To add another layer of intrigue before walking inside, ownership changed hands in 1995 to the family of Bill Farrell, the namesake and origination point for the Farrell family crest painted on the wall just below the Sacramento dive bar’s storied neon sign. Though the colors are slightly off, at first glance the paint scheme of the building resembles a Mexican flag turned on its side, a welcome pop of color no matter its origin story, especially when it comes to corner neighborhood dive bars.
Socal’s Tavern benefits from its East Sacramento location, the density of Sacramento’s urban core dissipating quickly, giving way to residential-heavy areas like Socal’s immediate vicinity. Neighborhood locations create neighborhood vibes and that feeling permeates Socal’s, the collected clientele clearly made up of locals and nearby residents. The green paint outside extends inside, lining the top portion of the walls throughout before transitioning into warm wood paneling. Carpet under foot accentuates the ‘friend’s living room’ vibe cultivated here.
The walls feature a few bursts of beer sign neon and metal posters befitting a dive bar but with enough space to breathe, letting the green walls, wood paneling and muted carpet mellow out the interior. Small circular tables make up the majority of Socal’s Tavern seating, much of it collected inside the front door connected to one of two rooms that make up the dive bar’s footprint. The main room includes access to the bar itself, a pretty classic looking setup with the requisite mirrored liquor shelving and draft beer list just below the ceiling.