Highlights
- Sports
- Great tea selection
oChef » Sam’s – Seattle
Sam's - Seattle
Photo from Sam’s
Sam's at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 43 of the guests
#502 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#23 Japanese Restaurant out of 47 in Seattle
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
284
Reviews
71.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh food
- Friendly service
- Cozy ambience
Frequently criticized
- Service delays
- Loud ambience
- Roll construction
The restaurant Sam’s, a Japanese Restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood, offers you a unique dining experience. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious sushi and more.
It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a place with a lively sports vibe, making it ideal for catching a game while savoring your meal. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a full dinner, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Sam's
Sam’s offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its cozy atmosphere and a convenient location. Many appreciate the overall cleanliness and the friendly demeanor of the staff, contributing to a welcoming environment.
However, some guests have noted concerns regarding the atmosphere, citing issues like loud noise or uninspiring music. While the food quality is often highlighted, there are occasional remarks about inconsistent preparation or perceived high price for certain items.
Good
7.3
out of 10
284
Reviews
71.8%
Satisfaction
67
negative
13
neutral
204
positive
Sam’s generally receives positive feedback, reflected in its solid Restaurant Score of 7.3. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 71.8%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
Out of 284 customer comments, 204 were positive, while 67 expressed concerns, painting a picture of a place that largely meets expectations. Diving deeper, the Food (7.8) stands out as a strong point, frequently praised for its quality and freshness.
Service (7.5) also performs well, with staff often described as friendly and efficient. However, the Ambience (6) and Value (6.5) are perceived as more average, suggesting areas where experiences can be a bit more mixed for diners.
What people like
- Fresh, quality food
- Friendly, attentive service
- Cozy, clean atmosphere
What people don't like
- Service delays/lapses
- Ambience noise/music
- Poorly constructed rolls
Sam’s presents a generally positive dining option, particularly if you prioritize fresh ingredients and a welcoming staff. With a solid Recommendation Score of 7.9, it’s clear many patrons find it a worthwhile visit, especially for its core offerings.
If you’re seeking a reliable spot for good food and service, Sam’s is worth considering. However, be mindful of potential variations in the dining atmosphere and occasional preparation issues.
It’s a place that delivers on its strengths, but manage expectations for consistency in all areas.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sam's
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 77.2%, many diners rave about the delicious sushi, excellent calamari, and fresh fish. You'll often find generous portions and big rolls, making for a satisfying meal, as noted in 115 positive remarks out of 149 total.
However, not every dish is a home run. Some experiences mention issues with the rice tasting stale, rolls falling apart, or even concerns about fish quality, with a few instances of partially frozen items. These points, found in 26 negative comments, suggest that consistency can sometimes be a challenge.
Food
149
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
26
negative
8
neutral
115
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh quality sushi
- Excellent calamari
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Poor fish quality
- Stale rice
- Rolls fall apart
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to significant discrepancies in pricing. While the food was good, the prices charged were different from what was listed on the menu. When I brought this to the attention of the first staff member, they said they would check but never returned.
- sushiAnd every time I end up disappointed and regretting ordering from anywhere else, because nobody matches the quality of Sam’s sushi. Sam’s sushi are the best in the city. Original review: Good quality sushi, cozy atmosphere, fast and friendly service 🥰
- food qualityDELICIOUS food!!! Highly impressed with the quality
- bento boxI got a bento box.
- fishthe fish is always delicious, fresh, or extra fresh
- rollssuggest getting their rolls over the nigiri
- sushi placemy fav sushi place in seattle
- Seattle RollHowever, the Unakyu didn't hold together very well and was difficult to eat, with the barbecue eel tasting strange. The Seattle Roll was good. Overall, it's a good sushi spot, but there are cheaper and better-tasting options close by.
