If you venture off the beaten path to the northwest side of the 209, you’ll stumble upon one of the region’s best and longest running restaurants. Giusti’s Place, established in in 1946, is an oasis on the Delta and it’s a quaint little spot to stop, soak up the beauty of the outdoors, and dine with family or friends. With a reputation for solid food, a down home atmosphere, and killer specials, it’s no wonder the establishment is a favorite amongst locals.
This place is best described as a watering hole worth the drive and boasting tasty grub for the whole family. Plus it isn’t short on character. Upon arrival, patrons walk right into the bar, adorned with thousands of baseball caps and autographed pictures of celebrities who have dined there over the years. Here, you’ll find folks ponied up to the well-worn barstools chatting about the fishing report or the local harvest. But it’s in the dining room where the real magic happens.
At Giusti’s, they serve up Italian food in a traditional way without the hefty price. Every meal comes with Pugliese bread, a bowl of hearty minestrone soup, tossed green salad with all the fixings, a salami plate, and a combination of kidney and garbanzo beans. When it comes to the entre, every one features a baked potato.
The weekly specials are one of the biggest draws. Who can resist two-for-one lobster meals on the first Wednesday of every month? Or pizza night every Tuesday? One of the more popular themed nights is on Thursdays, when the restaurant is transformed into an all-Italian eatery.
For s real treat, order up the calamari steak! It is fresh, lightly crusted, and fried on a flattop grill. Unlike so many greasy, overcooked versions of calamari, Giusti’s never falls short. Another fan favorite is the 16 oz. prime rib served only on the weekends.
Here are the other must-knows about Giusti’s: they do not take credit cards and they are closed on Mondays. If you forget to bring your own Benjamin’s, however, there is an ATM machine in the bar for patron use.
Dine on the Delta
Giusti’s Place
14743 Old Walnut Grove-Thornton Rd., Walnut Grove
916-776-1808
Giustis.com