Best Night Before Thanksgiving Bars

Whether you're back in town for the holidays, looking to escape your family for a while, or just wanting to go out and enjoy the evening, the night before Thanksgiving (also known as NBT) is usually one of the best nights of the year to visit bars. If you stay within your current or former stomping grounds, chances are you'll run into former classmates, and if you venture out into new territory, you're likely to make new friends before the night is over. One thing's for certain regarding NBT, these are the best Thanksgiving Eve bars in (and around) town.

Players Pub
9729 Fair Oaks Blvd., Ste D
Fair Oaks, CA
(916) 967-7870
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info:
http://directory.sacramento.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/40486-Players-Pub

In a tradition that harkens back decades, Players Pub on Fair Oaks Boulevard has become the designated reunion spot for Del Campo High School alum on the night before Thanksgiving. Miss your own class reunion? Never fear, because if you're a fellow DC alum, you'll probably see many from your graduating class here. Players' has plenty of pool tables, as well as darts and air hockey, for those so inclined. There's no cover, but everyone is carded at the door, so remember to bring your ID!

Insider tip: The bar area gets really crowded really fast, but if you stake out a spot at one of the game tables, you'll get waited on in a semi-timely fashion--and if you remember to tip your server well, you'll never be left with an empty glass.

Chargin's Bar & Grill
4900 J Street
Sacramento, CA
(916) 454-1524
Hours: Daily 6 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info:
http://directory.sacramento.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/63381-Chargins-Bar-Grill

I have it on good authority that, much like Players Pub is to DC alum, Chargin's Bar & Grill is to
Sacramento High School alum. Some may call Chargin's a dive, but I prefer to think of it as a neighborhood joint—you'll find regulars sitting at the bar, college kids selecting songs on the jukebox, and everyone having a good time. No cover here, but bring your ID if you expect to get served.

Insider tip: Drinks are cheap here, so fill up!

Club 2 Me
4738 J Street
Sacramento, CA
(916) 451-6834
Hours: Daily 7 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info:
http://directory.sacramento.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/63380-Club-2-Me

Club 2 Me has been a Sacramento Sate student favorite for decades. Don't expect a quiet night if you head to 2 Me on NBT, because chances are it will be wall to wall people, including Kennedy High School alum, Christian Brothers alum, Sac State students who stay in town for the holiday, regulars, locals, and more. There's no cover at 2 Me, but they check ID at the door, so be prepared.

Zebra Club
1900 P Street
Sacramento, CA
(916) 442-3972
Hours: Daily 6 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info:
http://directory.sacramento.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/52821-Zebra-Club

Zebra Club is another Sacramento State institution, and one that draws a large alumni crowd on NBT. Zebra's got music (there's a jukebox), darts, pinball machines, and even The Golden Tee (a classic golf video game). There's also a covered patio out back boasting a big screen TV, as wellas over a dozen beers on tap at the bar.

Insider tip: It gets crowded at Zebra, and the bathrooms are tiny and not so clean, plus there's a long wait for the women's bathroom. Take out advice--go before you get there and hold it until
you leave. You'll be glad you did.

The Limelight
1014 Alhambra Blvd.
Sacramento, CA
(916) 446-2208
Hours: Daily 9 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info:
http://directory.sacramento.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/59566-Limelight-Bar-Cafe-Card-
Room

The Limelight is a bar/café/card room that pretty much has something for everyone (at least, everyone who's 21 and older!). Whether you want to have some drinks, grab a snack, or try your hand at Taxes Hold 'em, Black Jack, or Lo Ball, The Limelight is a great place to head to on the night before Thanksgiving to relax and get ready for turkey day.

Insider tip: Thursday is tournament night at Limelight, so if you want to play, get there between 5 and 6 p.m. to sign up.

Juliet Farmer was born and raised in Sacramento, where she resides with her husband, two cats, and rescued greyhound. She is a freelance writer who regularly writes about food, pets, health and wellness, entertainment, and more.