- Seattle rollBruce Lee, Dynamite, Seattle, and King Kong rolls are all standout choices
- menumenu is clearly marked for folxs with allergies
Frequently criticized
- fishOne piece of fish was still partially frozen
- portion sizehoping to get more than just 5 pieces of a roll
- rollsThe rolls while flavorful were poorly constructed and falling apart
- Ballard rollhoping to get more than just 5 pieces of a roll for $12
- Crunch Rollforgot the Crunch Roll, so it never arrived
- UnakyuThe Unakyu didn't hold together very well
- ballard plateI got the ballard plate. It smelled and tasted bad
- barbecue eelthe barbecue eel tasted strange
- bluefin tuna nigiriSame problem with the bluefin tuna nigiri and the toro nigiri -- very stringy and chewy
- fish tasted oldIt smelled and tasted bad, and was the lowest quality fish I've ever had. The rice tasted stale and the fish tasted old and soggy. I tried to force myself to eat it, but I couldn't.
If youre looking for a place with generally good sushi and tasty calamari, its definitely worth a try. While there might be occasional inconsistencies with certain items, the overall positive feedback suggests you'll likely enjoy a fresh and satisfying meal.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.5 and a solid customer satisfaction of 74.6%. Out of 59 comments, a strong 44 praise the team, often highlighting the friendly and attentive staff who provide great service thats often quick. However, not everyone had a perfect experience, with 12 comments pointing out areas for improvement.
Some felt the service was lacking or even unprofessional, with instances of bad customer service and feeling rushed' during their meal. It seems consistency could be a focus.
Service
59
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Lacking service
- Unprofessional conduct
- Feeling rushed
Often praised
- serviceI would recommend getting their rolls over the nigiri. It's a casual spot with decent seating options and fast service. I visited on a Monday night, so I can't comment on peak days or hours.
- staffWe arrived around 7 PM on a Saturday, and despite it being busy, we were seated immediately. The staff was polite, and our rolls arrived in about 10 minutes. The rolls themselves were decent.
- serverthe server was incredibly kind
- ServiceService:5
- attentive staffWe were immediately seated and provided with waters and menus. The staff struck a nice balance of being attentive and ready to take our order without making us feel rushed, which was appreciated given the late hour. The food was very, very good.
- cash paymentpay and tip in CASH. (That's how you make friends in the business)
- family owned businessFamily owned business. Very friendly.
- friendlyVery friendly
- great serviceGreat service when open for dine in.
- ladiesThis is a place my family heads to when it's Sushi Time! The ladies are very kind and the service is effortless. The food is great.
Frequently criticized
- servicetook them a very long time to get to our table
- chopsticksHowever, the service aspect was lacking. I was not offered a napkin, nor was I offered chopsticks.
- customer servicebad customer service
- first personpointed it out to the first person, they said they would check on it and never came back
- mealtried to finish our meal twice
- napkinHowever, the service aspect was lacking. I was not offered a napkin, nor was I offered chopsticks.
- pickup onlyit's pickup only
- professionalismIt’s very unprofessional
- rushedwere rushed the whole time
- second personpointed it out again to the second person they said it was because the price of fish went up and seemed unconcerned
Overall, the service here leans heavily positive, making it a good bet if you value a friendly and efficient dining experience. While a few hiccups exist, the majority of diners leave happy, so it's definitely worth trying for yourself.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
The ambience here presents a bit of a mixed bag, earning an average 6 with a mixed 56.3% customer satisfaction. Out of 48 comments, 27 highlighted positive aspects. Many loved the atmosphere and vibe, often describing it as cozy and clean.
Reviewers appreciated the nice bar, seating options, and great location, making it a welcoming spot. However, 19 comments pointed out areas for improvement. Some found the atmosphere sucks due to sad movie soundtracks or loud pop music.
Concerns included the restaurants size, limited seating, and hard to find parking, which could lead to a stressful experience. The cold AC and noise' from other guests were also noted.
