Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Sam’s American – San Francisco
Sam's American - San Francisco
Photo from Sam’s American
Sam's American at a glance
San Francisco Civic Center
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 114 of the guests
#613 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#27 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
594
Reviews
82.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great service
- Quality food
- Nice atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Value concerns
- Slow service
The restaurant Sam’s American Eatery is a welcoming American restaurant nestled in the vibrant Civic Center neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a casual meal, whether you’re starting your day or grabbing a quick bite.
Known for its great coffee, this place offers a comfortable atmosphere where you can relax and savor delicious dishes.
Overview: Introducting Sam's American
Sam’s American offers a generally positive dining experience, with many guests appreciating the attentive service and well-prepared food. The inviting ambience also contributes to a pleasant visit, making it a comfortable spot for many diners.
However, while the overall experience is often praised, some guests have found the value to be inconsistent, with certain menu items not quite meeting expectations for their price point. Despite these minor concerns, the restaurant maintains a welcoming atmosphere.
Good
8
out of 10
594
Reviews
82.7%
Satisfaction
67
negative
36
neutral
491
positive
Sam’s American earns a solid 8 out of 10 for its overall performance, backed by a strong 82.7% customer satisfaction rate. This positive reception is built on 594 customer remarks, with 491 positive comments significantly outweighing the 67 negative ones.
Guests consistently praise the exceptional Service (8.3) and the quality of the Food (8), which stand out as key strengths. The inviting Ambience (8) also contributes significantly to the pleasant dining experience.
However, the Value (6.7) score indicates that while many find the pricing fair, some feel certain dishes are a bit expensive. This balanced feedback suggests a generally satisfying visit, with minor areas for improvement.
What people like
- Attentive, friendly service
- Consistently good food
- Pleasant, clean ambience
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value for money
- Occasional slow service
- Cramped seating/decor issues
Sam’s American presents a compelling option for those seeking a reliable meal with excellent hospitality. With a strong 8.3 recommendation score, it’s particularly suited for diners who prioritize attentive staff and a comfortable setting.
While some menu items might not always hit the mark, the overall experience is generally positive. Consider Sam’s American for a casual outing where good service and a welcoming atmosphere are key.
Just be mindful that while many dishes are well-received, a few might not offer the best value. It’s a solid choice for a dependable meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sam's American
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8 and satisfying 82.8% of customers. With 264 positive remarks out of 319 total comments, diners frequently rave about the rich flavors, huge portions, and creative takes on classic dishes, alongside a variety of fusion options that keep things exciting. However, 38 negative comments point to some areas for improvement.
A few guests found certain items like the veggie scramble to be undercooked or bland, while others felt specific dishes such as the pesto pasta or chicken sandwich were underwhelming.
Food
319
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
38
negative
17
neutral
264
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Rich flavors abound
- Generous portion sizes
- Creative menu options
What people don't like
- Some dishes bland
- Occasional undercooked items
- Few underwhelming choices
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive. While the food was a little pricy, it was good. The service and staff were really awesome.
- breakfastbest breakfast of our trip
- fish and chipsI ordered the fish and chips, my husband had a burger. Both were solid.
- FoodIt is a fabulous neighborhood place and dining spot before shows at the Orpheus Theatre. Our experience was excellent, with top-notch food, impeccable service, and a wonderful atmosphere.
- burgersThe meatloaf and burgers were moist, tender and flavorful
- chicken and wafflesWe ate here for breakfast and absolutely loved the food. My kids had chicken and waffles, I had chicken sausage eggs benedict, and my wife had avocado toast. Everything was great, no complaints.
- coffeeWhen you are in San Francisco, you must go to Sam's Diner! I have never had better coffee. The Service, Atmosphere, and Food were all outstanding, receiving a perfect 5/5 rating across the board.
- kimchi fried riceSam's kimchi fried rice and brussel sprouts are to DIE for
- French toastthe French toast. All of it was very tasty
- mealevery meal we ordered tasted like made by an angel
Frequently criticized
- friesfries were ok but did not taste of duck fat (or where crisp)
- wafflesthe waffles didn't meet our expectations
- American cheeseonly actually give you American cheese until you send your order back
- Americanotheir Americano might disappoint
- FoodFood was mediocre
- Hamilton menudon't have that special Hamilton menu pictured
- Loco MocoThe dish was very bland.
- Moco LocoI got the moco loco which is not very good
- animal mistreatmentsupports the mistreatment of animals for her own capitalistic greed
- bacon and hash-brownsMy wife’s bacon and hash-browns were a bit overcooked
If you're looking for a meal with plenty of rich flavors and generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a try, offering a diverse menu with many standout dishes. Just be aware that a few specific items might not always live up to the overall high standard.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 84.2%. With 112 positive remarks out of 133 total comments, guests frequently praise the friendly staff, attentive servers, and quick service, often highlighting individuals by name for their exceptional hospitality. However, a few experiences suggest there's room for improvement, with 13 negative comments mentioning issues like occasional slow service, long waiting times, or a confusing reservation process.
