‘It’s an iconic name.’ Longtime Sacramento bar Old Ironsides is for sale

Downtown Sacramento staple Old Ironsides is up for sale, the owners said in a Facebook post Thursday. The family-owned bar has been a mainstay since it was established in 1934.

“It was just time,” Sam Kanelos, Jr., said of the sale. “The family looked at our ages and time we put in. It’s time to start enjoying our latter years.”

Kanelos is the grandson of William Bordisso, who opened the downtown bar after he was granted the first liquor license in Sacramento County in 1933 after the end of prohibition, according to the Old Ironsides website.

Bordisso ran Old Ironsides until 1968, when his daughter and son-in-law took over. Kanelos said after 85 years, it’s time to turn the watering hole over to someone else.

“New ownership has to come in with a new vision,” Kanelos said, but he hopes that the new owners will combine their vision with what the family has already established. “It is an iconic name.”

Kanelos said interested parties are already communicating with a representative who is managing the sale for the family.

“Word got out and the floodgates are open,” Kanelos said.

If you want to buy the well-loved 10th and S streets institution, Kanelos said to call Ron Melchin at 916-608-8891.