Golden Era Cocktail Bar and Lounge

It’s such a wonderful place. The staff was super friendly and nice like Nevada city. The bar itself has very cool design. We like the ceilings. Good vibes. The menu was awesome. You can literally find what you like, no matter the signature or seasonal ones. They all look very good.

I had a good time listening to live music and enjoying their seasonal cocktails. I had the pleasure of chilling with the bartender, Ian. He’s an absolute gem and a talented soul!

Beautifully decorated historic cocktail bar. Great place to have a drink and relax. The menu is extensive and the bar tender was able to make me a virgin toddy which was tasty.

Decent cocktail with really good prices. $12 a cocktail! Best of all, no cover charges and they have a DJ on weekends 😏. Mix of and old crowd. People are having a good time here

Truly special place for locals like us, and visitors alike. Delicious cocktail, Frannie is a delightful bartender. Great evening spot.

Fantastic bar with live music! We listened to Tommy McDonald and friends while sipping on hand crafted cocktails in a beautiful setting

Impressive range of unique spirits, lots of mezcals. and they proudly stock South Fork Vodka, a beloved choice among locals. Unique cocktails, fabulous atmosphere, what more could you want?

Amazing atmosphere. Employees seemed to enjoy their jobs which helped take the service to the next level. Lovely touch of serving water to the tables. Only commentary is I found hair in one of my drinks. Creative cocktails. Amazing drink list.

It was a Highly recommended place to visit. I ordered the dealers choice, and it didn't disappoint! Will be coming back again next time !

Absolutely.Beautiful.Interior. We sat in front of the grand fire place and sipped yummy cocktails...does anything sound better?! Without having ever been there before it's hard to judge if it was crowded for a Sunday. There was only one bartender so drinks took a little long as he was hustling to take care of everyone BUT he was so friendly and cocktails were expertly crafted nonetheless. The vibe is cozy, relaxed and elegant. Recommend! Make sure to look up at the dazzling beautiful ceiling!

We stopped her when visiting from out of town, and the drinks were phenomenal. We arrived early, and had a great and very personalized experience with one of the bartenders creating a drink for me, choosing for my husband, and letting us try something new that had just arrived from their supplier. We would happily return during our next visit, even knowing that during busier times we would be showing up for great cocktails and less personal attention. We will be telling our friends to stop here on a getaway soon!

We came here for a pre-dinner cocktail, and quite enjoyed ourselves. The bar is really cool, very upscale old west. All of our drinks were expertly made and delicious. I wanted a second drink (the mango one), but my friends didn't, and I never drink alone. Still dreaming about another cocktail at Golden Era. Next visit to Nevada City, I'm there!!

Came in right right before dinner to enjoy a nice cocktail to get out of the hot sun. Nice cool bar with a relaxed vibe. It was a bit dark inside but nice because the the weather outside. The host gave us our menus and he was very patient and polite and answered all our questions. They do have live music there around 7p but it may depend on the day. We were too early for the live music so I was a little sad about that. Was also a bit disappointed that they had no appetizers or snacks to go with the drinks. That's ok though I came there for drinks anyway. I ordered a special drink called the Orange Dreamsicle. It was rum forward. I I did taste more rum than orange. I would ask for a bit more orange juice if I were to get it again. It became more and more enjoyable as I drank on though. The Grass Valley Girl was also a drink I would recommend. It wasn't mine but got to sample. It was very refreshing with the lemon and cucumber flavors. All of us enjoyed our drinks and would go back given the opportunity. The bartender was also very friendly as well and did make tasty cocktails.

This place was so much fun..... Watch out for the shots! It's a ready fun place. Eric and his mom (owners) are super awesome.

Excellent ambience. The bartenders know the drinks extremely well. I had the Long Island and also a beer. Wonderful cocktails which are a notch above other places. Clean, very nice bathroom. Had loud, live music on my visit which was fun and enjoyable. The vibe is super friendly....I chatted up several other patrons during my visit. Would go again anytime.

Best cocktail bar in the gold country! Staff is fun, friendly, and very knowledgeable about making many different kinds of cocktails! Rotating menu of new and innovative drinks! It's a must stop when in Nevada City.

The drinks were really good and the Halloween decor made it a fun place to hang out. We found some seating and a server came over and took our drink orders. It was nice to have that service and not try to squeeze in at the bar and wait for someone to notice you to get a drink. The gal who helped us was friendly and constantly smiling and at some point live music began. Overall cool spot to hit up after dinner.

