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Sam's Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Italian Restaurants Pizza Italian, Pizza [Edit]
238 Court St(at Baltic St)
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Neighborhood: Cobble Hill
(718) 596-3458
- Nearest Transit:
-
Bergen St (F, G)
Carroll St (F, G)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
90 reviews for Sam's Restaurant
Review Highlights
"This is some real deal, old school Brooklyn right here."
(in 20 reviews)
"But somehow the pie comes out amazing."
(in 15 reviews)
"Louie, who runs the place, is a total trip."
(in 13 reviews)
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90 reviews in English
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Review from Sarah G.
1/23/2012
Best pizza in the nabe, and you can usually find me here on Friday nights!!! It's always perfection. I have had to wait about 20 minutes, but never any longer then that.
The atmosphere sucks, the place is completely outdated, the servers look like they've been working there for years (i mean many, many years), but I don't even care! The pizza is that un-freaking-believable. Meatballs are good too. Also, where else can you get a $5 Ketel martini and a cure for your head cold???!?!!! I'm not kidding you, one time my boyfriend had severe head cold slash congestion and the waiter described, in detail, how to cure it the "old fashioned way." A washcloth was involved. It was amazing.
This place rules.
Tip: cash only! -
Review from Daniel J.
Cambridge, MA
1/16/2012
Another quality Yelp-find. Excellent pizza in a very classic, no-nonsense, unpretentious, local establishment ("a real Brooklyn dive," my friend said). The restaurant was served by the middle-aged owner, who colors his service with an acerbic sarcasm that some may find off-putting. If you're looking for a nice time and fantastic pizza, ready to trade barbs with Louie and company, this place is it. If you're a vacuous yuppy, a weak-bellied, anti-American tourist, or a dour, humorless, sanctimonious crank, you'd best go elsewhere.
As for the pizza . . . . we ordered a large pie with half ricotta and eggplant and half meatball and mushroom. The sauce, cheese, crust--everything was perfect. Supple, thin, flavorful crust. Crispy at the bottoms and edges, soft in the middle laden with toppings. Very highly recommended. -
Review from Allison C.
Manhattan, NY
12/21/2011
I have to admit I fell in love with the place just walking in. It looks just like my grandparents' basement (as I've learned from reviews, I'm not special, and plenty of Italian grandparents had wood paneling and vinyl furniture). It has a really unique layout- like an old restaurant out of a mob movie or like a Knights of Columbus hall, as another reviewer mentioned. There are booths lining the walls and big wide tables, so it's good for dates, small groups, and large groups alike. I came with coworkers and our boss, who picked this spot for our Christmas lunch.
We ordered pizza and cocktails. The cocktails were unbelievably strong; they pack the punch of about 3 cocktails you'd normally get, for just seven bucks. I don't think we're in Manhattan anymore. I had some wine, which was generously poured to the rim. The pizza, which we waited a long time for, was GREAT. We tried plain, sausage, and pepperoni. All were really, really good. Sauce was delicious, cheese was perfect and they showed tasteful restraint in not using too too much. I don't eat the crust unless it's great, and it really was.
And for the street cred part of the review: I've lived in NY since birth, family's part Italian, ate pizza in Italy, tried Grimaldi's, etc. I simply don't understand how someone wouldn't find this pizza to be a near perfect specimen. -
Review from Jason C.
Manhattan, NY
1/2/2012
Order a pie with mounds of ricotta and roasted garlic. It's too die for. One of the best pies in the city.
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Review from Brian m.
11/2/2011
My grandmother would've loved this place. Nearly all of the furniture in this restaurant is covered in plastic, and the staff on occasion will lock the door behind you as you go or enter ... sometimes even in the middle of the day. This is old fashioned Italian eatin' and service at its best.
The restaurant itself is big - great for groups. It resembles an old hall (think Knights of Columbus-style), and is located right down off of the sidewalk. All of which only add to the rough charm of this place.
The old-timey waiters will tell you flat out that you've ordered too much food and that "someone like you won't be able to finish a whole pizza," or "of course I recommend it, whaddayou think?" They can be a bit harsh, but luckily, I'm into that sorta thing.
