Sometimes you hit it out of the park, and there's no question why it happened. As I was exploring the El Dorado Hills community and its surrounding neighbors, I ended up in Placerville. I can say so many things about Placerville. It's enchanting, friendly, eclectic, and just a few miles from El Dorado Hills.   One thing to know about Placerville that’s important is that you have to bring your appetite. This fun town is so full of great places to eat that you have to come back a few times to appreciate them all.   On the day I visited Placerville, I had been on a hike with my grandson, so our first stop was lunch. We studied our choices and decided that Old Town Grill was going to hit the spot. And it really did that! Read on to learn about this one-of-a-kind restaurant that has every right to brag about its faithful following. 

Premier Burger Joint in Northern California

Say it again? Is Placerville home to a place that surpasses similar efforts in foodie centers like Sacramento and Roseville?   Oh boy, that's a big claim, but guess what? It's one completely well-earned and legit. This place not only stands out for its quality of food, but it also stands out as a place that has improved with age. Here's why that's possible. For the last 22 years, Chef John Sanders and family have done an excellent job of backing the claim that it doesn't get better than what you'll find here. And that claim covers everything from the quality of the food to the heart that goes into running this family-owned restaurant. This place is the end result of a life lived by graduating from the school of hard knocks. Sanders, by his own admission, made life hard on himself in his teen years and into his twenties. He opens by admitting all his hard knocks were of his own making and not one bit as a result of his parents' loving hearts. When he finally came to his senses, he turned his life around with their love and got on the path that eventually led him to be the chef for the Sacramento Kings. For several years, he provided a comfortable income that allowed his wife and daughter to maintain a good lifestyle.

But once again, he realized he was headed down a road that wasn't in everyone's best interest because money was put first. So he quit his job and decided to open a humble restaurant in downtown Placerville. But that’s not the only thing he did to change his life.

Giving Back and Giving Their All

One of the things that makes Old Town Grill an immediate hit is that it has that "you're welcome here and we want to make you comfortable" feel. The menu is posted and describes everything thoroughly. The person ordering is prompt, personable, and prepared to answer all your questions.   I have to say, my grandson and I had lots of questions. The grandson asked what the most popular item on the menu was, and was told people are pretty nuts about the Beast Burger, so guess what he ordered? So why call it the Beast Burger? It is a mix of hormone-free elk, buffalo, wild boar, and Wagyu Beef. I think that says it all. My grandson LOVED it, and I have to admit, it looked like a meat-lover's work of art. I chose to go a different, and equally great, route with the Island Burger, but replaced ham with the Earthburger patties. I can't resist pineapple in a burger, so having that along with a freshly made patty made of southwestern seasoned black beans was my idea of a beast minus the letter A. But wait, it was an A+ burger, so maybe the A was still applicable. Oh boy, forget this sidebar and let's move on to the rest of this great menu.

Just as a reminder, Chef Sanders was the chef for an NBA basketball team. People don't get that job without earning it. So when you go to Old Town Grill, remember that fact. Everything is fresh, innovative, and very satisfying. In addition to burgers and amazing sides, there are things like the Old Town Dog, Chicken Dijon (this is loaded with smoked bacon), and two other chicken choices. The special menu has salads, signature burgers, and grilled salmon. And please leave room for great ice cream because you’ll find a really fun selection at the creamery counter. 

One of the things you'll feel when walking into Old Town Grill Placerville is the heart that goes into all aspects of this business. As I said earlier, Chef Sanders once walked down his own path of despair and hopelessness. He doesn't take for granted that he has a life free from that path, so he and his wife give back to the community of El Dorado County. They focus on helping youth and community members in need. Chef Sanders works directly with youth through Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). He and his wife give food to the needy, participate in events that benefit local agriculture, and actively participate in supporting ARC (an organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities).   It can safely be said that Old Town Grill Placerville is a model for serving a community in all the ways that count. Once you visit this special place, you'll leave with a heart that's as full as your stomach. Have fun!

Green Valley Road Self Storage

Community is such an important part of life. As your long-standing neighborhood self-storage facility, Green Valley Self Storage loves being part of the El Dorado Hills community. We're honored to do our part in supporting businesses like Old Town Grill Placerville. Please come by our friendly self-storage facility and let us know what you think others should shop, dine, and recreate. We'll be happy to hear from you and equally as happy to share your recommendations! See you soon!

Old Town Grill
444 Main Street
Placerville, CA  95667
530-622-2631
Open  Monday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Closed Tuesdays.   
https://otgplacerville.com