Sacramento's Oldest Bar and Historic Music Venue

Old Ironsides holds the distinguished honor of being Sacramento's oldest continuously operating bar - established in 1934 when William Bill Bordisso obtained the first liquor license issued in Sacramento County after the end of Prohibition in 1933. For 88 years - the venue was family-owned and operated by the Bordisso/Kanelos family before being sold in 2022 to Bret Bair and Eric Rushing - the founders of Ace of Spades and former owners of Holy Diver.

Evolution into Music Venue

In the 1990s - the next generation of the Kanelos family transformed Old Ironsides from a traditional neighborhood bar into one of Sacramento's premier small-scale music venues. The 150-person capacity room features a stage in the back room with excellent acoustics created by the building's original brick walls. The venue quickly became legendary for hosting touring acts across rock - indie - punk - metal - and alternative genres alongside the best local musicians. Wednesday night open mic has become a staple event - while the LIPSTICK indie rock dance party - hosted by Shaun Slaughter and Roger Carpio - has drawn lines around the building monthly for over 20 years.

Live Music Programming

Old Ironsides hosts live music Thursday through Saturday nights - with some shows extending into early Sunday morning. The venue is known for booking diverse acts and providing excellent sound quality in an intimate setting. Tuesday nights feature karaoke - creating a full week of programming for music lovers. The back room stage area transforms from a dining space during lunch hours into a packed music venue by night - maintaining the authentic dive bar character while delivering professional-quality performances.

Historic Significance

The building's history as a Prohibition-era establishment is evident throughout the space. In earlier decades - Old Ironsides operated a bottle shop where politicians - judges - and state workers would gather for two or three martini lunches. The venue has witnessed nearly a century of Sacramento's evolution - from its days as a neighborhood watering hole to its current status as a beloved music institution. The family atmosphere persists even under new ownership - with long-time staff members maintaining the welcoming vibe that has defined Old Ironsides for generations.