by Jeff Katz

An Insider’s Guide to Sactown

The whole Sacramento area has been going through some major changes and growth spurts, and with it, the area’s LGBT community has changed as well. Blink and you can miss major expansion and new places to frequent. But the oldies are, in some cases, still goodies, so to that end, here is an insider’s crash course in some of the best (and lesser known) gay-friendly things in Sacramento — from hangouts and services to invaluable resources and community groups:

CARES

The Center for AIDS Research, Education and Services (CARES) has become the leading provider of HIV/AIDS services for the Sacramento area, while also becoming one of the most recognizable organizations in the area’s LGBT community. Aside from the number of support services, CARES also puts on tons of events all year long, including Dining Out for Life and An Evening with Oscar.

Mercantile Saloon

Any true gay Sacramentan holds a special place in their heart for the Merc. Standing apart from the glitz and glamour of neighboring Badlands and Faces nightclubs, the Merc feels like home—cheap yet strong drinks, a huge patio and one really gay jukebox.

Hot Rods

A title that Lyons once coveted, Hot Rods is now the place for late-night eats in the gayborhood. Conveniently located within stumbling distance of the major bars, Hot Rods keeps the burgers cooking and milkshakes flowing until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and can meet the often-large crowd with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Grind & Groove

Grind & Groove has turned sex toy shopping into a high-end boutique experience, with a special affinity for the gays. The shop carries everything from novelty Ts and underwear to bondage gear and dog accessories. A bonus is the reading room, where shoppers can indulge with the store’s many self-help books.

Spanish Fly Hair Garage

Getting your hair did at Spanish Fly is a must for anyone looking for a styling experience. The shop holds true to its name with a cool, open, industrial design (perfect for fashion shows that are held there throughout the year), but it’s the fun and funky stylists that keep the clientele happy and looking hot.

Naked Lounge

This “fiercely independent” coffee house has held its own against the Starbucks of the world, and remained a top-draw for Sac’s LGBT caffeine-phines since 2002. Aside from offering a cozy place to hang out and sip the day away, Naked Lounge also serves delicious coffees, teas and pastries.

Rainbow Festival

One Pride celebration just isn’t big enough for Sactown, which is why the fall’s Rainbow Festival is always a popular weekend. The two-day street fair and concerts are a huge support for local charities and organizations, but Rainbow Festival is also about the fun, with top performers and DJs descending upon the capital city.

The Deatils

CARES
www.caresclinic.org

Mercantile Saloon
1928 L St.
Sacramento

Hot Rods
2007 K St.
Sacramento

Grind & Groove
2226 K St.
Sacramento

Spanish Fly Hair Garage
1723 J St.
Sacramento

Naked Lounge
1500 Q St.
Sacramento

Rainbow Festival
www.rainbowfestival.com