omg, this night at the boardwalk was ridiculous! went to see a show, was there for like four hours and the main act never came out till like after 2 am!!!! not cool. anyway the venue itself is kinda rundown looking and needs a face lift. Â the inside is bigger then it would appear from the outside. Â the have a separate bar area for 21 and over and large main floor to watch different acts. Â totally overpriced drinks. Â sketchy neighborhood. Â i guess i would visit again if there was a cool act, otherwise, I'm not missing anything special here.
Review Source:If you complain about this place, you suck. Seriously I've seen Unwritten Law here for $15 maybe, Ludo for $5, and various other awesome artists all for practically nothing! If you can't handle parking a few minutes away and walking there, some dirty bathrooms, or some heat at times, do everyone a favor and stay home!
And I've always found the bouncers to be awesome and nice. Sure you can't come and go, get over it! Female bartender has a little attitude, get over it again!
Walked in with low expectations but to my surprise was actually pretty impressed. Looked grimy from the outside and that perception did not change when I stepped inside BUT it is what it is and for the $14 cover, you can't complain.
Summer Survivors Tour tore this place to shreds.. Not only did all the bands bring the enthusiasm needed (Rings of Saturn, The Contortionist, Scale The Summit, Conducting From The Grave) but the sound quality was superb for the venue's size. Another huge thing that is a must for a small venue like The Boardwalk is good AC and insulation, which they definitely had going. Security was pretty chill too, let fans mosh and act a fool without getting hyphy.... Respect.
Only things that really sucked were:
No in and out privileges even for people of age
No beer on tap.... WTF?!?!
Venue is located in a crap neighborhood with no places to throw the after party
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Got to keep my sense of humor when it comes to this place. Located in BFE this place's vibe is reaks of good ol fashioned hick with a dash of deliverance (the staff). Freakishly skinny or grotesquely fat guys in shirts that said "SECURITY" I couldn't help but ponder at which one of em would actually keep me safe and "secure" in the event that I needed one of them to. Did they have all of their teeth? Hmmmm.... not quite sure.
Bartenders- A much and I mean much older woman, who bore the looks of one who has fought the alcohol demon, late nights, beer brawls and cigarettes for way too many years with a bad attitude. Just think Black Hills gold, waterbed and Crosby Stills and Nash that should paint a pretty accurate description. LAME, LAME, LAME! Bar wasn't  busy, service was a bare minimum. At first, I just chalked it up to maybe her havin a bad start, so I gave her a couple of chances. First Beer, gave her a tip of two bucks (FOR ONE BEER), no thank you, no smile. Second beer, I did the same thing, tried to smile and make eye contact, but nothin. Third time, she got the ol stiffy. Sheesh! Why tho therious?
You know that slogan No shirt, No shoes, No service? Well I made up a new one.... No smile, No service, NO tipping. Ewwwww wa! Â There is a reason they call it the BORED WALK!
At first glance, The Boardwalk looks like an old, dingy, hole in the wall bar. And, it stays that way. Only thing is...I love hole in the wall bars. It's dark, old and wonderful. The bartenders are friendly and heavy handed. The best thing about The Boardwalk is that they get some great bands through there. I've seen some great punk and psychobilly bands at this venue and have never paid more than $10 at the door.
Who wants to go to Downtown Sac and park in a shady neighborhood where you get yelled at by homeless people, pay an outrageous cover charge while getting gangbanged by the bartenders for a decent drink?!!
Sacramento is very limited on venues.
I only go to this venue if the band is REALLY REALLY worth seeing.
Pros:
hmmmmmmmm....being one of Sac's only venues I guess.
Also located near grandma's house..so not too far from a babysitter so the husband and I can get a night out every so often IF there are any good shows playing there (which is a rarity)...
Cons:
It's the Boardwalk
Pushy/rude bouncers
Gross place in general, small and crowded. Â
Not feeling this venue...but like I said, it's one of the few we have left.
It's kind of a mixed bag
It's definitely rough around the edges.
But they do get some killer bands up on their tiny stage. And they also support local musicians; although, I've certainly heard rumors.
