bathroom for all with 2 stalls for you real ladies who need to squat, and dancing all night? Who wouldn’t have a good time?!