Oh, the food itself? Made with saucy love. They also offer a wide variety of fresh toppings. Mangia! -
Review from Patricia R.
KEW GARDENS, NY
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love Sam's its in my old neighborhood where i grew up and i used to always pass by and say next time . finally me and my brother came in and from what we heard there known for there pizza . i kid you not the decor looks like belongs in a mob movie with checkered table cloths and plastic covered booths old not in use phonebooth but its pretty cool that they kept the old decor ,The food is amazing we had pizza with ricotta cheese lots of Italian sausage,meatballs and lots of pepperoni. This pizza is SO good that they don't sell slices you have to buy a pie but trust me it s worth it . its SO funny that i always come to Sam's and always get pizza but let me tell you everything on the menu is great .i haven't been disappointed yet .The owner is a real cool guy and boy is he really funny but he is a sweet heart. The only bad thing is its cash only but after such a amazing food who cares lol . the baked clams look awesome and i hear tasted great by my hubby and since i don't eat baked clams I'm taking his word on it . I loved the fact that its a father son Restaurant it give it that family vibe as you enter the Restaurant .
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Review from David B.
New York, NY
1/9/2012
A lot of these other (good) reviews hit the nail on the head. Old School Italian. In the decor and the food. Have I maybe had better dishes? Sure, but my Chicken Parm was still pretty good. The pizza, though, was terrific. It's harder and harder to find a good slice where I live in Manhattan - seems like I need to make my way here to get one. Nice to see places like this still hang on with all the b.s. that goes on in Brooklyn these days. So, we had a party of 10 or 12. No problem other than that we were told it would be a little tight because Louie(?) had a party of 25 supposedly coming in later. But then at some point they must have cancelled and right away we were given more space and told to spread out if we wanted. Louie (I assume it was Louie - who made a "Are you Sam"..."No, I'm the son of Sam" joke) was right on with service. I can see where maybe if you piss him off you're screwed, but he obviously liked us and treated us well. A little bit of humor, some good stories and very willing to joke around with you. Maybe if this wasn't the case I'd rate it less, but at the same time, being surly sometimes myself, I can appreciate someone who's willing to tell an annoying customer to go eat at Olive Garden and then kick them out. Welcome to how Brooklyn was and should be.
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Review from katy f.
Brooklyn, NY
8/16/2011
I love pizza. I love pizza so much I should change my name to pizzaface.
I love pizza, and I'm Italian, and I'm from New York -- so anything that screams "authentic New York Italian restaurant, don't fucka with me or I breaka you face"... I love.
Sam's is it. We went on a Wednesday, it was nice and quiet. Wood panelled walls, checkered tablecloths. No muss no fuss. Louie, as I got to know him, has been working there for 30-something years, and was raised in the apartment above the restaurant, which has been in his family for 81 years. 81 years!!!
The food is good (we just had the pizza, but it did not disappoint), service was good- certainly fun and entertaining (picture your favorite uncle who you think might really yell at you at any second... that's Louie). Wine glasses are FULL.
Oh I just love this little place.Listed in: Put the "carb" in "New York"
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Review from Polly H.
11/14/2011
Delicious! There is really no wait when I went on a Sunday evening at 8:30 pm. My husband and I got a full booth for just the two of us. I tried their shrimp with marinara sauce on spaghetti. It was heavenly! The marinara sauce had freshly chopped garlic cloves in them and was seasoned really nicely. The waiter was funny and having a blast chatting it up with us and other patrons. My husband got the meatballs & spaghetti. The size of a meatball was bigger than your fist. They are huge! I hope you go there with an appetite, because you won't be leaving with one. Just a great cozy place with fun top 40 music in the background. The bathrooms are clean, and they're located upstairs(well for ladies, that is). I'm so glad that I came. It has really great service. I definitely like to come back and try their pizza which I have heard rave reviews about.
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Review from Justin L.
5/13/2011
This place is a living dinosaur, and I mean that in the best possible way. It reminds me a bit of my grandma's house. Plastic covering on the checkered tables, long and dark, with a father and son duo at the helm--some would call this kitche, but this place wasn't created in a board room. This is the way its been since 1930. The father was sitting in the front window until we ordered our pizza, after which he went back to make it. The son is friendly and kind of a dick, but so am I; if you can't take a joke, don't come here. This isn't fucking Manhattan. This Brooklyn.
