Hidden away in shopping centers, dark alley ways and deserted streets is where you’ll find these gems ?” the dive bars. Usually run down, small and sometimes crowded, these hot spots are definitely worthwhile destinations.

Drinks are cheap, bartenders are friendly and the crowds are plentiful, who could ask for more? If dive bars are your idea of a good time, Sacramento is the place ?” we have plenty.

Whether you’re in midtown, up Fulton Ave., or all the way in Folsom, you’re not far away from a real good time.

Let’s start in the heart of it all ?” downtown Sacramento. Directly off of the 16th St. exit off of Highway 50, you’ll find a small run-down bar in the middle of a large lot on 2130 16th St., the Flame Club.

From the outside this establishment looks exactly like the place your mother warned you about, but don’t be scared, once inside you’ll be surrounded by friendly faces.

Now the drinks on the other hand, are something you should be scared of. No lack of quality, they’re just very potent. For just a couple of bucks and some change, $2.50 to be exact, you can buy a mixed well drink. We chose grapefruit and vodka.

At most places grapefruit and vodka are usually 50-50 but not at the flame club. Watch the bartender make your drinks; you’ll see what I’m talking about. It’s more like 80-20.

The interior is pretty barren, just some tables and bar stools. They do have a few really nice TVs playing sports all night long.

Sundays at the Flame Club have unofficially become “Car Bomb Sunday.”

Traditionally, Car Bombs are taken by dropping a shot glass of Jamison Irish Whiskey and Bailey’s into a half full pint of Guinness then pounding the concoction before it begins to curdle.

However, the Flame club does not have shot or pint glasses, so they serve them up really cheap in a method of their own.

The last time we visited, we brought our own glasses so that we could take them properly. The bartender was more than willing to oblige, but you might want to double check that one first.

Either way, the Car Bombs only cost $3.50, much cheaper than anywhere else in the River City.

Next on the list is Fulton Ave. At 1148 Fulton Ave. Suite C, about one block before Hurley Ave, you’ll find Stoly’s.

Now Stoly’s is the dive of all dive bars. It is small, rugged and filled with smoke. Smoke you ask? That’s right, since this establishment is owner run and operated, smoking is permitted.

The crowd is mostly “punk” with a mix of regulars and locals alike. The jukebox has a great selection and the lone pool table is always in play.

Drinks at Stoly’s are strong ?” really strong. The prices are about average, nothing like the Flame Club.

What’s really fun about this bar besides the bartenders, crowds and music is the owner. On holidays and special occasions, the owner has been known to throw parties for its patrons.

He will bring a bunch a food and barbeque for his loyal crowd as they hang around and get completely hammered.

This is the type of bar where everyone is a regular. Once you go to Stoly’s, chances are you will visit again.

Now if you find yourself straying away from the big city lights of Sacramento and into the more suburban outskirts like Folsom, the Sutter Club is just the place to kick back and have a few drinks.

The Sutter Club at 720 Sutter St. is great for their happy hour specials. Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. draft beers are only $1 while well drinks are only $1.50. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. the price raises $0.50 making draft beers $1.50 and well drinks $2.

If drinking during the day isn’t your thing, on select days $1.50 draft beers and $2.00 well drinks are offered from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. In addition on Sundays during the game, $2 Bloody Marys are offered for your drinking pleasure.

Now if you’re looking for great music, the Sutter Club’s jukebox spins all the hits. I have never been to bar that has had such a wide variety of all genres of music. There is bound to be something that everyone will love.

For the smokers of the group, the Sutter Club has a small covered patio to keep you and your cigarette dry when it rains.

So now that I have taken you on a short tour of Sacramento’s hidden gems, forget the clubs, grab some friends and head on over to your local dive for some cheap drinks, great music and a whole night of fun.

Rating: 5 Stars

All of Liz’s dining and nightlife reviews are held to this rating system:

1 Star: Stay at home.

2 Stars: Not worth the gas money.

3 Stars: If there’s nothing else to do –

4 Stars: Better than most.

5 Stars: Proves that Sacramento is more than just a cowtown.