Regardless, this is definitely a spot worth checking out - Their bar is small and average priced, their security is usually OK (subjective), and their overall setup is fine (mediocre acoustics).
Fantastic, underrated spot for local shows, as well as haunting grounds for famed bands. I've seen Pepper, Long Beach Dub All Stars, and a plethora of other bands passing through to probably way better venues.
Nostalgia alert - I drank my very first beer in this parking lot. 17 years old and a freshman at Sac State. The band of choice that night was Earshot (wonder what happened to those guys...), and I was told to chug a Budlight before we went in. How I got drunk off this single beer is beyond me, but I was told I had a great time that night.
Ah, college memories.
Pretty much the only music venue in town that has any bands worth seeing. The venue gives local artists a chance to play on big bills.
Some people talk about underages?? Has anyone been to retro?? It's like Sunday school. And the only reason The Boardwalk is packed is because it has good shows!
One of the last great music venues in Sacramento
A interesting musical establishment. One filled with guitars on the ceiling, shitty stage lighting, expensive drinks (bud light was 3.75), and much more.
But theres a energy in the place that gets you in a good mood, regardless of its 'rough around the edges' look. Its worn-in, its stuffy, its a bit smelly, but its pretty awesome. Some good local bands play there from time to time. Recently saw In This Moment and Nonpoint. They put on a good show. Got some drinks in me and moshed a bit. Nonpoint played "5 Minutes Alone" by Pantera. After that i was in love with the Boardwalk.
A good mixture of people come here which is nice to see. Even the handicapped are kickin back and having a good time!! There is a "ATM" if you can call it that. The man who works the front has a ATM setup. You just slide your card and punch your pin in. It spits out a receipt and he gives you money from the register or you take it to the bartender. Either way yo get your money and its safe...i think.
Id definitely come back. Had a good time there!
One star for nostalgia, one star for some of the great bands I've seen there. Â The final star is because though I want to fault The Boardwalk for a few things, it is things that The Boardwalk can't necessarily do anything about.
This place is notstalgic because since my days of highschool in the mid to late 90's, and the years up until now, I've seen many a great band here. Â The touring bands that is. Â The local bands that play here are pretty awful usually, but once in a while The Boardwalk will pull in a pretty rad touring band on the cusp of exploding (Mastodon, Meshuggah) or a band who has just been keeping their noses to the grindstone for many years (The Melvins). Â But the credit there should go to Brian Mckenna of Abstract Entertainment, not the venue itself.
The Boardwalk is spacious, and most of the time it has a pretty decent sound. Â Off the top of my head, I can't think of any particular show that sounded like garbage. Â I'll give them that.
I'm denying the venue a few stars becasue I really hate driving out to Orangevale from Sac. Â If this venue didn't exist, I'd never have any logical reason to be in Orangevale. Â And this isn't a dig on Orangevale folk, because they can't help that they were probably born and raised there and that's all they know in life. Â It's just not a place I ever want to be.
I also subtract one star because, just like a venue such as On the Y, this place seems to have it's locals that are just there to hang out. Â They don't care who the bands are. Â And now that I'm older, it's weird to me to see some 21 year old Orangevalians hanging around trying to meet the opposite of their sex.
And the beer prices, yikes! Â I suppose I've been spoiled by places like Shady Lady, Golden Bear, or even the Zebra, which all charge under three bucks for a pint of beer. Â Damn near 8 bucks for two Buds? Â What are they, encased in 14 karat gold tall-boys? Â Hell for the prices they charge for a regular beer, I can get a tall-boy for the same price almost any place in midtown Sac!
But like I said, these are faults that I can't attribute to the venue itself.
I've seen too many great bands here to hate on it entirely I suppose.
Define the word "Dive" = Boardwalk.
It's dirty, hot, if you stand near the stage you will feel like you're in a sauna.
If it's a good show there's a line outside, the place is filthy, and it gets the job done. Drinks are expensive, it's
Also see: Places around Sacramento that never, ever change.
Mixed crowds depending on the bands but not matter what  it def. brings some crazies out of the woodwork. ...and young people that think they're the @#$! in baggy pants.
