Sam’s

You come to Sam’s for the view. Period. As such, the food can be a hit or miss, and the service is generally not that great. Reservations are a must if you want to dine outside, although they do have 3 – 4 high top tables on the patio as well if you’re just having drinks.

Didn’t get a chance to try them, because apparently they’re closed. So, this review is strictly about that.
I found this place on Unilocal and planned to meet a friend here for dinner. When I got to the address I was confused, because the only thing in the vicinity was another restaurant. I went next door to the hotel and was told that they’re closed. I called the number found on Unilocal (incidentally the same number found on other web pages for them) and I can’t remember if the number was disconnected or if my call went to voicemail. It was one or the other. That was disappointing. Anyway, I ended up meeting my friend at Gather across the street.

Unique setting inside a modern architectural building facing the water.
Staff are curt. However, our bar tender was adroit yet fun and happy to make sure we loved our cocktails. Great spicy big Bloody Mary’s!
Very nice view of the harbor.
Saturday menu was brunch only so a bit limiting.
Ultra fresh local seafood. We had two orders of oysters and the seafood tower. Excellent. The bread is an exceptional boulè serviced w sweet cream butter and a cranberry chutney.
Perfect deck atmosphere for cocktails and leisurely dining.

Surprised & delighted sums it up. Was in Boston for a super quick one-​night trip and made a concerted effort to dine wisely. Sam’s was a short walk from my hotel, beautifully positioned on the Boston Marina waterfront. Ambiance, check. Think classy bar, dim lighting, intimate table layout (but not so bad that you end up BFFs with the folks next door). Pair all that with a view of the bay, who even needs a meal? I kid.
My colleague opted for a few smaller dishes including the cheese plate, fried quinoa, and beet salad. I snuck a few bites of each and even with minimal tastes, approve all! I went with the night’s special — the bluefish with all sorts of accompaniments. Too many to list, which is usually a red flag when you’re looking for a clean, bright, seafood entrée, but somehow it all went together.
Soaked it all up with a few glasses of Pinot = happy camper. Only reason for minus one star was the service. Our waitress was friendly and more than happy to answer questions, but timing was painstakingly slow. I didn’t have room for dessert, but was happy just to be done with the meal, it was past my bed time!

The restaurant is a a ways off the main drag which keeps it clear of car and bus traffic. While you sit inside or outside you have a nice view of the harbor and Logon Airport. Sitting outside you get a nice breeze on a nice cool day while watching boats blow their horns, engines revving up, and planes taking off or landing overhead or in the distance. The food was quick, service has been improved since other reviews have posted, and the food was delicious. A treat for casual or «personal» eating. Will visit again!

Was not sure what to expect as I had been told this place was kinda pretentious, I was glad I went in with low expectations as they were far surpassed.
Such a cool space with chalkboard walls anyone can write on. Outdoor seating on the amazing waterfront deck is first come first serve with the list of people waiting right up on the wall, like a who’s next list on beer pong. Pulled up to the really comfortable, cool bar with the option of several board games, already amused, the drink list made me laugh out loud. Names like Red wedding *spoiler alert*, 99 problems (but a whiskey ain’t one). Both were delicious + they have my favorite beer Dreamweaver.
For starters we got the shisio pepers and shrimp which blew away the legals popcorn shrimp we had recently; and the best street corn I’ve ever had (suck it toro). Seriously I can’t say enough about it, so I won’t…just get it.
For mains we went healthy with the salmon in carrot and miso purée and not so much with the brisket and short rib burger. Both were exceptional, salmon done perfectly with a quinoa carrot salad. Light, country, fresh, healthy really a perfect salmon dish. The burger was decadently savory, eyes roll back in your head good, paired with nicely done fries.
Oh and our waitress was exceptional as well.
Most places around the waterfront /​seaport, I have come to understand are high priced with sub par food. This is because of how beautiful the setting is and how popular and trendy, so I really was not expecting a five star quality meal, but that’s exactly what we got. I highly recommend, and so glad that they are moving into the building next door once the new construction begins. I will most definitely be back.

TLDR: food good, service really bad.
Came with out of town guests for brunch, hoping to suck down some cocktails and too much protein. We were seated promptly for our reservation. It kind of went downhill from there. Tables around us were served while we waited 15 minutes to even be able to place a drink order; it took one of us going up to the host stand. Drinks then sat at the bar while our server disappeared. Bread was dropped off «while you guys wait «– except that it was delayed so long that the food plates were right behind it. One person determined that he hated his Bloody Mary (I think he’s wrong, it’s actually quite good), but there was never a check in to make sure things were ok. Water got randomly replaced with Perrier in a carafe midway through the meal.
And then, the insult to injury. At the end of it all, after we were full and plates with food left on them were cleared, a different server brings by a dessert on the house. Guys. We just failed to finish our entrees. We’re not hungry anymore. We don’t want a dessert. This just was a reflection of the not-​paying-​attention that happened throughout the meal.
Now again, the food was good! Really liked the shrimp and grits, the arugula salad had interesting crunchy bits, and the drinks were strong and tasty. The problem exists in between kitchen and table. I might give these guys another chance at some point, but feel like I’d rather explore around first.

