Nevada City Nightlife

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Those of you that may say the name of this Bar/Restaurant/music venue is not politically correct. Well, it is. Yes, the American Indian was not adapted to alcohol and the name is of an actual American Indian Chief was used but in good faith.

The original owner paid homage to the American Indian and collected many relics of the past and displayed them in the Bar/Restaurant. The new owners have retained many of the original items of historic lore and display them around the walls. No disrespect is given to the American Indian and certainly not to Chief Crazy Horse, himself.

The Nevada Theatre is the oldest theater in California, that was actually originally erected as a theater. It was built in 1865. It is located on Broad Street in downtown Nevada City. Thousands of performances have occurred over the years in the old theater. Mark Twain even performed there. Today the theater is an integral part of the community. It is used regularly for live theater, movies, and special events. Be sure to check their schedule to see what will be going on there while you are in town.

Tucked away in a brick building on Commercial Street is Off Broadstreet (OBS). I would best describe it as a cross between a light musical and cabaret. OBS produces light comedies and musicals that feature a lot of songs from the 1950's and 1960's. Quite often the performers dress to impersonate the singers whose songs they are singing like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. Seating in OBS is in cabaret style and you can offer beverages and deserts from a limited menu. Productions are held mainly on Friday and Saturdays but often there are productions on Thursday and Sunday afternoon. Cost for the OBS is $ 25.

Dress Code: Dress code is casual. This is not a fancy theatre.

The National Hotel, built in 1854-57 is national historic landmark and the oldest continuously-operating hotel west of the Rockies. I've never stayed in the hotel and can't say how it is, but the Victorian dining room and saloon are wonderfully atmospheric and retain the feel of the era of the gold rush days. The entire downtown of Nevada City retains its historic feel, and this building is an important fixture there.

It is surely worth a visit to see the bar. I've only eaten here once, a few years ago, but I've heard recently that the food isn't that great. Perhaps better just to have a drink at the bar.

Friar Tuck's is a restaurant and bar located on Pine Street, which is perpendicular to Broad Street. In the evening, they offer live music. The music was pleasant and still not so loud as to hinder conversation.

The Mind Shaft is a bar. Nothing fancy, just drinks, music, TVs, and a good mix of local and visitors, young and old. Don't dress up to go here. The appeal of this place is to be a comfortable watering - hole, not a fancy night club. It can get pretty crowded and perhaps rowdy on weekend nights.

While it may not be difficult to find a bar with mounted deer heads on the wall, this is probably the only place that displays the other end of a deer's anatomy.

Dress Code: Don't worry about it.