I got a pizza with eggplant, as I needed something more substantial than just bread with sauce and cheese. Believe me, there was a full order of eggplant parm on top of this pie. The cheese was aged mozzarella and was also applied heavily, but it was very fresh (no oil). The tomato sauce was heavily applied as well, and it was good but not great. The end crust was one of the best I've had. No bullshit. Smoky and flavorful,crisp but soft--its just too bad you had all these toppings weighing it down. The pie had good flavor but the balance was way off. Even so I enjoyed this pizza and this place immensely.
I'd like to order a pie light with the toppings next time I come, which might or might not happen. I'd really like to do that and also get them to use some fresh mozzarella, which probably ain't gonna happen. But if they did, this place would easily be in the "best in city" conversation. Instead it's just in the "best in Brooklyn" conversation, and one of the most unique places in the city seeing how rare this old school atmosphere is now-a-days. Them changing anything about this place would be a paradox of sorts. Like I said before. This is Brooklyn.Listed in: Best Pizza in NYC
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Review from Michael L.
Brooklyn, NY
8/10/2011
I got a pizza to go, so can't comment on the restaurant sit-in experience, but they definitely make a tasty slice.
You could tell their ingredients are fresh (tomato sauce was particularly delicious), giving the pie an unique homemade taste that I definitely look for in my pizza.
For basic Italian this spot is a bit on the expensive side, but I'd go again. Pretty good for Brooklyn. -
Review from Cindy C.
10/31/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Found out about Sam's via Scott's Pizza Tour -- he totally saved the best for last! We've been back a couple times since the tour and have enjoyed the pizza each time. The plain cheese is the best one, although the meatball was good too. Maybe we'll branch out and try a pasta next time, but why mess with success?
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Review from Herm E.
San Juan, PR
11/5/2011
Sorry but good food should go hand and hand with good service. As we walked in we could see no one around for help with seating. We waited patiently until way back in the distance the host motioned to my girlfriend to sit by pointing at a table. What happened to hosting or perhaps this is the new form of it... maybe we should resort to grunting next. The place smelled like old man and the waiter served drinks by grabbing them around the rim with his dirty hands .... fail.
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Review from Christopher S.
Brooklyn, NY
9/21/2011
Sams is authentic. When you feel like escaping the pretentious storefronts that line Court St; Sams is the place to go. My wife goes crazy for the Lobster Spagetti and the pizza is the best in the neighborhood.
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Review from Cade R.
Manhattan, NY
2/18/2011 1 photo
My friend loves this place and convinced me to give it a try. I wasn't impressed. The lasagna was mediocre. Maybe I'll get my friend to come back with me so I can see what it is he likes so much.
The service was actually really great, though. So that's a bonus. I didn't realize it was cash only, and the waiter had no problem with me running down the street to get some cash. -
Review from Carlos N.
Brooklyn, NY
1/18/2011
I won't comment on the pizza, as I haven't had it and in this city, those are fighting words. I came for soup and left happy.
This place is definitely old school. There's *no* glitz here, but there are tons of family photos around the bar. One waiter and less than a handful of cooks run the place; definitely a personal experience. He's a bit slow, but that's fine, if not a bit relieving.
I usually order the pasta fagioli when I come here, and it's been good both times I've passed by. It wasn't consistent, however; the soup tasted less saucy the second time around, but the pasta itself tasted great both times. Apparently it's home-made on some days, which must be a treat.
It's nothing special, and it's certainly no Grimaldi's or Patsy's. However, it's a solid dinner experience in the Gardens that I highly recommend. -
Review from Eric H.
Chicago, IL
4/1/2011
So, I'm in Brooklyn, and it's spring, and there's nothing like spring in Brooklyn. Nonnas on the front stoops of old Brownstones talking about the old country while their grandsons play stick ball in the streets.
Granpès playing dominoes on mango crates in front of bodegas
while reliving their youth in Haiti through their stories. Black and African men selling books and obscure technical magazines on Bedford Avenue.
