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Sam's
Category: Restaurants Canadian (New) Canadian (New) [Edit]
60 Northern Ave(at Courthouse Way)
Boston, MA 02210
Neighbourhoods: Waterfront, South Boston
(617) 295-0191
- Nearest Transit:
-
Northern Ave Opp Federal Court House (4)
Court House Station (inbound) (SL1, SL2, Silver Line)
Sleeper St @ Seaport Blvd (4)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 11 pm
Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
104 reviews for Sam's
Review Highlights
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"Huge wraparound deck with great views of the Boston Harbor." In 18 reviews -
"this new building (louis) is way rad." In 16 reviews -
"...prices (for lunch), with a great view of Boston, and a..." In 5 reviews
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104 reviews in English
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Review from Roxana M.
Medford, MA
5/20/2012
Fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant. My party of 8 were tended to promptly, the atmosphere was great; just the right amount of people in the small space. The view was fantastic and the lighting perfect. Our waitress was so nice and polite. Great service.
The food was just great. Appetizers were a little small for sharing, something they may want to work on. We passed around the hummus (spicy delicious), nuts, calamari, oysters.
Everyone looooved their entree. I had the duck - perfectly cooked and the sausage was spicy. Friend had the side of risotto which was so tasty. Others had the salmon (large portion), scallops (cleaned the plate) and burger (large portion).
For dessert, we intended to share but each were so good we didn't want to in the end. Bread pudding was amazing as well as the panacota.
Drink and wine selection was very good. They have a great bottle of Riesling and the cocktails were strong.
Overall, a great experience! -
Review from Sara M.
5/6/2012
I'm confused by the stellar reviews.
We were seated promptly, water glasses filled, and the waitress walked by at least three times, filled waters, never asking us if we wanted a drink. I finally asked for a drink, and the table ordered
Starters were amazingly small, edamame was 5.00 and could not have contained more than scant cup of pods. Hummus was also tiny. Oysters were delicious, but there's not real magic to keeping them cold and shucking them.
Entrees were small and overpriced. 11.00 for soup? 16 for a burger? I had the chicken and risotto with chantrelles. The chicken was salty and the risotto had some unidentifiable greens in it. Also, there were 2 chantrelles.
I'm no food snob, but I know what I like, and I was disappointed with the food and the service. -
Review from Dennis A.
Revere, MA
3/19/2012
Have only been here for lunch, but I really enjoyed it.
It wasn't nice enough outside to sit on the deck but our table did face the window and the views were great. The menu is somewhat limited but the items themselves are pretty diverse, so it isn't hard to find something that looks appealing. I got the burger, which was much different from what I had expected, but it definitely did not disappoint. I went around 1:00 on a Friday and the place was pretty empty, so we were seated right away. Because of the size, I could see the wait potentially getting a little long on weekends, but I don't know for sure.
All in all it was a very good experience. The service was solid and the food was very good. Definitely a place I will come back to. Hopefully when it's nicer out so I could enjoy the deck. -
Review from Mary C.
Boston, MA
5/16/2012
3 stars for food, 4 stars for view. :)
Food I thought was only mediocre, but the view was gorgeous, and nothing can beat free parking. Though the little lot could probably only fit about 10 cars max it's still a nice gesture for the restaurant to offer guests free parking.
Food was not bad but nothing that screams I want to come back here. My one and only complaint is the drink I ordered. I asked for St. Germain with club soda.... it tasted nothing like St. Germain, no sweetness to it. So I'm not sure what they gave me, but I drank it anyways. -
Review from Abby M.
Manhattan, NY
5/10/2012
Went for brunch. 4 stars instead of 5 only because the menu didn't have a great breakfasty (eggs/bacon) option, and at brunch, I was kind of hoping for that. Went for burgers instead, which were very good. The views are beautiful. The hostess called us a cab and it was very seamless. It was very out of the way so I don't know if I'll be back but I am glad we went. GREAT views of downtown/harbor.
