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- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun 11 am - 2 am
Wed 11 am - 4 am
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
36 reviews for Sam's Place
Review Highlights
"I always stop at Sam's place when in South Lake Tahoe."
(in 4 reviews)
"Great Juke box, pool table and loads of girl and guy Eye..."
(in 3 reviews)
"We had a pizza and a side of spicy fries."
(in 3 reviews)
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36 reviews in English
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Review from J G.
Stateline, NV
Nice bar! Built in 1971, only bar in South Lake that serves 22oz beers!
Good menu! -
Review from Lauren A.
Pleasanton, CA
9/25/2011
I came here with a friend after a long day at the beach. Apparently Sam's is "where the locals go". Seemed unimpressive at first...kinda a dinky dive bar, but I thought I would ditch the class for a moment (just a moment), and try to accept this place.
And surprisingly enough, I had the best fish tacos in the world! Yeah you heard me, the world.
I guess the "locals" know where it's at!
Although I prefer not to live my life in flip flops, eating fish tacos with cholula, and picking up beefy men on the beach, it was nice to get away for a moment and enjoy the local lifestyle. -
Review from Tahoe Bill M.
Carnelian Bay, CA
Updated - 7/18/2011
Hmm. If my name was Sam and I owned this place I think I'd stop by every now and again to see how my business was doing. If I did, two words would probably come to mind.
Drunk.
Wet.
Well, it is a bar after all, and I guess the whole point is to get people drunk. Apparently. Although sometimes I feel a little awkward when other people are so far ahead of me. Especially my servers. At least they were highly recommending paid alternative transportation for patrons on the other side of the bar.
Wet? Well, I'm not sure there really IS a good explanation for that one. I did find myself feeling a little well, awkward, a couple of visits ago--walking in and being the only dry thing or person in the place. At least at first.
For the customers, fun times usually--though you never quite know what to expect. Interesting mix of tourist and locals, and other various cross-sections of society.
Anyway, last night's California chicken sandwich was decent bar food, and a welcome repast after the last game of the most recent hockey season. Me personally, I woulda cooked the kettle chips just a few more seconds. Sam's Pale Ale was the libation of choice.
Service was baffling to non-existent. Everybody was very friendly, but somehow taking orders, pouring beer, and letting people pay kept taking a back seat to mindless chatter and trying to figure out the computer. People from the tables kept lining up at the bar to try to settle their tabs.
Helpful tip for the bartender: being flirty and cute is nice, but it's NOT the same as being "the best bartender EVER". Actually providing at least a minimum level of service, plus taking peoples' money and making change goes a long way toward having people not only not short you, but maybe even leave you a decent tip.
Come to think of it, if I owned this business, it would probably be a good idea for me to drop by every now and again no matter what my name was.3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/12/2010
Things are looking up. Been here on a number of different nights recently. Service has been much… Read more »
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Review from Megan C.
Salinas, CA
7/13/2011
Drinks are cheap but the service sucks. Still had a good time though. If you find my dignity, please let me know.
BTW, you may run into Bradley Cooper lookalikes. -
Review from Anthony R.
Silicon Valley
5/15/2011
I always stop at Sam's place when in South Lake Tahoe!
Yea, it's a little dingy, but they serve great drinks, big beers, and mouth watering burgers!
The crazy and funky staff are all locals, and will chew your ear off in conversation. Lot's of jibber jabber going on, which adds to the *funk*.
All I can tell you that this is a jeans and Tshirt kind of place, and not for the faint of heart. If you want serious bar grub, cool drinks, and a place to just hang and chill, then this is the place.
Not really a family place, per se, but you CAN bring the kids and sit by the fire place during the snowy winters. In the summer time lots of bikers drop in, but never had a problem....ever.
Try it out! -
Review from Tim H.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/10/2010
Heck yeah I love this place!
Dive Bar to the max. In the early 90's this place was the bomb, open late so it's great for the night stalkers of the world.
This used to serve great food, but reading the reviews I guess I would need to stop by.
I say be patient but check them out! -
Review from Allison G.
Hays, KS
6/29/2011
I was hungry after leaving Zepher cove and I had seen Sam's place on the way there. I used to go there a lot as a kid and remembered how good the pizza always was. So; me and the BF stopped off for lunch. We choose to sit inside at the bar (we had a little too much sun at the beach that day.) However; outside seating is great!. We both ordered our own personal pizza's. And as I remembered it was awesome!! It came quick and was cooked perfect. The service was good, a little slow but the only two employees were dealing with a computer problem, and serving a full house, they handled themselves well. I enjoyed reminiscing about the times there as a kid as much had not changed. Next time im home visiting again, I'll remember to go back again!