We came in for drinks and it was a lively crowd. Not too overwhelming but it was nice walking into a popping place at 730pm on a Friday. Nice country type band was playing while we enjoyed our drinks. The bathrooms were nice although, it could be a place that seems like it has some ghost stories.

Cindy and her family have poured their heart and souls into this establishment. Every detail is impeccable, so elegant and beautiful. A very relaxed atmosphere, considering how glamorous it is. Everyone is so warm and welcoming, if you're not a local, you will want to be one. And the drinks aren't just for show! They're fantastic! The Bramble is so dangerous, just perfection. I could easily turn into a very regular, even daily customer here. Being a working mom, for obvious reasons I am not, but I could. Let the record show. Thank you to the Giardinas for spreading love throughout our community through GE. Whether it be welcoming patrons with open arms and warm hearts or giving back to the community, you always go above and beyond. We are so grateful for all you do. Cheers! Five stars is an understatement!

This is a Great spot to grab a drink and listen to good music. Love the ambiance. There are comfortable seats and a variety of drinks

Cool vibe..great staff and outstanding signature cocktails! Stopped in on the way to dinner. This will become a tradition!!

I had one of their gin cocktails and it was probably the best drink I ever had in my life. They have three different types of ice they use for their cocktails very impressive. The service was amazing we accidentally spilled one of our drinks and they replaced it for free. The seats were comfortable and there were three different types of seating which I liked as well bar stools lounging seats and tables. I would go there again anytime

The Golden Era is a great place to socialize on the patio, listen to music, and grab a great drink. When I came here last spring they had this amazing chef working his magic and an awesome menu, I came a few months later and the menu was gone, drinks only...not sure what happened but they really need that chef back! Regardless, there's always some live music, locals, great socializing, and great drinks. It's a great bar and I love it!

A beautiful refurbished interior frozen in time, but not decrepit or moldy. Modern touches of fancy candles and paintings avoids making it look like a museum, but retains aspects that makes this joint classy and wonderful. Come here for the mindfully created crafted drinks. Mezcal is de rigueur. I challenge these brillant mixologists and get something even better. I enjoyed a bunch of vodka, gin and whiskey based concoctions. Very smooth and deceptively easy to drink. This night had DJ Fossill who played funk, it was fun with people dancing by the bar. Other types of entertainment on other nights, too.

We went for a cocktail with friends who live in Nevada City, such a great spot!! Drinks were all crafted with care. The ambience is super cool and the service is excellent. I would be a regular if I lived here. Next time will plan to stay for the live music. Highly recommend!!

Beautiful Place....if in Nevada City, you must stop here for a cocktail. The place is beautifully decorated and lovely during the holidays.

Absolutely charming cocktail bar with turn-off-the century decor. Large drink menu and craft cocktails. Enjoyed the venue for a musical performance on Saturday night. Family-owned with great service and friendly atmosphere that is well-loved by locals and visitors alike. Be aware that there is no food or bar snacks! Worth a visit when in Nevada City.

Amazing drinks, I usually get "mock tails" the best ginger beer I've ever had, they have this sweet cream mojito mock tail that is soooo delish... cute 40s lounge vibe, lots of seating, nice atmosphere, highly recommend

Very happy with my random visit to this cocktail lounge. Happened to drive by, peeked in and saw a relaxed cocktail lounge that I had to stop into. The bartenders and patrons were very welcoming, so I stayed to enjoy a few drinks. I requested a specific drink, and the bartenders delivered wonderfully despite it being "off menu". I had a great time while there, and I plan to return soon!

We had the best time here. I wish I remembered the bartenders name. He was awesome. Definitely viewed his job like doing art. Which was fun to watch and more fun to taste. Everyone seemed like locals. Super friendly. Made me want to move there.you can't go wrong coming here. Everything they make was spectacular. Fun interesting ingredients for craft cocktails. And a beautiful building.

Romance distilled. Time stands still in this beautiful space. This is where you come to escape from the world. Lovely drinks served professionally in comfort and with style. This is like going to a spa.

Made our first visit yesterday. It was awesome. We spoke to the owner a few times and he was great. We got the background on their business and specialty cocktails with mescal. The food (we had the skewers and beet salad) was absolutely delicious and there was live music too. We'd go back in a second. Highly recommended.

