Barcode

Two solid stars (and that’s me being generous).
An old friend took me here for my first clubbing experience. It was the summer that I had just turned 18. It was very. erm, unimpressive. The allure of clubbing and nightlife was something that never appealed to me. And Barcode basically guaranteed that I would steer clear of this type of environment throughout my young adult years.
My initial impression was that the environment didn’t make me feel very safe. Many of the male patrons aggressively tried to harass us. This happened again a few years later. The ambience was just off and I didn’t feel very comfortable.
The music was just. eh. I could hear the same things on the radio on 107.9 on the weekend, and save some money!
Granted, I never visited this place after I had turned 21. So, I can’t review the bar or the drinks.
But there is one thing that I have noticed, and it’s actually the most redeeming quality about this venue: the security and staff strictly enforce the drinking age limit. I think they also check to see if patrons are too drunk when they leave? It was comforting to see them uphold the law and show concern about public safety.
Other than that, Barcode is just… ehhhh. No words to really describe it, except for indifferent expressions of disdain :‘D

used to go all the time but then the fun stopped … service there turned crap and so i’d rather not waste my time there … tell me how do you have a line that goes around the building … have to wait over an hour to get through the door … just to see that the place is empty inside … should have just partied outside with all the people in the line … show up at 9 but get in at 12 … B.S.
Drinks here are over priced for what you get at other places that are similar … the bartenders are retarded and expect tips for doing nothing … and i’ve also seen them take advantage of the drunks many times by not giving their change back

Firstly, I wanna say a few things.
I have given barcode a good amount of chances, and based on my overall experiences I hope we never cross paths EVER again.
I have been here 3 times: (Friends birthday, Above and Beyond, Cosmic Gate)
Now before I start reviewing this place, for a club venue the property itself was decent, with 2 dance rooms, 2 bars, and 2 bathrooms lol. Unfortunately this place is in some weird location in the middle of like a petmart and like some clothing store, but it’s cool we will just look ABOVE and BEYOND that. anyway…
1) This first time was alright, the crowd was alright, the SECURITY was trying to see who can be the biggest dick, I only went to this place because my friend turned 20, and I guess there was nowhere else better to go in Sac.
2)Above and Beyond: All I can say is wow. The week before I lost my driver license, and hoped I could get in with a passport, instead, I was one of the few people in my group not allowed in, and not only that, I was escorted off the premise (literally the whole parking lot) by SECURITY. I understand that they just doin there job but damn man Im just an asian kid waiting to be picked up by my friend since I cant get in and I cant even wait in the parking lot? thats wack.
3) The kicker, This last time was for Cosmic gate, which their set was sick, but the crowd was WEAK. Hella old dudes, not enough girls, and on top of that in the parking lot the security was buggin my friends chilling in the car waiting for me and other cars to get there, and somehow ends up being Arrested for calling the security an A$$hole? On top of that they tried getting him for Under the influence of alcohol but he literally had half a 40…
On the positive side, if you like Grenades, muffin tops, or old men, places that like power tripping and the security that think they are part of Reno 911, this place is for you! =]
If I had the money Id make a club just to shove this place under the ground…

Brooke M. is claiming to have seen something that I have not seen since I started regularly attending the sunday night events called «Asylum», in April. Many of the other patrons have not seen this. Further, as far as I am aware, Brooke M. has not been contacted directly by the staff of Barcode in regards to her statements here on Unilocal.Please keep this in mind when determining whether or not you desire to go to the club.
With that drama sorted…
I have been attending every sunday since April of 2011. I actually really enjoy the club. It mixes the two subcultures of fetish and goth really well in a **SAFE** way.
The bartender, Benny, is incredibly sweet and loves to call girls «babydoll» in that sweet complimentary sort of way. He reminds me very much of a speakeasy bartender. He moves fast and often the bar is packed, he never forgets what order people get to the bar in and treats everyone fairly. I’ve actually had to ask him to water down my drinks a little because they were a bit too strong for me. He even offered to bring milk to the club to make me a White Russian. Which is *awesome*.
The prices for drinks are pretty reasonable before midnight. So get there and get your shots in before midnight!
As for the security staff, I have had one conversation with them and they were incredibly sweet to me. The gentleman I spoke to even offered to walk me to my car as two weeks previous they had had some issues and I was alone.
The DJ sometimes plays questionable music choices but as I have been going to goth clubs since I was 18, a lot of the questionable songs are songs I remember dancing to back when I actually bothered to dance.
The overall vibe of the club is really welcoming compared to many other clubs such as Death Guild. The patrons are all exceptionally friendly and all around good people. If you ask them a question, they will answer it honestly and as best as they can. I have been at other clubs similar to Asylum where they ignore you completely. Asylum is very welcoming and a fun place to be no matter who you are or if you know anyone there.
If you are at all interested in BDSM or the Fetish world on Sunday night you can find a lot of the fetish folk hanging out and they can talk to you about it in an educated no pressure, completely uncreepy setting. If you want to dance your pants off or learn how to dance, ask someone on the floor! There’s so many wonderful people there that will not only answer your questions no matter what they are, they will also show you if you ask them!
All in all, it’s one of the friendliest clubs I’ve ever gone to.

