Live Oak Tavern

Down a Loomis backroad exists the coolest yet shadiest roadhouse I’ve ever come across in the Sacramento region. And we visited on a whim thanks to a handy little thing called the Unilocal app.
It was my friend Chris’s birthday and we had taken a bus up to Knee Deep brewery in Auburn. It’s important to note that Chris being born in 77, we all decided to wear disco/70’s garb in his honor. I’m talking polyester pants, wigs, gaudy jewelry. The works. Still not satiated after our brewery visit, we located the Live Oak just off the freeway on our way back. Just getting there reminded me of the scene from «Psycho» where she leaves the beaten path and ends up at the Bates Motel. Pulling up, the exterior of the place was dark except for a couple flickering beers signs and an open sign. Besides the bartender/owner’s car, we were literally the only ones in the parking lot.
Keeping that in mind, it must have been quite a sight when ten inebriated fools dressed in loud 70’s clothing wandered in out of nowhere. The place was dead empty and hot as hell. No AC, just a fan in the corner. The walls were old wood paneling and covered with old beer signs.
So why 5 stars, you ask? This place is a gem. Not only did we have it to ourselves, but the bartender was a nice guy who was happy to have company. The beer choice — Bud, Bud Light, Coors and Miller — fit the atmosphere. We got to play pool and basically own the place in ridiculous clothing. It was a night to remember.
I never thought I’d have so much fun in Loomis. The Live Oak is the most hidden of gems I’ve yet to come across in Sacramento. Just sharing my discovery could ruin the whole charm. I’ll just keep visiting whenever I pass that way.

We were going home as we had been out to dinner with another couple and wanted to find a live band where we could dance a little. It was a Saturday night and the front door was open but it looked very dark inside. There were 3 cars in the parking lot so we decided to check it out. Denver, the owner, was inside by himself and said we were his only customers for the entire day. He turned on a few lights and began to tell us how in the past four years things had been very slow and there hadn’t been any music at his place during that time. He said there were 3 different bars along Taylor Road that had closed up due to lack of business but because he was the owner, he could afford to stay open. We didn’t stay but we felt sorry for him as we had remembered when the place was a fun dive bar and pretty busy. Sad to say that things change with the times.

One night, Richard and I decided to be adventurous and bar hop down Pacific/​Taylor… interesting night. Live Oak Tavern is stuck in the 70’s, it smells a little strange and I would avoid the beers on tap (we had to exchange for a bottle) but I guess that all adds to the experience. The owner, Denver, lives right next door and also manages the mobile home park behind the bar. We had a good time hanging out with Denver, listening to his stories and watching Food Network. Cheap beers but he is cash only and the closest ATM is a mile away, so come prepared.

Stopped in here with Steph a couple of weekends ago and had a beer.
Denver, the owner was tending bar and was super friendly. He told us the history of the place and how the trailer park out back was originally one of the labor camps when Route 40 was being built between San Francisco and Atlantic City, NJ.
The décor is definitely dated, but that should be expected. Its like walking into a roadhouse from the 50’s or 60’s. Truly a place that time has forgotten.
If your in the area and looking for a funky little place to stop in and grab a drink, check out the Live Oak Tavern.
Oh, and since it is an owner operated business, smoking is allowed.