Sam's American Eatery

1060 reviews

1220 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

samssf.com

+14156268590

About

Sam's American Eatery is a American restaurant located at 1220 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102. It has received 1060 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday7:30AM-9PM
Tuesday7:30AM-9PM
Wednesday7:30AM-9PM
Thursday7:30AM-2:30PM
FridayClosed
Saturday7:30AM-9PM
Sunday7:30AM-9PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Sam's American Eatery: 1220 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

  • Sam's American Eatery has 4.4 stars from 1060 reviews

  • American restaurant

  • "A real LIVE person answered the phone to take our reservations for 7"

    "My family stopped in here (on a reservation) before watching a show at the Opheum"

    "Sorry but $9 for a milkshake and $5 for a coke is not what I would call a decent fare"

    "Super awesome spot, very friendly front and back of house staff, even when they were in a rush"

    "It’s safe to say their pesto pasta isn’t what you should get if you come here"

Reviews

  • Millie Gong

A real LIVE person answered the phone to take our reservations for 7. She graciously recommended the very best parking garage (Trinity under Whole Foods) for the Orpheum. Sam's Eatery could not have been more PERFECT dinner experience prior to our 7:30 show at the Orpheum. Sam's kimchi fried rice and brussel sprouts are to DIE for. We live in the South Bay and are contemplating driving up JUST for those. Grilled Salmon was cooked perfectly, moist and tender with the most delicious mango vegetable salsa. The meatloaf and burgers were moist, tender and flavorful; fries perfectly hot from the fryer. Every dish was delicious and top notch! The enthusiastic and friendly host checked on us several times. He and our server knew we had to get to the show and expedited our meal service, check etc. Very reasonable prices especially with the high cost of doing business in SF. Thank you, Sam and family, for working so hard to bring family-owned and operated, homey, non-pretentious, friendly and delicious fare to the theatre district!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • Corey Strock

My family stopped in here (on a reservation) before watching a show at the Opheum. It's perfectly located for that obviously :). We arrived about 15 minutes early for our reservation and they went ahead and seated us anyway. The wait staff were all very professional and friendly. The Beer selection was a solid variety of local SF based craft options, so that was pretty cool. The food selection was classic diner fair and full of flavor. Here is quick rundown on our food selections: Brioche French Toast w/ Strawberries - My daughter picked out this one and she devoured it, so I'm thinking she loved it. French Dip (Add Mushrooms, Bacon & Provolone) - My wife ordered this one and she ate all the meat, so that's a good sign. I tried it out and thought it was flavorful and a really good French Dip. Turkey Club (sub Chipotle Aioli for Mayo) - This one was mine and it was really good. Decent amount of bacon, turkey and avocado. Very filling. It also came with fries, and they were properly fried and crispy! Definitely recommend this place.

  • Myra D

Sorry but $9 for a milkshake and $5 for a coke is not what I would call a decent fare. Still pretty good drinks tho. ***UPDATED REVIEW*** Last week was amazing and the food we had was quite tasty giving the fact that I had to pay $10 for 4 mini deviled eggs and $14 for the beer battered Onion Rings & $18 for the giant burger (which didn't even look giant & neither were those eggs) Plus it was $39 for 3 things. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for right? Okay and the tipper was when I was using the restroom, 2 mins later after I got in I heard someone literally knocking, then it erupted into loud banging and I was like WTH?!?! Then I shouted out "It's Occupied!" 2X Then after I was done taking care of business, I washed my hands and that was it. Not sure that we will be returning. It is amazing how in 2 years since we first visited, everything inside the restaurant had completely upgraded. Amazing.