I think barcode deserves 1.5 stars but the last time i was there i had an okay time and i’ll Unilocal why. I’ve been to barcode a total of 3 times, and almost every time has been a terrible experience.
I went to UC Davis and as any student there knows, there aren’t any good clubs around, especially for those who aren’t 21. so sadly, barcode is the only one that comes close. the first time i went here i was a freshman in college, we drove about 30 minutes from campus to a mall? yes, barcode is apparently instead a shopping center or at least a small shopping complex, right next to hooters and a kohls. that was already a red flag that maybe this isn’t the best venue out there. i was with a girl and 2 guys and to my knowledge, we were dressed properly. but as soon as we got to the door, the bouncer looked at one of my guy friend’s shoes and said he couldn’t go in because of the nike sign. seriously?! we tried talking to him, but he defiantly refused to let us in! what a dick. so we drove around, hoping to find some black tape to cover up that nike sign, and surprisingly we did. we walked back and the same asshole bouncer refused us entrance!!! at this point i was really frustrated and i wanted to leave, but my friend happen to see one of his friends in the parking lot and he happened to have an extra pair of shoes in his car. thank god. so we finally walk in and all that hassle was not worth it. the crowd was a mix of ghetto, old and musty. yes, musty. it smelled musty. it was not a good time. i dont even want to rant about the dance floor.
the second time i came here, it was my birthday. why i decided to come here on my birthday, i dont even know. but long story short, i received the same sucky experience and left.
the LAST time i came here was the for above and beyond, and this was overall the best experience i’ve had here JUST because of above and beyond, not because of the club. i was feeling good and not because of their alcohol either because i would not spend a dime on their drinks.
overall, this place is NOT worth it unless there’s some sort of major event. don’t waste your time, i’d drive an hour to san francisco than 30 minutes to this place.

I’ve been here before and I don’t care for it… this is my opinion not a fact just to clarifiy… Every girl under 21 is dressed like a slutty version of themselves… as another of the other Unilocalers said it seems like a bunch of young girls and old guys hitting on them…
The area isnt very great either… I wouldnt want my 18 year sister n her friends (if i had one lol) coming here by themselves… I also have a 19 year co-​worker who said she didnt like having to walk back to her car…

I would not reccomend this place to anyone over 21. This place is always crowded with 18 years old with a whole bunch of old ass men trying to hit on them youngin girls. Grrrosssssss!
There is a dance floor in the middle but basically, the whole room is a dancefloor. There are two rooms where they play diffferent music. Bathrooms are small and dirty, of course.
Something positive: they have many areas where you are sit and relax.
Something stupid. They say they have guest list and it starts at 9 and usually the guestlist close at 11? But they let in people hella slow just so that not so many people would get in cheaper or free. The line would be hella long and would move a couple inches!
another positive thing, i guess. it’s like $ 3 for some kind of drink before 11. I can’t even remember because it wasn’t that great. hahha
But I guess if you are under 21, then you have no choice but to come here. haha
DJ sucks booty! We went here to celebrate a bday. And They couldn’t even say a shout out. we had to repeatly ask them! for like 10 times. like hella dumb.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT A THING CALLED LOVEEEEE!
I came here a few weeks ago because this was one of the stops for Above & Beyond’s Group Therapy Tour. Of course, they killed itttt and dj’s before them were great as well.
Barcode is a pretty decent location. It was small enough to make it seem that the place was packed without it having it being overcrowded. There was also a separate room by the bar that had another DJ throwing down Dubstep while the main stage had House. And if you wanted to get fresh air, you can go outside to one of the two roped off areas.
Overall, good location but I probably would never come back here to club on a regular night. A little too «ghetto» for my taste. Only if they had another EDM event!

When I was young, I thought this place was heavenly, and as I turned 21, boy did the alcohol change my view! Its a nightclub, if your night sucked than thats your own damn fault.
I always have a fun time, they even have a cage inside. Two bars with bartenders who bust their butts off catering to the alcoholics/​shy kids. Plus, I’m glad theres security because I’m not gonna lie– they are some sketchy people who try to come through. So its better to have visible security than have no one at all. The outside patio is very chill for all you smokers and nice seating area to get out of the heat.
I was so glad to see Above & Beyond at this venue, even though I was hesitant, its better than some cramped, over priced midtown place with little parking.
Grab some friends and possibly some of your best cockblockers and dance away! Oh yeah, theres an iHop and Dennys down the street thats open 24 hours.

