I have a strange relationship with barbeque – some might call it picky, but I prefer to call it refined. While it’s one of my favorite indulgences, I have to be in a very specific “BBQ mood” to enjoy it. I can’t quite explain what that mood is, but when it hits, I know.
So it’s important that I have at least one go-to BBQ restaurant in mind at all times. Now, I’m not talking your average chain restaurant, which I’m sure serves some tasty dishes. I’m talking your cheap, unexpected restaurant on that random street corner where the slow-cooked ribs and homemade macaroni and cheese ensure a full house every night.
Well, that familiar mood hit last night, and I’m happy to announce that I’ve found my go-to for BBQ in Sacramento – Sandra Dee’s Barbeque & Seafood.
When I walked into Sandra Dee’s, I knew right away by the simple, laid-back ambiance that I was about to enjoy the authentic barbeque dinner I was looking for. The menu offers a typical selection of chicken, rib and pork entrées as well as sandwiches and burgers. And you can’t forget the sides, which took me about 10 minutes to decide on alone – choices include hush puppies, BBQ baked beans, sweet & spicy corn and, of course, mac & cheese.
I finally settled on the BBQ pork sandwich with sweet & spicy corn as my side. The sandwich was simple and allowed the focus to be solely on the deliciously cooked pork smothered in spicy BBQ sauce. I also loved the corn, but I must warn any diners with sensitive taste buds out there – when they say spicy, they mean spicy!
My dining partner decided on the half BBQ chicken with the mac & cheese. The chicken was very tasty and the serving size was generous, providing plenty for leftovers. As for the mac & cheese, let’s just say I wouldn’t expect to leave Sandra Dee’s with leftovers of that! It was the creamiest and yummiest mac & cheese I’ve had in a long time, leaving the two of us battling for the last bite.
The verdict is in. Sandra Dee’s is my go-to BBQ spot in Sacramento.
Sandra Dee’s
601 15th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 448-6375
John Armato says
When I was still new to Sac several months ago a group of just-found friends insisted I join them for a local legend of a meal. It was Chicken and Waffles at Sandra Dee’s. Service was raucously friendly. Food was beyond plentiful. Atmosphere was appropriately down home. And the unlikely pairing of chicken and waffles was amazingly good. You don’t even have to pretend the syrup from your waffles “accidentally” got on your chicken. You can indulge you decadent whims here without shame.
Yong Kim, DC says
I’ve never heard the terms BBQ and refined in the same sentence before, but after reading your post I am definitely going to check out Sandra Dee’s!
Chiropractor Grand Junction says
You are absolutely right young kim.I want to check out sandra Dee’s too.
Bobbee @ Boulder Chiropractors says
Wow..that looks like a hole-in-the-wall from the outside, but the aesthetics of those dishes is amazing. Just tastes good looking at it. Here in Boulder we have a ‘Hidden’ place called KT’s BBQ and it is completely out of public view, but they win BBQ competitions nearly EVERY year! I’ll have to try Sanda Dee’s next time I’m out West.
barry Trietstman says
I can’t wait to try this bbq joint. I have been a bbq judge for a little more then a year. I have Judge several competitions in the area. The next time I’m in Sacramento,Ca. I will give it a try. Wish they had BBQ brisket on there menu
Brandon Smith says
Sandra Dee’s is definitely worth the trip! It is a SacFoodies favorite!