Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Sammy’s – San Francisco
Sammy's - San Francisco
Photo from Sammy’s
Sammy's at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 47 of the guests
#586 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#48 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
291
Reviews
86.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The cafe Sammy’s, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood, is your ideal spot for a delightful break. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing coffee.
Renowned for its great coffee, this charming cafe offers a welcoming space where you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, or lunch. With convenient service options like dine-in, takeout, and delivery, Sammy’s Cafe ensures a pleasant visit.
Overview: Introducting Sammy's
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
291
Reviews
86.9%
Satisfaction
33
negative
5
neutral
253
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sammy's
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot truly shines with an 8.5 score and an impressive 93% customer satisfaction! Out of 158 comments, a whopping 147 rave about the delicious offerings. Guests consistently praise the fantastic variety of sandwiches, from breakfast to deli, along with tasty burritos and fresh, quality food.
Don't miss the excellent coffee and delightful Turkish Delight! However, not every bite was perfect, with 10 comments noting some hiccups. A few experiences mentioned a wrong sandwich order or burnt bread, and some found the overall food quality to be subpar.
There were also a couple of remarks about the coffee being unremarkable, suggesting it might not always hit the mark for everyone.
Food
158
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
147
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Great breakfast options
- Fresh food quality
What people don't like
- Wrong orders
- Burnt bread
- Subpar food
Often praised
- foodThey offer a great variety of food, including bagel sandwiches, club sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, and burritos. The price was good, and the food was great. If you are exploring the area or need a quick, worthwhile lunch stop, this is definitely a place to buy a sandwich.
- coffeeI asked him to customize my hash brown burrito with avocado, and he actually came outside to show me if the amount was enough or if I wanted more. He even asked me to taste my coffee to see if I’d like an extra shot added. Such thoughtfulness and care are rare these days—shops like this are a real gem!
- sandwichesthe sandwiches here are what all sandwiches should be!
- breakfast burritoand a breakfast burrito the second time. Both were delicious and the burrito was wrapped in a way that you'd get a taste of everything in each bite.
- breakfast sandwichessome of the best breakfast sandwiches in the city
- sandwichMy experience at Sammy's was a pleasant surprise. It's a chill place to get a very good sandwich. Most sandwich shops tend to be forgettable and serve the purpose of filling your tummy without delighting your taste buds much.
- breakfastI found a bunch of options in the menu, and I was particularly impressed with the great sandwiches and great prices. I really enjoyed my breakfast.
- bagelthe bagel we ordered was freshly prepared
- breakfast burritostwo fat breakfast burritos with turkey sausage and cheddar. Pretty good
- breakfast sandwichthe croissant and breakfast sandwich were wonderful
Frequently criticized
- coffeehusband didnt like the coffee
- foodThe workers were nice, which was a positive aspect of the service. However, there was nothing to recommend food-wise, especially considering the abundance of better options nearby on Polk Street. The coffee also fell into this category of being unremarkable.
- breakfast sandwichesThe breakfast sandwiches can be skipped
- burnt breadother had burnt bread
- offeringappalling offering of the holiday inn nearby
- sandwich shopsIt's a chill place to get a very good sandwich. Most sandwich shops tend to be forgettable and serve the purpose of filling your tummy without delighting your taste buds much. Sammy's however, attends to both the stomach and the palate.
- sandwich was wrongone of the sandwiches was wrong
- subparFood was subpar
If youre looking for a place with consistently delicious sandwiches, hearty breakfast options, and a high chance of a great meal, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor issues like wrong orders or unremarkable coffee have been noted, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely leave satisfied and well-fed.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and a customer satisfaction rate of 73.9%, its clear many folks have had good experiences. Out of 69 total remarks, 51 were positive, often praising the speed and staff for their attention into each sandwich and overall customer service.
Guests frequently highlight the friendly, accommodating, and quick interactions. However, its not always perfect, as 17 negative remarks point out. Some guests have encountered issues like long waiting time and speed is extremely slow, along with an attitude of the cashier that left a bad taste.
There are also instances of order was wrong and unpleasant greetings, suggesting some inconsistency in the service experience.
