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Sam's Tavern
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Sam's Tavern
8.1
Old-school FiDi tavern next to Sam’s Grill turning out six-ounce dry-aged patties with sharp cheddar or blue, shoestring fries, and swift service. After-work crews lean on the burger-and-a-beer combo for a no-nonsense, downtown staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern Burger (dry-aged beef, cheddar or blue), Buffalo Wings with celery & dip, Clam Chowder cup
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Dry-aged, hand-formed tavern burger served fast in a classic FiDi bar.
Who should go: After-work burger-and-beer fans
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6pm for happy hour and quick seating
What to order: Tavern Burger, shoestring fries, Buffalo wings
Insider tip: Ask for bleu cheese on the burger—regulars’ move with those fries.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Bush or Kearny is limited during business hours but eases after 6pm; nearby paid garages at Sutter Stockton or 555 California.
Dress code: Casual—most guests come straight from the office; polos and jeans are common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during happy hour; comfortable for conversation before 5pm.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait; closes earlier on weekends.
Weekday lunch: Short 5–10 minute wait at peak noon rush, otherwise immediate seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—grilled cheese and salads available, but menu leans meaty.
Vegan options: Minimal—can build a side-based meal but not a dedicated entrée.
Gluten-free options: No separate prep area, but burgers can be served without a bun on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual hangout or post-work drink than a romantic first date—fun, fast, and unpretentious.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Bar seats fill up fast at happy hour but tables usually turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to the tavern setup and bar focus, but teens are fine earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Classic tavern-style burgers, cold draft beers, and efficient downtown service.
Skip if: You’re seeking gourmet plating, patio dining, or vegetarian-forward options.
Sam's Tavern
7.7
Next door to Sam’s Grill, this classic tavern turns out burgers, wings, and draft beers in a wood-paneled room made for after-work meetups. It’s straightforward, fast, and reliably FiDi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo wings, Tavern burger, Clam chowder
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Old-school tavern fare with swift service beside Sam’s Grill.
Who should go: After-work beer and burger crews
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6pm for happy hour energy
What to order: Buffalo wings; tavern burger; chowder
Insider tip: Grab a booth in back for easier conversation during peak.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on Bush and Belden; nearby paid garages on Sutter or Kearny are the best bet after 5pm.
Dress code: Casual to business casual — office attire blends in, but jeans and sneakers are fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during happy hour; quieter mid-afternoon and late evenings.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait — mostly a weekday crowd.
Weekday lunch: Short 5–10 minute wait for tables around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few solid options like salads and veggie sides, but the menu leans hearty.
Vegan options: Limited — mostly fries or modifying existing dishes.
Gluten-free options: Some adaptable options; alert staff for cross-contact awareness.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic first dates — think friendly beers, not candlelight conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are the norm; grab a bar stool or small table especially before 6pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — it’s more of an after-work tavern with a bar-centric crowd; older teens may fit in during quieter hours.
Best For
Better for: Quick, reliable pub eats and a local FiDi beer scene without tourist crowds.
Skip if: You want fine dining, a quiet date spot, or plant-based entrées — Sam’s Grill next door fits those better.
Sam's Tavern
8.1
Classic FiDi sports bar serving extra-crispy Buffalo wings alongside tavern staples and fast, friendly service. TVs, quick ticket times, and a central Bush Street location make it a reliable after-work or game-day stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings (ranch on the side), Spicy Wings, Tavern Burger + tots
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Crispy, sauce-balanced wings in a true FiDi sports-bar setting.
Who should go: After-work crews and game watchers
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6pm for seats and quick kitchen turns
What to order: Buffalo wings; spicy wings; burger with tots
Insider tip: Bar seats get food faster during peak games.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Bush and nearby alleys; metered until 6pm. No dedicated lot, garages within 2–3 blocks.
Dress code: Casual – jerseys, jeans, and work-casual attire all fit. No formal requirements.
Noise level: High during games and happy hour; moderate at off-peak hours. Hard to hold quiet conversations when TVs are on.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for a table during peak games; bar seats turn quicker.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes; usually manageable with quick turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – salads, fries, tots, and some bar snacks.
Vegan options: Very limited – fries or side salad only; wings are not vegan-adaptable.
Gluten-free options: Limited – wings without breading and some salads; no separate prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a quiet first date—it’s loud, TV-heavy, and sports-focused. Better suited to casual meetups or post-work hangs.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. It’s walk-in friendly. Arrive before 5:30pm on weekdays for best seating; otherwise, bar seating is usually open.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—atmosphere is bar-forward with TVs and alcohol focus. Older kids (12+) may be fine during daytime, but evenings are adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Lively sports-bar energy, fast wings with crisp skin, and reliable after-work drink scene.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, upscale ambiance, or robust vegetarian/vegan dining.