The midtown sports hangout, beloved for its game-day congregations and that perfect sports bar energy, will shutter after 13 years of slinging pints and serving up the kind of communal atmosphere that makes victories taste better. Public House Downtown will close after 13 years of pouring craft brews and hosting the kind of raucous watch parties that transform strangers into temporary family at 1132 16th St., the same brick-and-mortar space that recently bid farewell to Station 16 restaurant. The Sacramento sports haven announced the closure across social media channels, promising one last hurrah with a “final pour” Monday night — because nothing says goodbye quite like $4 pints and $6 large-format beers, the kind of pricing that makes even the most devastating loss feel manageable. TOP VIDEOS “This decision was not made lightly,” said Mason Wong, co-owner of MAC Hospitality Group, in a statement that found its way to multiple news outlets. “We’re deeply thankful to our dedicated team and loyal guests who have made Public House such a special part of the community” — the kind of sentiment that hits different when you’re talking about a place where people gathered to scream at TVs and hug strangers during playoff runs.
The closure will allow the hospitality crew to reimagine the midtown real estate, with plans detailed for a traditional Mexican restaurant called Casa Lola this fall — a pivot that makes sense when you consider that great food and communal dining experiences are universal languages. MAC Hospitality Group, a family-run restaurant operation, also keeps the lights on at Cafeteria 15L, Mas Taco Bar, and Iron Horse Tavern, proving they understand the alchemy of neighborhood gathering spots. Junior Rosado, left, and Salina Majorca react during the NFC Championship game between the 49ers and Rams in 2022, at Public House Downtown. The Sacramento bar served as a hub for Northern California sports fans. Nathaniel Levine nlevine@sacbee.com
Public House originally opened its doors in 2012 as Firestone Public House, a nod to the historic tire shop that held down the corner of 16th and L streets for three-quarters of a century — because sometimes the best sports bars are built on the bones of places where people once fixed things that got them places. The business underwent a name change in 2018 following a legal settlement with Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., which took issue with trademark matters, proving that even beloved neighborhood joints aren’t immune to corporate legal machinery.
The sports bar maintained its soul and concept through the rebrand, continuing to draw crowds with an impressive 60 beers on tap and weekend brunch offerings — because nothing pairs with morning games quite like the perfect hangover cure served alongside your team’s championship aspirations. The closure of Public House Downtown marks the second restaurant exodus from the block between K and L streets this month, following Station 16’s departure on June 21 after a decade of service. Station 16’s Elk Grove outpost continues operations, proving that sometimes suburban locations outlast their urban siblings.
Source: By Irene Adeline Milanez Updated June 30, 2025 3:48 PM
Nathaniel Levine nlevine@sacbee.com, Sara Nevis snevis@sacbee.com