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Review from Jolene S.
4/29/2012
I love this place. Great service and food on the patio for late night dining. I am a germ-o-phobe and hate eating outside, but the deck here is clean, the view is great, the food (including small plates + drinks + dessert) is A-mazing! Great for a ladies' night out or sit-down with close friends/family. Recommend the chips with hummus, haricots verts, chai tea, edamame, and bread pudding. The bread is very yummy too. No minuses to report (they even bring blankets if it gets cold outside). Just go and experience Sam's (over Luis Boston) for yourself.
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Review from Daphné A.
Cambridge, MA
3/26/2012
Had lunch there as a group. The place is good for group! quick service, very efficient for lunchtime when we are in a rush. I very much like the food: had chicken breast in herb. Light, tasty and filling. Exactly what I wanted. The missing star is for 2 things: the entry from the back door is weird, and not very inspiring. Could definitely make some improvement, because the main room is gorgeous. The music was a bit loud and it was hard to hear each other. The last thing is the service: it is good, but somehow, a little offline: the balance between casual and classy is not right. I can't say what is missing: the waiters look freaked out.
Anyway, a definite try it: lunch prices are fine on the medium high size, but you can't beat the refreshing view. -
Review from Danny F.
Newton, MA
3/7/2012
Yeah - I think 4 stars is very on point here. The view is obviously amazing, but I was surprised by the food. Literally, as in there was a lot of unexpected things going on.
The roasted radicchio salad was by far one of the most interesting salads I have had anywhere. The execution wasn't perfect, as in there was too much bitterness. Despite hating beets, I wished there was more of the sweet pomegranate beet slaw to eat with the radicchio. And the curried cashews were fabulous too. Just wish there was more. I always love arugula, even if it did not seem to really belong with the dish, other than to add some salad cred.
The first entree was a braised beef brisket done pretty much to perfection. No complaints there at all, but this was the least interesting dish of the night. The second entree was a spiced char, served over shrimp risotto with pickled beets.
I've said that I HATE beets already right? Like they might be as bad as water chestnuts.
Anyway, the pickled beets were actually quite delicious, and balanced perfectly with the rest of the dish. The risotto was filling and seasoned well, with lovely pieces of shrimp. And the char was also perfectly cooked and seasoned. Inventive and fabulous!
it's too bad the menu itself doesn't sound super appealing. When we first looked at the menu, we grudgingly picked out the 3 things that looked good to us. But now I'm totally eager to go back and try more. -
Review from Jared S.
2/22/2012
Came here for lunch this afternoon (Wednesday). It was a beautiful day out and the wife and I had a beautiful view of the water. Decor is almost like a modern diner which was cute.
I was shocked that the lunch prices were so reasonable - my last real lunch out was to Russel House Tavern in Cambridge and the prices were basically the same...I would take Sam's over Russel House Tavern ANY DAY.
Rather than a crappy tuna salad on an english muffin like I got at RHT for $15, for basically the same price at Sam's I got the roast chicken breast with quinoa, shredded brussels sprouts, and pepitas. It was fantastic and I cleaned the plate. Also started with $1.50 oysters - another treat - as well as the root vegetable chips and onion dip, and ended with a brownie sundae.
Service was great. And the free parking was pretty great too.
I have a feeling I might have a few more lunches here as the weather gets nicer. -
Review from Fred V.
Marion, IA
3/13/2012
2 of those stars are for the view alone. Lovely patio. The food was pretty good. Pork Pate sandwich with jalapeno cucumber slaw was really good. Also tried the Spicy Trail Mix which was more sweet than spicy.
Love the view... -
Review from J G.
Seattle, WA
3/5/2012
Sam's is a classy establishment with a great view, good and creative food and cocktails, and good prices especially considering the pretension. The battle royal was an interesting champagne cocktail and the peppered burger was full of flavor! Definitely try the homemade jalapeno pretzel bites with the bacon butter dipping sauce. Make sure to scoop deep to get the pieces of bacon at the bottom of the cup.