This hippie/hillbilly place is remodeled and looks nice... but don't be fooled. These idiots have no idea what they are doing. Extremely understaffed and rude. We sat at the bar for 20 mins waiting to order a drink and we were never even acknowledged until the bar back asked us what we want. He put the drinks in the computer like we were at a dining table and then we wait nearly another 40 mins to get our drinks.... Still not a single smile or kind word from staff. By time we finished our one drink it was 11pm and they were closing... on a Friday. My friend went to the restroom and I waited by the door. At that point some lil scruffy ginger with obvious short man complex came at me and told me I need to leave because they were about to close. Not a single other person had been asked to leave at this point. I politely told him that I am just awaiting a friend and that it was freezing outside. He said "That's not my problem... and you still need to go wait outside." I had zero interaction with him or any other staff and had certainly not been rude as they are, nor was I drunk. I found out later that this guy was the owners son and he has free reign to be an ass an does so regularly, and that I should just overlook it. Clearly they didn't know who they were talking to. My advice... Avoid this over priced crap hole.

This place is kind of perfect. Good drinks, good music, good crowd; and not just a certain age group or demographic, everyone's here and welcome. Came here after getting engaged and we're showered with drinks by staff and patrons.

This is something that Nevada City has been needing! A bar for those who want to enjoy a good cocktail, listen to music at a reasonable volume, and be able to have a conversation with the people you're there with. If you're looking for cheap beer, dirty bathrooms, the potential bar fight, and dancing to a sub-par DJ, maybe try up the street, because The Golden Era has none of those things. This place brings some class to downtown but is by no means snobby. Sure, the owner was walking around in a ballgown, but some chick in capris and Birkenstocks looked right at home too. It was on a recommendation that I tried the Grass Valley Girl (gin, orange juice, orange bitters, cucumber, and mint). Funny that I'd get that recommendation because that's probably what I'd pick anyway! It was nice and refreshing, a little sweet, and a little sour. A nicely balanced drink! Prices are typical of what you'd expect to pay in a cocktail bar, so you probably won't be drinking their specialty drinks all night long. They do offer some local beers as well. This seems like a good spot to stop into before dinner or a show. Be sure to check out the back of the menu for some fun information about the history of the building and the bars that they use.

I usually get the coyoteville margarita (perfect warm spice) and the Mexican tequila hot chocolate (reminiscent of my childhood) and I'm always in awe of the people behind the bar. Always feels like a good time in the place when I do get out which is rarely ever. I don't come up to Nevada city as much but I only think of Golden Era when I want to come up. Always been sweet and the cocktails are so balanced and so good.

We had our Christmas party for 40+ people at golden era. Several of our team said this was the best party we ever had.. Eric was amazing, his drinks and recommendations were all perfect. Cindy hosted and made everyone feel so welcome. This is definitely my favorite spot in nevada city would highly recommend.

I love the entire staff at the Golden Era! The cocktails are hand crafted right down to the bitters and other ingredients. The pop-up kitchen cuisine is fabulous whenever it's available. A truly special place to visit on special occasions or take your visiting guests! And they have live music most nights! Great atmosphere too!

This place is awesome! The drinks are great, and the setting is world class. This is a must when visiting Nevada City.

The Golden Era has the coolest street and back patio dining scene going on in Nevada City on Broad & Spring Street. Chef Antonio's casual yet delicious menu is outrageous, and matched to perfection with those refreshingly gorgeous mixology drinks. My guys and I shared the Wonton Ahi Nachos along with a lightly breaded prawn plate on a bed of risotto. OMG...our dog, Juan, was drooling, too! Supporting businesses like the Golden Era is a pleasure as they keep up with these crazy-making Covid-19 times by addining a delicious menu, and continuing to hire great bands, who now play on the new back social distancing patio. These owners are a class act while keeping us safe and entertained.

grabbed a few cocktails before heading to dinner on 6/22. it apparently was the first day since COVID that you could sit at bar. bartender was kind, cocktails were GREAT, lovely atmosphere. i think they may have or had food, but they were not serving that night, so if youre counting on food, might be worth checking (not sure if it was due to the day of the week or staffing or what). lastly, as a WOC who was a little wary of being alone, it felt very welcoming and had a bunch of signs about equality.

Stopped here for food and drink after our show at the Nevada Theater. This was the only place that offered drinks AND food altho the options were only cheese platter and charcuterie. Ordered the latter. Really good salamis and capicola plus olives, crackers and cornichons. The music was jazzy, the customers were eclectic and interesting. Gorgeous ceilings, festive fireplace for the holidays. Very attentive bartenders. Will definitely recommend to friends and will be back.

Really cool speakeasy style bar in the downtown area in Nevada City. The decor inside was really fun and they had an area for live music (which we unfortunately missed). Bartenders were super knowledgable and friendly. Someone there even gave us a free sampling of mezcal when they overheard that we were impressed with all of the mezcal options on the menu. Cocktail menu itself was really diverse and fun-- I got a You Bet which was delicious and fun and even came decorated with gold dusting in the drink. Wish that we had time to stay for longer and will definitely be coming in next time we're in town!