  • Silas Zelny

Super awesome spot, very friendly front and back of house staff, even when they were in a rush. I had the salmon avocado toast and ordered an extra side salad assuming the portion would be too small. Very happy surprised for a good side salad already included with the toast, very well balanced flavors, textures, and fattiness! But no so heavy that I'd could go right back to walking around the city. The atmosphere is super nice, though some touristy families might dull the vibes. Very cool spot to eat if you want a nice meal that's unique and delicious in between other nearby activities.
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • Trevor Blackbourn

It’s safe to say their pesto pasta isn’t what you should get if you come here. The noodles tasted like they were boiled without salt and maybe the pesto didn’t have any salt in it either. I was a little disappointed in the garlic as well in the pesto. I’m not certain but I would assume they used garlic powder. The serving size was pleasant. Just the right amount. The servers are pleasant and the inside is nice. I’d consider getting something different off their menu since they seem to be liked by many other people.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 2
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

  • Christine schieffer

Came at about 11:30 am on a Saturday. Only worth whole place we could find while waiting for an Orpheum show. Menu has amazing choices. I had the soft crab sandwich and my friend had the tri tip sandwich. Service was a little slow(we could see there was only like 2 servers that we saw) but the staff was nice and helpful. We sat outside. The table was pretty wobbly,but it was nice to sit outside on a nice day. Had ALOT of vegetarian options which is always cool to find,since a lot of restaurants don’t do that.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

  • RB

Visited SAMS American Eatery for lunch and it was a positive experience. SAMS’ menu has a good variety and they serve breakfast and lunch. The decor is modern chic and spacious. There are signed albums and hanging plant gardens on the wall. I ordered a Ceasar salad with grilled chicken and it was good. The staff is friendly and it’s definitely worth a visit. Due to being on Market street, there isn’t any parking. You’ll need to park at the Civic Center Garage and walk.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

  • Anthony Perez

We ate here on our 2nd day in San Francisco in a whim and we were so happy the staff is very nice they're quick and their Food is AMAZING. My wife got the Chilaquiles which were so delicious and flavorful and I got the Coit Burrito which was good as well. Needless to say we came here on our last day this time I got the California Omelette which at no surprise was really good which is saying much since I'm not an omelette kind of guy. Best food we had all weekend. So please do yourself a favor and stop at Sams to eat breakfast. Here's a picture of the Chilaquiles.

  • Lorenzo D'Aniello

You’ve reopened! I love the remodeling! I live close by and I went here today for the first time since they have reopened. The chef was kind enough to allow me to order off the menu. I was looking for a salmon scramble. I was very impressed with what I was served! It looked fantastic and tasted even better. My small dog and I will definitely be back. Today’s total for those who want to know was about $38- with tip. A job well done to everyone involved. I’m glad that you guys are back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$30–50

  • Bill Rehbock

A great place for lunch or dinner before seeing a show at the Orpheum Theater. Lively American diner atmosphere, great selection on the menu with a variety that should suit everyone in your party. We had seats at the counter, right by the grill and every dish they made looked delicious. We were there at the end of breakfast and beginning of lunch and the omeletts, pancakes, salads, sandwiches, and burgers all looked great. We had their Chicken-Avocado sandwich and a Hamburger, both tasted amazing. Definitely our pre-show go-to stop.

  • ashley

Server Thiago was so nice and patient since we took forever to order but overall the mimosa flight was good, my favorite was the prickly pear and the chicken and waffles were so good. Banana foster French toast was fluffy but maybe the banana on top was too soggy I know that’s how banana foster is but overall my favorite was the fried chicken it was so full of flavor and crunch, coffee was good too :)
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$30–50
Recommended dishes
Toast, Fried Chicken & Waffle

  • Enaiyat Ghani Ovy

This is an American style restaurant bar. There is seating arrangement as well as seating right at the counter table. We had their chicken sandwich and it was awesome. The taste was not typical that is obviously delicious. The servers were friendly and courteous. We also liked the onion rings which was exclusive too. The price seemed little high, but that can be easily justified regarding the great food they offer. The place is just at the heart of downtown San Francisco. I would definitely recommend this place.

