Roxie Deli is East Sac’s Best Kept Secret

Have you ever noticed that contractors, electricians, plumbers and roofers are always privy to the best (and least expensive) lunch spots?

That’s exactly how I found Roxie Deli & BBQ in East Sac. My electrician, Shields Electric, finished up a job at my house in McKinley Park and mentioned they were heading to Roxie afterwards.

If you’re in East Sac, just follow the smell of BBQ as outside the deli on 33rd and C Street sits a large smoker grilling up ribs, pulled pork, brisket and tri-tip on a daily basis. It can be a bit overwhelming on your first visit because there are so many different specialty sandwiches and BBQ dishes to choose from, but it will serve you well to peruse the menu ahead of time.

Remember Seinfeld’s “No Soup for You” episode? Roxie’s staff isn’t discourteous, but you will hear grumbling from other patrons if you get to the front of the long lunch line and don’t know what you want or, for goodness sake, have questions about items on the menu.

Sometimes I’ll mix it up, but for the most part I stick to The Roxie House, a hot sandwich with turkey, pastrami and cheddar cheese with a side of gourmet salt and vinegar chips. Another plus – they offer microbrews and craft sodas.

On summer nights, we bike over as a family to take advantage of their “Dinner for Four for Only $30.” Each night offers a different BBQ dish (I like the ribs), rolls, side salad (the pesto pasta is delicious) and dessert.

The downside – it can be busy during the lunch hour, so plan to arrive early especially if you want to dine alfresco on the patio.

Pettit Gilwee is a Sacramento native, real estate agent, American Bike Trail runner, art appreciator, Sac Antique Faire goer, foodie, mom to 2 active boys and East Sac resident. She serves on the Theodore Judah Elementary PTA Board and is a member of the East Sac Chamber of Commerce.