So any way, I'm in Brooklyn, and it's spring and I want a real Italian meal. I'm not talking Americana spaghetti, I'm talking "macaroni and gravy" with clams and garlic, cold Finocchiona, Salsiccia, and, Polenta with rabbit and sausage. But Brooklyn is getting swanky these days ( think Wicker Park, but with real class and true artists), so I'm not sure where to go any more.
Then I see a small but solid man ( built like a fire plug) wearing a beige spring trench, step out of a bodega while simultaneously reading the pony section in back of the New York Post. Classic Brooklyn I'm thinking, and if any one knows real Italian and where it can be had, it's this paisan.
So I walk over,- his face still buried in the ponies, and say "Excuse me Sir." He turns to face me. And I realize that I'm talking to none other than Robert DeNiro, one of my favorite actors. He looks annoyed. I can see it in his eyes. Yet another fan about to request yet another autograph. But being a good sport and thankful for his success and wealth, his annoyed frown changed into a big fake grin as he waited for the "aren't you Robert DeNiro? And I loved you in blah blah blah movie, and finally can I have your autograph?". But I'm no "Midwest tourist" and even though I'm not from New York, New York like New Orleans runs in my soul. So instead I say, " Sir, can you recommend a good Italian restaurant?" He looks at me in disbelief wondering could it possibly be I don't know who he is?
Robert DeNiro says "excuse me?" And I look at him as if I'm slightly annoyed that he won't answer my question. "I'm looking for a good Italian restaurant within walking distance from here, can you help me out?", I say slowly. He looks around as if wondering if some famous actor, perhaps Denzel Washington or Idris Elba is hiding around the corner, playing a joke on him. I mean he is Robert DeNiro and clearly I'm not some Midwest bumpkin so I must know who he is. Robert DeNiro gives that sly smile that's made him famous and says, as if we were on a movie set, "You mean, Yoouu, want meeee to tell yoouu where a good, Italian, restaurant is?
And I say, "pal, I don't mean to disturb you, I'm just looking for a good Italian restaurant in Brooklyn, But it's clear you can't help me so have a nice day" and slowly turn away. But not before he says "wait a minute of course I know of a good Italian restaurant as a matter of fact I know the best Italian restaurant in New York, and it's called Sam's here's what you gotta do if you wanna get there." He puts his arm around my shoulder and says go two blocks, take a left, not a right, you gotta go left ,walk one block, keep strait to the next block and right in the middle of the block, will be an Italian flag. When you see that Italian Flag, turn left down, go down the stairs. It's called Sam's."
I'm thinking a restaurant in the basement? So I say, "In the basement? Are you sure it's any good?" Robert DeNiro said, "Kid what do they call you?" I say "Eric because it's my name." Robert DeNiro smiles and says "Eric, you asked me because I'm Italian right?" I smile. DeNiro then says "I give you my word and extends his hand for me to shake. I shake his hand and walk off, but not before he calls out "hey". I turn around. Robert DeNiro says "Sam's don't open for another half hour, so you gotta bang on the door hard. Sam don't hear so well these days. And make sure to tell him Robbie sent you and that you're a friend of mine" I say thank you Robbie an I loved you in Cape Fear and repeat his line of a murderous mad man "Just two lawyers working it out!" Robert DeNiro laughs and says "I do it for fans like you Eric, who appreciate a good home cooked Italian meal." I say "Thanks Robbie, you take care now." "Be good Eric" he says as I continue on.
So I walk to Sam's. I go down stairs rap on the door and after several minutes a grouchy old man opens the door and says gruffly "can't you see the sign!" I open at noon! I've been opening at noon for the past thirty five years!" I say I'm sorry, but Robbie sent me and said it would be OK.". "Oh, that dead beat? I oughtta charge you double and a fee for every time he's kept me up past my bed time! Talking, talking talking, like he don't got no home to go to! I know I don't look it, but I'm not a young man any more"
I say, I'm sorry, I can come back. Sam says, "What, I open the door for you and now you gonna insult me to my face?" No sir I say and step in, back into yesteryear. I will never forget that Polenta with rabbit and sausage! -
Review from Rich B.