  • V Tancredi

Excellent service and food here, for fairly reasonable prices. It is located very close to the Orpheum theater and perfect for getting dinner beforehand. They also have meals with a theme having to do with the show, so it's a great partnership with the Orpheum. It's conveniently located next to Market Street BART, Muni, trolleys. It's just a little bit small, kind of like the Orpheum itself :-) make sure to allow plenty of time before the show in case there is a line.

  • Justin Simonsen

Excellent breakfast spot that, on the weekends, isn't overflowing with techies. We'll come in before heading over to the great farmers market at Civic center on Sunday mornings. The food is above average dinner food with great service in a fresh, clean and new feeling dinner. The coffee is about the same as Starbucks. I often get the Loco Moco. The sauce is super good and burger char is perfect. $20 per person which is a great price!!

  • Kyla Jones

The service and atmosphere are great, but the chicken club I ordered was wildly underwhelming. For a $20 sandwich, I also really would have appreciated more chicken- the chicken patty was half an inch tall and got completely lost in the sandwich. Other dishes might be fine, definitely skip the sandwich!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • L C

Very nice eatery, less than 1/2 a block from Orpheum Theater. We pop in after shows for a bite. The menu has refreshing options. The staff & service wonderful. The atmosphere delightful. Call if you are going to a show to check hours as they vary depending on shows times. Can’t wait to go back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • John Oh

Good food. Great atmosphere. Awesome service. We had a fun time there.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Brioche French Toast, Classic Benedict, Honey Fried Chicken, Smoked Salmon Benedict, Beer Battered Onion Rings, Pesto Chicken, Buttermilk Pancakes, Classic Cheeseburger

  • Jennifer Bielat

what a lovely little place!! the interior was so cute, the service was fantastic, and there was a wide variety of food options. i was pleasantly surprised to see kimchi fried rice on the menu, and it was delicious!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Vegetarian options
You could order kimchi fried rice with or without pork belly.

  • Zachary Carter

If you want $100 per plate hospitality at a budget this is the place to be. The staff is great. I went for dinner and the food was great, but what topped it off was the atmosphere and hospitality. The place was so great I had to go back for breakfast the next day and the experience was just as great.
Service
Dine in
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Aiman Saeed

This place was located near to where I was staying in SF. I loved the interior and how the menu was available on every table/seat. The menu had some delicious items on it. I had a Californian omelette with fruit bowl. Loved every bit of it followed by the coffee. They have a sort of an open kitchen, v nice and clean. If you are in SF, do go there to experience local dinner

  • Anna Gzz

I had the best chilaquiles at Sam's!!! I cannot express this enough! I have ordered them in many places in many states and these are by far the best nontraditional chilaquiles Ive ever had!!! The coffee will also wake you up from any sleep.. strong! Didn't have a good experience visiting San Francisco since it's so dirty BUT if I had to go back.. I would go back to Sam's!

  • Joan K

This place is fantastic. I was surprised it was not more crowded. It has a great breakfast menu, with entrees from a few exotic places. I got the Moco Loco which is a Hawaiian specialty. It was upscale, Gourmet with microgreens on top, and delicious!
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

  • Katelyn Em

I had such a nice experience here! The place is so cute, and the food is delicious. My party and I ordered the chicken and waffles, loco moco, citrus mascarpone French toast, parfait, and hangover ramen. The staff is also super nice. The chef came out to talk to us!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20

  • Kay Dee

Good brunch place. If you are in the area for a theatre show in the early afternoon, it's an option for a brunch. Good nice service. The neighborhood is a bit sketchy but not their fault. I had California omelette, nicely designed and done. When we stepped in it smelled a bit weird but it could be just me because others with me didn't complain.

  • Justine Vil

Amazing food (we had the chicken waffle and salmon egg Benedict’s). The staff is attentive and service is fast. Don’t get turned away by the area, it’s a safe place!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–30
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Curbside pickup: Yes

  • Patrick Catanzariti

Staff are friendly and they provide one of the best quality meals in the area - you can get a genuinely healthy and tasty meal here! Worth coming here for a meal! Nowhere else we've been comes close to the consistency and quality of the meals here, we've never been disappointed with the food! Their fresh orange juice is super addictive!