This place is probably best for lunch otherwise you're missing out on the views. It is basically a perfect place for a nice lunch date or maybe to take your parents when they visit? Also if you are going to the ICA, it is just a block away. You might want to make a reservation. Our party of 3 did not have one, but we were seated right away at around 1pm on a Saturday after a stinky pretentious look from the hostess. -
Review from Jim M.
Beverly, MA
1/1/2012
I love this place. It's right on the water and complete glass windows all around, so anywhere you sit, you get a great, relaxing view.
Food-wise: GREAT beer list (I had a Ithaca Winter beer-not your typical Boston restaurant brew) and probably THE best burger in Boston (the peppercorn double).
Also, try the jalepeno-stuffed pretzels with bacon butter dipping sauce. UNREAL!!!
Service is great and attentive, and the overall experience was great.
Taking a star off becuause my wife's pork sandwhich was a bit fatty, but this was more of a mis-order than anything else.
Great place! -
Review from Prarthana N.
Brookline, MA
11/1/2011
If there was one location I patronized the most out of the two or three months I spent in Boston during the summer it was the Seaport. More specifically, it was Sam's at the Waterfront.
There's a number of fabulous factors that comprise the great find that is Sam's including the decor, the service, and the drinks. But the obvious one is the deck with its sweeping view of the Boston harbor. There's no better mix of chic, with a modern/New York style interior, and tranquil (Boston Harbor) in Boston.
In addition, the fact that it is located above Louis (the upscale, out of the way location for the designer boutique) contributes to its mystique/chic-ness.
Note: the only reason I took off a star is because of the lack of variety in appetizers in its lunch and dinner menu. -
Review from Andy C.
Boston, MA
3/13/2012
Sam's is probably the ultimate spot for lunch in Boston. The ocean views from the second floor are simply stunning, and there is plenty of space out on the deck. The servers were very attentive without being overbearing, and the quality of the food is superb too. The eggplant sandwich, which turned out to be more of a burger, was a playful taste experience between the arugula and the crunchy fried eggplant. The onion soup, while a little salty, was still much better than those at other establishments in the city. With the proximity to a lovely post-meal stroll along HarborWalk or a visit to the stylish ICA, Sam's is definitely a top-rate dining experience.
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Review from Denise J.
Boca Raton, FL
9/10/2011 2 photos
Sam's for lunch + coupled with shopping at Louis = Fabulousness
A fashionist-o friend suggested a new outing for us, on the waterfront. I complied willingly as I knew I would be lead astray.
I was knocked out by the new modern digs, as the surroundings are amazing, and it makes Boston's waterfront much more pleasant to enjoy.
The menu for lunch hit us both spot on. We started with edamame, with a divine French white. We shared a purple beet soup that was nirvana, with a little creme fraiche swirled around, and topped with some yellow beet for contrast, and a touch of greens, joined by perfect bread. We followed it up with a nice salad of fresh veggies, and then a sandwich filled with all the delicious, wrong fattening items on crusty loaf.
We were totally satisfied and only had room for tea. Our jade green was served in a fabulous, tiny, modernist aluminum teapot, that made me want to stay all day to enjoy the view, imbibing on the sweetness of nectar of the green leafs, enjoying the best of friends, conversation and a spectacular view. -
Review from Clare F.
8/29/2011
Sam's is Boston's newest best-kept-secret, but not for long. The gorgeous views of the waterfront are too good to resist. At 5 or 6 PM on a sunny Saturday, the patio was pretty full but the restaurant itself was empty/
I only had a drink, but it was well-made, and I tasted my friends' alcoholic concoctions and they were also delicious.
Sam's isn't the easiest place to find, and its placement on restaurant glutted Northern Ave. keeps me hopeful that it won't get too popular. -
Review from Lindsay L.