Kind staff, wide selection, great signature cocktails, classy atmosphere with unique decor. Oh and WiFi. So glad I stumbled upon this spot.....

My wife and I held welcome drinks at Golden Era for our wedding in Nevada City. The venue is a gorgeous historic spot with a memorable old-time atmosphere. Cindy and her team were incredibly accommodating. They set aside space for us at the back of the venue so our family and friends could gather together but still enjoy the atmosphere the venue. Cindy let us bring in our own catering and let us enjoy the space for a couple of hours without any charge. When our group ended up staying longer than expected and the band started up, Cindy needed to charge us cover for all the guests who were still there, but it was a completely reasonable given that we had been there for a couple of hours already and she had customers waiting to get in. We returned the next morning to take wedding photos in the beautiful bar, and Cindy was there to welcome us with a bottle of champagne. Thanks Cindy!

Best cocktails in the county! Family owned and hosted with a relaxed warm atmosphere . Great live music on certain nights . Historical bar with an antique feel. The drinks are divine! Classy , relaxed , great value, my favorite place for a drink.... nothing bad to say!

Saw this gold rush era cocktail bar looking place and just had to duck in. Super old world style, was just missing prostitutes and a spittoon. But the cover of the book was far better than the book. Cocktails were not great... and I drink. ALOT

Great Rye Manhattan on Sunday night listening to some pretty smooth jazz. Loved the relaxed vibe.

This place is dope. Please go and support your local businesses. Classy place that any age can appreciate. Beautiful decor and low lit atmosphere, perfect date night spot. Went with a friend. They check your ID at the door. They have a live music setup area but were only playing music through the sound speaker at that point. LOVE the classy uniforms the bar guys wear. The drinks are cool, handcrafted and I loved "Grass Valley Girl". Love that the place is also ADA accessible.

Amazing cocktails, best mezcal selection in the region (maybe the state?) and love the family that runs the show. So grateful for Golden Era's commitment to keeping their staff and customers safe. They are a wonderful example of a restaurant working hard to adapt during a wild time in history. The food through Antonio's is delicious, too! Flautas!

Wow.. what a great ambiance and historical spot and amazing food.. from Asian skewers to Caprese filled avocados... their mixologist nailed our drinks can't wait to come back!

They are doing great with outdoor patio options during Covid. Great food and drinks. I wish the music was live when we went and the drinks a little larger, but overall had a great night and will definitely return.

Definitely the best cocktails in town. I'm a bourbon person and they by far have the most generous pour amount of any venue in town. Also, if you ask for spirits on on ice, the use a giant ice cube which doesn't water down the drink but keeps it cool. They have excellent custom cocktails rivaling that of the trendy bay area bars. The atmosphere is fantastic and the owners are some of the nicest people I've met at any Nevada county business. Big thumbs up for Golden Era!

I really cannot say enough nice things about this place. They have a fireplace inside and a really amazing back patio and on Friday's and Saturday nights they have live music. The food is allllllll soooo good ( small plates)The cocktail menu is on point. Their drinks are so good, if you like mezcal this is the place for you because they have the largest selection around. I had the pleasure of meeting the owners one night and they are so kind and friendly. Actually the whole staff is. The girl that greets you is and absolute doll and the waiting staff is the best. You really cannot go wrong going here. But I do suggest calling ahead and make a reservation, because of the times they are limited and once you go once you will want to keep going back. This is the perfect date night spot or if your out with a group, I have even gone by myself to get some good food, relax and listen to music after work. I could keep going but you really should go and see for yourself!

Sooooo, my husband met a friends here and had a horrible experience. He tried to warn me but I thought he was over reacting. It turns out he was right, I don't say that often. Went there on a Friday night, a live band was playing so there was a $5 cover. It was so loud we couldn't talk to the person we were sitting next to. It took forever to get our drinks and had a tiny whiskey sour which they put something grainy in it,!so not a good drink and it cost $10. Needless to say we left and I will not be back.

Best mojitos in town! I highly recommend this place for great service and really cool vibes. It's also super clean and well-maintained.

Bullshit bar when they tell you that they have reservations in their bar and kick you out of your seat. So why does Yelp say they don't take reservations and when you ask the owner they say they don't know anything about Yelp? My recommendation when they tell you to leave your seat is to sit back and enjoy the show and ignor the BS. Oh LOL just found out from a second party that I'm 86'd because I gave Golden Era a bad review on Yelp, go figure.