Bear Dive is the perfect place for a laid-back dive bar hang with amazing food and, if you're lucky, the gay men's choir might show up and completely dominate karaoke. We popped in and immediately bellied up to the bar. The bartender was super friendly and got our drinks very fast even though the place busy. We quickly found out that it was karaoke night, which is why there was such a packed house. What we didn't know is that the gay men's choir had shown up, after their practice, to have a few drinks and dominate the mic. We ordered a ton of bar food and loved everything. The loaded toys and the fried zucchini were my fave with the sliders being a close second. This is a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails. I stuck with a vodka soda and my friend sipped on a custom drink. Not sure what it was called, but it was red and my friend really enjoyed it. Not only were we lucky to experience the gay men's choir incredible singing talent, but they also did a full on dance routine to an *NSYNC song. Truly a masterful performance! Amazing vibes and great food. If I lived in the area, this would probably be a regular spot for me! read more

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I had been wanting to try Bear Dive since they opened, I've heard so many great things about the vibes and the food. They have indoor and outdoor seating and definitely give off the dive bar feel. I came in with a coworker after hosting an event. We were looking for a spot still open at 10pm on a Thursday that had food and drinks and that wasn't a chain. Bear Dive was the perfect choice! It ended up being karaoke night and we had drinks, food and amazing entertainment! WOW some of the people there were INCREDIBLE singers- and dancers! We got a little NSYNC, Bye Bye Bye and it truly wowed us! I asked the bartender to make me their favorite cocktail, I don't know what it was but it had tequila and was delicious! We also had the Bacon Cheddar Tots ($10), Sliders ($14), and Fried Zucchini ($9). Everything was well seasoned, flavorful, and cooked well. The perfect food pairings with late night bites. Even though the crowd seemed to be a lot of regulars, we felt welcomed in and really enjoyed ourselves. We found metered street parking easily and I'm already looking forward to my next visit. read more

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It's a cool spot. Decent drink prices. Not 'extra' in terms of the people or vibe (those that know, know). The outside area is nice. The bar staff were chill. Parking wasn't a problem. It can go from quiet to everyone popping in at once, then back to quiet, which is a good thing. Good place to catch up with friends and not get drowned out by 'extra' shenanigans. read more

Bear Dive - Entrance - Chicken Wings Near Me - Sacramento, California

I was invited to attend a party here to celebrate our CM - Alex L's departure from his long run with Yelp of Sacramento. It worked out well as a nice place to handle our small intimate group. The interior is spacious with dim lighting for that romantic feel. There is also a lighted outdoor patio area. Above the bar, there are 3 large TV's and plenty of seating indoors and out. They have specialty cocktails and a menu of delicious comfort food selections. Years ago, if you called someplace a dive, it wouldn't be a compliment.  But now, going to a dive bar is a popular way to hang out with friends in the comfort of the neighborhood it's located in.  Dive bars to me are usually old buildings that get minimal care and up grades.  Said establishments offer all the basics that one would expect in a bar from drink selections, snacks, tables, chairs, jukebox, TV's and of course a pool table. Ambiance is not what a dive bar is usually about, but Bear Dive fulfills most if not more, of what I have mentioned, by including good service and a great bartender! Our group had a fun time hanging out and socializing! It turned out as a successful night reuniting some of us old time Yelpers and seeing Alex L again. But of course, we always have a good time when we get together! read more

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Just seeing that the Manager replied to my response. His response and the energy behind it is probably why it's closed now No one asked for or needs free drinks, if you're offering a drink as an apology make sure it's what the customer drinks. Should have been simple. Hope all of the people who worked there with good energy landed on their feet! read more

Great burgers and fries. The staff here are very friendly, and my impression is that everyone is welcome. The vibe is laid back bear bar, and a family-friendly place to grab a burger. read more

I remember quite a few years back when this place opened (five, six years ago?)....it was brand new and looked it--bare bones. I was living in Sacto at the time and I thought great! A new bear bar! Went a few times and it was fun enough. I left Sacto soon after that to be in LA. Came back just the other nite after all those years and it still looked--and felt--pretty bare bones. Bad lighting, no decor to speak of...felt like a party at the local VA hall. And no bears. We left and went to the Bolt. read more

Love the Bear Dive! Queer run, queer attended, and queer safe. You'll spot bears in the art and the people, but all kinds are welcome. Most dive bars feel cramped and full of unfriendly people, but bear dive is the opposite. Too much smoking on the patio for me, but it's a great gathering space indoor or outside. Food is greasy spoon dive bar food, love the fries and great drinks selection. Drag shows most Fridays and security after happy hour, when the kitchen closes. Dogs are welcome too! read more

