Sam’s

A visit to Sam’s is like taking a trip back in time to another era of Brooklyn. We were lucky enough to discover this place as part of Scott’s Pizza tour and are so happy we did! The restaurant is from another decade (a few decades ago at least, if not 1930 when they opened!) with the dated décor, booths, and signs. There is something charming about this place however.
Louie is a character for certain — the current owner and a relative of the original owners (grand nephew I think?). He was extraordinarily friendly to us, possibly because he was familiar with our tour guide, and was attentive and jovial throughout. Lots of great stories about the place’s history and his family.
The pizza we had was amazing. Even more amazing if you request their special garlic oil be spread on beforehand. Really unique about their pizza is that they layer the cheese before the sauce – never seen that before! It creates this crazy thing where the cheese and sauce become one. A must try for any pizza lover!
It is cash only so keep that in mind. And prepare for slower service. You can’t find an experience like this many places so to me, it would be worth it.
They also have a complete menu of other food options besides pizzas, if that’s not something you’re up for. Beer and wine too.

Let me start with the main points of my review. Firstly, Sam’s pizza is the best in Brooklyn. I truly believe that. Secondly, the other dishes are quite good and beat out La Villa and other similar Italian restaurants. And third, Sam’s is not for everyone.
Louie is a particular personality. He’s straight forward, humorous, and hardworking. Understandably, not everyone is looking for that when dining. Some might deem him abrupt, but he really is a very nice person. He’s great with kids! If you’re willing, you’ll not only have the chance to have a fantastic meal but engage with a waiter that entertains and speaks with you as if you’re an old friend. If you’re looking to have an uninterrupted meal, this isn’t the right place. Louie will speak with you, tell jokes, and catch you up on the neighbourhood.
The décor hasn’t changed in decades, so you will absolutely be transported back in time. It’s a nice place to go to escape.

pizza amazing. but get it for take-​out. i am all for old and charming, but the inside needs some of the love the food gets.

The best pizza ever. You might have to wait, but it’s worth it. Been coming here for yrs. My husband & his family have been coming here for over 30 yrs. Love it!!!

Tried to go at 12:20p, after the stated open time. Opened the door and asked if they were open, a rude guy turned and shouted: «No! We open when I say we open!» I did an about face and went Layla Jones a half block up the street. It was amazing and the staff there didn’t act like they ran Brooklyn like half-​bit nutbags. I’ve met lifers who have a better attitude than these idiots.
Received a note from Sharon L claiming this is neither a review nor an experience. However, I beg to differ. Service starts before, through and after a meal. If you’re going to spit in your customer’s face before the meal starts, it warrants other Unilocalers knowing about it.

«The old world» décor is not charming. It’s dingy and depressing. The staff are not «interesting characters.» They are rude and obnoxious to everyone except the regulars. The food is good, no doubt, but why give your business to people who are not welcoming to everyone?

Could be the best pizza in nyc. Waiter’s a ball-​buster if you act like a moron. Don’t. The interior is reminiscent of the Fratelli’s restaurant from Goonies, which only adds to the charm.

Simply said, Fantastic!!! The best Pizza. A family owned and operated restaurant for the last 80 years. A true Brooklyn landmark filled with great history. A must try!!!
Patty
Florida

Stumbled into Sam’s after getting «misplaced» in Brooklyn. At first things appeared sketchy, but we soon appreciated the food and the atmosphere. Established in 1930, the dining room has the character and charm of classic Italian family cuisine. Pepperoni and garlic pizza was absolutely delicious! Now I can say that I have eaten authentic New York pizza from Brooklyn, NY! On top of a mouth watering experience, Lou was able to provide us with directions back into Manhattan.

Louie was a charming character who made everyone feel like family he’d known forever. He feeds off of the energy of the group, «sizing» up his audience a little bit & you can tell he cares about making the customers have an experience with their meal! The food was decent, my coworkers enjoyed theirs and from everything I’ve read we should have tried the pizza. I would definitely go back again!

Went there tonight after a 20 year hiatus. Food was very good, just not as good as I remembered it. That could be because the owners father wasn’t in the kitchen on this particular evening. I would definitely go back if in the area & I could find a parking spot. The veal was fork tender fabulous, & a very generous portion. I used to be a regular there when I worked in the area, & did try to go back over the years, I just couldn’t get a parking spot. The pizza looked as good as I remembered it. The drinks are reasonably priced& generous. Don’t order the escarole, it was terrible. Service was great & friendly. Eating there tonight, I realized how much I missed the place. Bring cash, no credit cards.

This place is 4-​stars if you go in with the right attitude.
My family has been coming to this restaurant for decades. The energy at Sam’s has suffered ever since the current owner took over from his parents, but the pizza and veal Parmesan (2 best items on the menu) are still delicious. If you’re not down for the musky, old-​school, Brooklyn pizzeria ambiance, order a pie to go.