Service
69
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
17
negative
1
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Personalized customer care
- Generally fast service
What people don't like
- Slow service speed
- Unpleasant staff attitude
- Incorrect orders given
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food and great service. The prices were also good, especially considering the location on Polk.
- staffThis was my first time visiting Sammy’s, and he’s truly someone who makes you start your day with a smile! I asked him to customize my hash brown burrito with avocado, and he actually came outside to show me if the amount was enough or if I wanted more.
- ownerThe owner is super nice
- owner and staffThe owner and staff are incredibly friendly
- waitA few minutes' wait for the quality is totally worth it.
- ServiceService:5
- StaffStaff were so friendly
- accommodated to my questions and needsThe food was delicious and also reasonably priced, offering great value. What truly stood out was the perfect service; they not only delivered the food to my table but also attentively accommodated to my questions and needs. It's a place I'd highly recommend, especially for vegetarians, as they have a dedicated menu section.
- attention into each sandwichputs a lot of attention into each sandwich
- cashierThe service was exceptional. My kid always takes a little longer to order, and I didn't feel like he was rushed by the cashier, which is always nice. The Turkish Delight we tried was yummy 😋.
Frequently criticized
- workersworkers kept looking at me like if I didn't belong
- attitude of the cashierattitude of the cashier just put such bad taste
- cashiershe sassily answered
- curt responsesMy experiences at the "new" Sammy's Cafe have been consistently disappointing. On my first two visits, I encountered an unpleasant greeting, or sometimes no greeting at all, followed by curt responses. Despite there not being a line, the food took extremely long to prepare, even with only two people working in the kitchen.
- food took extremely longOn my first two visits, I encountered an unpleasant greeting, or sometimes no greeting at all, followed by curt responses. Despite there not being a line, the food took extremely long to prepare, even with only two people working in the kitchen. Today was the final straw.
- menushe didn't know the menu when asked what bread there was
- open earlierI wish they were open earlier
- order was wrongmy order was wrong
- serviceIt’s not a place for service
- service was unpleasantAfter three attempts, I will not be returning. The food was subpar, the service was unpleasant, and the speed is extremely slow for the price.
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive staff, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware that on occasion, you might encounter slower service or minor order mix-ups, so its best to go when youre not in a rush.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot really shines! With a fantastic score of 8.1 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 91.3%, it's clear most folks love the atmosphere. Out of 46 comments, a whopping 42 rave about the cozy atmosphere, warm, inviting vibe, and impressive cleanliness, often highlighting its great location and authentic feel.
However, a few of the 46 opinions did mention some minor drawbacks. Just 3 comments noted that it could get a bit warm inside, and some felt the presence of TVs made the place feel a little lowbrow, which might detract from the overall ambiance for certain visitors.
Ambience
46
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
- Clean and fresh
- Great location
What people don't like
- Can be warm
- TVs feel lowbrow
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was delightful. The place itself was really cute on the inside, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The food was delicious and also reasonably priced, offering great value.
- placeI had a great breakfast sandwich on a croissant, and the breakfast burrito and smoothie were also really good. The place itself is clean and comfortable, and the staff were friendly and kind!
- insideThey also offer yummy desserts and smoothies that I love. The interior is super clean and cozy, and the staff are really nice. It's the perfect place to grab breakfast or just hang out with friends.
- quietquiet and in a great location
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- San Franciscan vibeI ordered the pastrami sandwich, my friend ordered a veggie bagel with a very berry smoothie, and her mom ordered an egg and cheese bagel. We felt the San Franciscan vibe and it reminded us of European cities. If you are looking for a vibe like that, and a place to enjoy sandwiches 🥪, salads 🥗, bagels 🥯, and more, check it out :)
- WiFiSecure WiFi
- areaArea feels safe enough
- authentic feelMy experience at this lovely casual café was a positive one. It has an old authentic feel and the staff were very friendly. They served me an awesome large mug of coffee Mocha and a delicious rapidly served hot sandwich.
- chill placeA chill place
Frequently criticized
- TVsTVs make the place feel lowbrow
- atmosphereIt’s not a place for atmosphere
- warm insideThe café offers secure WiFi, is easily accessible for those who physically need it, and has very comfy seating with a bit of a window view. My only complaints were that it was very warm inside and a little pricy, but otherwise, I would recommend it 😸.