Bear Dive - Decor, signs, merchandise, progress pride flag, inside. - Chicken Wings Near Me - Sacramento, California

It's a fun place to hang out. The drinks are great and not terribly expensive. Staff is friendly and accommodating. The bathrooms are clean and stocked with soap, which is a nice change from most bars. read more

I went during a slow opening time and the bartender (Ben?) was super friendly and accommodating. There were some nearby conventions so I met many folks from different strokes, all are definitely welcome. Will return for an event asap read more

Patrick was our bartender and he made our night. He was funny, customer service oriented and key us know of future events. My friend group is super into drag shows and are excited to visit future events. Drinks were fresh and delicious. Very chill vibe with South Park on the tv and chill music in the speakers. 10/10 recommend read more

Bear Dive - three different cocktails on a bar - Chicken Wings Near Me - Sacramento, California

Friends wanted to take me out for my birthday and introduced this place to me. I really enjoy how open it is, plenty of seating and not so crowded as some of the other gay bars. The drinks were very good, highly recommend the white peach sangria! They have a karaoke machine that lets you pay to request songs, wouldn't recommend this; or if you do pay extra to have your song move to the top of the list, as I never heard one of the six songs I requested during my three hours there. read more

Bear Dive - Inside - Chicken Wings Near Me - Sacramento, California

This spot is a great low key community gathering place. We came on a Friday for a group meeting and it was very welcoming. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence showed up which was *fabulous!* Drinks: solid Food: decent - also, hell yeah for serving food! Wait time - well, it was Friday so it got packed Ambiance? Welcoming. Totally dug it. Excellent LGBTQIA+ spot that has my support. Will definitely be back! read more

Ive had plenty of jobs in the industry in midtown and the inappropriate comments and behaviors by the bartender directed towards my friend and I would have had anybody else (myself included) fired from their job on the spot -- period, full stop. I would 100% recommend literally any other bar in town. read more

As a regular patron of Bear Dive for the last month, tonight's experience means it will be our final experience at this establishment. Going in to celebrate our anniversary, we met with a couple of friends. While buying almost $50 worth of drinks, with customers at the bar, the lead bartender (bald Grey beard, tank tops) berated us about an incident that occurred in the bathroom. The gender neutral bathroom mirror was broken. We did not see it occur. He began to talk to us like toddlers, explaining that this would be our last experience there and that our "African American friend" wasn't welcome and that out of everyone on the camera reel, he remembered me, and our "friend" only and "guilt by association." read more

The little blonde owner is NOT friendly!! Created a very uncomfortable environment and will not be back! Sad because the bartender made some amazing drinks! If I could give a zero for her attitude alone I would. Sorry you were not prepared for the large crowd and had to be called to come in because of your failed planning. read more

First time trying this place after reading reviews. A fresh, new gay bar is desperately needed in Sacramento, so I'm thrilled they are open. The place is new, very clean, and welcoming. The bartender was quick to greet me and even offer their menu. Although I didn't order any food, it was a nice array of seemingly yummy options. Unfortunately, perhaps being early evening as well as a Sunday, there was only a handful of people. I had a beer (they only have one non-alcoholic beer which is a shame, almost like an afterthought when they're choosing their brands). As I hung out a few people trickled in and the friendly bartender even remembered their usual drink. I was bored (and cold) and I left after a short while, but have some ideas for improvements: Close the damn doors!! I get that the noise and seeing into a bar "may" draw people in, but it also makes it uncomfortably cold. The door to their small patio was wide open as well. It was in the mid 50's so it was not comfortable at all, and I was wearing three layers and a hat! The patio, although having potential is just a few picnic tables and lights. No heat lamps anywhere!!! No greenery. No real privacy either. Again, THINK about what would make a patio inviting. They didn't. I wish them the best, but it's time to re-think a few things. read more

This is such a welcome new addition to the gay community of sacramento. Parking is very easy and safe - there's even a handful of parking ramps and lots within a block if for some reason can't find street parking. The food is so freaking good. Fresh cut fries ? Shut the front door! The onion rings are full of onion and really fresh too. Tried out the loaded nachos last night and they were bomb as well. The ac was nice n strong on a 100 degree night and the music was a great level to hear the tunes and have a conversation. The drinks are always very well poured and the Moscow mule is served in a copper cup (yayyy). Hate when bars don't do that-- so a big plus in my book. The bathrooms are very clean and taken care of as Well which is a perk to go in and not stick to the floor. The patio is great to chill out on with friends and enjoy the delta breeze (and more snacks) -- they don't have table service -- but will bring your food out and you can politely ask them for water or if you have a tab open another drink. Just don't be a a$$hat if they are busy. It's literally a hop skip n jump (15mn walk) from lavender heights, so it's Pretty Convenient if you want to start there or end here or what not. The owners are really nice and usually bouncing around -- do them a favor and give this place a try. This place has so much potential for events (think bear night beer bust?) and get the FRIES! read more