Somerville, MA
11/14/2011
I went to Sam's for my birthday dinner and had one of the most memorable meals in a long while. I loved the menu (great for grabbing some snacks at the bar, or staying for a full meal). I'll definitely return for a post-work bev with a snack.
We started with the root vegetable chips and edamame (ordered by my usually adventurous husband). My arctic char with shrimp risotto was out of this world. His duck was equally as delightful.
The topper was our server, she brought me a poached pear for my surprise dessert which was elegant and really a very nice surprise. We ended up staying for a post-dinner drink at the bar and chatting with the bartender and watching TV - the atmosphere was so welcoming.
I can't wait to go back! -
Review from Anna L.
Quincy, MA
9/15/2011
Food :|
Atmosphere :D
Service :)
Value :|
I came to Sam's for my bestie's b-day party and remembered it for the beautiful view and having a wonderful time. They tried to be accommodating with my friend as I was with her through the booking and planning process. They reserved a table for us right in the middle of the place for ~15 people, however, we had to separate into 2 tables because the place was so small. We literally took up all the space in the restaurant. They originally promised her she could do a kareoke gig with the live musicians in the room, but they changed it last minute and said we couldn't. Oh well, maybe it was a good thing they saved my friend the embarassment :), I kid. I like how they had a slate wall where you could draw on and we left our mark. It's a great place for a date or small party but I wouldn't book a party there again, and the food and drinks were just OK. I would go back for the view.
The food:
Seared scallops - it was flavorful, but overall decent for scallops. it came with 4 measly pieces, which i think, makes out to ~6 bucks a scallop. not a lot of bang for my buck
Swordfish - my friend had this, which I thought was really good
I realized after this that they're constantly changing their menu (every few months?) to which I don't know why. It would be better if they were consistent. I guess it really is made, afterall, for just the view.
On a last note, one thing I was pissed about -- I had left my car there at the lot overnight until ~4AM after the clubs and thought the overnight price went until morning, but they ended up charging me for 2 day's worth of parking at $24. Lesson learned. Just be aware that the day's charge ends at 2AM, or perhaps none of you will find that useful since I may be the only silly one to do something like that. -
Review from Julie R.
Updated - 6/24/2011 ROTD 11/9/2011
I returned back to Sam's to an improved experience. The owner had contacted me after my last review to hopefully talk about my experience. I welcomed the conversation and she clearly cares about her clientele's satisfaction.
We were able to get a nice table on the outside patio. The view is awesome. If you are unable to get a seat out there, you can easily see the water from the floor to ceiling windows all around the restaurant.
We had some oysters that were perfect. Then moved on to a cheese plate. The cheese selection was diverse. I enjoyed all of them with some crispy bread.
I had the steak frites, it was a generous cut with a horseradish creme fraiche. The fries were seasoned in flavorful herbs. A great combination.
Fiance had the pistachio lamb. It had haricot vert salad on the side with a cucumber yogurt sauce. I had a couple bites and it rocked.
The service was fantastic. The servers all help each other out and move around checking on every ones tables.
We will definitely return more this summer!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/30/2010
Overall disappointment with Sam's. That view is amazing though!
On a warm Friday evening I thought… Read more »
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Review from Coco K.
Boston, MA
What a perfect patio! I have yet to actually dine at Sam's, besides indulge in their cheese plate and copious amounts of their delicious cocktails, but I feel I must review this place considering I'm in love with the view, the comfortable white sofas, and the extremely friendly wait staff that wear awesome "Sam's" t-shirts that feature a multicolored feather on the front.
The restaurant is on Fan Pier, so it is definitely a destination dining experience, but it is well worth the trek out there, even if your like me and usually just order drinks.
The Kaiburr Cocktail featuring sparkling wine, fruity lacquers, and finished with a few fresh blueberries is an excellent summer cocktail. I recommend ordering it and finding a spot out on their patio overlooking the harbor. It's the ideal date spot.
