Tony Baloney's

5059 College Oak Dr, Sacramento, CA 95841, United States
+1 916-334-0274
$$$ Sandwich shop , Italian restaurant , Restaurant
(451 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Tony Baloney's sits comfortably in the sandwich shop and Italian restaurant category, offering a casual dining experience that leans heavily on hearty, no-frills Italian subs and classic flavors. Located on College Oak Drive in Sacramento, this spot carries a diner-like atmosphere with an old-town vibe that feels both familiar and approachable, making it a practical choice for a relaxed lunch or a quick dinner.

Visitors often settle in for generously sized sandwiches like the Italian Cold Cut, the standout Pepper Steak with grilled onions, or their meatball sub—known locally for its balanced flavor without leaning too heavily into sausage spicing. The rolls here are noted for their fresh, soft, and chewy texture, serving as reliable carriers for unconventional sandwich toppings such as diced tomatoes, onions, and even relish, diverging from the usual mayo and mustard crowd.

The setting is unpretentious, with friendly and efficient service that fits its neighborhood diner feel—simple, no-nonsense, and a bit quirky. It’s not the place for quiet dining; it’s more about grabbing a filling bite with a side like macaroni salad or cheese bread, often enjoyed by locals who appreciate the straightforward, satisfying approach to Italian sandwiches. Cash is preferred, as card payments come with an extra charge, which is something to keep in mind.

Compared to a typical chain sub shop, Tony Baloney’s offers a distinct mix of comfort and familiar Italian flavors that appeals to those who prefer a neighborhood spot where the sandwiches are large enough to split (or save some for later) and the atmosphere keeps things easygoing. It's well suited for a casual weekday lunch break or an early evening meal when you want something more substantial than a café sandwich but without the formality of a full Italian restaurant.

Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves wine
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

451 Reviews
Lodi R

01 Jan 2026

Friendly employees, quirky old Town vibes, and a decent sub! Toppings aren't your typical mayo, mustard, and lettuce, but rather diced tomatoes, diced onions, and relish. Reminds me of hot dog toppings. Sub roll was soft, chewy, and tasted fresh. Bring cash as they charge to use a card.

Shaun Chieppo

15 Dec 2025

The best meatball sub I have ever had the grade fresh Parmesan on top. I got the small and it was like enough it was like 8-10 inches. Placed smelled great as well going to be a go to.

A V

07 Dec 2025

The best Italian food in all of Sacramento area hands down. The Pepper Steak was amazing!

Kally Shar

29 Nov 2025

A diner feel....with not diner food, lol. It was easy to find, had chill vibes, pretty quick and nice service, and good food(at least the Sammie and salad were!).

Patti R

07 Nov 2025

My husband had a sandwich here last week and raved about it so much, that I gave it a try. I had the meatball sandwich w/cheese and also some macaroni salad. All I can say is WOW! My sandwich was so tasty and I appreciated the meatballs did not have an overwhelming flavor of sausage as they can sometimes have. The sandwich itself was quite large and I couldn't finish it, so I saved it for dinner. The macaroni salad was also delicious. I honestly can't wait to come back again--it was that good! After living in the area for the past 11 years--how is it I never knew this place was here? I need to make up for lost time! *Edited to add--today 7/10/2025-we had ordered a pizza. That is the one item I don't think I would eat again--VERY greasy! It had pepperoni, olives & sausage. Literally, when we took the slice out of the box, the bottom of the box was coated in grease and it was soaking through. Other than that--their sandwiches are the ones to get!

American Angler

18 Oct 2025

Just dropped off my Slaphapper Wallyhoot to Briskit Öndagrïll over at his place, ..the Strike Three bowling ball factory so he can adjust the gyroscope for me. When I passed by Tony Baloney's I knew right then and there were I was going to eat. I've heard about Tony Baloney's but I've never been, so today I'm going to see if the urban legend is true! Well, I don't know if they make the best sandwiches in the world..but Sactown for sure is in the top 3! 5 stars all day long.

Lillian

19 Sep 2025

Tony Baloney Submarine Shop! This sub sandwich shop is a local institution. A lot of community history and fond memories. I remember the first time I dined here and that was over 25 years ago. The place has been around since the 1970s. I recall dining and talking to Tony, the owner. The pepper steak sandwich is legendary, that's their number 1 seller. Fast forward now. Tony is no longer with us but his family continues to run the business now. The staff is fun, sassy and engaging. The pepper steak is still my favorite on the menu. It's subjective if it's the best ever. In my book, it's pretty darn good. The Italian American style menu includes cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches, pasta, and pizzas. I also enjoy their meatball sandwich, potato salad, pastrami sandwich, and spaghetti n meatballs plate. All housemade. No frozen meatballs or lunch pressed meats here. On my last visit, hubs and I ordered a pepper steak sandwich and spaghetti n meatball entree. Still digging that pepper steak. Don't forget to ask for the provolone cheese with it. The spaghetti and meatballs hit all the familiar notes. It's not a jazzy standout menu item, but it's comforting and basic. It came with two meatballs and a lot of pasta. Wish they were more meatballs. You get more in a sandwich. Those meatballs are tasty though. Fluffy, dense and savory. The entree size was ample for two. It came with cheese bread and a green salad. The bread was heavy on the butter. Soaking in it, so much that it provided a crispy and buttery deliciousness. Served warm. The green salad was simple with fresh ingredients, refreshing flavors. The building needs some TLC. It's showing its age. The dining room hasn't changed. And sadly so hasn't the restroom, oh the restroom is not in great shape. They gotta upkeep the restroom to keep it functional and clean. If you intend to dine here and not use the restroom, you'll be fine.

Jed Ronzone

16 Sep 2025

The aroma as soon as I set foot in the door took me back to my childhood! Best Italian food in Sacramento hands down!

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