My boyfriend and I came here last night to see GBH - one of my fave punk bands of all time.
Last time I came here I wasn't 21, which was annoying because I wasn't able to go with my boyfriend in the bar area while he was getting a drink and had to hang out on the floor the whole night. Â
But this time I was able to go with him and we were able to snag a couple of good barstools facing the floor, so we had a great view. Â
Luckily it wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be, so it wasn't too much of a pain. Â Of course you still have to deal with those annoying people who are extremely rowdy and are on the verge of being drunk. Â Something that happens at every bar show pretty much. Â A couple of people had to be thrown out by the end of the night, but that was to be expected. Â
GBH came on and people just went wild, including myself. Â My circle pit days are pretty much over, but I was able to find a good standing spot close to the stage to enjoy the great music. Â GBH brought such a great show and seeing a band from Birmingham, UK made me feel right at home. Â
A plus about this show is that it actually started on time. Â When I see shows at other venues sometimes they won't start for another half hour later than their scheduled starting time, so the show ends up running later and I'm too tired to enjoy myself. Â However, even with 4 bands playing at last night's show, I was still amped by the time GBH came on.
I would come here to see another show - especially if it's another great band like GBH!
This place is absolutely terrible. I started to boycott it five or six years ago, but every few years a must-see band will come through Sacramento and I'll have to go and hope that The Boardwalk has changed for the better. Unfortunately they have not changed at all. Last night I went to go see a band called Earth Crisis and I can't even begin to explain how awful one of the bouncers was. He was rude and had the nerve to jokingly call me a "brat". We are not pals, you don't even know me. The people who attend shows there are not that awesome either.
Ugh! I get upset just thinking about this place. I suggest you stay far, far away.
Having spent four years in Okinawa, I was spoiled on the local rock music scene, made up mostly of groups of younger musicians that were either Okinawan or were touring down from mainland Japan. Many of the venues were small live houses that consisted of little more than a bar with a table and chair set-up, a stage and sound system. But I grew to love them, and were some of my favorite hang-outs (see <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.7thheavenkoza.com&s=361f5d4ced317b24f96f2ec86ad10c901a65b66c224df947077860fa502bd2e0" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.7thheavenkoza…</a> for my long-time watering hole).
I wanted to find my niche in northern California, someplace I could sit, drink some beer and listen to some decent rock and metal bands. My first foray into the Boardwalk was back in February of 2008, with a Saturday line-up of Tyr, Turisas, and Ensiferum that I had pre-paid tickets for. From the scheduled line-up, I was astonished to see how many metal bands actually stop at the Boardwalk during their North American tours for a show or two.
Considering the location, the Boardwalk is a decent venue. It's not pretty though; the building exterior itself is humble. People expecting style over substance, this is not your scene. Interior wise, it's not bad. What did draw my attention were the numerous guitars hung from the ceiling, each signed by a band or musician that had played there, and I recognized many of them.
The bar section is somewhat small compared to the rest of the building, but has a decent selection. But I recall that to consume alcohol, you have to remain in the bar section, and on concert nights, the seating/bar space is very limited. It is a first come, first serve sort of deal; I lost my seat early in the night to move closer to the show itself.
I've read a lot of complaints regarding the management and the staff; but to be honest, I'm not sure what people are expecting. Security seemed professional, and were friendly (even struck up a conversation with one of them, a former Air Force brat). The bartenders were little gruff, but I tend to expect that from any place that draws a significant crowd on the weekends. Â Part of the staff's perceived attitude might stem from the teen crowd that files in for the shows. As with any place, no one should expect the staff to treat them with respect if they cannot respect the staff in return.
Bottom line, I enjoyed this place. This is what I would call a "live house": a place to enjoy music and toss back a few drinks. For what it is, I appreciate it!
2-1/2 stars, are you kidding me?! Â HUGE fan of this place! Â Ask me why. Â Go ahead, ask me!
From the outside, this place looks like a dump, and it's very VERY out of the way (for me, at least). Â The inside is completely different. Â The bathroom was SHOCKINGLY clean. Â They have a decent size bar that is set back from the floor, but positioned so you can still see the band while you drink. Â So far, I have yet to see another small venue that can make this claim. Â The ceiling is decorated with signed guitars, but incomplete, suggesting that they add more all the time.