  • Mujtaba Ullah

I keep trying to give this place a chance... I ordered a simple Benedict. The first time it came out with eggs poached hard. The second time they came back undercooked with much of the egg whites still translucent. Our waitress also messed up one of our orders but gave us a discount at the end. Doubt I'll recommend this place again.

  • Keshia Parker

I'm here visiting but the portion size was large and filling. I recommend the banana foster french toast. My kid had the the hangover spicey Korean Romen. She said for a cold day it hit the spot.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Charles Butterfield

We 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.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Chris

Sort of a hidden gem, I walked in expecting just a simple diner but was impressed with a super high quality sit down restaurant with incredible food, great service, and good prices. Ended up going more than once. Highly recommended!
Service
Dine in
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Matt

Foods were OK and i was not excited about my choices. Ordered couple tacos, salad and onion rings, but found a hair in my onion ring and complained. A manager said 'oh yes?' and talked to someone, seems a supervisor of her, and just neglected myself. Never impressed and will go better place down the street.

  • Andre H

Had the chicken and waffles, the chicken was a little burnt but otherwise good.. I would recommend The mimosa flight..
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fried Chicken & Waffle

  • Familia Ortiz Ramos

The food was really delicious. Service is perfect. Affordable prices and the place was clean. We recomend the Whisky sausage benedict breakfast cause' the sausage is housemade. Orange juice is really natural. You can find breakfast and lunch menu. The restaurant is for family and friends.

  • Cheryl Fong

Expect large delicious portions! Went in on an early weekday morning and enjoyed a hot cup of joe. Our server was spot on with food suggestions. Looking for that diner feel? This would be a good choice
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20

  • joey jones

First time i was made to feel uncomfortable as many times as I ate here. The owner had to look at my table to decide if the give refills or not. After she looked at my table she turned to the waiter and told him no refill. Check your race at the door before you enter.
Service: 1

  • Elliott Park

Was walking by and stopped in for a breakfast burrito. Kitchen was quick and service was pretty good. Really appreciated how deep fried the tater tots inside the burrito were! Love chorizo but also would have loved if they had a sausage option for the breakfast burrito. Would get again

  • Ashley

[Review from 2017] It's a convenient place to eat prior to a show at the Orpheum. Traditional diner food with decent portions. I would recommend either making reservations or getting there super early to avoid a wait; it's not a big place, and it's popular due to its convenience.

  • Steven Groppi

Fantastic little place! Great food, and quick service. Got us in with only about a 10 minute wait and we ordered quickly. Then, boom! Food was there! Will definitely go back, when in the area! Highly recommend this place if you're visiting the Orpheum Theatre. Great little place!

  • Ute Lehming

Food is good but a little one note. We had 2 different spicy dishes, and they tasted the same. Also our appetizer went to the table next to us.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

  • Ari Alvarez

Nice American breakfast with some regional twists (Hawaiian, Mexican etc.). They do have bathroom for customers but you will have to ask since you need to go towards the kitchen to get there.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20

  • KEJ

Delicious, friendly, affordable. Had the grilled cheese and bisque. Was awesome. Servers were very friendly, accommodating and efficient.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Stephen Wintre

Food was a little pricy but it was good and the service and staff are really awesome.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Classic Benedict

  • Sam Bartleman

The meatloaf and salmon salad were amazing. Service was phenomenal, we were accommodated with a side-salad instead of mashed potatoes and the waitstaff were very attentive. I really enjoyed our visit and will come back again when we’re in the neighborhood.

  • Abbey Doyle

My friend and I stopped here a couple of times before heading to OusideLands, and I highly recommend it! The chilaquiles were mind blowingly good, staff helpful and polite, and reasonably priced. I’ll definitely be coming back the next time I’m in town!

