River City Saloon, Sacramento Travel Guide

Step into the River City Saloon and journey back to the 1800s, where the spirit of the Wild West comes alive. Located in the heart of Old Sacramento, this saloon boasts a rich history, having been a part of the city since its early days. Originally an early framed wood building, it was replaced with brick in 1857, bearing witness to Sacramento's transformation during the Gold Rush.In 1861, the building gained notoriety as one of the original houses of ill repute, owned by Johanna Heigle. It later became Parker French's Saloon, owned by a colorful local newspaperman who wanted a fun place to unwind after work. The saloon was known for its unruly atmosphere, with tales of patrons being shanghaied and taken out to sea. During Prohibition, it was frequently raided for serving alcohol under the guise of medicinal purposes.After a period of decline in the 1960s, the saloon was remodeled in 2007 to restore its original grandeur and was renamed the River City Saloon. Today, it features a 1905 Triple Arch Brunswick bar, reminiscent of the one that stood in 1871, complete with flocked wallpaper and sawdust on the floors, evoking the ambiance of a classic Western saloon. The River City Saloon offers a unique experience with deli-style sandwiches and its own Old West Sarsaparilla.