Shows are not overpriced, drinks are not overpriced. Â This place has some fantastic bands every single week. Â It is DEFINITELY a hidden gem.
I took off one star for what I'm assuming is a regular problem...HORRIBLE light and sound crew. Â The down time between bands was practically doubled, while the sound guy tested every single mic and input for every single musician, between every single set. Â Suggestion: meet with the freakin' bands before the show starts so you know what levels everything should be at?! Â Other than that, great experience. Â I'll be back.
If you can bring yourself to look beyond the to' back neighborhood, parasitic bathrooms and gaggle of thirtysomething scene veterans who are sadly lightyears from retiring their gimmiky getups, the Boardwalk is actually a decent venue. There are amenities a-plenty, i.e. a so-so counter-service eatery, q fairly well-stocked bar, a novelroomscape that's wallpapered with [real] guitars, and best of all, a small floor with great proximity to the stage.
I've gotta dock stars, though, first for the godawful acoustics. The cringeworthy sound engineering was all-too evident at last night's VNV Nation show, which, given the bombastic synth  these guys are known for, was a cruel injustice. I should have been dancing along to the sounds of one my favorite artists, not surveying the room for a carpeted pillar to seek refuge beside.
Second, the stringent drink rules for the grownups are just silly. Instead of barricading the 21-and-up crowd behind bar stools and obstructing their view of the stage with low-mounted LCDs broadcasting Bro-Vision, Â why not create an enclosed area near the stage for guests with drinks? Or just designate the show 21-and-up? BETTER YET, why not give people their cover charge-worth and trust their discretion? Wishful thinking I guess.
The bar itself is really shabby and out in the middle of a questionable neighborhood. I was actually afraid to walk from my car to the place. However, the people working there were friendly enough.
On the plus side, tickets to the concert we went to were relatively cheap, and because the place was small and a little bit more personal, it was easier to get close to the bandmembers and actually see them from a decent distance. I would give the place three stars just for that alone. They really get a lot of good bands coming through the place and if it weren't for the Boardwalk, I don't know if I would have had the opportunity to see them at all.
Seen a bunch of bands here over the years, the most recent being Halestorm back in August. It is the pretty much the only place in the Sac area where death metal bands stop and play, which is pretty much the only reason I can bare this place. Other than that, I really do not like this venue.
It's really cramped, and I wouldn't call it cozy. I think I could spit across the main length of the floor. But, if your favorite band is playing that night, it's pretty awesome how close you can get.
Yeah, like some people here have said, this place also does cater to the youngin's. It's always funny to see teenagers making out in the cover of the crowd. But whatever, they're just trying to have fun, so they don't bother me too much.
Overall, it's an alright place. I just wish there was better around here.
The Boardwalk in itself probably only deserves 2 stars, but what the place does earns it another 2. The club in itself seems a bit worn like a good pair of jeans. The only bad thing about a good pair of worn jeans is that though it's usually comfortable to be in... it's just not very classy. It's a great place for local entertainment, also caters to the under 18 crowd, and has a pretty cool staff.
Like I mentioned earlier, it's not a very classy place, but it has an intimate feel. The ceiling is covered with signed guitars from past performers, the sound system and stage broadcasts' good crowd interactions, and the bar size is decent considering the over all size of the club. It's not a place I would visit to simply grab drinks or spend a night with some friends at, but it is one of the only venues in the area that regularly supports local talent for rock and indie. The Boardwalk regularly has local performers playing, as well as groups from the bay area and other parts of California. You can check their website regularly for schedules.
Security is pretty tight, but they have to be. They do allow the under 18 in to come check out the bands, so they have to be pretty tight about keeping the drinks and the kids separate. Despite the strict security they are pretty easy going to talk to and are more than friendly when I go here with friends. There are a lot of stupid people that try to do stupid things, so I guess as long as your not stupid and bring alcohol to where the minors are, your good. The sound guys are pretty good when it comes to helping the bands set up, and the stage is right there in front of the crowd so it gives you a close view of your favorite band.