8/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
Classic, old school pizza.
I've eaten here a lot and have yet to try the rest of their offerings, but the pizza is very good and the scene is old school. Naturally, they also do take-out which somehow I always forget about - but that is handy as well. -
Review from Jeff O.
Woodside, NY
4/29/2009
SOoooo old school. Best pizza in NY? it's good. I'll say that. I prefer it to 9 out of 10 pizzas in the state. The difference here is the crust. Delicious crust. Same luscious smoky sweet as Di Fara's.
Sooo old school. I wouldn't count on freshness being a part of their integrity, but I trust whatever is comes canned to taste good. The place reminds me of the Fratelli Brother's restaurant in Goonies. I was going to go to the back to pee but then I think I heard echos of Sloth and so I held it. I think it's just the old wood and dusty lights, but the place seems cavernous. I can just imagine their storage chest and freezer now...
Pizza prices are elusive. We were charged 20 for the pie and 5 for a sausage add-on. Next time I would like to choose anchovies or escargot as the topping. Have you ever noticed that on TV they always order anchovies??? but in real life NO ONE orders anchovies? They should. Anchovies are great. They are mainly just salty bits. Once you get past the fact that they are a fish, they are awesome. Try putting salt on your pizza - that's usually pretty good. Now try anchovies. try it. try it.
You might be disgusted because the old waiter hasn't been bothered with hygiene since the 70's. Instead of inquiring about that, I asked him, "What makes the pizza so good?"
"Well, we'eve been making pizza since 1959."
And they've been open since 1930. What were they doing in the interim? Making the sign I guess, because it's hard to notice that they are a pizzeria and not a steakhouse from the Steak Chops signage. That's what dismayed my friends from coming in before. Now it's Sloth.Listed in: Pizza!
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Review from Hasan M.
Brooklyn, NY
11/16/2010
The only reason you go to this place is because you are from the old neighborhood. The pizza is pretty good but it is kinda pricey. The customer service can run from good to mediocre depending on who you are. The owner doesnt take shit from anybody, straight up.
The pizza is pretty good and the way they put the sauce on top of the cheese makes it amazing. I really like this place. My only complaint is the price is kinda high. -
Review from emcee b.
Brooklyn, NY
1/21/2007
This is the best pizza in Brooklyn. Ok, so I haven't been to Di Fara. Sue me. And on that note, why does the Yelp population put that place over? This is thin crust Brooklyn pizza we are talking about. Once it's perfected, there is no reason to shop around. And Sam's pie is simply perfection.
If you've ever visited this place on a weekday night, there is a very good chance Louie has served you (or harassed you a bit). The man may be a bit much at times, but it's clear he has a tremendous amount of pride about his establishment . And that simply cannot be criticized. As told by Louie, Sam's has been in his family for over 75 years. He was actually raised in the apartment above the restaurant and has worked there basically ever since. Chat him up when you visit. He has a million stories about the real Carroll Gardens.
But onto the food. I'm going to say this once, bless Louie's little heart, but the non-pizza entrees are below average. Don't even try the pasta. It's bland and unnecessarily filling. The Sam's salad is a passable antipasta and includes provolone, salami and roasted pepper on a bed of iceburg. Order one for a table of 4 (even if Louie tells you to order 2). After all, you have to save room for the pie.
And onto the pie. As noted, the restaurant has been around for over 75 years, and if you subscribe to the idea that an old pizza oven cooks better pizza, they don't come much older. I typically will order one large veg/cheese and one large pepperoni, which feeds 4 just fine. Ok, it's a shit ton of pizza and you won't want to stop. So be prepared to be stuffed.
The pie is always the perfect temp (molten and liquidy for the first 5 minutes, so be patient; steaming and gooey soon after and ready to serve). The sauce is magic. Just the right tomato, sweetness and spice combination. And the cheese is top-grade. Nice fatty mozzarella. The meat is also top-grade and presumably procured from one of the local butchers (will have to ask Louie next time).