While these instances are less common, they point to areas where consistency could be tightened up.
Service
133
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
13
negative
8
neutral
112
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Long waiting times
- Confusing reservations
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was phenomenal! I had a great time enjoying the great food, excellent service, and a very clean environment. I absolutely love eating here and would 10/10 recommend it to both locals and tourists alike.
- staffThe food was excellent, and the staff were incredibly wonderful. I truly enjoyed the meal and appreciated the workers. You really can't go wrong eating here.
- ServiceIt is a fabulous neighborhood place and dining spot before shows at the Orpheus Theatre. Our experience was excellent, with top-notch food, impeccable service, and a wonderful atmosphere.
- reservationsMake reservations the place is small but accommodating.
- serverseveryone from the servers to the cooks clearly take great pride
- chefThe chef was kind enough to allow me to order off the menu.
- foodbrought out all our food so quick
- hostThe enthusiastic and friendly host checked on us several times
- wait staffThe chimichurri was fresh and delightful. We enjoyed our trip, and the wait staff were so kind and attentive. Definitely worth the trip!
- welcomewe felt very welcome here
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhen they asked how our visit was still didn't offer to make it right
- appetizerour appetizer went to the table next to us
- avoid a waitThe food is traditional diner fare, and the portions were decent. I'd advise either making reservations or arriving super early to avoid a wait, as it's a popular and not very large establishment.
- force somebody to do order fasthe can’t force somebody to do order fast
- guy on the frontThe guy on the front need some manners how to treat someone
- menu item 86'dDisappointed to hear that there was a menu item 86'd
- refillsowner had to look at my table to decide if the give refills or not.
- reservation processthe reservation process is confusing.
- service was a little slowService was a little slow
- waitWe waited about an hour for our food
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and efficient service, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. While there might be an occasional hiccup with wait times, the overwhelmingly positive experiences suggest youll likely be well taken care of.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youll likely be greeted by a really pleasant vibe! With a good score of 8 and a strong good customer satisfaction of 86.7%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Out of 113 observations, 98 praised the clean restaurant, pleasant decor, and cozy American eatery feel, often bathed in natural light.
However, a few of the 10 negative comments mentioned concerns like a weird smell, fake plants, or even a wobbly table. Some also noted issues with loudness when busy. While these are minor points, they're worth keeping in mind.
Ambience
113
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
10
negative
5
neutral
98
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean and cozy
- Pleasant decor
- Great location
What people don't like
- Lingering smells
- Fake plants
- Can be loud
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was primarily driven by its great location, especially for those planning to see a show at the Orpheum and wanting a meal beforehand. The place itself is very clean with a nice atmosphere, and the staff was notably friendly. For those attending a show, I'd recommend arriving at least an hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes prior to ensure ample dining time.
- placeAfter a long day, we were happy to find this simple, quick, and delicious little place. An excellent 'Angus' burger with a good beer.
- AtmosphereIt is a fabulous neighborhood place and dining spot before shows at the Orpheus Theatre. Our experience was excellent, with top-notch food, impeccable service, and a wonderful atmosphere.
- decorSuper cute and modern decor! Cute home-like ambiance
- locationThis restaurant is conveniently located near Civic Station. It opens early and offers delicious and affordable menu items.
- restaurantI discovered a sort of hidden gem! I walked in expecting a simple diner but was genuinely impressed with a super high quality sit down restaurant. The food was incredible, the service was great, and the prices were good.
- ambianceCute home-like ambiance and very clean
- environmentfood nicely kept and decorated environment.
- interiorthe interior was so cute
- accessible streetvery nice place in a very accessible street
Frequently criticized
- parkingDue to being on Market street, there isn’t any parking
- decorthe decor inside is uninspired and tacky
- fake plantsAll of the fake plants made my allergies flare up
- loudnessthere’s a big group in the dining room, too loud
- racial biasCheck your race at the door before you enter.
- seating areasseating areas are crammed and kind of clasophobic
- soap-detergent smellthere was a lingering soap-detergent smell.
- weird smellit smelled a bit weird
- wobbly tableThe table was pretty wobbly
Overall, if youre looking for a clean, cozy, and well-located spot with a generally pleasant vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a few minor quirks like occasional smells or noise might pop up, but they dont seem to detract much from the overall positive experience.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found the experience quite positive, with a decent score of 6.7. About 17 positive remarks out of 29 total highlight that guests appreciate the reasonably priced and budget-friendly dining options. Theres a general sense of affordability and feeling that its worth it for what you get.