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Review from Kim B.
Bexar, TX
8/21/2011
This place was recommended to us by a local and it was perfect. The outside is very unassuming but they have a great outdoor area in the back complete with flowers, fountain, and a pet duck. The manager and wait staff provided the kind of service that makes you think they own the place. The bloody mary was amazing! We had the pizza and the ingredents were so fresh and piled on. Everyone loved their food and the people who work here are fabulous. The pet duck was recovering from a surgery they had done after he broke his leg. Anyone who pay for surgery for a pet duck is a good person! But again the food was amazing!
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Review from Greg D.
Sacramento, CA
8/9/2010
First of all, this place is a dive bar first, and a place to get food a distant second. We go to Sam's for one reason--we can walk home drunk! The Pizza is good, and the Caesar Salad is pretty good as well. You would be pushing the envelope in ordering Salmon. After hanging out here over the past 25 years, the place has become slightly more civilized. I have never had a problem in getting served quickly, and the servers have been more friendly than not. If you are slow to get service--speak up!
You never know what you will get here. A couple of years ago there were a group of Polish workers--some with some major talents!
I cannot vouch for the ladies room, but the men's room is a bit harsh. But it is a dive bar, so it is expected. They would get another star if they were to serve Sierra Nevada. -
Review from Archie R.
1/6/2009
That's it.
I am moving to Tahoe and becoming a local just so I can hang with the guys at Sam's.
For years this place has been, quite literally, across the street from my house and I always overlooked it.
Being lazy on this one particular evening, we decided to visit since it was close.
The regulars and the bartenders were in the middle of a game they have been playing for a few months.
That game?
Open the bar/cocktail book and try every drink in it.
They were at the letter "D" when I arrived. The drink that I got to partake in?
A duckfart.
1/3 oz. Crown Royal
1/3 oz. Irish Cream
1/3 oz. Kahlua
Not bad.
Be warned, the patrons and the bartenders like to tie one on. I mean, like really tie one on. There were mind erasers, Irish car bombs and shots flying all over the place.
The food is great. We had a pizza and a side of spicy fries.
Daffy. -
Review from emily g.
3/17/2011
A great local dive. Stumbled upon Sam's Place after a walk down to the lake. We snacked on a turkey burger, and enjoyed local drafts in front of their fire place. We were also able to gamble away two dollars on their slot machines. A very colorful group of locals talking politics made it ripe for sight seeing. I really liked this place.
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Review from Yvonne C.
12/18/2008
Whenever I go to S. Lake Tahoe I always have to make a trip to Sam's before I head down the mountain.
My friend Lea turned me onto this place years ago and I've been going ever since. It's a dive bar pizza joint with slot machines, pool tables and a fireplace. They even have board games to play.
In the summer you can kick back in the backyard, kick your shoes off and walk around on the grass. They have a bar back there too and it's just like your chillen' at your friends house. They have horseshoes and other games to play out back.
I love their calzones too big for one person good to share or take home for later. Yummy cold beer too. -
Review from Menard L.
Sparks, NV
8/24/2009
I love this place. I'm just stingy when it comes to giving out stars.
We went on a Saturday afternoon so it wasn't crowded.
If you don't make it your destination, blink and you'll miss it.
We grabbed a spot at the bar. Prompt and super friendly service. My wife ordered the individual sized PGB - pizza garlic bread. Basically, its a thick crust cheese pizza with fresh garlic and Italian seasoning. Simple, but tasty. The thick crust was cooked perfectly. I ordered the hot wings. You can't go wrong with hot wings. The cocktail menu isn't what you'd expect at a dive. I'm not a cocktail person but my wife had the peach tea drink with tea vodka, peach nectar, lemonade and soda. The house pale ale I ordered was decent. Its the kind of beer that doesn't overpower but compliments and heightens the food.
I've been here only once but I won't hesitate to come back. If the weather is nice, I'll be checking out the patio. -
Review from Dave M.
2/20/2011
If you like food poisoning, this is your place. I eat here and about 45 minutes later was so sick. I can see why- The place is filthy dirty- Don't waste your time or money
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Review from Luke W.
San Ramon, CA
7/31/2010
We ate here twice in a week's stay. Here are the positive's:
1. Live music
2. Outdoor seating
3. Pizza and burgers were good
4. Wide variety of menu items
Not so good:
1. Service was so-so...took forever to get our food
2. My wife ordered the salmon and it was raw on the inside (they took it off the bill) -
Review from Kori H.