Location = 1 star since it's not near a lot of "good" places to hang out.
Building = 2-1/2 stars for being in tact, but not very hip
Staff = 5 for being cool and friendly despite the strict rules they follow.
Venue= 5 for what it brings to Sacramento, the area, and the support it gives to the local scene.
I'm not a huge fan of this place but I'm giving and extra star since I have seen a whole lot of really good bands here.
Nothing against the under 21ers, I wish I knew about this place when I was younger... but I hate that the whole scene feels so supervised because of thems youngsters!! Â
I rather dislike being watched so closely by the staff... yes I know you have to do this so nothing personal to you guys. It just feels like I'm at amateur hour when I have bar staff saying things like "hey, stay behind the red line with that drink!!" and "I need to see your wrist band" every time I walk out of the bar area to use the restroom. I also hate that when I go I'm trapped in a little corral away from the music because I like to have me some drinkies.
Anyway, overall the bar staff seems to be alright considering what they have to deal with on a regular basis (silly young folk who don't know how to behave in bars, older folks who are not drinking and are just there to make sure their kids don't get into mischief, over 21ers that are pissed that they are stuck in corral, and other such nonsense).
A Few Key points:
1) As a note on parking, expect to park in the gravel lot across the street... don't even bother trying to park in the bar parking lot.
2) They pretty much always have a cover of at least $8... its usually more. You can get tickets ahead of time for a little discount.
3) Also, they have an ATM. They only accept cash at the bar.
4) Drink prices are average.
Can believe anyone can hate on this place!! I saw Unwritten Law here a couple years ago! I was right at the front of the stage and the lead singer kissed me! Basically, I was the only blonde in the whole place (everyone else had black hair and black clothes and black black makeup) so the manager was buying me shots and I got every single boy's attention. BEST concert of my life ;)
Its a great place to see bands you are really into because its so small that you are like RIGHT THERE and they are in your face. Its awesome ;)
This venue is notable since a lot of punk/hardcore/indie groups skip the Bay Area altoghether and play here instead.
Super intimate, not the best sound system
But whoever does booking here gets a lot of up and coming /established groups that make <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.boardwalkrocks.com&s=43ea54b1b026119f3cb767bf2ba2ed9ba1baa70ac1db0a1ed0cd70edccc5557d" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.boardwalkrock…</a> a site to keep checking, in case your favorite group makes a stop here.
If you're looking to be up, close and personal with any rock band, then you must get over to The Boardwalk. It's a small and intimate venue that allows fans to have the time of their lives and even get a chance to chat with their favorite entertainer. After eight years of attending concerts at The Boardwalk, I've never had a bad time.
The crowd varies depending on the band, which is awesome for those fans that love to converse about music. Be aware of the younger crowd if you are older, the bar is for sure your safe haven to avoid the mosh pit.
I used to go here all the time when I was underage and better all-ages venues like Club Retro weren't around. Now I avoid it all costs.
The Boardwalk does draw some cool touring bands (Living End, Anti-Flag, Ataris, Marky Ramone), but it's run like a prison and the crowd is pretty lame.
Once you're 21, you're treated with a little more respect, but the security watches everyone like a hawk, and if you're under 18 and need some fresh air, too bad. If you're legal age, don't step off the patio or you can't come back in.
Make sure you bring money for water. The place is hot and they don't give out free cups, only $2 bottled.
The sound guys are nice and do a good job. The stage is decent and band's even get a litlte back room to themselves. Parking is limited, so park at the shopping center own the street.
Many years ago (like 7) when I was a freshman journalism student, my first big story was on the safety issues of The Boardwalk because they were packing in loads of people past capacity and people were passing out from the heat. This was before the club fires. Â And I had sources attest to pot being allowed inside for certain shows. The owner actually bailed on our in person interview at the very last minute. He did an interview over the phone, but just fed me lines about how great the place was and wouldn't address any of my concerns.
Lame.
The Boardwalk still pretty much blows.
But. It's one of the only places in the area that brings in good non-local acts on a consistent-ish basis.
