Hidden, very private, cool vibe, historic, brick with a touch of industrial… these are just a few adjectives to describe Arcade Underground.  This intimate venue is located on the “original” ground floor of the Arcade Building in historic Old Sacramento.  We say original because back in-the-day when the Gold Rush era buildings were built, the front door/first floor was street level but due to the Sacramento River flooding, entire blocks of Old Sac were jacked up and raised so the first floor became the basement level and the second floor became the new business level.  Are you following me?  Therefore, this unique venue is actually “underground” reached by stairs or a convenient elevator.

Wonderful handsome brick walls run the full length and end of the main room, with sharp white walls in contrast on the other walls.  The floor is a gleaming high polished concrete and the ceiling is an industrial girder style ,which is convenient for hanging and swagging light-weight fabric or unique paper lanterns  – whatever your mind can dream up (how about 1,000 paper cranes?… after all the Chinese laborers in the early Gold Rush days  that built the railroads!

The bonus of Arcade Underground is the intimate outdoor courtyard just outside the venue.  It is surrounded with ivy covered brick walls and one wall of the iconic vintage white arched doors of the venue.  This courtyard space is perfect for a sweet wedding ceremony, or a cocktail gathering.  Just steps away is a French door-ed separated room that works well to set up a bar, or buffet, or gift table… it’s a fair size room so use it to keep the main room for tables with the dance party being held on the patio; this venue has some flexibility with use.  Another bonus are the two break-out rooms which could be used for a bridal changing room, child entertainment space, or for the caterer’s simple prep, staging, and work room (there is no oven or running water in these rooms).

We loved the ease for photo ops behind and alongside the Underground by making use of the wooden staircases, brick second floor balcony, and especially the unique, highly photographed Pioneer Park with its “ruins” and artifacts.  Definitely a hidden gem and worth a visit… best suited for a smaller gathering of say 100 or less.  Your out of town guests will definitely enjoy the history that surrounds this unique venue.

~ Vixen Lora