As you leave the restaurant, make sure to add a little note or sign your name with chalk on their chalkboard covered walls. What a smart, unique way to engage with customers!
I can't wait to come back and feast my face off on their food. I've heard it's quite divine.Listed in: Get Your Cocktail On
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Review from Megan B.
Tappan, NY
6/20/2011
What an appalling restaurant. I brought my 16 year old step daughter to Boston for a weekend of bonding and wanted to treat her to a fun and grown up restaurant. We arrived on a beautiful evening at around 6pm. There were empty tables outside and a completely empty restaurant inside. We asked to be seated outside however, the host actually said it was going to start raining in 20 minutes and told us it was best to sit inside so he sat us next to the servers station in an empty restaurant. However the next table arrived with a party of adults and he suggested that they sit outside as it was such a beautiful evening. The food was over-priced and not great. Being the owner of a successful lounge in New York, I assure you I would never so obviously treat customers this badly just because I thought I'd make more money off another group.
Pretentious nonsense. -
Review from Saba N.
7/11/2011
The view here is absolutely gorgeous. They did a fantastic job of making it feel open, airy, and most importantly, secluded. I also like that you can see the ocean from anywhere that you are sitting, inside and out.
I had two small plates here, so I can't be the best judge of the food. The hummus and dip was pretty delicious, and a good size for 5 dollars. The fried oysters were not my thing though... It was more of a oddly sauteed oyster w/ some sort of quinoa-esque crust that was completely raw on the inside? I'm not sure. I love oysters (raw especially), but this was too odd for me. My mom liked it though because she said it reminded her of brain. (ew?)
Anyway, the portions are a little small, and the whole place is a little over priced... but I think it's a good spot to check out. The drinks looked yummy and the service is great. It also has live jazz some nights, so I would definitely try again for dinner. -
Review from Kim K.
Sam's was very nice, great location, and had delicious food. But it is way overpriced. Lunch for 2 cost about $70. How can that even BE?!
I read reviews about the cheese plate but, to me, it was too small and the cheese selection was almost too outlandish. I like me some funky cheese but it was ALL funky. Wishing there were milder options.
The mushroom tofu burger was so good but it was scalding hot. I had to eat very slowly so as to not burn my mouth.
Service was very good, nice staff, great ambiance, lovely location. I just wish the prices weren't so ridiculous. -
Review from Sarah C.
Somerville, MA
2/6/2012
I've been to Sam's a lot and have to say that I'm a big fan!! Summer is the best time to visit the spot due to the outdoor seating and amazing view but I visited Sam's this past weekend and was equally pleased. The atmosphere is inviting and a bit trendy but without feeling stuffy. I've had the burger and it's really good although last time a bit greasy. Apps are always great. I'll be visiting again soon :)
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Review from Tristan B.
Cambridge, MA
6/28/2011
Yes!
- Awesome view!
- Cool layout!
- Deck eating!
- Nice bathrooms!
No!
- Everything else.
Sam's sits on top of Louis Boston, the "crown jewel" of expensive clothing shopping on Fan Pier. It's too bad that they're so awful.
Yes, it looks cool, feels cool, but the pita chips/hummus was a terrible affair of some over crunchy pita chips (that taste and feel bought in) and hummus mixed with too much olive oil (Is it seriously too much to ask from a restaurant to just get some good pureed hummus and grilled bread a la Miracle of Science/Au Dobon Circle), a cheese plate with three hunks of forgettable mediocrity (for 16 dollars no less), and a burger that they don't even ask how you want it cooked, paired with greasy, over seasoned, limp fries (also 16 dollars), there's little in the way that makes me want to return.
Service was quiet and "okay".
Very disappointing.
Drinks felt expensive at 12 dollars a piece, but at least the Narragansett was three bucks. -
Review from John S.