I would give zero stars, but I have to give at least one. And that star is only because of Claude the sound guy. He's rad. Everything else about this place is failcore.
I have to agree with everybody's complaints about boardwalk staff...
I've been to countless shows here, and the staff are pretty pompous.
BUT - I will continue going to shows here because Claude the sound guy really knows how to make bands sound great.
I dont go for the bar, for the shitty cafeteria food, or to marvel at douchey event staff's ability to be helpful. I go for the music, and it always sounds really good. Plus shows rarely sell out, maybe because people hate the staff so much?
The bar is located in the middle of no where. I came here because I got free tickets from a friend to see the band Ludo perform that night. When I was driving and passed by the bar...I was already reluctant to go inside, since it looked abandoned and pretty...ghetto. We also had to park a street away at a random building's parking lot because there was really limited parking at the bar.
Inside was alright, it wasn't as small as I thought it would be, but it was crazy crowded that night, probably because all the teeny boppers there that night to see the band (there were a lot of underaged kids, so Im guessing that night they were allowed to go inside as long as they were checked by the bouncer). There's a stage all the way inside the place, and to the left of the area is a small bar area to stand and watch the band from afar too. To see a band play here, it's pretty intimate and nice, so that was cool. The bartender was also super nice, from what I remember.
I think my experience is rated a lot lower just because I was a bit peeved by all the teeny boppers around, screaming and jumping around. Haha. And the place was pretty run down, an the location was a bit sketchy too. I don't think I'd look too forward to coming here again, unless there was a band I liked a lot playing for the night. But for a place to drink with friends? Mmm...not really worth the 40 min drive for me. Sorry.
I will never, ever go to the Boardwalk again. Â The place is run by staph infections, ignorant bastards who forget that the staff's job is to be helpful. Â
As other people have mentioned, you are packed like sardines into the bar area, which is narrow as can be with no way to easily get from one end of it to the other.
I went to the Brett Dennen concert about a month ago, and other than the bouncers, everyone was extremely rude. Â A friend going to the concert with us is disabled, and when we called ahead to make sure they would have some kind of seating, the woman on the phone told me they make no special accommodations, and we would have to get there early. Â We did, and the line was already long and the first two people in line grabbed all the stools (of which there are maybe eight, for a bar area with about 70 people crammed in).
This place is terrible. Â You're better off driving to the Bay to see anyone decent.
I'm surprised that this place hasn't been condemned as a fire hazard! It's very cramped inside and I fear if anything major was to go down that a stampede towards the door would be absolutely horrible!! I'm 4'11'' and I would be trampled....being that short as well also makes it hard to see anything here.
Went to The Boardwalk last Saturday to meet some friends and see some live local music, it was spurr of the moment and we hadn't bought tickets. We got there and the door guy said that they were all sold out, luckily another guy walked past us into the place and said "we could take a couple more" So the door guy put wrist bands on us and told us how lucky we were. I thought that was pretty cool of them, and it was nice to have a door guy be generally cool...not a jerk cuz he's basically the "gate keeper"
So we get inside and the guy who takes your money and stamps your hand noticed my Marilyn Monroe tee and said that he liked it. I told him thanks and that I liked his shirt. (It read "Boardwalk Security") lol I figured it never hurts to be nice, especially when they didn't have to let you in!! He told me that his whole house was Marilyn and (It was really loud and hard to hear) but I believe he said his wife loves Marilyn Monroe. (I also waved goodbye to that guy when we left....k, so I'm nice...sue me haha)
I've now been to Boardwalk twice and to sum it up...hot, cramped, sweaty and loud. It is a place to hear some loud music, but when my bf and all his friends have ruined their hearing by playing in bands and working around heavy equip. all their lives it makes it harder than normal to have any type of conversation.
I will be attending the Kate Voegele show in June and I'm pretty sure since she is not metal that it won't be too severely cramped and squished. I whole different type of crowd...
I'm just surprised that this place has been around for so long, I think some improvements could be made...but hey, I guess if it works for ya...