Modesto, CA
1/25/2011
Stopped here on a recent Trip to Tahoe. The location is right across from the cabin we stay in at Marla Bay so it's very convenient. The food and atmosphere was great. However, it was a busy Saturday afternoon and only one person working the bar and serving. It took awhile to get our drink and food orders in but the wait was worth it. Will for sure be going back next time.
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Review from Kristi F.
Oakland, CA
1/7/2009
I am from the south shore so I have been going there for years. Now that I have moved it is a must-stop on my things to do in town.
The food is awesome bar food. They make everything there (except the Campbells tomato soup that is served with grilled cheese). They have awesome pizza, mini tacos and zucchini. They also have great sandwiches and well, I have never been disappointed.
The servers are usually very nice (minus the cranky older lady on New Years Day).
In the summer there are horse shoe pits in the back along with pool, slot machines, Yahtzee and battle ship (I know you got a lump in your throat when I mentioned the battle ship).
Oh, the drinks...very reasonable. The place is on the left about 5 miles past the casinos.
Just trust me and go for day drinking and eating...you will thank me. :) -
Review from Matt W.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
3/29/2011
Best pizza in the South Lake Tahoe area.
Been here about three times now and haven't been disappointed once. A large combo is about $23 out the door. Seems a little expensive but they really heap on the cheese and toppings so you get a decent value.
The crust has a perfect crispy texture and the cheese they use tastes like real fresh mozzarella.
Skip Bluedog/the pizzeria/new york pizza -- Sam's may be a divebar but it's the real deal when it comes to getting a quality pie in Tahoe -
Review from Laurel S.
Richmond, CA
5/25/2009
Hubby and I stopped here for lunch again since we first were introduced to this place 3 years ago while camping in Zephyr Cove. Both of us had burgers and sat out on the patio.
The server/bartender (blond girl with half-sleeve tattoos on both arms) was friendly and attentive to any need we had. The atmosphere outside is tiki bar/backyard but completely fun and down-to-earth. The food is great and the people are awesome. You will not be disappointed. -
Review from BRYNDA F.
Studio City, CA
1/21/2010
Love it!
Groovy vibe, Emma the Bartender is the best and You MUST by one of their unique beer mugs they are great cheap and come with beer for only $5 and so very worth it.
Food is excellent. Pizza is out of this world. Coming from A true NY'er you KNOW how PICKY we are about our PIZZA.. the other menu items are also very tasty. Go with a group. Great Juke box, pool table and loads of girl and guy Eye Candy to choose from. -
Review from Albert R.
Reno, NV
7/28/2010
I stop in here every once in a while. Winter is nice if they have the fireplace turned on. Food is ok, not off the charts, but good enough to go with beer.
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Review from David H.
Kingsbury, NV
8/27/2011
great place to get food, been going there for a long time. i love their pizza.
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Review from Josh N.
Sacramento, CA
3/13/2011
The Big Kahuna Burger with pineapple, lettuce, tomato and a teriyaki glaze was nice and juicy. The Spicy Fries were lackluster but some of my dining companions raved about the Onion Rings (I never learn) and the pizza looked fantastic. Big points for the Galaga video game.
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Review from taryn y.
Valencia, CA
1/21/2011
this place is so life! a group of my friends are staying across the street for the weekend up from LA and we just wanted a quick bite when we got into town.
when we sat down we quickly realized that ladies drink free on thursdays from 7-10!!! soo stoked! the waitress/bar tender Kim or Katie (i cant remember :(...was so nice and the service was great. The drinks were not weak at all for being free :)
I ordered chicken strips and spicy fries and they were really really good. the spicy fries arent so much spicy as cajun and very tasty. my friends got burgers and said they were great too.
would definitely go back! -
Review from Caleb S.
Carson City, NV
7/13/2011
I love the 'divey' feel of the place, when you first walk in there is a pool table that is almost too big for the room that takes quarters to play, the seats are in back and outside, the pizza is ok somewhere between Pizza factory and Ti Amo (Ti Amo has a really good flat crust NY style pizza). I would go here again given the chance!
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Review from b M.
Half Moon Bay, CA
12/3/2010
This almost seems like a dive bar trying to clean up its act. But it was daytime.....
Now I have to tell you......I hate dive bars. No wait. I hate the people in dive bars (I used to be a fan of them....but I lived next door to a dive bar for years...and it got sooooo old).