Love this place! My regular watering hole now. And I usually don't go to bars. It's amazing that their mission as a business was not only to have good food, good services and atmosphere. But they want ALL to be comfortable! They wanted it to be a neighborhood bar, a dive bar, and a Bear Gay bar. I thought, "they're crazy can't be done"! They proved me totally wrong! It's amazing how everyone feels completely comfortable. The world could learn from the inside of this bar, on ANY given night. Ron Tuscano read more

Just found out about this wonderful little neighbourhood bar and can't wait to go back there!! As far as gay bars go in Sacramento, this little place is awesome. It's in a great location, beautiful decor, wonderful staff, great food and great drinks that are reasonably priced. I'm going back to Sacramento next week and am really looking forward to going back. Highly recommend going there. read more

Amazing drag queens on Sunday can't recommend enough!!! They also have food and strong drinks from our fav bartender Patrick

Cannot say enough about this place - love love love the staff, especially Mars. Drinks are strong and prices are great. Food is yummy. Atmosphere is great. Patio is special is. Is like a home away from home. Definitely suggest this place!! read more

Were it not for the excellent service and support at the Bear Dive, I may not be writing this review today. My sister and I went to the anime convention on J street in September, and we had spent the past four hours squeezing through hallways packed from wall to wall with convention attendees. I remember that the weather that day was at least 100°, and we were in high heels, wigs, and about fifteen layers each. Due to poor planning on our part, we completely lost our car. We searched through the sweltering streets of Sacramento for a minimum of two hours, and we were on the verge of heat death when we finally shuffled into the Bear Dive like a pair of technicolor zombies. It must've been around four PM - we were the only ones there alongside a small group of people waiting for a bachelor party. The bartender was incredible. He saw our sunken eyes and the mascara leaking down our faces and he poured us about fifteen glasses of water each, and he told us that we were welcome to stay until our friend came to rescue us. He even gave us plastic cups and encouraged us to take them with us, lest we overheat outside. I wish I remembered his name! He told me he was from Arizona, so he knew the importance of heat stroke prevention, and we definitely appreciated the knowledge. The bachelor party was beginning just as we left, and everyone was so kind and supportive; the customers and the employees made us feel right at home. The bar is adorable, and it's in an absolutely gorgeous area within walking distance of the convention center. I can't wait to bring my girlfriend after Sac Anime Winter! read more

This was the most unwelcoming bar I've been to in awhile. Was it because I am a black man???? I went into the bar and it was just a handful of people inside. Not busy at all. The bartender was leaning against the bar and he never looked up from his phone. After 5 minutes wait, I walked out. This happen on Tuesday 08/31 around 8:45p-9:00p. A very disappointment in Sacramento read more

Bear Dive is a small LGBT bar-and-grill establishment at 14th and "H", which puts it a few blocks away from the epicenter of the Lavendar District (generally considered to be at 20th at "J"). This is a good thing if you are looking for a more relaxed evening out, away from the extreme crowds at The Merc, Badlands, The Depot, and Faces. It's a great place to have a mid-week evening meeting with friends out on the patio, there are usually only a handful of customers on weeknights and no problem finding some peace and quiet. The food is pretty good, typical bar-and-grill items like cheeseburgers and nachos, and not too expensive, so Bear Dive is a reasonable place to go for dinner if you don't feel like going to an actual restaurant. There is a single pool table. If you want to have a quiet conversation, you can go out on the patio and get away from the rather loud background music in the main bar room. Furnishings: All of the inside seating is on high bar stools or side benches, and the cocktail tables are all of the high-off-the-floor style. If you find this uncomfortable, the seating out on the patio is all standard-height, a mix of picnic tables and small cocktail tables. Personally, I don't like high bar stools so I usually sit out on the patio, and bring my own folding camp chair. Parking: There are a few spaces in a parking lot just behind the patio, or you can park on the street along 14th between "G" and "H", or in a parking garage across the street from the bar. If you park on the street, be aware that the 2 hour time limit is 7 days a week, 8:00am to 10:00 pm. Always check the signage when you park anywhere in downtown Sacramento. It's a crazy quilt of different time limits, and different street cleaning date/time restrictions. Every block is different, and sometimes, even one side of a street will be different than the other, on the same block. So always scrutinize those parking restriction and time limit signs before you walk away from your car; the city occasionally changes the restrictions, so a block that had a "Tuesday No Parking For Street Cleaning" last week, might suddenly change to "Thursday" this week. Or a block that had a 2 hour time limit the last time you were downtown might have changed to 1 hour. Just be careful and you won't get a parking ticket. read more