It was a little funny cuz one of our friends I guess had asked if one of the tv's could be switched to the San Jose Sharks game and they told him they don't get cable...I noticed Entertainment Tonight was on during the night haha
I don't really recommend this place if you don't have the time to get there really early to guarantee that your up close and personal with the stage....especially if your short. I was in the bar area between tons of tall people who had no problem blocking me or just generally knocking me over (ok, almost)
But it is nice to have such a famous venue in my home town of Orangevale that everyone from just starting out bands to big time/big names play. Feels good to get recognized by "Oh Orangevale...isn't the Boardwalk out there?!" other than..."Wait, where?!" only if you've noticed the sign off of I-80 do you know it lol The good 'ol "OV" ;)
This place blows. Â I've never encountered such rude staff. Â They seem to forget that it is the CUSTOMERS who pay their salaries, and who are the reason for their existence!
We traveled three hours from the bay area to see the Brett Dennen concert here (it was already sold out at the Fillmore, which is the exact opposite of this sh!thole of a place). Â During one of his more tender songs, one of the bouncers who was standing about 5 feet from us was loudly discussing the hot dog he'd eaten earlier that day with a co-worker. Â Another audience member motioned for him to "Shhh" and he replied really loudly and aggressively "Hey, it's a free country, I can do what the f*ck I want!" Â
I'm sorry, but hey buddy, you are "staff" and you work here. Â You are not free to ruin the concert experience for paid audience members. Â
So, I will add to the tirade that others have mentioned: Â No Chairs. Â No places to sit down and chill. Â Being packed into the bar area like sheep just so the 12 or so 18-year-olds can have free run of the place? Â WTF? Â My advice would be to pen the under-21-year-olds in a corner and let everyone else enjoy a drink while watching the performances.
The other staff were extremely rude (especially the manager -- a real bitch of a gal who is power-mad), and the drinks were overpriced. Â I also think that the owners/managers need to acquaint themselves with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Despite calling in advance to secure accommodation for one of our disabled companions, they adamantly refused to offer any assistance whatsoever. Â If there is an organization we can report them to, please let me know. Â They need a wake-up call!
A few more things: Â Crappy accoustics. Â Bad sight lines caused by a low ceiling. Â Inadequate ventilation. Â Oh, and did I mention extremely rude staff and management? Â
I promise you I will never return, and will let everyone hear about my experience here. Â Based on other reviewers, it seems that my evening was par for the course. Â
My bottom-line advice: Â STAY AWAY! Â No band is worth the drive and/or the abysmal experience of the Boardwalk.
- the usual crappy venue that makes me remember why it's so hard to get good bands to come to sacramento
- acoustics aren't that good
- neither are the drinks
- nor were the people there. it's all ages. this is apparent when at 11:40, more than half the crowd leaves to get home for curfew.
but the two bands i've heard there? both good. five stars for mewithoutyou and murder by death. two stars for boardwalk.
"Under the Boardwalk...................."
Ya i basically felt like I was under a boardwalk here....and this place I feel is a place only for 18 year olds, so you older folk that go here beware for the youngsters/legal age limit boundary line!!!!
Always live music here from random bands you may have heard of once but may never hear from again, but it is an intimate venue so they get credit for that but the acoustics need help and so does the decor. A little run down and just looks like one of those places that will never get clean...no matter how hard your scrub!!
I have been to far more shows at the Boardwalk than I would have liked to. Â Unfortunately, it's one of the only places in the Sacramento area where good bands will play. Â I usually like small, intimate venues, but they got it all wrong here. Â There's no ventilation, which means small and intimate becomes stuffy and sweaty rather quickly. Â It becomes hard to breathe in here even during the winter.
In my experience, the staff has been rather unfriendly with a holier-than-thou attitude toward all patrons. Â Also, parking sucks. Â There are very few spots in the parking lot for the actual venue, so you're left to fend for yourself. Â I usually park in the Ralph's parking lot nearby and hope that my car doesn't get ticketed or towed.
Oh yeah, the area it's in sucks too. Â Who wants to go to Orangevale to see a band play? Â Really, who wants to go to Orangevale at all?
