I ate at a Sacramento soul food spot you were ‘too scared to try.’ Here’s what I got with $25

A blue shack with weathered seats and brown beaded curtains serves some of the best gumbo in Sacramento — it doesn’t look like much, but it speaks for itself: rooted, intentional and the food is delicious.

The cliche “don’t judge a book by its cover” certainly applies to Tori’s Place.

When I started this affordability challenge in November, discovering Sacramento one $25-activity at a time, I was hoping for experiences like this one. A place you’d probably never stumble across on a Yelp list or a quick “places near me” Google search.

The suggestion to try owner Victoria Haggins’ southern cooking in Del Paso Heights came from Sacramento Bee reader Tahlia Kirk, who said she’s struggling to connect with her neighborhood. She asked me to try quaint restaurants near her, like Tori’s Place, then tell her if they’re “actually hidden gems.”

“Maybe Brianna is braver than I am — I’m too scared to try them!,” she wrote to me.

Some of the best-tasting food comes from restaurants away from the city’s main strips. That includes Tori’s Place.

My first time at Tori’s Place

Tori’s Place exudes a vibrant southern energy; plaques are scribbled with inspirational quotes like “write your own life,” next to framed photos of lions, cheetahs and watercolor birds.

Arriving early afternoon on a late January Sunday, I missed the expected after-church rush — and my empty stomach was grateful.

Location: 1525 Grand Ave.

A flock of customers shuffled in and out of the outdoor space, knowing exactly what they wanted to order from the walk-up window.

While I scanned the menu filled with soul food classics — fried chicken, collard greens and black eyed peas — a cashier wearing a white apron and infectious smile asked if I wanted a sample of gumbo. I quickly remembered what Sacramento Bee food reporter Benjy Egel and his trusted taste buds once wrote:

“Victoria Haggins’ star dish is gumbo, stuffed with sausage, fish and super-tender shrimp in Styrofoam containers.”

The stop — which opened roughly 10 years ago — also made The Bee’s 2022 lists for the 10 best restaurant dishes and top Sacramento restaurants.

The second I slurped the hot and spicy soup-stew I was punched with flavor. That’s when I knew I was in for a treat.

How I used my $25 budget at Tori’s Place

The decision wasn’t easy, but I settled on a cornmeal battered red snapper combo with a side of macaroni and cheese and hot water cornbread for $16.99, plus a side of yams for another $4. After a 8.25% sales tax, my total came to $22.72 (before tip).

The order took about 20 minutes to prepare. The time flew by in anticipation, and I decided to take the food home because the wind was really starting to pick up.

My food was still warm by the time I got back to my apartment. The fish was flavorful but not salty, and the macaroni and cheese was creamy with an insane cheese pull. The yams, while they weren’t my favorite, had a nice cinnamon flavor.

The hot water cornbread was one of the best things I’ve eaten since moving to Sacramento more than a year ago.

The bread was crispy around the edges, yet soft and chewy in the center. I really don’t know how they do it (and I don’t want to know), I just hope they don’t stop.

Is Tori’s Place affordable?

Tori’s menu is filled with southern cuisine ranging from hot water cornbread at $2.50 a piece to a family-sized portion of their specialty dish gumbo for $27.

The portions are substantial, especially for the price. A little can go a long way with a combo, which comes with your choice of protein, a side and buttered hot water cornbread.

I was full and ready for a nap.

Dare I say I feel a little closer to Sacramento? Oh and Tahlia, Tori’s Place is definitely a gem — just not so hidden.

If you were given $25 where would you go? Drop your suggestions in the form below and I’ll put it on my list of affordable Sacramento activities to try — or email me, Brianna, at btaylor@sacbee.com

This story was originally published January 26, 2023 at 5:00 AM.