If youre looking for a cozy, clean spot with a great vibe to relax or catch up with friends, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it might get a little warm sometimes, and the TVs might not be everyones cup of tea, but these are minor points against an overwhelmingly positive atmosphere.
Value (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a good 72.2%, many folks are happy with what they get for their money. Out of 18 opinions, 13 rave about the great price-performance ratio, affordability, and fair pricing, often noting theres no price gouge here.
Youll find plenty of praise for the decent and great prices. However, a few voices (3, to be exact) did mention that it felt a little pricy or that the cost was their only complaint. While the overall sentiment is positive, it's worth noting that a small number of customers found it to be on the pricier side, even if the food was still great.
Value
18
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great price-performance ratio
- Excellent affordability
- Fair pricing
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this spot was super tasty with great prices. The people working there were nice, and I love this place.
- priceThe place itself was really cute on the inside, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The food was delicious and also reasonably priced, offering great value. What truly stood out was the perfect service; they not only delivered the food to my table but also attentively accommodated to my questions and needs.
- affordabilityIt's affordable in comparison to the other places in the area
- price gougeI work right by here and go here often. These guys really do a good business - the menu is extensive and the sandwiches are always great - all without the seemingly obligatory SF price gouge.
- price-performance ratioPrice-performance ratio fits too
- pricingpricing was extremely great for value
Frequently criticized
- costMy only complaint was the cost
- priceyIf you’re too hustled and bustled out by the glitz and bland of downtown San Francisco, head on over to this quaint little shop and enjoy a delicious breakfast burrito. While pricey, the place was quiet and the food tasted great.
- pricya little pricy
If youre looking for a place that generally offers good bang for your buck, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Most customers find the pricing fair and the value excellent, though a small minority felt it was a bit expensive. Overall, youre likely to leave feeling satisfied with what you paid.
How are the prices at Sammy's?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 47 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners keep their spending within the 1 – 20 $ range, clustering nicely around the average, though a few folks do opt for something a bit more premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 47 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Cafe in San Francisco, especially given the general spending patterns we see. It offers good value for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sammy's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Service and Delicious Food!
This was my first time visiting Sammy’s, and he’s truly someone who makes you start your day with a smile! I asked him to customize my hash brown burrito with avocado, and he actually came outside to show me if the amount was enough or if I wanted more. He even asked me to taste my coffee to see if I’d like an extra shot added.
Such thoughtfulness and care are rare these days—shops like this are a real gem!
- hash brown burrito9
- avocado9
- coffee9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Best Sandwiches in Town!
As a recent transplant to the city, I've been on the hunt for a great cafe/deli. So far, Sammys cafe has served up the best sandwiches I've tasted. While you might need a bit of patience due to limited staff and busy periods, the wait is worth it!
- sandwiches10
- wait8
- workers4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Cozy Spot for Breakfast and Hangouts
My experience at Sammy's Café was incredibly positive. It's a nice and chill breakfast spot with always fresh food. I particularly enjoyed their sandwiches, which were really good.
They also offer yummy desserts and smoothies that I love. The interior is super clean and cozy, and the staff are really nice. It's the perfect place to grab breakfast or just hang out with friends.
- food9
- sandwiches8
- desserts9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Breakfast Sandwich & Service
My experience was fantastic! I had an "Eggselent" breakfast sandwich featuring ham, cheese, and egg on a croissant. Despite a minor mishap on our part, the staff "immediately took care of us.
" I would have taken a picture, but I ate it too fast!
- ham, cheese, and egg croissant breakfast sandwich10
- staff10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Sammy's Cafe: Great Vibes and Coffee
My experience at Sammy's Cafe was fantastic! I loved the great vibes and the amazing coffee. The friendliest service made it my go-to spot in San Francisco.
- vibes10
- coffee10
- service10
What Sammy's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Sammy's Cafe accessible for all guests?
Yes, Sammy’s Cafe is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What dining options and amenities does Sammy's Cafe offer for families and pet owners?
Sammy’s Cafe welcomes families with a kids’ menu, high chairs, and is generally good for kids. If you’re bringing your furry friend, dogs are allowed outside, making it a great spot for everyone.