Mostly, I gave the Boardwalk two stars because somehow they still manage to land good bands. Â I have some fond memories of shows there, even if the fond memories weren't really thanks to the venue at all so much as the music.
The venue is cool for what it is and a lot of high profile music artists are booked there. Â The decor is cool; there's guitars lining the ceiling and there's writing all over the women's bathroom. Â
The only thing I don't like is the fact that it's all ages. Â The headliners go on last and most of the underage spectators have already gone home, while the drinkers are confined to the bar, away from the stage. Â Also, if I'm paying a $15 cover, I expect to be near the stage with my beer in tow.
It's cool for what it is; a venue for young fans, but I don't think I'll be going back there unless I feel like hanging out with my teenybopper friends and I don't have any teenybopper friends....it's illegal.
Oh, and they don't have Jameson.
Pros:
  This place plays awesome bands, and varied types of rock.  Most times, tickets are very reasonably priced.  The place is sort of small so it's more intimate a feeling with the bands, which is pretty awesome when you're seeing more major bands like Aiden, Cartel, or Paramore.  Also, I have to disagree with previous reviewers who say it should be 21 and up.  There's enough for you damn legal Sacramento folks to do, give us kids something to do.  Have you already forgotten how freaking boring this place is for minors?  Finally, they no longer bitch about moshing there.
Cons:
  The security is sort of bitchy, even if they do let you mosh.  If you need to make a phone call, they won't let you go outside if you're underage.  If you're underage, you can't lean on the bar because it's pass the 21 and over tape line.  The place is small, so it can be hard to get around in. Â
Overall:
  Boardwalk rocks!
Good sound, good bartenders.
Go on a night when there is a blue eyed soul singer songwriter and you'll find a great ratio, as well.
Security was a little much for a night of 80% women, but at least there was no threat of some tool ruining the night with fighting.
Drinks were good, but for the segregated drinking area, which should be a bar's priority because of the profit margin, the sightlines to the stage were limited, at best.  Not  a good management of space for patrons that are bringing you most of your money.
I would go back, but not on a night when there is a "heavy" rock or metal band. Â This place would suck if it were packed full of sweaty meat heads.
Uh, hello, its in Orangevale.
Since I use to live along the outskirts of the white ghetto of Citrus Heights, let me give some minority representation:
I never went out on Friday nights in fear of being shot at driving (oh, excuse me, they all cruise down there) down either Greenback, Madison, or Sunrise.
I was the only Asian who shopped at the Safeway located at San Juan and Greenback.
I was the only Asian living on my block and then for several blocks.
Boardwalk is a great venue for local bands and up and coming musicians. Â I thought I would get along with the crowd, since I hang out with these types, but it felt strange being the only Asian (AGAIN) in this hellhole. Â Most of the guys and girls there were cool, but there was this one person who followed me around and I had the fear of being lynched or something to that nature, so I had my friends get me the hell out of there.
Since I have moved to midtown, there has not been one thing that has had me crawl back to Citrus Heights. Â Blech.
So this place pretty much sucked. Â One star for the band I went to see (theSTART) along with a few others I've noticed playing here since then. Â Oh, and there's a DelTaco on the way to 80. Â That rocked.
1) I waited twenty minutes for a slice of rubbery pizza that burned the roof of my mouth.
b) You can get a drink at the bar, but once you're there, you're fenced in like cattle to this ten by ten foot... well, corral, and you can't bring your drinks out to the friggin' stage (nor the food area that reminds me way too much of the cafeteria at my grammar school), even though it's all the same room. Â So I hope you didn't expect to have a drink AND watch a show after paying a cover, you silly goose.
III) I left my phone in the car and I wanted to text my friends about what a craphole I was in. Â The bouncer wouldn't let me go back to my car, which was about thirty feet from the front door. Â I guess I was too likely to do some blow off my steering wheel and chug a forty of Corona (ooh, imported!) before returning.
Also, the place was pretty full, and I swear I didn't see a single person that wasn't white. Â Maybe it's because I grew up in SF, but that's fucking CREEPY. Â It's a credo of mine- "You can never have fun in a large crowd of white people."
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