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Welcome to Pennisi's Deli

Pennisi's Deli is a charming local gem nestled in the heart of Sacramento, offering an authentic deli experience reminiscent of classic New York eateries. Known for its delightful selection of sandwiches, breakfast bagels, and freshly baked pastries, this cozy spot stands out with its Dutch crunch rolls and hearty Italian subs. Customers rave about the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the owner’s personal touch, making it feel like a home away from home. Whether you're stopping by for a quick breakfast or a leisurely lunch, Pennisi's Deli provides quality food that warms both the stomach and soul, making every visit a delightful experience.

Pennisi's Deli: Reviews & Ratings

Mike W.
Mike W.

Found this Deli right across the street from the Sheraton we were staying at. My buddy and I had a later flight so we decided to stop in and get some subs. We had a Turkey/Provolone sub and a Pastrami sub. I also tried the potato salad and the owner even brought over a sample of their San Francisco style potato salad. Both were delicious. Overall everything was tasty and a good way to prepare before the trip! This place is a hidden Gem when you're in the area!

Christian K.
Christian K.

Great food and prices. I work downtown and I try all the places and this place is underrated. I was surprised when I saw it only had 3.5 stars. The breakfast bagels are great and the dutch crunch is amazing too. Definitely worth going to

Corey W.
Corey W.

Must admit, I had pretty low expectations for Pennisi's but it actually really surprised me! The sandwich was awesome! One of the better Italian subs I've had recently. I got the Italian on Dutch crunch with pickles and it was delicious. The Dutch crunch was great and it was packed with meat. I also got a side of potato salad which was great too. It's not against the service or quality, but I'm docking a star for the price. $17 for a sandwich and $5 for potato salad is pretty outrageous if you ask me. Who can afford to eat out anymore at these prices?! The sandwich was good, but for that price I wouldn't come back (it's not just Pennisi's, everywhere is expensive!) it was a cool little market when I walked in, it was a Friday at 11:45 and was pretty empty, one other person inside. I called ahead and they said my sandwich would be ready in 5 mins. Sure enough I got there and picked it up, paid and left in under 2 minutes.

Angela D.
Angela D.

The cutest and nostalgic sandwich shop ever. I've been told by friends to go here but why it took me 7 years to go was 7 years too long. I now understand what the hype was about. The actual location looks like a New York deli mom and pop shop classic. The music in the background if classical and the store itself does not have many adornments or excessive decor. You go there to get the best sandwich in town and it appears that the man making the sandwiches knows all of his regulars. It may not be appear like the hipster new it place, but they keep it real and simple. I ordered breakfast and lunch. It was the best idea. I ordered the sausage breakfast sandwich. The eggs were fluffy and savory, the bread was super fresh and balanced, and the sausage was perfect! The second sandwich was the Dutch Crunch Roll with turkey, avocado and cream cheese. The bread was so deliciously crunchy and the entire sandwich tasted amazing! The Dutch Crunch Roll usually sells out but since I went at 8am it was available. Love this place!

Ginger D.
Ginger D.

Yummmmm!!!! Working on J street has its advantages! This place is right next to my work! It's like a mom and pop place! They have breakfast, hot breakfast, hot lunch and then drinks, medicine, candy, coffee wine! The prices are great! I've had this bagel sandwich before and omg do you see that cheese pull! My other favorite is the tuna melt on the lunch menu! Support local businesses! Go try!!!!!

Courtney P.
Courtney P.

On a Friday afternoon for lunch, I met my dad downtown to come try Pennisi's deli. Ironically, I used to intern around the corner from the deli when I was in college, but I never actually came here to try it. The reason for this particular lunch date was that my dad and I wanted to try their muffaletta sandwich. We are preparing for a trip to New Orleans in the fall. Anyways, we ordered our sandwiches and picked out our chips and our drinks. This little grocery and deli is definitely frequented by a lot of the local business men and women. The service was fast and friendly. Now to the sandwiches - the muffaletta sandwich was huge! Half of a sandwich is easily a meal in and of itself, but for the price it makes sense. The sandwich was tasty, and I enjoyed the tang of the olive spread. A muffaletta is a lot of meat, and I would have loved some veggies to break it up but I understand that that is not how a traditional muffaletta is made. All in all, I would definitely come back and try some of their other sandwich options and support a small, local business.

John I.
John I.

It made it through one of the worst economies the US has seen and the family feel has to be part of the reason for this. My wife tells me I'm going to go see PePe today and she means she is going to Pennisi's Deli. Sometimes when work is super stressful and you just have to clear your head and to somewhere different for a few minute. This is the spot. They have great food, amazing atmosphere for a lunch spot, and super friendly employees that will get to know who you are. This place is amazing.

Rachel K.
Rachel K.

I've been wanting to visit Pennisi's for years! I love a good deli, and even more than that a great spot to grab a sandwich. This spot is downtown off of J and is open for breakfast and lunch. It's a small store with basic deli options, snacks, drinks, chocolate, coffees and some great sandwich options. On this trip I immediately knew I made a great choice because it smelled incredible inside. We ended up ordering a Muffuletta Sandwich ($14.99) and a Meatball sandwich ($15.99)and four whole pickles($1 each). The meatballs on the sandwich are huge and have awesome flavor and the muffuletta sandwich was everything I wanted it to be. The pricing is a bit higher than my favorite hole in the wall spots but the quality is great and rent downtown is expensive. Next time I visit I'll definitely pick up more of their meatballs. They had a special for three meatballs for $7. I would also absolutely get the muffuletta sandwich again- so tasty!!

Location

Welcome to Pennisi's Deli, a charming little eatery tucked away at 1237 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814. This deli wears many hats, featuring an inviting atmosphere that's perfect for casual lunches, breakfast grabs, or cozy takeout. With a phenomenal selection and an unmistakable local charm, it truly stands out as a hidden gem in the bustling streets of Sacramento.

Pennisi's Deli offers a delightful array of pastries, breakfast items, and scrumptious sandwiches, all crafted with care. Dive into their breakfast menu featuring a bagel with eggs and cheese or their renowned croissant with egg and cheese. The fresh fruit bowl with yogurt granola is a refreshing choice to kickstart your day. Many customers rave about the Dutch crunch roll, a must-try item that perfectly complements any sandwich.

Customers have consistently praised the quality of the food. One enthusiastic reviewer noted that their Italian sub—stuffed generously with meat—ranks among the best they've ever tried. Additionally, the classic San Francisco style potato salad garners accolades for being deliciously addicting. It's clear from the reviews that comfort food is the name of the game here.

Just as important as its food offerings, Pennisi's Deli provides convenient utilities such as takeout and delivery options, credit card acceptance, outdoor seating, and even catering—perfect for families or group gatherings. Whether you're stopping by for a quick breakfast before work or ordering a hearty lunch for a family picnic, this deli has you covered.

  • Highlights of Pennisi's Deli:
  • Variety of breakfast and lunch options
  • Quality sandwiches, including highly-praised Dutch crunch rolls
  • Homemade pastries like carrot cake and tiramisu
  • A cozy, classic deli atmosphere with friendly staff
  • Convenient location and flexible service options

With a moderate noise level, it’s easy to unwind here while enjoying your meal or catching a quick coffee break with Peets coffee offerings like espresso and cappuccino. This is the kind of spot where locals gather, and you can easily see why Pennisi's Deli has gained such a loyal following. Next time you find yourself in Sacramento, don’t miss out on this quaint deli that perfectly blends quality food with that welcoming mom-and-pop shop feel.