6/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I walked out appreciating the food but wishing there was far, far more of it for the $70 or so I dropped.
Sure, the short rib melt was flavorful, but the amount of actual short rib in there should've doubled, and the bread was taken a little too far past "toasted" for my liking. The cheese plate was grossly lacking in abundance as well, and I kept looking around for it that never came.
Overall, I can't walk out of a place where I felt that ripped off and give it a good review. I get what they're trying to do with the menu and ambiance, but I don't think the "location mark-up" for Fan Pier should be even remotely as high. I can't recommend. -
Review from Valerie V.
Boston, MA
5/28/2011
I went to Sam's on a Friday night as part of a group of 6. We had reservations and they sat us inside which was kind of a bummer because the weather was great but oh well. Altogether, the experience was filled with highs and lows....
The Highs:
--The atmosphere & view of the water are fantastic. Sit outside if the weather is nice!
--Tasty cocktails
--$1.50 oysters are OK. I will warn you that they are small.
--The Black Peppercorn burger. Two people in my group got it and LOVED it.
--The location; the waterfront/seaport area has become a lot of fun and you can easily walk to several bars after you eat at Sam's.
The Lows:
--The service was incredibly slow. We asked for another minute to look at the menu and she gave us 15. We practically had to chase someone down for the check.
--There are really no appetizers that are good for sharing. We ordered edamame, rangoons, and pita with hummus and they all came on the smallest little plates. You could really only share them with one other person.
--The Eggplant entree is pretty mediocre. I felt that it was something I could easily make myself.
I would recommend Sam's if you are in the mood for a nice view of the water and some good cocktails. The food is certainly not bad, but you could do better in that area. -
Review from Janine G.
Holliston, MA
7/19/2011
Not only was the view gorgeous but the food was as fresh and tasty as you can get. The waitstaff were helpful and friendly.
My hanger steak and fries had more flavor than food I've had all week. The building inside was just as mdern and interesting and there are funny messages in chalk along the wall to the loo. -
Review from Patrick B.
Boston, MA
10/13/2011
I was in Sams with a friend on an Indian Summer (Native American Summer?) night a few days ago and I was impressed. We sat outside and looked out at the harbor during a nearly full moon so you can imagine that the view was great.
We had some oysters to start which were great. I had this bass (that was a replacement for something else) which was excellent. So good I pretty much inhaled it.
Better than that was the service. Our waitress stopped over very frequently, it seemed always in time to get us whatever we needed, or to anticipate our needs.
I'd especially recommend Sam's to out-of-towners who want to see a different part of the Boston night-life, or to someone who is looking to impress their third date. It's that kind of place. -
Review from lakiya T.
Dorchester, Boston, MA
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Truly a hidden jewel. It's a small and intimate environment. You can sit outside and dine right above the Harbor. The menu is fresh and fun. The staff is welcoming and inviting, also very knowledgeable about the menu if you have a hard time choosing your order. I've visited a few times and absolutely enjoyed every moment. May I recommend the "me gusta" yes, you will love this tequila and strawberry concoction!
For anyone wanting to impress their date: go to the ICA first, then dine at Sam's. It will make an awesome night ;-) -
Review from Tracey F.
Boston, MA
Updated - 6/18/2011
A invite to a Patio Party...
The food started to come out and man were we I for a treat. Date and Pistachio crusted Lamb Chops, little Lobster BLT Crackers and Jalapeno Crab Rangoon to name a few.
I loved everything, but if I was really pushed I would have to say the Lamb Chops were incredible... succulent and heavenly and begging me to eat more, delicious... and I did eat more. They were what meat dreams are made of!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/13/2011
We started with the Asparagus spears with shredded egg, candied bacon and tarragon and Steamed… Read more »
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Review from David R.
Boston, MA
1/16/2012
Good for a drink with a view... surprisingly quiet. deck is nice during the summer.
haven't tried the food yet.