With that said this place, this place is still pretty cool...
if you are a disliker dive bars, walk past the bar/slot machines to the back area (but go no further if you love dive bars and your standard alcoholics, and you have a liver replacement already lined up).
Sam's is super cozy when you sit by the fireplace in the back. There are also boardgames/coloring books/etc in another area. So you could bring the kids I think. I kicked my Hubby's ass at Connect 4. I hadn't played it in decades. They also had tv's to watch sports.
My husband and I ate lunch here. The tomato soup was okay. But The french fries were yummy and hubby loved his burger.
I'd go back.
Oh and sorry guys....there were no drunk girls dancing on the bar while we were there =) but it was daytime... -
Review from Michelle L.
Napa, CA
8/11/2010
I hate to do this, but this food was awful! We were at a bachlorette party staying in Zephyr Cove and went looking for some good pizza for our girls night in. This was right down the road and looked like one of those places you find great pizza...boy were we wrong! We ordered a large combo, a large chicken garlic, nachos and breadsticks and it was all bad. The cheese on the nachos was hard, the chicken garlic pizza was COVERED in way too much sauce and the breadsticks were dry and had absolutely no flavor. This was $60 worth of food that we ate almost none of. The service was fine but what a disappointment!
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Review from Henry W.
Atherton, CA
7/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
My "sams" burger was delicious but I don't know if the food was cooked all the way through. The rest of my family had trouble digesting.....
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Review from Gregory S.
Las Vegas, NV
7/26/2010
Ordered some food to for pickup (we were staying next-door at the Pine Cone resort). The food was above average for bar food. I didn't have a chance to hang in the bar, so my review is a bit one-sided.
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Review from Cassie B.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2009
OMG I want to go back to Tahoe next weekend JUST so I can go to Sam's. This place is awesome. Fully equipped with pool tables, slot machines, pizza and full bar. Came here to have a quick bite and beer before heading somewhere else and ended up closing the bar. The bartenders and wait staff were amazing and super patient with our roudy crowd. Will absolutely return on the next trip up to Tahoe....spread the word!
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Review from Brian P.
San Diego, CA
7/3/2008
Sam's place is a great bar. It's a mixture of tourists and locals. Friendly staff, pool table, slot machines, good food. This place goes off in the summer but it is also a comfortable hang out in the winter.
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Review from Suzanne K.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
6/29/2007
We take family and friends each summer for a laid back dinner in the "backyard" of Sam's Place. They have wonderful hamburgers, little tacos, drinks for all ages. Inside is the bar, out back are tables and games ~ ping pong, horseshoes, etc. Keeps the kids happy for what might be a bit of a wait, and the parents really happy!
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Review from Austin M.
Placerville, CA
Updated - 12/27/2009
What a joke. The place use to be great, now it blows ass. If you're a complete tool, you'll go to Sams. Donnie, (owner) drove the place into the ground.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/23/2008
What can I say? Sam's Place is by far, without a doubt, the best bar in South Lake Tahoe, and… Read more »
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Review from Kara V.
8/10/2009
Sam's is a fun place but you have to be in the right mood. Its not exactly mainstream, like Bully's say. Its a locals bar that caters to tourists cause they need the money. All the locals sit at the bar and some even have their own beer mugs on the wall. I like coming in the winter and sitting by the fireplace, eating yummy appitizers. Kinda odd for a bar, in the winter a lot of tourists bring their families just off the slopes to eat here so there are quite a few children running about sometimes. It's non-smoking as food is served at the bar. Smoking is icky...just my opinion. The food is all yummy bar type food, burgers and fries and the like. Its just a nice cozy feeling in the winter. Summer there is outdoor dining in back, but no real view. The owner remembers you if you have been in at least a few times. Prices are 7-10 dollar range. Tip from BF (Mr. I got 2 for 1), coupon is in the Entertainment book.
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Review from C O.
Washington, DC
6/24/2010
Good fun, good food. It's a bit of a dive, but I really like it. I prefer it when it's nice outside and you can sit on the patio, though. It's got its own little bar, and the food or service won't be any worse.
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Review from Busy M.
Walnut Creek, CA
9/6/2010
This place is convenient for us when we stay in Tahoe. The food is average. The service is so-so. The lady who took my order, gave me a bit of an attitude because she told me she was too busy to discuss the menu's details. Customer service is not their strong point, but the food is fine. We will probably return again, mainly because of its convenience.