Ambience
48
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
19
negative
2
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, clean atmosphere
- Good location
- Wheelchair accessible
What people don't like
- Loud music/noise
- Limited seating
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereSam’s sushi are the best in the city. Original review: Good quality sushi, cozy atmosphere, fast and friendly service 🥰
- locationa convenient downtown location
- restaurantthe restaurant is very high quality
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- COVID safetyfeel very safe from COVID here even in 2022
- barNice bar
- cleanVery clean
- cozyMy experience at Sam's Sushi Bar & Grill in Ballard, Seattle, was fantastic! It's a cozy, family-run gem with some of the best sushi around. I highly recommend the Bruce Lee, Dynamite, Seattle, and King Kong rolls – they are all standout choices.
- cozy atmosphereCozy atmosphere, not too cramped.
- family-owned restaurantGreat, family-owned restaurant.
Frequently criticized
- musicthe music. Their particular selection that night could put a caffeinated squirrel to sleep.
- atmosphereAtmosphere sucks
- cold ACfreezing with the AC blowing on us
- dining atmospherethe dining atmosphere sucks
- dining roomdining room isn't open yet
- experienceIt made for a stressful and overwhelming experience
- hygiene issuesI had to spit it out. This place has serious hygiene issues. Avoid at all costs!
- inside appearancekinda on the inside too
- limited seatingThe menu offered many choices, and the purple rice and chicken teriyaki I ordered was absolutely delicious. However, the restaurant's size is small with limited seating, and as is common in Seattle, finding parking was a challenge.
- noiseThe noise from other guests echos
If youre seeking a cozy, clean spot with a good location and dont mind potential issues with music or seating, it could be a pleasant visit. However, be prepared for possible parking challenges and a potentially noisy environment, which might detract from the overall experience.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners feel theyre getting a fair deal here! With 18 positive remarks out of 28 total, guests often praise the "right price, " "affordability, " and "good value" for the quality. The overall score for value sits at a respectable 6.5, indicating a generally positive perception, especially for the sushi.
However, its not all smooth sailing, as 10 negative comments point to some concerns. Terms like overpriced and expensive cocktails pop up, with some guests feeling the price was a sad waste of money for the quality or noting discrepancies. Customer satisfaction for value is a mixed 64.3%, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency.
Value
28
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for money
- Reasonable sushi prices
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Overpriced menu items
- Price discrepancies
- Perceived waste of money
Often praised
- priceI found it to be a great place with amazingly fresh fish. The sushi was delicious and also very reasonably priced. It's a family owned business and the staff were very friendly.
- pricesThe fish tasted great, and the portions were generous. It's a great no-frills sushi place for a tasty meal, especially considering the reasonable prices.
- pricingI loved that they consistently offer fresh quality sushi. The pricing is very fair, making it a great value. Additionally, the staff were very friendly, which added to the overall positive experience.
- $6Exclusive lobster Nigri $6!
- affordabilityvery affordable
- cheaper optionsthere are cheaper options closeby
- good valuegood value for money spent.
- price for qualityMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's easily the best price for quality of sushi I've found. The staff were extremely friendly, attentive, and efficient.
- right priceat the right price
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was that it's a great value for the price. It's a super casual spot that offers decent sushi, with a vibe very much like a sports bar.
Frequently criticized
- pricePrice feels a bit high for the quality of food
- Uber eatsprices were all different in each place
- expensive cocktailsThe staff were extremely friendly, attentive, and efficient. This has become me and my son's top sushi spot, especially because it's without all the expensive cocktails and overpriced menu.
- menuprices were all different in each place
- overpricedstill feel like it may be overpriced cause it could have had more
- overpriced menuThe staff were extremely friendly, attentive, and efficient. This has become me and my son's top sushi spot, especially because it's without all the expensive cocktails and overpriced menu.
- pricesthe prices they charged me were different from the price on the menu
- sad waste of moneySad waste of money
- websiteprices were all different in each place
If you're looking for reasonably priced sushi and good value, this spot often delivers. However, be mindful of potential price inconsistencies or higher costs for certain menu items like cocktails, which might make it feel less like a bargain for some.