Sam's is cash only, so come prepared. And price wise, it's not terribly cheap ($17 bucks for a large pie), but time is money and who doesn't want a Lombardi's or Grimaldi's caliber pie without the annoying wait? -
Review from Katie Z.
New York, NY
6/29/2009
This is some real deal, old school Brooklyn right here. The decor with its checkered table clothes, ancient looking bar and fake flowers looks like it hasn't changed since 1950. It's family run and these guys have been running the place forever (I think it opened in the 30s, and this one family has been running it since the 50s).
The pizza is outstanding, legit, excellent pizza. The crust, the sauce, the cheese... bellisimo. This is worthy to be in the ranks of the best Brooklyn pizza joints.
The kitchen closes around 10, I think -- even on Fridays, so get there early. -
Review from Laurian C.
Brooklyn, NY
11/10/2008
Apparently if you order the pizza by phone you can't eat it in the restaurant! Unbelieveable! We ordered our pizza by phone because we had guests in town and realized the restaurant could have quite a wait (not because it is packed but because it's not run efficiently, nor is it adequately staffed). When we arrived Sam told us that we had to take our pizza to go and order another pizza to stay because he doesn't do phone orders for sit down customers. "You can't outsmart me."
We decided to leave because he was being rude and I told him he could have been a little more flexible in his policy. He told me that being flexible is not the Brooklyn way. He also called me a "piece of garbage" in front of all the other customer. He yelled us out the door and told a homeless guy outside the door that he was going to shoot him.
If you don't want drama at dinnertime, avoid this place. Nonetheless, the pizza is very good. -
Review from Neil T.
9/3/2009
This is the type of place you see someone in the mob movies get whacked in. Friendly banter, slow but pleasant service, and straight-up Brooklyn style Italian food.
I'm giving this 4-stars and did not even try the pizza! Had the Spag + meatballs, which were nice. The meatballs were a bit dry, but tasty nonetheless. The girlfriend had the fettuccine bolognese, which was considerably better. Everyone's pizza looked delicious, so I will need to go back for sure.
They are slow on the service, so this might annoy some people. A sign inside reads "Today's meal, two choices: 1) Take it 2) Leave it". I found this very fitting and didn't see anyone who opted for option 2. -
Review from betsy l.
New York, NY
9/6/2008
Conventional city wisdom says that Grimaldi's is New York's best pizza joint and a worthy reward after a trip across the Brooklyn Bridge. I've never been, so without any real research to back this claim up, I'd say Sam's Restaurant deserves that distinction. It is by far the best pizza that I've had in New York, and I feel like I've had some pretty good pizza.
The place is a throwback to what appears to be old Brooklyn and what I'm guessing to be original fixtures and waitstaff. No aspiring models and actors doubling as waiters/bartenders here. And no pizza by the slice or patio dining. The restaurant front dons a sign that reads "No slices sold here". And our 50 year old plus waiter gave us a lengthy narrative about why having outdoor seating is too pricey and hence a stupid concept.
The ricotta pizza was amazing as was the margherita pizza. Crunchy thin crust providing the perfect backdrop for pizza sauce, ample cheese and fresh toppings. By the time I left the restaurant, I had to loosen my belt and I hurt. But it was worth it. -
Review from Audrey S.
New York, NY
10/10/2010
This pizza was very bad. My boyfriend and I got a pie to go (half plain, half sausage) and took a bite of the plain slice on the way home. It was so bad, we instantly decided it could not be our dinner. We gave 1 slice to the homeless woman we passed on the way home (I am not sure of her thoughts on the pizza, but imagine they were neutral at best) and the rest of the pie we left sitting on a trash can (hoping that other needy people would find it).
All of the ingredients were inferior, even to the average NY slice. Really, like inferior to Sbarro's. I am not trying to be a hater; I really mean this. Save your money. This pizza tastes badly.
To give this review some context, we love Keste, Artichoke, and Lombardi's (have not been to Grimaldi's that many times, but it's quite good too). And as for your averages slice, Joe's at W 4th is good.
I am sure all the good things about service, etc. at this place is true, but the pizza is rotten. -
Review from Len W.
Manhattan, NY
10/10/2010
A blast from the past. Great pizza.
