(Updated 7/2/2026) Description and review of Pennisi’s Deli, a family-owned Italian deli located in Downtown Sacramento across from the Sheraton Grand Hotel. NEW: Pennisi’s Deli closes its doors! See Update below.
After running an errand mid-week in Downtown Sacramento, I was walking back to my car around noon when I decided to stop by Pennisi’s Deli to take out lunch. This was the first time I had stopped by the deli since I retired.
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I had been a frequent customer of the family-owned deli for many years while working in nearby office buildings. In fact, I was patronizing the business when it was located on the other side of J Street nearer 12th Street. That was a long time ago! When Bill, the owner, relocated the business he moved the wood entry doors to the new (now not so new) location.
Pennisi’s Deli
Pennisi’s Deli is a classic Italian deli offering pre-made (for the lunch rush) and made-to-order hot and cold sandwiches, a daily soup, assorted salads and a large selection of varied snacks. It also carries a variety of imported chocolates, cookies, etc. along with a nice selection of beverages including beer and wine.
There are several tables in the deli for inhouse dining, and during nice weather you will likely find two or three tables set up on the sidewalk.
While I would normally have my sandwich custom made with my choice of bread/roll, there were plenty of times I was grateful to just be able to grab a freshly pre-made sandwich and not have to stand in line when I was short of time. The deli is close by the convention center, and during events it can get quite crowded.
The Muffaletta Sandwich is a deli specialty, but I admit I have never tried it. I chatted with the friendly woman making my sandwich, and in short order was on my way home with my chicken breast and cheese sandwich with honey mustard on a Dutch Crunch roll ($14.99).
As I enjoyed my lunch, I made a mental note to stop by Pennisi’s Deli again the next time I am in the vicinity.
See related blog posts: Roundhouse Deli and Roxie Deli & BBQ and Corti Brothers Market & Deli and Sampino’s Towne Foods and Juno’s Kitchen & Deli
Update
(7/2/2026) Pennisi’s Deli closed its doors at the end of June, after 74 years in business! Tenants of all the nearby office buildings will sorely miss this favorite lunch spot.
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Pennisi’s Deli Snapshot:
1237 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 (13th & J Streets)(916) 448-5610Sunday – Closed; Monday – Friday (7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.); Saturday (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)Weekly SpecialsSidewalk Tables
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Evert thing is so good there. Great breads and huge sandwiches which can be used for lunch and a snack later. Sometime the drop on a piece of chocolate for dessert. It’s the best place downtown to get a sandwich and it’s fast . We do often order for the office.