If you're going for a bike ride about the Seaport area or checking out the ICA or even shopping at Louis (i don't) this place could be a cool spot for a drink. -
Review from Erica C.
Newtonville, MA
4/7/2011
I came into Sam's with very high expectations for I have been before for drinks on the patio in the Summertime. The view, the crowd and overall feel made this seem like the up and coming hot spot of Boston.
It makes me sad to say though that the dinner last Saturday was anything but enjoyable. I loved the intimate setting with the limited amount of tables and chairs with a couple of comfy benches thrown in the mix. The home-like feel of walls of chalkboard displaying artwork of customers and the food specials of the day were also pleasing.
It all went downhill from the second we were sat down by our lovey host and greeted by our waitress. She was cold, unfriendly and did not have a pen or paper to write our orders. Mistake #1. We ordered wine and beer and both were not cold enough. I informed her of the temperature issue and heard no apology. Mistake #2. My fiances appetizer was not what he had ordered. Oh yes because she didn't write our order down! Mistake #3. I had the beet salad which was just okay. I decided on a Nicoise salad for my dinner which I know is weird to have two salads for a meal, but if done right, a Nicoise salad can be decadent enough to replace a "real" entree.
This salad was all wrong, borderline gross. The vinaigrette was tasteless but most of all the tuna was inedible. It wasn't a seared piece and it wasn't tinned in oil. I frankly don't know what it was or where it came from. Very unimpressive for a $16 salad. If I had known how much the salad would have sucked I would have just eaten the family style sides of Panzanella and Spaghetti Squash, which were delicious!
I am sorry Sam's but I will not be back to eat your "not-so-Nicoise" salad or to drink your warm wine. I tried to like you but I will only be back for the view and maybe some shopping at Louis. -
Review from Linda P.
Milton, MA
6/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here a few times but only for dinner. (I've heard brunch here is very good.)
The location is amazing indoors and outdoors. If you get the opportunity to sit on the patio on a nice day/night, grab it! I would consider this place one of the top on my "best place to go on a date" list. It's very romantic - dimly lit inside with medium-sized spherical lights and you get an amazing view of boston harbor.
They have a mini bar on the side with a television (but if you were to go here, you wouldn't be watching tv! unless there's a major game on, duh). The food is good but not amazing. It is a little bit pricey. HOWEVER, I will continue to go here, because it's..beautiful. They are also very attentive here - no complaints thus far. -
Review from Erica G.
Manhattan, NY
6/23/2011
My company did a pop-up shop at Louis (the high fashion store in the same building) so we were pretty much forced to eat at Sam's all day as there's nothing else in the area.
And honestly, we really didn't mind.. I'm still dreaming about that tofu and mushroom burger as it was so flavorful and meaty tasting! And as I sat at the bar, I was drooling over the thick horseradishy bloody marys that was seemingly being served at every table.
With a gorgeous view of the harbor, delicious American fare, and a fashionable yet friendly crowd, this is a go-to spot in my book. -
Review from Arthur D.
BOSTON CLG, MA
9/26/2011
Come for the view but don't expect much from the food!
Sam's is located right above one of the most expensive clothing stores in the northeast.
When the weather is really nice; the waterfront / seaport district is such a nice area to walk around.
We walked from the Boston Harbor hotel down the wharf to the restaurant. I totally recommend parking near the aquarium and walking over to Sam's. Don't Drive! Walk!
We had reservations for 6:30 pm on a Sunday. We got there around 6:15 and there was no hostess nearby and the place was empty. I am legend movie empty! Was everyone at Legals? At Temazcal?...it's the first time ever I could walk around the entire restaurant and choose from the 90% of the available seats.
The restaurant setup has an all white look. All white everything. I guess they were going for the P.Diddy summer party at the Hampton's feel...still looking for my invite:)
The view this restaurant offers is simply amazing!...we sat overlooking Boston, boats, sailboats, yachts and we saw planes flying out....it was incredible!