Only in Brooklyn!!!!!! -
Review from Sadie S.
Brooklyn, NY
3/18/2008
"If you're wife can't cook, don't divorce her! Come to Sam's instead!"
You gotta love Sam's. Yes, Lucali might be a bit better, pizza-wise, and sure Louie can be cranky, and no, the rest of the food isn't very good...but if you love slipping into a red horseshoe banquette, sipping a straight rye, digging into a perfectly tasty sausage-and-pepper pie and feeling like you're in 1958 (although the family's had it since the 30s), look no further. Further bonus: with the possible exception of Stroller Happy Hour, you can ALWAYS get a table - or a booth, for that matter!Listed in: Back to the Future
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Review from Caitlin m.
Manhattan, NY
7/14/2008
The pizza and the atmosphere here are fabulous. The baked clams and fried calimari were okay.
Louie told me last night that he'd been cooking pizza for 59 years there. He made us three pies and then said he was going to bed.
The waiter (who's his son) was a great time too, humoring our party of 11 until about 11:30pm on a Sunday. -
Review from Michele W.
Brooklyn, NY
6/28/2008
Still Old Schoolin' it in Brooklyn. How can you not love a place where the menu is half food/ half cocktails, the decor hasn't changed in 60 years, and the waiters ain't got no time for your bs? Great, great neighborhood place. Sam's Restaurant is all class.
P.S. Love their pizza. -
Review from Thomas H.
Brooklyn, NY
2/27/2009
Gorgeous pizza. No friils on decor, menu, or attitude? Sure. But come on... We ordered celery and olives. What did we get? Celery and olives.
We ordered lettuce salad with tomato. What did we get? Lettuce and tomato.
We ordered pizza with anchovies. What did we get? Much love. -
Review from Jessica L.
New York, NY
4/6/2009
You can't stay in business for 60 years without changing anything unless you are very, very good at what you do. Sam's is no exception. Clearly this place has been around since the dawn of time, and for good reason.
Oddly enough, though it's called a pizzeria and that's what it seems to be most famous for, pizza's hardly mentioned on the menu. Toppings are listed in small type near the bottom of the page, but you have to ask about sizes and prices. Make no mistake, though, they aren't hiding it from you out of shame. This pizza is basically the platonic ideal of pizza. Some other pizzerias do one thing extremely well and others only competently. Sam's is an expert on every aspect of the pizza process, from the perfectly charred and crispy crust to the smooth sauce to the ideal cheese-to-topping ratio.
For a quick and no-fuss pre-movie dinner on a Saturday night, we couldn't have asked for better. We were in and out in about 30 minutes, and our waiter, while a little old-school Brooklyn brusque, served us flawlessly and was even a little bit jokey and chatty as if we'd been coming here forever (which we hadn't, but certainly will be going forward). -
Review from thomas r.
Brooklyn, NY
12/18/2009
A complete throwback Italian red-sauce joint from the 50's. The decor remains unchanged.
Pizza, baked clams, veal parmigiana, steak a pizziaola, zuppe di pesce, etc. All very solid.
Don't expect to find osso bucco, risotto with truffles or a 1997 borolo at this place (and that's not a bad thing).
First time there, I ordered a pie with sausage. The first bite brought me back to Little Italy in the Bronx 25-30 years ago, when a big treat was taking us kids out for pizza at Ann & Tony's on Arthur Avenue. Pure heaven!!
(For you youngsters out there, New York back then was just like the DeNiro movie "A Bronx Tale".)
Hungry and want something straight forward and delicious at a reasonable price? This is an excellent choice.
Perfect for families (bring grandma and the kids!) or groups of 20-somethings who want a solid foundation in the belly before a night of heavy drinking. -
Review from Ali I.
Brooklyn, NY
3/2/2011
Say whatever you want about Sam's and the cheesey decor. This place will always be a family favorite!
I am born and raised Brooklyn, with Italian in my blood. The food here is authentic and delicious. Our typical menu choices include a garlic pizza pie to start and mussels posillipo. We dunk the pizza crust into the posillipo sauce. My Mom always has the veal cutlet parmigiano and an amaretto sour (she says Louie makes the best amaretto sour ever!)