Came here for dinner as we wanted to sit at the ocean for my girlfriend being in town, so we came to Sam’s that is said to be an underrated gem.
We were quite lucky walking in unannounced and getting a table for 4 within 3 minutes as a reservation had cancelled on a Friday night at 8. [Good start] Especially as there was an hour wait for something on the patio.
Things I liked:
–Friday’s in the summer [possibly all year round] they have live Jazz music playing while you dine.
–The service was prompt and nice both the Bar staff that I briefly talked to as I charged my phone as well as the wait staff. She routinely checked in on us and made us feel at home
–the side of Garlic spaetzle. It was a great size, a good flavor
–The size of the Crispy pork ribs [~6−7 of them as a small plate. That’s huge]
–The view is great. On a cool summer night this is worth the wait.
Things I/​my party didn’t like:
–The crispy pork ribs were eh. in taste and texture. A ton of fat to cut around which balances out the portion and I found myself working a lot of them
–The garlic spaetzle was more a garlic and potato dish. While it was actually well flavored I wasn’t prepared to find potatoes and peas in it?
–My companions reported mediocrity in the burgers they had. I wish I could elaborate more
All in all it was alright. I’m glad that we got to experience a water location while KB was in town.

Outstanding.
A stop on our Boston Reunion
We were a group of 18. 18! We made our rez about 3 months in advance. They were fantastic on all aspects of the service side (we were a cooperative 18), but 18 none-​the-​less. We had a variety of dishes, and nine bottles of varied wine. They had a team serving our table. They could not have been more accommodating and more professional.
Oh, and the food was top-​notch. And so was the view.
We’ll be back.

Refreshing drinks, beautiful view, and a vivacious modern vibe, this is a great place for a sunset dinner or drinks on a sunny afternoon. With the view of the Charles, I am definitely coming back for a date night.

Amazing views in a relaxed settings. We were walking around the Seaport and found Sam’s for a few drinks. Not very obvious how to get there due to construction in the area, but if you follow the waterfront you will find it.
The beer list was very good and prices were very reasonable which was a nice surprise. Great place to go for a drink in that part of town.

Standout chef’s board, drinks, and location push this place to a 4.
As many have stated, the venue is awesome. Great view of the water, fun modern décor, and vibrant atmosphere (even if there’s a some Catepillar construction sites around the area). If you’re not a fan of loud, happening places — seek out Gather and other more chill locations around the block.
Service was unlike many experiences of some others here, as both my waiter and support staff were coming by frequently. On a very busy night (per host and chef), our dishes came out expediently. We had a reservation, got a great seat by the window without request, and did not have to wait at 8pm on a Friday night.
The standouts were the chef’s board — good portions of three cheeses (lovely creamy and bitter blue, two hard cheeses with vegetal and flowery flavors, one goat one cow’s milk), homemade jams, seriously bangin’ candied and spiced pecans, house made pickles, large grain mustard, homemade jam, three large portions (probably 12 slices each) of charcuterie — wild boar salami, chorizo, and fennel salumi. $ 36 scares away some but it was worth it for our party of four. Even the serving of bread with it was plentiful.
Second standouts were the drinks. Between us we had most of the Spring cocktails. We all particularly liked the Babou — with french whiskey and rye and vermouth with summer fruit bitters and liquor. It was light and had good bite.
The other standouts were the deviled eggs, clams (amazing broth and plenty of calms), octopus, and the halibut (chef’s recommendation and many a favorite per reviewers here). Deserts — The sundae was surprisingly lighter tasting but still sweet and savory. The pot de crème tasted like it was made with swiss cocoa and the freshly whipped cream.
The downside was the noise (as per above), expense (as much as I liked the Halibut $ 32 did not seem to match the spread), a few dishes that were only average or fair (smoked olives and feta was not good, tasting like a massive campfire and soot; roasted beets were meh).
Luckily I didn’t have the same bad service, slow food, long wait, or boring food experience like some here. That combined with the price might have drive it down to a 3. I’d come here again for drinks after work or dinner.

Sam’s is a great spot for two reasons: #1 and the most overwhelming reason is the view overlooking the water at Boston Harbor — can’t beat it. #2 are the drinks — they’re pretty awesome!
Aside from that, I’ve been underwhelmed by slow (most recently, a painfully inattentive service experience for a birthday brunch for TWO people) service and meh food. The brunch is definitely overpriced for what you get, and I have yet to order a dish with a real WOW factor.
Stop here on a hot summer evening (but not too late before it packs up) for a drink with a great view, but then head to any of the other options in the Seaport for dinner — I recommend Gather for really innovative, delicious apps.