I only go on Sunday nights, The Gothic Asylum night.
there is no grinding against other people unless they are your friends or have permission. the people are mostly nice, and if your like rock, gothic industrial, or EBM music (or just want to rave) its a great night to go. if you get there between 9 and 10−30pm on non holiday weekends the dance floor is empty with plenty of room for you to make a fool of yourself or dance amazing. however your style might be. by the time midnight through 2 am roles around the dance floor is full, but everyone tries to not touch each other so you just have to wiggle into a spot.
the only thing is with the asylum night is you want to come in something Gothic style (of any verity) or just in all black or you will feel like you dont belong.
I go in a Cyber Goth outfit, and i make a fool of myself all the time.
The floor is concrete at the lowest level and top levels, so slick sole shoes. well you better know how to stay on your feet, you will be sliding around. the middle parts are wood, i find them just as slick. so be sure to wear rubber sole shoes or something with a grip if your as clumsy as i am.
you will see tape covered nipples under fishnets, thongs, hotpants, kilts, tails, cat ears and lots of other crazy outfits. some just come in their bras and panties with boots. so dont be surprised. if that’s your thing, dont be afraid to show up in it yourself.

This review is for a Thursday night.
So, as a first time clubber, yeah yeah i know… i’m late haha. anywaaaaays as a first time clubber, i didn’t really know what to expect. My friend & i came with high asss heeels. Uh yeah, don’t do that! Unless you’re a pro, your feeet is gonna hurt so bad while dancing! I had to stop many times from dancing because of this! Good thing they had couches =)
As for the dance floor, it was pretty packed… well the center was. The outside area near the couch, not so much. But yeah, I like dancing in a packed area, that way, no one is really watching you haha. The guys, omg the guys… uhh yeah, they really don’t take no for an answer. Dudes be grabbing you, rubbing up all over from behind. Soo yeah, eww, especially if the guy aint cute haha. And damnn it gets hellla musty here! IDK but barcode should crank up the
gets hella hot while dancing too. Anywho, the music was good, most were «danceable» music. Even when i was tired and sitting down, i stilled dance on my seaat haha
Hmm, what elseeee… oh! they neeed a damn water fountain! i was so dehydrated. I decided to buy a water bottle & it costed $ 2.50! Like damn, that’s hella expensive for water. Not only that, but it toook me forever to get my water cause they’re was hella people getting drinks.
The bathroom is pretty clean. I like that they have a bigass mirror right outside the bathroom =)
SO yup, its fun depending on the people you go with. Also, make sure to have a friend w/​you at all times, especially if you’re a girl. =)
so yeah, fun place ;)

Now I was fly last night, cashmere deep v-​neck, 7 for all mankind jeans, and some nice 100% cotton loafers… yes I was doing big things…
Well not big enough for this place.
After rudely having a flashlight shined in my face, I was told that ‘We don’t allow solid color t-​shirts’
Ended me straightaway.
Fail.
and I’m not going back.

UNDERAGE DRINKERS «BEWARE!» It’s your OWN FAULT if you are caught drinking and are EJECTED FOR IT
SITREP
I’m a SUNDAY NIGHT patron and I’ve been coming here for the better part of 17 years ever since the inception of THE ASYLUM on Sundays. I can’t speak to other nights of the week, so I won’t.
THE SET-​UP
I very much enjoy the Dark Alternative, Gothic-​Industrial, Dark Wave 80s, and EBM musical offerings that DJ Bryan Hawk and KJ Groth spin for the dance floor. Truly wonderful mixes of the best European EBM and Industrial groups, and the occasional DJ extraordinaire performances from such notables as DANIEL ASH (Bauhaus) and GINGER FISH (Marilyn Manson).
The DJs and the Wong Family should be commended for bringing such notable talent and keeping such a dynamic weekly musical dance event going.
OFFENSIVE REVIEWERS
What prompted this review-​update on my part is the major exception that I take to inappropriate reviews. It’s one thing to offer a ONE STAR review because one does not appreciate the music format and/​or the other patrons.
What I find totally inappropriate, however, is castigating an establishment because they are following the law. In this instance, the review of ERIN T in this series of reviews of BARCODE is totally inappropriate in that she is giving them a ONE STAR review for discovering that she — an UNDERAGE PATRON — was caught drinking alcohol and she SELF-​ADMITS in her review that this is the reason she is giving them such a low rating.
THE LOWDOWN
I don’t know if ERIN T will have the decency to «modify» her review or whether Unilocal will review the FLAGS that several of us have noted on Erin’s review, but I for one am of the opinion that a business establishment serving alcohol should not be penalized for not serving alcohol to underage patrons. Nor should they be penalized for ejecting underage patrons for drinking alcohol. Businesses could risk losing their license, be shut down, and then employees would lose their jobs.
A negative review is NEVER justified on a business because it is following the law and the business regulations that govern it’s operation.