How are the prices at Sam's?
You’re looking at roughly 37 per person – reported by 43 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 37 $, a good chunk of guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $21–$30 range. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more casual bites to slightly more indulgent meals.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 43 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, for a Japanese restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers flexibility, allowing guests to enjoy a meal without necessarily breaking the bank, while also having options for those who want to spend a little more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sam's
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Absolutely Love This Sushi Spot!
I absolutely love sushi 🍣! If I could eat sushi every day, I would. I love that I can stuff my face without guilt.
This is a place my family heads to when it's Sushi Time! The ladies are very kind and the service is effortless. The food is great.
I'm satisfied. Now I want sushi, but it's 10: 30 pm, so I'll have to wait until tomorrow. Thank you, Sam, for being so nearby.
See you soon!
- sushi10
- service9
- food9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Affordable Sushi with a Few Hiccups
My experience at this restaurant offered a great balance of affordability and delicious sushi. The extensive menu provided a wide variety of offerings, and we enjoyed sharing nigiri and four rolls. On the downside, some of the nigiri pieces were still a bit frozen, and the cold AC made the indoor dining area quite chilly on a cool day.
While our server was kind, the service was slow due to what seemed like an understaffed restaurant, leading to a less attentive experience than I'm accustomed to. Overall, if you're seeking an affordable and delicious sushi option, I'd recommend this place, perhaps even considering takeout.
- affordability9
- sushi9
- extensive menu8
- nigiri3
- cold AC4
- service3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Massive Cali Crunch Roll Delight!
My experience with this restaurant was for take out. I was absolutely amazed by the Cali Crunch Roll; it only had 5 pieces, but each one was MASSSIVE and we loved it. We also ordered the Seattle Roll, which was a more standard sushi size with about 8 pieces.
Both rolls were great.
- Cali Crunch Roll10
- Seattle Roll8
- Both were great9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Favorite Neighborhood Sushi Spot
This is my favorite neighborhood sushi restaurant. The fish is always delicious, fresh, or extra fresh. The sushi is well made, the staff is pleasant, and the restaurant is clean, adorned with beautiful photos of cherry blossoms.
My experience was very positive, highlighting the quality of the food and the welcoming atmosphere.
- fish10
- sushi9
- staff8
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Great Food, Terrible Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The sushi was truly great, earning a perfect score. However, the dining atmosphere was a significant letdown, rated only a 1.
The noise from other guests echoed, the pop music was excessively loud, and the tables were too squished together. This created a stressful and overwhelming experience. I will definitely be opting for takeout next time.
- sushi10
- dining atmosphere1
- noise2
- pop music2
What Sam's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Sam's Sushi Bar & Grill?
At Sam’s Sushi Bar & Grill, you can expect a cozy and casual atmosphere. They offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery services, making it convenient for you. Enjoy lunch, dinner, or dessert with comfortable seating and table service available.
Is Sam's Sushi Bar & Grill accessible and what are the parking options?
Yes, Sam’s Sushi Bar & Grill is fully accessible, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For parking, you’ll find both paid parking lots and free street parking. Be aware that finding a spot can sometimes be somewhat difficult.
What is the overall dining experience like at Sam's?
Sam’s generally offers a good experience with an overall score of **7.3**. Its **Food** (7.8) and **Service** (7.5) are particularly well-regarded, while **Ambience** (6) and **Value** (6.5) are considered average.
Is Sam's a good place for a comfortable meal?
Many customers describe Sam’s as having a **cozy atmosphere** and being very **clean**. However, some have noted issues with noise or music, and limited seating can sometimes be a concern.
How is the food quality and pricing at Sam's?
The food, especially the **fresh fish** and rolls, is often praised for its quality. While many find the pricing **reasonably priced** and a good value, some have experienced discrepancies or felt certain items were overpriced.