Inside Fanny Ann’s: the Old Sacramento bar packed with history and humor

In Old Sacramento, Fanny Ann’s Saloon stands out as one of the city’s most iconic and eccentric bars. Built in 1973 and named after an 1840s steamboat that once supplied Sutter’s Fort, the saloon’s three narrow floors are filled with antiques, humor, and local history. General Manager Matt Pletcher keeps the Gold Rush spirit alive with interactive service and quirky menu items like the peanut butter burger. Decorator Keith Erickson recalls how building the saloon shaped his life and community. From Jerry Brown’s inaugural dinner to movie memorabilia overhead, Fanny Ann’s remains a lively symbol of Sacramento’s past and personality.