  • Jarrod Jones

Nice little gem on the Market side of the theater district. Petra was awesome, she made our experience really fun.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Brad Johnson

The Korean style tacos were great. I ordered them easy on the sour cream and would recommend them that way. The salsa was a bit watery and one of my tortillas broke due to the extra moisture. Eat them quick or eat them with a fork

  • koh yan yee

Food not bad. Like their Shakshuka, especially their toast Pesto pasta can be improved, after added some Parmesan cheese it tasted better but still like something missing
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch

  • Brian Chen

We are happy that SAMS has reopened! It is a fabulous neighborhood place and dining place before shows at the Orpheus Theatre.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • T S

Expensive for what you get. Service average. Food slightly above average albeit oversalted
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

  • Simon Lee

Great value, I had the breakfast tacos which were very tasty however I was spoilt for choice. Good healthy options too. Clean and well laid out, just a shame about the smack heads outside shooting up in broad daylight!!!

  • Sara Mullins

Good food. Very traditional American breakfast diner. We loved the orange juice, coffee was good, and we enjoyed the Coit burrito with no meat. We also had Oatmeal, it could've used a little pizazz, but overall decent!

  • Stacy Su

Food was terrible. Can't recommended this place and I would not eat here again.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

  • Thomas Lee

Make Yelp reservations if you can. But even a 30 min wait was well worth it. Had their breakfast sandwich w tater tots. Sandwich had good combo of egg, cheese, bacon and veggies. Tots were not greasy. Loved it.

  • Sebastian Belousov

Tasty food with awesome customer service!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes

  • Erik Schwarz

This place was very good and clean. Went in on a Friday morning. Food came out quick. Got the pork eggs Benedict and they were very good. Had nice flavor and not overly saturated in Hollandaise sauce.

  • Kyeongmin Kwon

Amazing breakfast! Highly recommended
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$30–50
Recommended dishes
Classic Benedict, Toast, Fried Chicken & Waffle

  • Peter Yoo

Cool setting... dishes were unique and filling...can't think of enough good things to say
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Chrystian Adrian Balaban

Smoked salmon avocado toast is a banger, fresh bread makes big difference. A+
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Gio S

Very fast food, large french toast!! Coffee was decent but it's always nice if the server pays closer attention to pour more. The line can get pretty big, be ready to wait a little bit.

  • B.

Very kind waitress :) pancakes were nice. Prices slightly high, but acceptable and coffee ‘ok’. Seats at the bar as well and nice boots with comfortable couches. Would recommend.

  • Aaron Travis

Absolutely pathetic! I would be embarrassed to serve that to anyone. Definitely not worth $14! Didn't even taste good at all either. That is the 4 piece chicken dinner.

  • Kennedy Belt

The food here was great. Definitely a good place to eat. Service was a little inattentive so only 4 stars but I’ll definitely go back next time I’m in San Fran

  • NICOLE M

Menu not that big. I had the chicken sandwich with Onion rings...which was good.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50

  • Shane Mattner

Nice clean diner, fasts friendly service, decent prices, and good food! Chicken and waffles great!
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$20–30

  • Lukas S.

We have been there two times already. Very nice and friendly service and also very great food. We had the s.f.breakfast and coit tower burito.

  • Shannon Donohue

Was very happy to find this place, especially after paying so much for terrible food in the same neighborhood. Delicious and creative recipes.

  • Robert Smit

Great location. Small local eatery. Excellent service and great American style food. My "The Rock" Burger was perfect and tasty. Big portion.

  • Philamon Hemstreet

Wonderful staff and delicious food in a well kept and well decorated environment. If you are in the area I can do recommend you stop by!

  • Thaddeus Bey

Very courteous staff and delicious food. The carrot soup is delicious! Pasta was good but a tad bland. Would eat here again!

  • Blake wu

Delicious American traditional food. I love breakfast here. Food is fresh and yummy …

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