The help and the owner could not be less welcoming to a new customer. Not a sole in the bar other than my self You wonder why. I tried to talk to the owner but not approachable AT ALL or had the curticy to respond. WONT be back to this " DIVE BAR "again. I give them 3 months and it will be closed. Good ridens them. read more

Terrible unresponsive bartender or worker at the bar that kept doing what he was doing a did not acknowledge me. I stood there for about 5 mins with no one else taking an order.im beginning to think like another patron that ones color may matter. read more

Very nice neighborhood bar. Very nice gay/straight mix. Great food too. The Saturday night bartender is so gorgeous it's worth going just to see him. Beyond gorgeous really. read more

Tonight we decided to give this another chance. It feels as if the ownership has changed? We sat on the patio for about 20 minutes without anyone coming out to greet us. The music was too loud to have any conversation with someone that maybe cared? The fish and chips were overcooked and mostly breading. There was NO PATIO SERVICE after the food was badly presented. The beer is overpriced and the menu doesn't match the one on Yelp. Have you switched ownership? We will not be returning. read more

Love the place. Great atmosphere. Good drinks and food And the staff on both sides of the bar is very friendly and helpful read more

I went to the bar on a Friday night when QLAS was having an event. Busy despite the rain. A great change of pace from the bar I usually go to. A pleasant variety of friendly people in attendance. If this kind of upbeat lively atmosphere continues I'll be back again! read more

Loved this place while it was open! The burger was delicious and the fries were done perfectly. The heaters on the patio kept everyone comfortable when it got chilly out. Cool scene with good tunes on the jukebox! Definitely glad to have a new spot around town to support when things start to open back up. They were super clean and friendly. read more

Review based on service. It was our first time here, a wonderful kind of make shift patio. (Covid and such). Two heaters, quiet music in the background, and outside seating spaced safely from others. The two gentlemen where hustling quite a bit, and being from the service industry I'm patient and understanding. The bar food was fine. Told them I'll be back after the stay at home order is done with. read more

Honestly, they live up to the descriptor 5 Star Dive Bar! It is hands down our favorite joint in town. The food and drinks are top notch, the owners are friendly and very invested in your experience, and the servers are so incredibly friendly and kind. We've seen two sports games outside since they opened, and it was comfortable and fun. We will go as often as we can! I look forward to an inside experience when it's allowed in our County. read more

Great service, great but expensive mixed drinks, good crowd. Food is just meh... I'd love to come more often if they focused on higher quality food... I swear my "chicken" wings came from a hummingbird... these had to be THE lowest quality (read tiny) wings I've ever had! Onion rings were high quality frozen when they could serve amazing house made even cheaper... why...? read more

I came here for the first time with my husband for some drinks before going to a show. It was dead during the day which is totally fine for me because I'm such an introvert. The bartenders are always super nice, funny, and easy to talk to. They really know how to make you feel welcome. We came back tonight with a couple of friends who have encouraged us to play pool. There's one pool table in the middle which was intimidating at first but nobody bugs you. There's a guy that watches us play but is super kind and gives you advice. There's actually drag shows here as well, I mean the place seems big enough for that to go on. Everyone always seems chill and just wants to have fun. They have karaoke nights as well which we coincidently happened upon one night. There's an outdoor area with a few tables which make it nice for you to get some fresh air while also taking your drink. Easy 5 stars to give. read more

Super cool gay bar in sacramento. Great music, good vibes, and friendly staff. The crowd here is friendly and courteous as well. If you are in the mood for a bite, they have a good menu of food as well. The patio outside is welcoming, the people are cool, and the drinks are awesome. I recommend their margarita. read more

Friendly bartender, comfortable space, fast service. There was a show that evening and it looked entertaining.

Best new gay bar in Sacramento! Friendly staff, heavy pours, good snacks and a nice outdoor area.

Bear Dive is the best bar in Sacramento. It's small and peaceful and the bartenders truly make you feel welcome. They have great music and even greater service. They serve food until 9, the drinks are brilliant and Patrick is the best bartender Sacramento has to offer! Come here if you want to feel at home and safe while you enjoy drinks. read more