We were running 20 minutes late for our reservation. We called ahead and everything was fine. There is a coat rack near the hostess station… perfect so you do not have to bring your coat to the table!
The view… AMAZING! I wish I was there on a warm day to sit outside. The food is great I had the huevos rancheros, my boyfriend had the corned beef hash. Both dishes were great! The corned beef hash was the best I’ve had!
Would go back next time we are in the area anytime!

Great view from their second floor restaurant, looking out at the seafront. My girlfriend took me on a breath taking date night that was heavenly with great moods all over. Food was melt in your mouth and filling. I had a quartered chicken and my girlfriend had a ny steak which had a clean eat on both entrees. ⁴⁄₅ only b. c it was pricey… would be good for a treat night.

Food: 3.5 Stars
Service: 3.5 Stars
The true appeal of Sam’s is the seaside view near the harbor. However, in order to get those seats, you’ll need a reservation far in advance. When I went with the gf, we walked in so couldn’t get a seat on that side.
I ordered the ribs and my gf got a veggie burger. The ribs were actually quite tender and juicy, but honestly a little bit too sweet. The complimentary bread which came with olive oil was decent but the entrees weren’t that impressive.
For dessert, we ordered the blueberry jamboree which I see isn’t on their menu anymore online! It was actually the highlight of the meal in my opinion, there were some really delicious breading inside mixed with creamy yogurt.

Good spot on the waterfront. I like their deck in the summertime.
The food is pretty good. Small menu though. I wish they had more apps to share, maybe on a special summer menu at least. Not everyone wants a full meal. And also some lounge seating. It would be a better sunday funday spot if you could come there, hang out, drink and nibble on appetizers.
Overall a good experience though. Our server was really pleasant. The bathrooms are clean. The location is fantastic and there is parking nearby

If you’re coming by car, the best parking option is $ 10 valet, in which they park your car in front of the restaurant and is valid for up to 3 hours The restaurant is located upstairs. The view of the seaport is really breath taking. If you’re lucky enough, your party could be seated by the window. Because of it’s popularity, reservations via opentable or phone are encouraged. It seems like a perfect place for a private party or happy hour. Each table is decorated with a two-​toned vase with fresh flowers. Our server Robert was very patient and allowed us time to get settled before ordering.
For drinks, our party got a diet coke, coke, and a Paulaner. For appetizers, we shared a Tempura Acorn Squash. It was light, delicious, sweet, and savory. The lightly battered acorn squash was served over lemongrass mayo, drizzled with pumpkin seed oil, and garnished with pumpkin seeds and pomegranate seeds. One guest ordered the Herb Baked Chicken Breast and Quinoa Salad. The chicken breast was tender and quite flavorful. It was served over a bed of spinach /​leafy greens, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds. It kind of reminded me of Thanksgiving. Another guest ordered the Black Peppercorn Burger (without the Black Peppercorn). The beef patties were tender and juicy. It was the best burger I’ve ever tasted. This beef patties was served with a toasted sesame bun and thin, golden, french fries seasoned with fresh parsley. Two of the guests ordered Seared Dusted Fennel Scallops. The scallops were fresh and full of flavor. It was served over roasted mini brussels sprouts, local peppers, and creamed corn. It was surprisingly an extremely spicy dish, which made it not edible for me. I had to gulp down a large bottle of coke. The creamed corn had the texture of grits.

My friend and I decided to check this place out because we have never been to the Waterfont area. We saw pictures of the amazing view through Unilocal and we were so excited to check it out. When we got there, it was really hard for us to locate it. Über driver dropped us off at Northern Ave. and had to walk 10 minutes to the restaurant in heels.
The restaurant was pretty empty and we weren’t seated near the windows so there was not much to see. I was really looking forward to the view. I ordered the croque madam and stuffed trout. The stuffed trout was amazing! I definitely recommend it. The croque madam came with a beef tartare. It was okay. I did not like the wasabi that accompanied it. Our meal was definitely on the pricey side but we expected it.
I definitely want to come back to try their burgers!

Great view. Free parking. Small dining room. Outdoor seating and a small bar.
It’s a great place if you can get a table but there are a few seats at the bar and some bar top outdoor seatings on a beautiful day.
The entrees are slightly bigger than tapas size. So I recommend getting a bunch of appetizers.
To do:
They do a great job on burgers/​fries. Or any of the chicken/​red meet entrees
Pass:
Seafood. Come on this is Boston! All I want when I’m home is seafood. My scallops were overlooked, the fish was not fresh/​over cooked, etc.
I guess when I come here I should just look at the fish in the harbor and eat a steak.