Cocktail drinks were $12 each and both tasted like Mucinex cough syrup. It was the first night for their "Fall" cocktails collection. They might want to consider skipping the "Fall" season and moving forward with the "Winter" compilation.
For entrees we got the oven roasted sea bass and the lobster salad "BLT". The sea bass was a very small piece of fish overpowered by all the white beans on the plate. The dish was very salty and the sea bass just like the bread they served was burnt.
The lobster salad "BLT" tasted something you can get at Star Market during lunch hour. Star Market actually gives you a larger lobster portion at half the price. The dish came with a potato egg salad on the side and it was stale tasting.
The waiter came around once in awhile to see how we were doing but he never refilled water, cleaned out the plates, and he brought out burnt bread.
Sams is a restaurant that charges way too much for their food....We had two drinks and two entrees and with tip that came around $100...The view we had during dinner was breathtaking!...but I came to eat at a restaurant and not to check out an observatory.
Verdict: Shop at Louis and skip Sam's -
Review from Michael C.
Boston, MA
There are some restaurants in Boston that you will go to just because of the great scenery and others for their great food. With Sam's you get both! Sam's is located in the new Louis building in a parking lot on Boston's waterfront. While most of the items on the menu will be nothing you haven't tried before you will be impressed with the quality and presentation as well as the great service. I cannot stress enough the amazing views as Sam's, you must see to believe. Here is what we had to eat:
Island Creek Oysters - Whenever I see Island Creek Oysters on the menu they are a must get
Mussels w/ fries - served in a white wine sauce with bacon. This dish was solid. The fried are some of the best I've had
Black Pepper Burger w/ fries - Unlike most burgers at restaurants they use the thin patties here and double them up. Cheese doesn't come standard, you have to ask for it. You can definitely taste the cracked pepper. If you like this type of burger it is great.
Apple Cobbler - Pretty standard, apple pie in a mini pot. The Cinnamon ice cream it comes with is also very good.
the outdoor dining here is spectacular, however I visited in early April so it was still a little too chilly. Will definitely be back when it warms up a little. Do yourself a favor too, come on a Friday night around 9PM, they have fantastic live music which adds to their already great atmosphere. This is a top place to take a date in Boston. -
Review from Ben K.
11/29/2010
It would be tough to imagine a better event space for a gathering of ~80 people than Sam's at Louis. The main room is open and well lit. Its walls are glass from floor to ceiling. Doors on either side lead to a fantastic patio that looks out onto the water. This patio is amazing. Even on a late October day, it was quite comfortable to be outside, sipping drinks and enjoying conversation while watching the shoreline.
Back inside, the bar is easily accessible. Leading into the main area is a long hallway with chalkboard on all walls. It was really neat of Sam's to let our party have full control to go nuts on these walls for some amazing party-related art.
The staff was unbelievably friendly and helpful. And the food! The food was fantastic throughout. We had a ton of passed appetizers throughout the evening (no sit down dinner), and they were all killer. What stood out most to me were the roasted red pepper skewers and the vodka spiked roasted tomatoes.
I would have another event here in a heartbeat and I can't wait to come back for dinner! -
Review from David C. K.
Boston, MA
12/25/2011
Excellent! First time diners at the restaurant. Not only do we recommend it but we'll be return customers.
Our meats were cooked to perfection and the sides light but tasty, especially the french fries with herbs.
Enjoy! -
Review from Dan G.
1/17/2011
I came here for an event and was amazed at what a really nice space it is. You have an almost 360 view of Boston and the Harbor and the outdoors area seems like it would be awesome during the warmer months.
The passed hors d'ouevres were all really good. Some of the apps we had and are on their normal menu are the Scotch Eggs (YUM) and the roasted red pepper with melted manchego.
Overall the experience was great, the staff was good and the view was excellent.