Hands down my favorite New York pizza.
Don’t come if you’re a snob. Come if you want the best f***ing crust in the entire world. And for the love of god don’t order pineapple.

Sam’s is an island of Southern Italian American culture and cuisine. The pizza is delicious, the owner is a stitch and the décor makes you feel right at home. Sure you can find similar old school establishments in Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Gravesend and even Bay Ridge– but for those of us who have left these old Italian American enclaves of Southern Brooklyn, it is refreshing and pleasant to know that Cobble Hill has retained some of its character with restaurants like this 1930s gem.
Louie fills the wine glass to the brim, drink it in and try the shrimp oreganata.
N.B.: the service is quite slow; this is a casual dining experience and not fast food.

There’s a Unilocal review that says «the waitress was confrontational,» and I think that statement would actually apply at Sam’s Restaurant, albeit for the owner/​host/​also our waiter (?). My family and I stopped in for a big holiday lunch and were summarily harangued by the owner in a not-​unexpected style. I think it’s part of the schtick here and it can be quite charming if you’re up for a little old school Brooklyn hospitality.
Sam’s has been around for a long time and it looks that way, but it’s a nice step back in time to when there were a lot more places in Brooklyn like this. It’s definitely an old school place with a vintage vibe. We ordered their terrific baked clams to start as well as a pizza which was excellent. I had fettucine Bolognese as my main which was great too — A comforting, red sauce Italian choice and the egg pasta was delicious! The portions here are huge and the prices are relatively low, so it’s a great choice for big groups or families.
As for the owner, he’s a piece of work, but hard working as well as entertaining. I can see why it’s a standby for so many and a great choice for a traditional Italian-​American (Brooklyn-​style) meal in the area!

I like this place for old school Italian American fare.
Owner is super friendly, restaurant has been around forever. I think it might be the oldest restaurant in the neighborhood.
Calzones are huge, pizza is really good and who cares about the décor. That’s not why you really come here.

I went there the other night and it was disappointing. The owner was waiting and busing tables and he was totally flat-​out. He is quite the character, very old-​school Brooklyn, and chatting with him was the high point of the experience at Sam’s. He knew a lot of the patrons and there was a lot of good-​natured ball-​busting going on.
Unfortunately… the décor. Very shabby like a run-​down VFW and the lighting was horrible. It’s obvious they’re very neighborhood-​oriented and old-​school, with an American flag and WTC/9−11 photos, and something could be done with it. And there was a bit of an off-​putting smell.
We decided to stick it out on the hope that perhaps, despite the décor, the food would redeem the place. Sadly, not so much. Both of our dishes were pretty flavorless. The sauce was bland. No taste of garlic or basil to be found. Not even salt. The meat was the same. Completely bland. There was maybe one piece of sausage in my lasagne, which was almost totally lacking in ricotta.
I feel bad writing this review. The owner is obviously a nice guy beneath his gruff exterior and Sam’s has been around forever. But they really need some shaking up and a décor overhaul and if ever there’s a candidate for one of those restaurant rescue shows, this place is a prime candidate. It can be a whole lot more than it is.

Pizza was really good and we’ve had Lucali and some of the other neighborhood favorites before. The place reminds me of my grandma’s basement, but not in a bad way. The service is super slow but the guy has a lot of character. Come for the pizza when you have time but don’t come and expect a quick meal.

Order :
1 Mood stabilizer /​Anti depressant for the waiter
1 Side Mouthwash for the obnoxious sounding owner
1 Cooking Workshop on how to keep your kitchen clean and get an A with the DOS
I am more confident ordering cart food at 3AM in the LES than going there.
Plenty of amazing restaurants around Sam’s.

If you are not from Brooklyn, you may not get this place. For me– it was like a piece of old school heaven. Booths, yes booths, an old telephone booth covered by boxes. The older waiter was nice, but again no little hostess to greet you when you walk in, I just said I wanna eat– the waiter said… sit anywhere. I took a booth of course.
Ate:
Hot antipasto
Veal cutlet parmigaina with spaghetti
Total– $ 26.50– cheap!
The hot antipasto arrived in a metal dish with a stuffed pepper, two baked clams, a couple of shrimp oreganata and eggplant parm. This dish was nothing short of BRILLIANT! Every component melded so beautifully with every other and the flavor was reminiscent of the best of every antipasto ever!!! The veal parm on the other hand embodied my least favorite parts of old school– thick, overbreaded, but the flavor of the sauce and cheese fared better the next day when reheated. The sauce here is a great one– deep, rich dark and tasting of the history of the memories this spot must have seen. The pizza looks amazing and want that antipasto again– no doubt about it!