Anyone who says anything bad about this pizza, simply doesn't know good pizza! -
Review from D. H.
Long Island City, NY
3/13/2009
I've never had anything other than the pizza with green olives. We only show up when we're very hungry, and leave when we're firmly at the line between "satisfied fullness" and "deeply uncomfortable."
I really should try something else one of these days, but...nah. -
Review from Oz G.
Brooklyn, NY
5/18/2011
The food, prices and atmosphere are good, it's the waiters that is the problem, especially this one guy. They try too hard to ingratiate themselves to the customers with cutesy banter and "clever" jokes and too much familiarity. I went there recently hoping that things had changed but it's the same. I saw one of the waiters actually sit down and joined the diners! It's such a shame because it's a good restaurant otherwise.
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Review from Heath R.
Los Angeles, CA
2/23/2007
I've been curious about Sam's, which proudly proclaims the availability of steak and chops in its window lettering, for about a year now. And last night, despite some stories about ill-mannered service, I ventured down the steps and inside for dinner.
Sam's is a slice of old Brooklyn. As far as I know, Cobble Hill used to be predominately Italian, and this red-and-white table cloth eatery is a perfect example of that kind of feel. The payphone booths are out of service, and the women's bathroom is upstairs.
Having seen the waiter/manager interact with patrons at another table -- older locals, all -- I knew what to expect. If you're not in the mood to have your leg pulled -- or if you're a restaurant goer with attitude -- this isn't the place for you. You've got to go with the waiter's flow.
I went for the basics: spaghetti and meatballs and a root beer. The root beer was Mug and came in a plastic bottle -- slightly disappointing -- but the spaghetti was better than expected why? Instead of coming with a bunch of small meatballs, it came with two huge meatballs, like tennis balls. The spaghetti was wonderful.
After my meal, I decided I needed an espresso. They don't put a lot of care into their espresso, but I was still glad I got it. When I was done, I had to walk back to the second dining room -- near the kitchen window, where you should go to order takeout -- to interrupt the waiter, who was eating his own dinner. "Imagine. An hour and a half trying to eat my ma's dinner!" he said.
I paid and left him to eat dinner himself. Sam's is that kind of place.Listed in: For Cobble Hillbillies
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Review from Lana V.
2/18/2010
Mmmm delicious delicious pizza.
This place is perfect if you're looking for authentic delicious old school pizza in Brooklyn and don't want to wait on a line for hours and hours. Instead, you get to wait for hours and hours at your table, haha just kidding, kinda. Doesn't matter, you come to Sam's for the experience as much as the awesome pizza.
The place is run by a father and son team and looks like it hasn't changed in about 4 decades. Lou (the son) is a chatty fella and likes to make jokes. So laugh politely and don't even think about asking what's taking so long with the food. It'll be worth the wait once you bite into that slightly burnt crust.
Oh and come prepared, it's cash only. -
Review from Aramis G.
Miami, FL
6/20/2009 1 photo
I've tried most of the other "masterpiece" pizza places in Brooklyn and I have to say that far and away Sam's is my personal favorite. Upon entering you will magically be transported back to the 70s (via dim lighting and aging plastic table clothes). The service is right out of Goodfellas.
Which brings me to the pizza. Absolutely amazing!!! I would order it plain because the basic ingredients are sufficient. If you like crappy toppings go somewhere else and have your bastard fashion pizza there. If you like pizza because you like cheese, sauce and crust. You will be in heaven
My only gripe... they don't except credit cards. -
Review from J B.
New York, NY
6/26/2009
Pros:
Absolutely fantastic pizza. Really.
Old school decor, complete with red checkered table clothes
A dearth of pretension and hype
Cons:
No delivery.
The price. At around $24 for a pie, you get what you pay for, but sadly, I can't afford to make Sam's a routine. Pizza prices aren't listed on the menu.
Pro or con:
The service. A little slow, but it's a neighborhood joint where the servers will chat with you if you're polite.
Bottom line: if I ever have out-of-town guests that wants to try some authentic Brooklyn pizza (and pay), I'm definitely taking them here.