…Step away, go to your car, lock the doors, drive and don’t look back!!! Coming here if you are over 21, feels as if you are chaperoning a high school dance.
Barcode is the only option left for those who are over 18, but not quite 21. Don’t waste your time here… I was dragged here by a couple who weren’t of the legal drinking age and were from out of town. After that night I made a vow to not come back again.
Go spend your money on glow bowling where they cut the lights and have the same type of dance music. You’ll have a better time!
Barcode is NOT the business for those 21+.

My oh my! I do not miss being 18 years old and trying to have a social life. I was here (not my choice) for a function and goodness gracious the crowd was ridiculous. There were police cops standing outside and monitoring the crowd, the music was decent but the population itself: questionable and ghetto! Nestled in the middle of a strip mall, you can barely find the club unless you really go often (right next to a Hawaiian BBQ restaurant).
In fact, after my friends and I left the venue, we were in the parking lot talking and the «security» officer asked us to leave because we were not allowed to be there. What the heck?! I truly enjoy my 21+ clubs and classy bars over Barcode. Never going here again.

The DJs suck. The guy w/​most check-​ins should be dancing instead of playing with lights. Bouncers are doing their job. When you’re outta line, you still want VIP service? You are in Sac. Sac clubs are what they are. If the paying customer is willing to spend, the clubs will take care of you. Unfortunately everyone wants to party like a rockstar, but think its the 99-​cent store when it’s time to pay. Sausage fest?!? I don’t blame the ladies for not wanting to be there eithe-​guys are cheap. Point is they do a good job catering to sac folks. I think a few of you watch too many music videos. Hip hop rots the brain. i’m just a hater!
this goes for all most places:
«don’t go with no money to spend, and then cry about not having a good time. go change your tampon, take a midol, and enjoy yourself.»

I stopped going here when I realized that Sacramento was bigger than a two block radius around Arden. Nothing against the people that actually run this place but…
The bouncers are rude. I bought a drink and walked towards the floor. There was a sign about fifty feet away that said no drinks beyond this point. The bouncer said I needed to step back because there were no drinks allowed where I was standing. I said I though the limit was over there and pointed to the sign. He gave me attitude and threatened to have me thrown out.
The most ghetto people come here. A very large group threw a hissy fit and tried to start a riot because they didn’t want to wait in line. Just a bad lame crowd.
I had a lot of memorable times here, up until the age of 22. You grow up and then know better.

Don’t get me wrong. I have seen better, but for Sacramento, this is as good as it gets FOR THE YOUNG/​COLLEGE CROWD!
This is a great place for 18 year olds and people who just turned 21 who still want to get shit faced and dance all night long. I’ve been there!
I used to come here during Hmong New Year too! OMG, the night of Thanksgiving, you would think no one would be out clubbing but the line here was ridiculous! I don’t know about now but people would wait in line at 8pm to get in! Good thing my cousin knew the bouncer so we would get in right away.
This place was fun. But now, I can say that I’m a little older and have grown out of this phase. I’d rather spend my evenings with friends at a lounge where people are behaving appropriately. So, while I wouldn’t put Barcode or «The Rage» as it used to be called, on my to-​do this for the week, it’s a good place for all you young folks. I certainly don’t want to see you where ever I’m at. No offense.
Recently, I returned after a 3 year hiatus … only to see ATB spin. It made me realize why I haven’t been back for so long. It was great to get up close and personal with ATB — got some nice shots of him … but not so much the crowd.
Great for young and immature.
Horrible for anyone who has grown up.

Ok, so now two years later, now that i’m flippin’ big 2 – 1, I came back here with my little underaged friends. And surprisingly, I had a pretty good time here… I honestly felt a little old for this, but it was cute having little, shy 18-​year-​old boys asking you to dance (but unfortunately rejected).
Even after two years, there are still creepers. A lot of drunk ones, too. I think what makes Barcode fun is the company. Go with a huge group and you’re good to go. They play pretty good music :)

I don’t know what’s worse – the fact this place sounds supposedly «sooo poppin’» on the radio, or the fact that my friends and I choose to go here every year as our club social…
PROS:
–amazing club décor – cute places for drinking, a good place outside for smoking, small yet «exclusive» looking upper strip for dancing, and they have a cage!
–good for the 18 – 20 year old crowd (i guess)
–other than the dance floor, the other places are pretty spacious…
CONS:
–their excuse for a photographer is a guy with a VIP pass around his neck and a digital camera.
–really small dance floor
–not very good music and mediocre mixes that thwarted me from getting my GROWN WOMAN on lol
–the guys. There are the overzealous and agressive guys who just won’t get the hell away and then there are the older men. And by older, I mean they could be my FATHER’S age and they were trying to get freaky with some girls! Commence Operation RUN THE HELL AWAY.