At night, there’s fun to be had in the city

By Jennifer Pearson Bonnett
News-Sentinel staff writer

Lodi’s night life may not have the bright-light draw San Francisco’s club district has, but it does possess a draw.

No one’s going to step on your toes on the dance floor or fail to hold the door open when you enter any of Lodi’s venues.

One of the clusters of the city’s clubs is located downtown on or off North School Street. And, similar to the “City by the Bay,” many of the hot spots are in walking distance.

Legends, 27 W. Elm St., has both a fully stocked bar and kitchen, catering to mainly twenty- and thirty-somethings. The venue hosts live bands most Friday and Saturday nights while the pool tables are open every night.

Another place the younger crowd goes is the Pine Street Pub at 105 W. Pine St.

A few steps away is Garry’s Lounge, 13 S. School St., which offers live music and dancing.

Both Ollie’s, 22 N. School St., and Sky’s, 116 W. Turner Road, provide good service with an old-fashioned feel.

Antonio’s Latin Club, 710 S. Beckman Road, is the place the twenty-something crowd kicks up its heels to salsa and Mexican music provided by a DJ.

The Barking Dog, which tends to cater to an older set, is located at 310 N. California St. Swing music fills the bar every Friday and Saturday night.

Hazel’s, in downtown Lodi at 28 S. School St., provides a late-night venue for drinks and dinner. Patrons can enjoy a classy feel while socializing near the venue’s piano bar.

Similarly, the Back Bay, 100 N. Cherokee Lane, offers a low-lit lounge and the sounds of tinkling piano keys while patrons enjoy their sipping.

Cigar smokers can legally light up indoors at Stogie’s Cigar Lounge at 230 W. Pine St. Patrons can also try out one of the 18 microbrews on site and enjoy soothing jazz music.

Other Lodi bars include:

• Round House Tavern, 104 E. Lodi Ave.

• Corner Pocket, 725 S. Cherokee Lane.

• Two Eleven Club, 211 S. Cherokee Lane.

• The Corner Pub at 13430 N. Lower Sacramento Road.

But if dancing and drinking aren’t your type of fun, Kiley’s Dinner Theater, 1030 S. Hutchins St., is open Friday and Saturday nights offering comedy, musical groups and theater. At an additional cost, dinner and dessert are available.

Hutchins Street Square, 125 N. Hutchins St., hosts a wide variety of concerts throughout the year including the highly popular “Under the Columns” and “Smooth Jazz” series.

If you’re hankering to find nightlife outside Lodi city limits, Rafters Saloon, 17271 N. Bruella Road in Victor, and The Office, 14088 E. Highway 88 in Lockeford, are both open for mixed drinks and mixed company.

And Woodbridge Feed and Fuel, 18939 N. Lower Sacramento Road, provides both dinner and drinks in its saloon-style restaurant. Live bands perform Friday and Saturday nights.