However, the customer satisfaction for value is a bit mixed at 58.6%, with 6 negative comments suggesting some concerns. A few felt it was pricy or on the expensive side, questioning the price level for certain dishes. Some experiences left guests feeling that the cost didn't quite match the quality or portion size.
Value
29
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
6
negative
6
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices are fair
- Budget-friendly options
- Good overall value
What people don't like
- Some items pricy
- Quality can disappoint
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this diner was very positive. It's a nice clean diner with fasts friendly service and decent prices. The food was good, and I especially enjoyed the Chicken and waffles, which were great!
- pricethe price is an incredible bargain
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- affordabilityfriendly, affordable.
- budget-friendly diningBudget friendly dining
- discountget a 20% off discount
- good pricesgood prices
- reasonably pricedThe chilaquiles were mind blowingly good. The staff were helpful and polite, and the restaurant was reasonably priced. I’ll definitely be coming back the next time I’m in town!
- worth itThe food also arrived pretty quick. While the food prices are typical for San Francisco, meaning they are a little on the high side, it's worth it.
Frequently criticized
- priceHowever, the food, particularly the chicken club sandwich I ordered, was a significant letdown. For a $20 sandwich, I expected much more. The chicken patty was disappointingly thin, barely half an inch tall, and felt lost within the sandwich.
- bottom dollarworried about her bottom dollar than the animals harmed
- capitalistic greedmistreatment of animals for her own capitalistic greed
- price levelfor the price level your better elseware
- pricesOn the more expensive side
Overall, the value here is a bit of a mixed bag. If youre looking for budget-friendly dining and stick to the well-regarded, reasonably priced options, youll likely find it worth it. However, be mindful that some items might feel a little pricy for what you receive, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at Sam's American?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 114 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests spend right around this average, with the largest group falling into the $21–$30 range. We also see a good number of diners spending a bit less, in the $11–$20 bracket, and a few opting for a more premium experience.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 114 most recent reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an American Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, making it accessible for many.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sam's American
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Fabulous Brunch Experience!
This place is so cute! We came in for brunch and the food was FABULOUS! The service, atmosphere, and the meal were top notch.
I would highly recommend!
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Pre-Show Meal Near Orpheum
My experience at this restaurant was very positive, especially for a pre-show meal before heading to the Orpheum Theater. The food was good, and the service was friendly. We enjoyed a shared beet salad, Caesar salad, and the Honey Glazed Korean Fried Chicken, which was a surprisingly generous portion, including a half chicken with mashed potatoes and veggies.
The skin was nice and crispy, making it a great dish for those who are hungry. Others at our table ordered pasta and also enjoyed their meals. We finished with a pecan pie that was softer than expected.
I would definitely go back again. It's strongly suggested to make reservations on show nights due to the convenient location.
- food8
- service8
- location8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Phenomenal Brunch Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely phenomenal. The pork belly Benedict was extremely flavorful, and the shineji mushroom omelette was full of umami. The chimichurri was fresh and delightful.
We enjoyed our trip, and the wait staff were so kind and attentive. Definitely worth the trip!
- pork belly Benedict10
- shineji mushroom omelette10
- chimichurri9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Great Breakfast and Service
My experience at this restaurant was a great breakfast with great service. It truly felt like an oasis, offering a welcome escape from the surrounding grime, smells, and chaos of the Civic Center.
- breakfast9
- service9
- oasis8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Good sandwich, struggling service
I had a truly good sandwich, fried chicken I believe. I felt sorry for the waiter as he was by himself and had to serve everyone!
- sandwich9
- fried chicken9
- waiter4
What Sam's American offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Brunch reservations recommended
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and meal times does Sam's American Eatery provide?
At Sam’s American Eatery, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, along with delicious desserts. You can choose to dine-in with comfortable seating and table service, or opt for convenient delivery. Catering services are also available for your special events.
Does Sam's American Eatery cater to specific dietary needs?
Yes, Sam’s American Eatery offers a thoughtful selection for various dietary preferences. You’ll find appealing vegan options and vegetarian options on their menu. For those who prioritize natural ingredients, they also feature organic dishes, ensuring there’s something wholesome for everyone to enjoy.
What is the overall verdict for Sam's American?
Sam’s American receives an overall score of 8, with high marks for Service (8.3), Food (8), and Ambience (8). Value (6.7) is seen as good but has some mixed feedback.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Sam's American?
Guests frequently praise the friendly and efficient service, the quality of the food, including items like chicken and waffles, and the clean, inviting ambience.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Sam's American?
Some customers have noted concerns regarding the value of certain dishes, occasional slow service, and aspects of the ambience like cramped seating or uninspired decor.