A new bookstore and cocktail lounge is quietly taking shape on the Old Sacramento Waterfront.
The 1920s Bookstore is slated to open in Pioneer Square’s underground brick courtyard at 900 2nd Street, according to a recently filed alcohol license. Owner San Bao confirmed the news with What Now Sacramento, noting that he’s not quite ready to share specifics, as the concept is still in the early stages of development.
However, the venue’s early online presence offers a preview of what’s to come. Framed as a “bookstore with secrets,” The 1920s Bookstore will feature shelves lined with volumes spanning centuries, positioning itself as a space “for those who understand that the finest experiences require patience, curiosity, and the willingness to explore.”
Beyond the books, the space will operate as an intimate cocktail lounge, discreetly tucked behind rows of vintage volumes. “The journey begins with a descent from Old Sacramento’s streets into Pioneer Square’s brick courtyard, below the city’s bustle,” reads the venue’s Google Business description. “For the curious, there’s more beyond the pages.”
That curiosity is rewarded with a speakeasy-style refuge inspired by multiple eras of American drinking culture. The cocktail program reflects fifty years of mixology, from “Prohibition-era precision” to “mid-century sophistication and 1970s refinement.” Live music is also planned, further enhancing the lounge’s nostalgic, old-world ambiance.
“Here, history is preserved by volumes chronicling centuries past, and by libations honoring five decades of American craft, celebrating the timeless elegance of a bygone era,” the bookstore’s website explains. “For the curious who seek what lies beyond the obvious.”
The 1920s Bookstore is currently targeting an early summer 2026 opening. Bao said he expects to share more concrete details—including menu offerings and programming—sometime in April.
Until then, those interested can follow along on social media @the1920sbookstore, where behind-the-scenes glimpses are expected as the project quietly takes shape beneath the streets of Old Sacramento.
