The 6 Best ‘Hole-In-The-Wall’ Eateries in Sacramento
Sacramento is quickly becoming a culinary destination, even changing its longtime slogan of “City of Trees” to “America’s Farm to Fork Capital.” There are plenty of restaurants in Sacramento that get a lot of publicity, but to truly find the best food in California’s capitol, you have to look in lesser-known locations.
As a person who prides himself as a true culinarian, I feel it’s my responsibility to state that some of the best food you will ever eat, will be found in places considered “holes-in-the-wall.” Here is my list of the top 6 hole-in-the-wall eateries in Sacramento.
South
Located in the Southside Park area of Sacramento is South, a hole-in-the-wall serving contemporary Southern cuisine “driven by historical inspiration.” Opened in 2014 by partners N’Gina Guyton and Ian Kavookjia, the idea was to bring the over 200 years of their family’s cooking tradition to the masses.
Although not a show-stopper on the outside, South’s food packs a mean punch on the inside. On the menu you’ll find the Southern inspired dishes like fried chicken, jambalaya, fried catfish, and of course The Po’ Boy. A can’t miss culinary destination in Sac!
Squeeze Burger
Known for their mind-blowing “cheese skirts,” this Midtown delight will always leave you satisfied. Originally named “The Squeeze Inn” this burger palace now has 9 locations in Northern California and will smack you in the face with cheesy goodness.
While Squeeze isn’t much to look at on the outside, their popularity is growing since being featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins-and-Dives:
Here is a cool video showing how the cheese skirt is made:
And the “cheese skirt” makes these burgers look mouth watering…
Curry Club
This hole-in-the-wall has some of the best Indian food California’s state capitol has to offer. Known for its Indian buffet with authentic Indian dishes such as Tandoori Chicken, Tikka Masala, and Chicken Curry, the Curry Club has become a mainstay for people in downtown Sacramento. During a typical lunch rush, this small buffet will be packed with business casuals looking for an exotic meal.
Bacon & Butter
Best breakfast in town? Possibly. Best hole-in-the-wall breakfast in Sac? Absolutely.
Bacon & Butter has been dominating the breakfast game in the area since opening in 2012. Chef and owner Billy Zoellin named this restaurant after the idea if you do something really well, it’s called your “bread and butterâ€.
Needless to say, the public has responded by filling the breakfast every weekend. If you want to try this breakfast boutique, get there early and plan to wait in line. Yes, it’s that good.
Taqueria Maya’s
When you enter Taqueria Maya off Broadway near Midtown, you’ll feel the vibe immediately. The music, smells and decor make the delicious Mexican food taste that much better. Plus, with self-service tortilla chips and a generous salsa bar, it’s difficult not to get excited when walking in the door.
Since opening in 2012 Taqueria Maya’s has been serving up the best hole-in-the-wall Mexican food in Sacramento. Family owned and operated since the beginning, the food reminds you just what true Mexican cuisine should taste like. The menu is full of classic Mexican dishes such as Chilaquiles, Pozole, and Flautas and will no doubt have something for everyone.
Hefty Gyros
This hole-in-the-wall establishment comes in truck form. Hefty Gyros specializes in “authentic Mediterranean cuisine with Turkish, Greek and Middle-Eastern culinary influences.” With menu items like Gyros, Chicken Pita, and Falafel, Hefty Gyros is a true Mediterranean mobile gem.
Won’t take my word for it? These photos will make you a believer:
How did we do? What’s your favorite ‘hole-in-the-wall’ eatery in Sacramento?
